A 3-dimensional Printed Molding Technique for the Management of Humeral Head Osteomyelitis

There are many methods of making cement spacer in patients who require a two-staged operation for humeral head osteomyelitis. However, limitation of motion after the first surgery—due to inadequate size and insufficient intra-articular space for second surgery—remain to be an issue. To mitigate this issue, we made a cement spacer with the same size and shape of the patient humeral head. Four patients with humeral head osteomyelitis were enrolled in this study. To make the cement spacer, we used the Mimics program, and designed the molding box by a reverse engineering technique. We evaluated the range of motion and pain using a Constant score. The mean abduction was 50° (40°–60°), forward flexion was 50° (30°–70°), and average Constant score was 47.75 (44–52). Three-dimensional printed molding technique is one of the effective methods for humeral head osteomyelitis allowing for daily activities prior to the second surgery.

Minimal Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis versus Conventional Open Plating in Simple Humeral Shaft Fracture (AO Type A, B1, B2)

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) by comparing the results between open plating and MIPO conducted by simple humeral shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September 2010 to February 2015, we evaluated humeral shaft fractures that 26 cases underwent MIPO and 41 cases underwent open plate fixation (OPEN). Operation time, amount of blood loss, and radiative exposure time were examined. Radiographically, bone union time and angulation were compared. At last, UCLA shoulder score and MEPI were used to compare the clinical results of shoulder and elbow and complications were examined. RESULTS: The average operation time 82±23 minutes in MIPO, 119±20 minutes in OPEN (p=0.007) and amount of bleeding 238±67 ml in MIPO, 303±48 ml in OPEN (p=0.003), radiation exposure time 201±85 seconds in MIPO, 20±5 seconds in OPEN (p=0.000) were statistically significant. Bone union time and angulations, clinical results were not statistically significant. In Complication, iatrogenic radial nerve paralysis occurred 2 cases, nonunion occurred 1 case in MIPO. Nonunion and soft tissue infection occurred 2 cases each in OPEN. CONCLUSION: MIPO in simple humeral shaft fractures gave us radiologically and clinically satisfactory results, and may be useful by understanding the anatomical knowledge and using appropriate implants and skills.

The Result of Using an Additional Mini-Locking Plate for Tibial Pilon Fractures

PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness of an additional, 2.7 mm mini-locking plate for tibial pilon fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 21 patients (14 males and 7 females), who were treated with a 2.7 mm mini-locking plate via the anterolateral approach for tibial pilon fractures between September 2012 and April 2014. The mean age was 43.85 years, and the mean follow-up period was 16.6 months. The radiologic outcomes were graded by the Burwell and Charnley modified system and clinical outcomes were evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hind foot score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: The mean union period was 14.3 weeks. At the final follow-up, radiologic results showed 16 excellent results, 4 fair results, and 1 poor result. The average VAS was 3.4 points; the average AOFAS score was 81.8 points. During the follow-up period, there were three cases of posttraumatic osteoarthritis and one case of superficial skin infection. CONCLUSION: Additional anterolateral, 2.7 mm mini-locking plate may be a good treatment method to manage tibial pilon fractures.

A 3-dimensional Printed Molding Technique for the Management of Humeral Head Osteomyelitis

There are many methods of making cement spacer in patients who require a two-staged operation for humeral head osteomyelitis. However, limitation of motion after the first surgery—due to inadequate size and insufficient intra-articular space for second surgery—remain to be an issue. To mitigate this issue, we made a cement spacer with the same size and shape of the patient humeral head. Four patients with humeral head osteomyelitis were enrolled in this study. To make the cement spacer, we used the Mimics program, and designed the molding box by a reverse engineering technique. We evaluated the range of motion and pain using a Constant score. The mean abduction was 50° (40°–60°), forward flexion was 50° (30°–70°), and average Constant score was 47.75 (44–52). Three-dimensional printed molding technique is one of the effective methods for humeral head osteomyelitis allowing for daily activities prior to the second surgery.

The Result of Open Reduction and Mini-Plate Fixation for Displaced Talar Neck Fracture

PURPOSE: We evaluated the complications, radiological and clinical results after operative treatment using a mini-plate for fixation of displaced talar neck fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 20 cases of displaced talar neck fractures from May 2006 to December 2011; we performed a retrospective chart review of 15 patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a mini-plate who had more than 2 years of follow-up. According to Hawkin's classification, there were 7 cases of type II fractures and 8 cases of type III fractures. During postoperative 12-16 weeks we checked magnetic resonance imaging. The assessment of clinical results was based on the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale. RESULTS: Mean union period was 11.6 weeks (10-15 weeks). Nonunion and malunion did not occur in all cases. The mean AOFAS score was 88.2 points (80-97 points). There were 5 cases of avascular necrosis. Of these, there were 3 cases of body collapse and 4 cases of post-traumatic arthritis. In the statistical analysis, there was no correlation between the elements including gender, Hawkin's classification and union rates and clinical results. CONCLUSION: Mini-plate fixation of a displaced talar neck fracture is thought to be a good technique, with a low rate of malunion and also showed satisfactory results in radiological and clinical assessment.