Outcomes of Wedge Wing in the Lag Screw for Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients / 대한고관절학회지

Purpose@#To evaluate clinical-functional and radiologic outcomes of elderly patients with an unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture treated with a wedge wing in the lag screw. @*Materials and Methods@#Forty-eight patients treated with the Dyna Locking Trochanteric nail (DLT nail) to resolve an unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture were reviewed retrospectively. Based on AO/OTA classification, Fracture 31-A2 (34 cases) and 31-A3 (14 cases) were included in the analysis. We measured the femoral neck-shaft angle, tip-apex distance (TAD), Cleveland index, sliding distance of the lag screw, and time to the fracture union. The Harris Hip Score and Paker and Palmer’s mobility score for clinical evaluation were used. @*Results@#The mean follow-up period was 21.4 months (range, 12-34 months). The postoperative state of reduction was good in 28 cases and acceptable in 20 cases. The mean TAD was 20.5 mm. The position of the lag screw was center-center in 30 cases and center-inferior in 18 cases. The mean sliding distance of the lag screw was 3.4 mm at the last follow-up. The mean union time was 4.5 months. Two cases had complications which included a cut-out (1 case) and non-union (1 case). The mean Harris Hip Score was 86.5±8.3 (range, 76-90).Walking ability in 34 of the cases (70.8%) at last follow-up was similar to that prior to fracture. @*Conclusion@#Functional and radiological outcomes are satisfactory using the DLT nail in the treatment of elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures; however, wedge wing in the lag screw does not prevent implant-related complications.

Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Polished Cemented Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty for Intertrochanteric Fractures in Elderly Patients

Purpose@#To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of bipolar hemiarthroplasty using a polished cemented femoral stem for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients. @*Materials and Methods@#From July 2005 to May 2015, 48 patients diagnosed with intertrochanteric fractures underwent bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The mean age and follow-up period were 80.5 years and 30.5 months, respectively. The postoperative results were evaluated clinically and radiologically. @*Results@#The mean operation time was 100 minutes (range, 90-120 minutes), and the mean amount of blood loss was 334 ml (range, 170-500 ml). At the last follow-up, the mean Harris hip score (HHS), visual analogue scale (VAS), and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were 82.2 (range, 76-90), 0.8 (range, 1-3), and 36 (range, 30-40), respectively. Walking was initiated using a walker for partial weight-bearing, and the mean walking time was 5.8 days (range, 3-14 days). Ambulatory ability was restored to a walking state before the injury in 36 cases (75.0%), and wheelchair ambulation was possible in 12 cases (25.0%). The instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) were 17 patients (35.4%), and the basic activities of daily living (BADLs) were 31 patients (64.6%). @*Conclusion@#Polished cemented bipolar hemiarthroplasty can achieve secure fixation with no postoperative thigh pain. Restoring the preoperative walking ability will be more helpful for intertrochanteric fractures in elderly patients.

Radiologic and Serologic Factors Associated with Bone Union at Femoral Atypical Fracture

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiologic and serologic factors related to postoperative union using intramedullary (IM) internal fixation in atypical femoral fractures (AFF), which are closely related to bisphosphonates (BPs) for osteoporosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2008 to December 2016, 65 patients (71 cases) who had undergone IM nail fixation after diagnosis of AFF were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into group A, who experienced union within 6 months and group B, who did not experience union within 6 months. They were evaluated for duration of BPs use, radiologic factors and serological factors. RESULTS: The mean duration of BPs use was 6.17 years in group A and 8.24 years in group B (p=0.039). In the subtrochanteric area, there were 14 cases (27.5%) in group A and 14 cases (70.0%) in group B. In the femoral shaft, there were 37 cases (72.5%) in group A and 6 cases (30.0%) in group B (p=0.001). On the preoperative, the flexion in the coronal plane was 5.9° (2.1°–9.2°) in group A and 8.0° (3.1°–12.1°) in group B (p=0.041). On the postoperative, conversion to valgus was 15 cases (29.4%), 8 cases (40.0%); conversion to neutral was 34 cases (66.7%) and 8 cases (40.0%); conversion to varus was 2 cases (3.9%) and 4 cases (20.0%), each (p=0.037). The fracture site gap was 1.5 mm (0–2.9 mm) on the front side and 1.2 mm (0–2.2 mm) on lateral side and 2.2 mm (0.9–4.7 mm) and 1.9 mm (0.5–3.5 mm), each (p=0.042, p=0.049). Among serological factors, there was no significant difference between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Factors adversely affecting the union should be recognized before surgery, such as longterm BPs use or a severe degree of bending of the femur in the coronal plane. During surgery, proper reduction and spacing of the fracture site on the coronal plane should allow adequate reduction of the anterior and posterior surfaces. Obtaining anatomic reduction would be most beneficial for union, but if that is not possible, obtaining congenital valgus rather than varus on the coronal plane may be helpful for union.

