Clinical Outcomes of the Tibia Segmental Fractures Treated by Intramedullary Nail Using Various Reduction Techniques

PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical outcomes of tibia segmental fractures treated by intramedullary nailing using various reduction techniques. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2003 to June 2009, 18 segmental tibial fracture patients treated by intramedullary nail were enrolled with a minimum 12-month follow-up. The mean follow-up was 38 months (range 15-72). According to the AO classification, the fractures were types 42C2.1, 42C2.2, and 42C2.3 in four, ten, and four patients, respectively. Ten fractures were closed and eight were open. We used various techniques for reduction during operation and investigated bone union time and complication (non-union, malunion etc.). RESULTS: Bone grafting was performed in three patients. Complete union was achieved in all patients. The mean time for union was 16.3 weeks (range 12-21), except in three delayed union patients. All radiological evaluations showed good alignment (less than 5 degree) except in two patients; and the mean deformity angle was 2.2 degree. Knee range of motion (ROM) was 129 degree, and ankle ROM was 68 degree. Local wound infection occurred in two patients. CONCLUSION: Intramedullary nailing is a successful method in the acute management of segmental tibial fractures, if accompanied by appropriate reduction technique.

Outcomes and Analysis of Factors Affecting Bone Union after Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing in Segmental Tibia Fractures

PURPOSE: To evaluate the radiological results and complications of interlocking intramedullary nailing for segmental tibia fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients (26 cases) who underwent interlocking intramedullary nailing for segmental tibia fractures between January 2003 and May 2011 were followed for more than one year. We evaluated the complications and statistically analyzed the factors influencing bone union, including open fracture, fracture site, reaming, postoperative angulation, and postoperative fracture gap. RESULTS: Nineteen cases (73%) achieved bone union with one operation at an average of 7 months (range, 5 to 11). Seven cases had secondary procedures before achieving union. Complications included 7 cases of nonunion, 3 cases of incomplete peroneal nerve injury, 2 cases of superficial infection, 1 case of compartment syndrome. Factors showing statistically significant differences were open fracture, postoperative angulation, and postoperative fracture gap. Factors showing no statistically significant difference were fracture site and reaming. CONCLUSION: Nonunion is the most common complication in interlocking intramedullary nailing for segmental tibia fractures. To minimize this complication, comprehension of surgical techniques to reduce anatomically and careful evaluation of the fracture are required.

Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing or the Treatment of Segmental Femoral Shaft Fracture Including Distal Part

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of the retrograde intramedullary nailing for the treatment of segmental femoral shaft fracture including distal part. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 15 patients of segmental femoral fracture, who had treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing and followed-up more than 1 year from January 2003 to October 2007. There were 10 men, 5 women, and the mean age was 45 years old. There were associated fracture in 10 cases. We evaluate the time for union, non-union and malunion by radiologic finding and functional assessment by Sanders' criteria. RESULTS: The mean time of union was 21 weeks. There was one delayed union in proximal fracture site. There was no shortening more than 1.5 cm, no angular deformity more than 10 degrees, no postoperative infection or instability. According to Sanders' criteria, there were excellent clinical results in 9 cases, good results in 5 cases and fair result in 1 case. CONCLUSION: The retrograde intramedullary nailing can be a useful method for treatment of segmental femoral shaft fracture including distal part.

Ipsilateral Femoral Segmental and Tibial Fractures : A Case Report

The ipsilateral femoral segmental and tibial fractures seldom occur such as traffic accidents needed high energy mechanisms. For these fractures, surgical stabilization and early mobilization of joint produce can be the best clinical outcomes. We have experienced a case of ipsilateral femoral segmental and tibial fracture and gained good clinical results with surgical treatment. We have reported here on this case and included a review of the relevant literature.

