The Functional Outcome Volar Barton Fracture Treated by Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with T Plate – A Prospective Study

Introduction: Barton's fracture is fracture-dislocation ofradiocarpal joint with the intra-articular fracture involvingthe volar or dorsal lip. These injuries are inherently unstabledemanding open reduction and internal fixation. We presentour experience with buttress plate fixation for volar Barton’sfracture with Ellis T-plate. Aims: To evaluate the functionaloutcome and complications in volar Barton’s fracture treatedby open reduction and internal fixation with T plate.Material and methods: This case series study wasconducted between January 2012 and November 2012 atDepartment of Orthopaedics, Government Medical CollegeThiruvananthapuram. The patients in the age group 18 -75years who were treated by ORIF for volar Barton fractureswere included in the study. During follow up, subjective andobjective assessments were done and the patient’s functionalstatus was evaluated with modified clinical scoring system ofGreen and O’Brien. The 32 patients involved were followedup for eleven months. The descriptive data were analysedusing ‘SPSS’ and conclusions were made based on it.Results: Wrist functions as assessed by Green and O’Brienscore showed 84.4% patients with excellent to good results.Five patients had either fair or poor outcome. None of thesevariables were found to have any significant effect on the finaloutcome.Conclusions: Ellis T plate is a simple and cheap implantwhich provides effective volar distal buttressing in treatmentof volar Barton fractures. Our study shows encouragingresults with good functional results. Also, there is a relativelyshort learning curve and the implant is cost effective.

Internal Fixation with a Locking T-Plate for Proximal Humeral Fractures in Patients Aged 65 Years and Older

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of internal fixation with locking T-plates for osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus in patients aged 65 years and older. METHODS: From January 2007 through to December 2015, we recruited 47 patients aged 65 years and older with osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus. All fractures had been treated using open reduction and internal fixation with a locking T-plate. We classified the fractures in accordance to the Neer classification system; At the final follow-up, the indicators of clinical outcome-the range of motion of the shoulder (flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation) and the presence of postoperative complications-and the indicators of radiographic outcome-the time-to-union and the neck-shaft angle of the proximal humerus-were evaluated. The Paavolainen method was used to grade the level of radiological outcome in the patients. RESULTS: The mean flexion was 155.0° (range, 90°–180°), the mean internal rotation was T8 (range, T6–L2), and the mean external rotation was 66.8° (range, 30°–80°). Postoperative complications, such as plate impingement, screw loosening, and varus malunion were observed in five patient. We found that all patients achieved bone union, and the mean time-to-union was 13.5 weeks of the treatment. The mean neck-shaft angle was 131.4° at the 6-month follow-up. According to the Paavolainen method, “good” and “fair” radiographic results each accounted for 38 and 9 of the total patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that locking T-plate fixation leads to satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures by providing a larger surface area of contact with the fracture and a more rigid fixation.

Internal Fixation with a Locking T-Plate for Proximal Humeral Fractures in Patients Aged 65 Years and Older

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of internal fixation with locking T-plates for osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus in patients aged 65 years and older. METHODS: From January 2007 through to December 2015, we recruited 47 patients aged 65 years and older with osteoporotic fractures of the proximal humerus. All fractures had been treated using open reduction and internal fixation with a locking T-plate. We classified the fractures in accordance to the Neer classification system; At the final follow-up, the indicators of clinical outcome-the range of motion of the shoulder (flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation) and the presence of postoperative complications-and the indicators of radiographic outcome-the time-to-union and the neck-shaft angle of the proximal humerus-were evaluated. The Paavolainen method was used to grade the level of radiological outcome in the patients. RESULTS: The mean flexion was 155.0° (range, 90°–180°), the mean internal rotation was T8 (range, T6–L2), and the mean external rotation was 66.8° (range, 30°–80°). Postoperative complications, such as plate impingement, screw loosening, and varus malunion were observed in five patient. We found that all patients achieved bone union, and the mean time-to-union was 13.5 weeks of the treatment. The mean neck-shaft angle was 131.4° at the 6-month follow-up. According to the Paavolainen method, “good” and “fair” radiographic results each accounted for 38 and 9 of the total patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that locking T-plate fixation leads to satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes in elderly patients with proximal humeral fractures by providing a larger surface area of contact with the fracture and a more rigid fixation.

