Correction of complex three-dimensional deformities at the proximal femur using indirect reduction with angle blade plate and patient-specific instruments: a technical note

Background Corrective osteotomies for complex proximal femoral deformities can be challenging; wherefore, subsidies in preoperative planning and during surgical procedures are considered helpful. Three-dimensional (3D) planning and patient-specific instruments (PSI) are already established in different orthopedic procedures. This study gives an overview on this technique at the proximal femur and proposes a new indirect reduction technique using an angle blade plate. Methods Using computed tomography (CT) data, 3D models are generated serving for the preoperative 3D planning. Different guides are used for registration of the planning to the intraoperative situation and to perform the desired osteotomies with the following reduction task. A new valuable tool to perform the correction is the use of a combined osteotomy and implant-positioning guide, with indirect deformity reduction over an angle blade plate. Results An overview of the advantages of 3D planning and the use of PSI in complex corrective osteotomies at the proximal femur is provided. Furthermore, a new technique with indirect deformity reduction over an angle blade plate is introduced. Conclusion Using 3D planning and PSI for complex corrective osteotomies at the proximal femur can be a useful tool in understanding the individual deformity and performing the aimed deformity reduction. The indirect reduction over the implant is a simple and valuable tool in achieving the desired correction, and concurrently, surgical exposure can be limited to a subvastus approach.

Role of Valgus Osteotomy and Fixation with Double Angle Blade Plate in the Management of Neglected and Ununited Femoral Neck Fracture

Introduction: Femoral neck fracture non union in young patients is a challenging complication as joint replacement is not readily recommended and hip salvageable procedures are relatively unsatisfactory. Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy described by Pauwels F is one of the treatment options for management of non union of femoral neck in young patients, which was later reciprocated by other surgeons. Aim: To assess the efficacy of valgus osteotomy and fixation with double angle blade plate in the management of neglected and ununited femoral neck fracture. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cohort study, which included 30 patients of femoral neck fracture non union in whom intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy was performed and fixed with 120° double angled blade plate. The preoperative and postoperative neck-shaft angle was compared using the paired t-test. A p-value of <0.05 indicated statistically significant result. Results: There were 22 males (73.3%) and 8 females (26.7%). Mean age of patients was 35 years. Delay in presentation ranged from 8 weeks to 58 weeks (mean 24 weeks). By Pauwel’s classification, there were 13 Type II fractures and 17 Type III fractures. Mean follow- up was 18 months (12 to 36 months). The mean preoperative neck- shaft angle of 95° (range 80-110°) increased to 132° (range 120- 140°) after surgery. In all patients, there was improvement in leg length discrepancy after osteotomy. Femoral neck fractures united in 25 patients (83.3%). Conclusion: Valgus osteotomy and fixation with 120° double angle blade plate is a reliable method for treating non union femoral neck fracture in young adults. It provides rigid internal fixation and good results.

MODIFIED LAUTENBACH TECHNIQUE AND EXTERNAL FIXATION AS A TREATMENT FOR INFECTED NON-UNION OF THE SUBTROCHANTER FEMUR: A CASE REPORT

Infected non-union is still a challenging orthopedic case to treat. Up until present day, there is no any established protocol to treat infected non-union of femur. Infection at subtrochanter femur specifically poses extra challenge as aforementioned location is affected by great tension and compression force. In this report, we present a 20-yo woman with infected subtrochanter femur following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF)with angle blade plate (ABP) 95o. One stage surgery was performed involving implant removal, debridement, definite external fixation, and antibiotic delivery using modified Lautenbach technique. Four years after trauma, the patient was capable of independent mobilization without aid. No infection recurrence was found, and Haris Hip Score was 91 (excellent). Based on the result of this case, definite external fixation and modified Lautenbach technique in one stage surgery can be a viable option in treating infected non-union of subtrochanter femur.

Dynamic condylar screws versus 95º angle blade plate fixation of subtrochantric fractures of femur

Background: The purpose of this prospective randomized study was to evaluate the results of dynamic condylar screw (DCS) system and 95º angle blade plate fixation in the management of sub-trochanteric femoral fractures, regarding stability, union time, complication rate and functional out come.Methods: Total 30 consecutive patients with sub-trochanteric fracture were studied. The inclusion criteria were closed sub-trochanteric fractures in adults of both gender aged 18 years or above. Pathological fractures and open fractures were excluded from the study. After fixation of fractures with dynamic condylar screw system and 950 angle blade plate patients were followed up in OPD at an interval of 2 weeks till full weight bearing was started and then after at an interval of 4 weeks. Results of treatment were assessed by the Harris hip score for clinical and radiological assessment at the end of 6 months.Results: Among 30 studied cases, males were 22 (73.30%) and female 8 (26.70%). Most common mode of injury was road traffic accidents that occurred in 17 patients (56.70%) and the rest 13 patients had a history of fall. Patients were divided into two random groups (A &B) of 15 cases each. Group A was treated with DCS and Group B was treated with Angle Blade Plate 95º implants. Radiological union in most of the patients (13 out of 15 cases) treated with 95°angle blade plate occurred between 14-18 weeks, while in cases treated with dynamic condylar screw radiological union in most of the patients (14 out of 15) occurred between 12-16 weeks. According to Harris hip score, good to excellent results were achieved in 10 cases (66.66%) of 95°angle blade plate group and 14 cases (93.33%) of dynamic condylar screw group.Conclusions: Patients with sub-trochanteric fractures treated with dynamic condylar screw had earlier radiological union, better functional outcome, less complications and earlier weight bearing.