Outcomes Related to Closed Interlocking Intramedullary Nailing for Segmental Tibia Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of twenty-six cases of segmental tibia fracture that were treated by closed interlocking intramedullary nailing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All cases were followed up for at least 1 year (average 14.3 months). Clinical results were evaluated by Klemm & Borner's scale. We analyzed the average range of the motion of the ankle and knee joint, atrophy of quadriceps muscle and angular deformity at the last follow up. We evaluated complications (new fracture of the tibia, infection, compartment syndrome, nonunion, delayed union, angular deformity and pain of ankle and knee joint). RESULTS: Results were excellent in 4 cases (15.4%), good in 18 cases (69.2%), fair in 3 cases (11.5%), and poor in 1 case (3.9%). Union was obtained in 25 cases (96.1%) over an average period of 23.3 weeks. Nine cases showed intra-operative or post-operative complications: new fracture of the proximal tibia on the posteromedial side (2 cases), local infection at an entry point (2 cases), compartment syndrome (1 case), deep infection (1 case), and delayed union (3 cases). At the last follow up, angular deformity was found in 4 cases (mean of all deformities, 6 degrees): 3 cases at the proximal fracture site (2 cases of valgus deformity: 5 and 8 degrees and 1 case of varus deformity: 7 degrees) and the other case in the distal fracture site (valgus 5 degrees). Average postoperative range of motion of the knee joint was 123.7 degrees (80~135 degrees). Knee pain or limited motion occurred in 4 cases. The average range of the motion of the ankle joint was 68.1 degrees (60~70 degrees). Limited motion occurred in 4 cases (average, 10 degrees) but no case showed ankle pain. CONCLUSION: Closed interlocking intramedullary nailing for segmental tibia fracture often results in complications. To minimize these complications, comprehensive evaluation of the fracture, and careful surgical treatment are required.

Treatment of the Segmental Fractures of Tibia with Ilizarov External Fixation

PURPOSE: To emphasis an effectiveness of the Ilizarov circular external fixator in treatment of the complicated segmental fractures of the tibia MATERIALS AND METHODS: We had analyzed 15 cases in 14 persons, treated from November 1993 to March 2000. We analyzed several considering factors including age, etiology, type of fracture, number of the segmentation, associated injuries, open or closed fracture, healing time, additional bone graft, clinical results and complications. RESULTS: The mean period of follow up was 22 months. The mean age was 45 years. The etiology was traffic accident in 13 persons. Open fracture were 11 cases (73%). Associated injuries were noted in 8 persons (53%). The number of segmentation were three segments in 9 cases (60%) and four segments in 6 cases (40%). Additional manipulations after first application were needed in 10 cases (67%). Bone graft were performed in 5 fracture site (9.8%), proximal fracture site in two and distal in two, middle in one. Mean period of application of external fixator for healing was 8.1 Months. Procedures for soft tissue injuries performed in 3 cases including two split thickness skin graft and distant flap surgery. The results were graded as excellent in 5 cases, good in 2 cases, fair in 1 cases, poor in 7 cases. Limitation of motion in ankle joint was major cause of poor results CONCLUSION: We considered that ilizarov circular external fixator is one of effective treatment modality in treatment of the complicated segmental tibia fractures.

Treatment of the Segmental Fractures of the Femoral Shaft by Intramedullary Nailing / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Segmental fractures of the femoral shaft result from high energy trauma such as a traffic accident or falls, and it is frequently accompanied by multiple fractures and severe injuries to other organs. Thus it is very difficult to treat these fractures satisfactorily and several complications can be caused. Early operative intervention and rigid fixation is important to mobilize the patient and to ensure early rehabilitation. Nineteen cases of segmental fractures of the femoral shaft were treated with operative intervention(intramedullary nailing) and followed up between May 1989 and Nov. 1993.; minimal follow-up period was more than one year. Results were obtained as follows: 1. The methods of treatment were interlocking intramedullary nailing in 16 cases(colsed nailing in 7 cases, open nailing in 9 cases) and Kiintscher nailing in 3 cases. Bone grafts were done in 11 cases among 19 cases(8 cases in the interlocking nail group). 2. The closed interlocking intramedullary nailing could be obtained in more shortened operation time than in the open method. 3. There was earlier bone union time in the closed intramedullary nailing than in the open method with bone graft, but there was no statistical significance(SPSS/pc+progam). 4. There was a tendency of earlier bone union time in the proximal fracture site than in the distal fracture site.