Surgical Treatment of Sternoclavicular Joint Dislocation Using a T-plate

A 22-year-old man was hospitalized with a sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) dislocation caused by a traffic accident. Surgical reduction and fixation of the SCJ were performed using a T-plate. SCJ dislocation is rare, accounting for less than 1% of all dislocations, and is usually treated conservatively, although severe cases may require surgery. Surgery typically involves joint reduction and fixation using an autologous tendon graft, but this has disadvantages such as the requirement for additional surgery to obtain autologous tissue and an extended operative time. To overcome these issues, here, we performed a simple SCJ reduction and fixation using a T-plate and achieved good results.

Fixation of Intertrochanteric Valgus Osteotomy with T Plate in Treatment of Developmental Coxa Vara

BACKGROUND: Although the valgus subtrochanteric osteotomy is considered as a standard surgical treatment for coxa vara, there is no consensus on the optimal method of fixation and osteotomy technique. Fixation of the osteotomy has been achieved by various methods including external fixation and internal fixation with pins and cerclage and a variety of plates. The aim of this study is the evaluation of the results of developmental coxa treated by Y intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy fixed with a T-buttress plate compared with other methods of fixation in the literature. METHODS: Eighteen corrective valgus intertrochanteric femoral osteotomies were performed in 18 patients (18 hips) for treatment of unilateral developmental coxa vara deformity and fixed with a T plate. There were 12 males and 6 females. The right hip was affected in 10 patients and the left hip in 8 patients. Clinically, patients were evaluated by Larson hip score. Radiographically, anteroposterior view of the pelvis and frog leg lateral views of the affected hip were taken preoperatively and compared with the findings at the final follow-up. RESULTS: The average follow-up was 29 months (range, 24 to 36 months). Clinical results showed improvement of the mean Larson hip score from 57.8 to 97.0 (p < 0.001). Radiological results showed that all osteotomies were completely united in 2.4 months (range, 2 to 3 months) with the achievement of the planned correction angle. The average correction of Hilgenreiner's epiphyseal angle improved from 78.2° to 27.8° (p < 0.001) at the final follow-up. The femoral neck shaft angle was improved from 93.7° to 129.9° (p < 0.001) at the final follow-up. Shortening of the affected limb was corrected from 2.8 cm to 1.3 cm (p < 0.001) at the last follow-up. No major serious complications were recorded in the present study. CONCLUSIONS: Intertrochanteric valgus osteotomy of the proximal femur fixed with a T plate may be efficient for treatment of developmental coxa vara. With careful planning, it can result in a low complication rate and insignificant or minimal recurrence rate.

Mini-T Plate Fixation for Neer Type II Distal Clavicle Fracture

PURPOSE: To evaluate and report the clinical and radiological outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation with a mini-T plate for unstable distal clavicle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2004 to July 2007, fifteen patients who had a fracture of the distal clavicle (Neer type II fracture) were treated with an open reduction and internal fixation using a mini-T plate. They were followed up for a minimum of one year and the clinical and radiological results were analyzed. RESULTS: The average time to fracture union was 3.1(3~4) months. There were no complications, such as deep infection or fixation loss. The mean ASES score was 97 points (85~100points) at the last follow up period, and 14 patients had a full range of motion of the shoulder. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation with a mini-T plate for unstable distal clavicle fracture is a good surgical method with good clinical and radiological results.