Radiologic Assessment of Postoperative Stability in Unstable Intertrochanteric Fracture Using Lateral Radiograph

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the sliding distance of lag screw in patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary fixation using a cephalomedullary nail with a fixed angle between the neck and shaft of the femur in relation to reduction type by lateral radiographs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2009 to October 2013, 86 cases (86 patients) with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures were treated with intramedullary fixation using a metal nail with a fixed neck-shaft angle and followed for at least 6 months. We used AO/OTA classification, and all cases were unstable fractures. Twenty cases were 31-A22, 54 cases were 31-A23, and 12 cases were 31-A3. There were 30 men and 56 women. Average patient age was 73.7 years (range, 47-97 years). We classified reduction types into three groups as postoperative lateral radiologic findings. Group 1 showed no displacement, group 2 showed anterior displacement of the femur neck, and group 3 showed posterior displacement of the femur neck. The radiological assessment compared the sliding distance of the lag screw between postoperative X-ray and last follow-up X-ray. RESULTS: Forty-two cases were in group 1, 22 cases were in group 2, and the other 22 cases were in group 3. There was no significant difference in the patient characteristics of each group. The sliding distances of the lag screw were 4.9±3.2 mm, 4.6±3.6 mm, and 8.5±4.9 mm, respectively, and group 3 showed a significant result (p<0.0001, p=0.024). CONCLUSION: In cases treated with intramedullary fixation using a cephalomedullary nail with a fixed neck-shaft angle, appropriate reduction with a lateral radiograph before screw fixation is needed to prevent excessive lag screw sliding.

Complete Rupture of the Proximal Hamstring / 대한스포츠의학회지

While a sprain of the hamstring muscle is relatively common in athletes or those who participate in physically active sports, a complete rupture of the proximal hamstring is relatively rare. A rupture of the long head of the biceps femoris without rupture of the semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles has rarely been reported. In this study, we saw relatively favorable outcomes after reattachment with a suture anchor at the ischial tuberosity in two patients who had a rupture of the long head of the biceps femoris.

Long-term Outcome of Polished Stems in Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes and radiologic findings of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using cemented polished femoral stems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 91 hips (91 patients) that had undergone primary THA with cemented polished femoral stems who were followed for at least 10 years. The mean age at surgery was 57 years (47-75 years). Mean follow up period was 12.8 years (10.1-14.0 years). Harris Hip Score (HHS) was used for clinical evaluation. Radiologic evaluation was focused on cementing technique including subsidence within the cement mantle, radiolucent lines at the cement-bone or cement-stem interface, cortical hypertrophy, and calcar resorption. RESULTS: The average HHS was 55.2 points before the surgery that improved to an average of 93.2 points at the final follow-up. According to Barrack classification, there were 50, 32, and 9 cases in A, B, and C grades, respectively. Subsidence of femoral stem was less than 2 mm except in one patient. There were no progressing radiolucent line or loosening of the femoral stem. CONCLUSION: In this study, THA using cemented polished femoral stems was found to have favorable outcomes in long term follow-up.

The Antero-medial Cortex Overlapped Reduction of Unstable Intertrochanteric Fractures / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to evaluate the result of treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures by lateralization of distal fragment and antero-medial cortex contact of the distal shaft piece. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an analysis of 20 cases of unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated using a gamma-3 nail from August 2011 to August 2012 and followed up for more than one year. Using postoperative and last follow-up radiographs, we measured NSA, TAD, Cleveland index, sliding length of the lag screw, and union time. Adequacy of reduction was assessed by a modification in the criteria of Baumgaertner and classified as good, acceptable, or poor. RESULTS: The mean NSA was 140degrees postoperative and 135degrees at last follow-up. The mean TAD was 11.3 mm. The position of the lag screw was in center-center in 12 cases, center-inferior in eight cases. The mean distance of lag screw sliding was 5.5 mm at last follow-up. The mean union time was 3.7 months. The state of reduction postoperatively was good in 15 cases, and acceptable in five cases. There was no failure of reduction, lag screw cut-out, or other complications at last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The reduction method for lateralization of distal fragment and antero-medial cortex contact of the distal shaft piece in an unstable intertrochanteric fracture is very useful for prevention of collapse of the fracture site, lag screw cut-out, and mechanical failure.

Treatment of the Unstable Distal Radius Fracture with External Fixation and Bone Cement in Elderly Patients

PURPOSE: To evaluate the functional and radiologic results in the using of external fixation with bone cement (polymethylmethacrylate, PMMA) for unstable, osteoporotic distal radius fractures in elderly patients that have high morbidity and chronic medical problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 12 cases of 12 patients who were treated by external fixation and bone cement for unstable distal radius fractures in the aged persons with poor general condition from January 2003 to July 2004 and followed over one year. We analyzed the radiologic results, and measured the ranges of motion and grip strengths. Functional results were evaluated using the Modified Mayo Wrist Scoring System. RESULTS: Radiographically, mean volar tilt, mean radial inclination and mean radial length were 8.33o, 24.66 mm and 11.31o respectively on the last follow-up. The mean arc of range of motion was 74.4% of that the uninjured side, and the mean grip strength was 78.0% of that the contralateral side. The average Modified Mayo Wrist Score was 78.3. There were reflex sympathetic dystrophy in a case and pin tract infection in 3 cases as complications associated with external fixator. CONCLUSION: External fixation and bone cement is useful method for radial length maintenance, preventing reduction loss, restoring the articular surface, early exercise of the wrist joint without morbidity of donor site for unstable distal radius fractures requiring autogenous bone graft in the elderly patients.