Clinical Analysis of Segmental Fractures of Femoral Shaft / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Segmental fracture of the femoral shaft is known as an unusual injury, usually caused by severe force and associated with marked damage to the soft tissue, and is difficult to treat due to these causes it is a controversal topic in regard to the treatment. Authors analysed 14 cases of segmental fracture of the femoral shaft, except cases associated with hip fracture, which had received operative treatment at Dept. of Orthopaedic Surgery, College of Medicine, Chosun University, from Jan. 1985 to Dec. 1990. The results are summarized as follows; 1. Of 14 cases, there were 12 cases of male and 2 cases of female: male was predominant. Most cases were at their 3rd and 6th decades of age. 2. Traffic accidents were the main causes of injury(11 out of 14 cases.) 3. There were 13 closed fracture and 1 open fracture. 4. In most cases, they accompanied injuries to other vital organ. Among 14 cases, 5 cases accompanied head injury. 5. We treated these fracture by flexible intramedullary nailing in 7 cases, open reduction and internal fixation with plate in 5 cases, locked intramedullary nailing in 2 cases. Bony union was more rapid in the distal fracture than in the proximal fracture. 6. Among 14 cases, primary bone grafting was done in 2 cases. In the group where primary bone grafting had not been done, dealyed union appeared but nonunion was not seen. 7. We could obtain rapid bony union and decreased operation time in the cases which were treated with intramedullary fixation, and thought that intramedullary fixation was a relatively good method in type of this fracture.

Treatment of Segmental Tibial Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

In addition to general charceteristics of tibial fracture, segmental tibial fracture is commonly combined with extensive soft tissue injury, comminution and displacement with poor blood supply in its middle segment. According to recent reports, intramedullary nailing was regarded as the excellent method in the management of this kind of fracture. Twenty-one cases were treated at the department of Orthopaedic Surgery, National Medical Center from January 1980 to December 1987 and following results were obtained; 1. Most common type of fracture was Type I (38.1%). Almost all the fractures were accompanied by open wounds(85.7%) and GIIIB open wounds were 12 cases(57.1%). 2. A verage union time was 31.8 weeks(union rate, 76.2%) and showed marked difference between closed fracture(20.2 weeks) and GIIIB open one(38.6 weeks). 3. Better results were seen in 8 cases of intramedullary nailing(average union time, 24.2 weeks), while all the plating method showed non-union in 3 cases of open wound.

Segmental Fractures of the Femur Treated by Intramedullary Nailing / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Since the segmental fractures of the femur are resulted by violent force, they are frequently associated with severe soft tissue damage and multiple skelectal injuries and they necessitated careful emergency care. Occasionally, they combined with severe communition, so their ultimate fixation of the fractures are very difficult. Authors analysed sixteen fractures of the segmental fracture of the femur which were treated by intramedullary nailing with or without interlocking at the Kyung Hee University, medical college, from the December, 1975 to May, 1985. In eight of sixteen cases the nailing was done by closed technique, one case was semiclosed. In the seven fractures the traditional retrograde nailing technique with open reduction of fracture was used. The pin & plaster, cast brace, side bone plate, wiring or interlocking screws were used as additional stabilization to intramedullary nailing. The diameter of the nails were 9–12 mm in 5 cases, 13–15 mm in 11 cases. There were no need the cancellous bone graft to promote the bony union. The results were as follows; 1. The closed intramedullary nailing with interlocking screw offers an ideal anatomical, functional and physiological treatment for the segmental fracture of the femur. 2. When the segmental fracture of the femur involves the neck or supra- or intercondylar fractures, the intramedullary nailing can be used with Knowles pin or tibial bolt fixation. 3. In the cases of infected nonunion, we obtained solid bony union by means of extensive and meticulous debridement and rigid intramedullary nailing using additional devices without cancellous bone graft.