Use of stem-cell sheets expressing bone morphogenetic protein-7 in the management of a nonunion radial fracture in a Toy Poodle

A 12-year-old castrated Toy Poodle was referred to the Kangwon National University Animal Hospital with an oligotrophic nonunion fracture in the distal 1/3 of the left radius and an intact ulna. After fixation by a locking plate and screws, adipose-derived mesenchymal stem-cell sheets expressing bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP-7) were transplanted to the fracture site to enhance the healing activity. The fracture was healed at 9 weeks after surgery. In the present case, the mesenchymal stem-cell sheets expressing BMP-7 promoted bone regeneration and healing in a nonunion fracture.

The Result of Percutaneous Screw Fixation without Bone Grafting for Scaphoid Waist Nonunion under Local Anesthesia

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the results of patients with scaphoid waist nonunion treated with percutaneous screw fixation without bone grafting under local anesthesia. METHODS: We enrolled scaphoid waist nonunion of 15 patients which had no deformity, displacement, evidence of avascular necrosis and bone cyst under 5 mm on its radiological study. All patients were male with an average age of 28.9±6.2 years (range, 17–38 years). The mean time to surgery from initial injury was 10.8±2.2 months (range, 6–14 months). All patients were treated with percutaneous screw fixation without bone grafting via volar approaching under local anesthesia and postoperative radiographs were reviewed and documented the flexion and extension arcs of the injured wrist and uninjured wrist, disability of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score at final follow-up. RESULTS: All 15 patients showed radiological union at an average 5.5±1.0 months. At 12 months follow-up, the flexion and extension arcs of the injured wrist were 95% and 98.5% of the uninjured wrist. The average DASH score at final follow-up was 7±3.9 (range, 0–15). None of these patients showed any complications associated with surgery. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous screw fixation without bone grafting under local anesthesia was reliable primary treatment method for scaphoid waist non-union without displacement or deformation in the fracture site.

Surgical Correction and Osteosynthesis for Cranial Displaced Pelvic Nonunion: Technical Note and Two Cases Report Regarding Anterior Correction and Osteosynthesis Following Posterior Release

Nonunion of an unstable pelvic fracture with cranial displacement pelvic surgery is technically difficult due to a large amount of bleeding and the risk of nerve damage. In addition, surgical correction of leg length discrepancy by reduction of a dislocated sacroiliac joint is in high demand. Nevertheless, when a patient is strongly disabled by a pelvic deformity, surgical correction may be necessary. Two patients with pelvic deformity were treated successfully by surgical correction and osteosynthesis.

Analysis of Risk Factors Associated with Fusion Failure of Traumatic Odontoid Fracture Type III after Halo-Vest Immobilization / 대한신경손상학회지

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to identify risk factors related to the fusion failure after halo-vest immobilization of odontoid fracture type III. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed ten patients who underwent halo-vest immobilization for acute traumatic odontoid fracture between October 2002 and December 2011. All patients had type III odontoid fracture using the Anderson and D'Alonzo classification. We reviewed digital radiographs and analyzed the images during conservative treatment with halo-vest immobilization. RESULTS: The patients consisted of nine men and one woman, with mean age of 40.2 years (range: 25-56), who had no history of medical comorbidity and significant neurologic deficit. The mean follow-up period was 6 months (range: 4-11). All patients were initially treated by halo-vest immobilization. Seven patients showed union of fractured site on radiologic findings after halo-vest immobilization only. However, other 3 patients underwent surgery for fixation due to fusion failure. Among the factors we analyzed such as, radiographic characteristics and clinical feature, presence of comminuted fracture, instability of fractured fragment and failed reduction of misalignment were the factors related to fusion failure. CONCLUSION: The fusion rate of halo-vest immobilization of odontoid fracture type III seem to be incomplete, but clinical decision using the risk factors such as comminution, instability of fractured fragment and failed reduction of misalignment improves the outcome with conservative management.