3.5 mm T-shaped LCP (Locking Compression Plate) Fixation for Unstable Distal Clavicular Fractures

PURPOSE: To review the clinical and radiological results after an open reduction and internal fixation with a T-shaped LCP for unstable distal clavicle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2005 to June 2006, ten patients with distal clavicle Neer type II fractures were treated with an open reduction and internal fixation with a T-shaped LCP. Bony union was identified by plain radiography. The clinical results were analyzed according to the UCLA scoring system. RESULTS: The mean time to fracture union was 9weeks and union was achieved in all cases. The mean UCLA score was 33.4 (30-35); excellent in 8 cases and good in 2 cases. In one case, loosening of one distal screw was occured and mild AC joint subluxation was observed in another case. CONCLUSION: 3.5 mm T-shaped LCP fixation is a useful technique for treating unstable distal clavicle fractures. This procedure provide stable fixation with no further AC joint injury.

T Plate Fixation for Unstable Fracture of Distal Clavicle

PURPOSE: To review clinical and radiological results after open reduction and internal fixation with T plate for unstable distal clavicle fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July. 1999 to December 2002, nine patients with distal clavicle Neer type II fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with T plate. The bony union was confirmed by plain radiography. The clinical results were analyzed according to the classification by Kona et al. RESULTS: Average time to fracture union was 8 weeks in all cases. The functional results were as follows: excellent in 7 cases and good in 2 cases. Screw loosening occurred in one case, but bony union was achieved. CONCLUSION: We recommend T plate fixation as another treatment method for unstable distal clavicle fractures.

Internal Fixation of Clavicle Lateral and Fracture with Mini T-plate

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mini T-plate fixation in clavicle lateral end fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed eleven cases of calvicle lateral end fracture which were treated with open reduction and internal fixion with mini T-plate from May 2000 to December 2004. The follow up period was 12 months minimum. The radiologic result, pain and shoulder function were evaluated by the ASES shoulder score. RESULTS: All cases showed satisfactory results. Seven cases (63%) were excellent, and four (37%) cases were good. There were no fair or poor results. All cases showed radiologic union by the fifteenth week. No complications such as metal breakage, limited motion, infections were seen. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that using a mini T-plate fixation which is easy and induces no injury of acromiocalvicular joint, contributes to provide stable fixation in clavicle lateral end fractures.

T-Plate Fixation for Two- and Three-Part Fractures of the Proximal Humerus

PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and complications of treatment using T-plate fixation for two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1996 and July 2003, thirty-three patients with two-part and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus were treated by T-plate fixation. There were 21 two-part fractures and 12 three-part fractures including three shoulder dislocations. The reduction was qualified and complications were assessed with final radiographs. The functional outcome was evaluated by Neer's rating system. RESULTS: Thirty-two cases (96.7%) were united, twenty-nine cases (87.9%) were reduced as good, and twenty-three cases (70%) had excellent or satisfactory results. There were four cases of loss of reduction, three cases of stiff joint, one case of nonunion, and one case of avascular necrosis of the humeral head, but no infection. No correlation was found between the final result and the type of fracture, age, gender, or quality of reduction. CONCLUSION: T-plate fixation for proximal humeral fractures is a reliable method to obtain good results through satisfactory reduction, rigid fixation, and early movement. Additional tension band wiring can provide stable fixation for osteoporotic or comminuted fractures difficult to obtain stable fixation.

T-Plate Fixation for Fractures of Distal Radius

PURPOSE: To review the result of fractures of distal radius treated with the T-plate fixation and to recommend guideline for treatment of fracture of distal radius. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2002, among the patients with fractures of distal radius underwent T-plate fixation, we retrospectively reviewed 52 cases that had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. According to the Fernandez classification of distal radius fractures, 18 cases were type I, 4 cases were type II, 22 cases were type III, 2 cases were type IV and 6 cases were type V. To assess the clinical result, we used the Demerit Point System and for the radiologic result, we used the Point system by Scheck. We Compare the result of treatment in fractures of distal radius by T-plate fixation and K-wire fixation in Type I and III. RESULTS: Excellent to good results were obtained in 38 cases (73%) in clinical result and 39 cases (75%) in radiological results. Radiologic evidence of arthritis was presented 6 cases at follow-up examination. There was no evidence of statistical difference between Type I using T-plate and K-wire fixation (p>0.05). However in type III, result in the group of T-plate fixation were better than in pinning group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We obtained good result for type III with T-plate but only T-plate fiaxtion for type V was not satisfactory