Clinical analysis of external micro-locking plate in the treatment of fifth metatarsal comminuted fractures / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical efficacy of external micro-locking plate combined with closed reduction in the treatment of fifth metatarsal comminuted fracture with severe soft tissue injury.@*METHODS@#From January 2018 to December 2019, 13 patients received micro-locking plate combined with closed reduction treatment due to the fifth metatarsal comminuted fracture with severe soft tissue injury. There were 11 males and 2 females patients, ranging in age from 21 to 69 years. According to the fracture AO fracture classification, 9 cases belonged to type 87(S)-C2.2 and 4 cases belonged to type 87(S)-C2.1. The fifth metatarsal cuneiform articular surface was not involved, and all of them were comminuted fractures of the fifth metatarsal shaft. All soft tissues were damaged to varying degrees. Three patients got small defect of skin and soft tissue, and they were treated with debridement and suture after one-stage emergency surgery. The fracture healing and complications were observed, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the midfoot function score of American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) at the latest follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 3 to 12 months. One patient had delayed union. One patient had local skin necrosis and was treated with second-stage skin grafting to repair the wound surface. No external screw breakage or infection was reported, the skin soft tissue healed satisfactorily and reached bony union, with the union time ranging from 8 to 19 weeks. The postoperative functional recovery was rated according to the midfoot score of AOFAS, the score ranged from 49 to 98, and 7 patients got an excellent result, 4 good, 1 fair and 1 poor.@*CONCLUSION@#The external micro-locking plate combined with closed reduction in the treatment of fifth metatarsal comminuted fracture with severe soft tissue injury has the advantages of simple operation, good stability and low infection rate, which is helpful to the repair of soft issue injury, and the fixation can be removed early in outpatient clinic. To sum up, this surgical procedure is suitable for patients with severe soft tissue injury and comminuted fracture to avoid periosteum stripping. The space occupying is smaller than the micro-external fixator, which is convenient for patients with early functional exercise.

Treatment of comminuted fracture of inferior pole of patella with locking suspension and vertical fixation with three steel wires / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical application of lockedge suspension combined with three steel wires vertical fixation in comminuted fracture of inferior pole of patella.@*METHODS@#From August 2016 to May 2019, 23 patients with comminuted fracture of the lower pole of the patella, including 14 males and 9 females, were treated with lockedge suspension combined with three steel wires vertical fixation. The age ranged from 34 to 68 (55.0±1.2) years. One year after operation, the pain and function were evaluated by pain visual analogue scale(VAS) and knee flexion and extension range of motion, and the clinical efficacy was evaluated by Lysholm knee score standard.@*RESULTS@#All 23 patients were followed up for 12 to 14, with a mean of(13.0±0.5) months. One patient had skin irritation by the tail of the steel wire, and the rest had no postoperative complications such as incision infection, internal fixation loosening and fracture displacement. The fractures of 23 patients were healed, and the healing time was 10 to 14 weeks with a mean of(12.0±1.1) weeks. The VAS score decreased from 7.96±0.93 before operation to 0.83±0.65 one year after operation. The range of knee flexion and extension activities increased from(20.30±8.69) ° before operation to 1 year after operation(127.39±6.55) °. Lysholm knee score increased from 18.48±4.00 before operation to 96.09±4.91 one year after operation(P<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The treatment of comminuted fracture of the lower pole of patella by lockedge suspension combined with three steel wires vertical fixation has reliable fixation and high fracture healing rate. It can meet the requirements of rapid rehabilitation and functional exercise, and the early clinical effect is satisfactory.

Study on the Fixation Effect of Plate in the Middle Tibial Fracture Based on Finite Element Analysis / 中国医疗器械杂志

In this study, tibial shaft fracture has been treated with implants as numerically to investigate the stress behavior and the effect of plate material, position and length under pressure load. Plates of stainless steel, titanium alloy(Ti6Al4V), or CF-PEEK(CF50) were used to fix the tibial shaft comminuted fracture in different location and different working length. The maximum stress, the maximum micromotion of fracture and the stress shielding of cortex bone were analyzed. CF50 is more ideal biomechanical fixation material than traditional metal material for the treatment of tibial shaft comminuted fractures. In the treatment of tibial shaft comminuted fracture, lateral position and with relatively long working length of the plate have the advantages in micromotion, stress and stress shielding rate of the fracture end.

A case-control study of two internal fixation methods in the treatment of comminuted fracture of inferior pole of patella / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To compare the effects of tension band combined with patellar cerclage and memory alloy patellar concentrator fixation in the treatment of comminuted fracture of the lower pole of patella.@*METHODS@#From July 2015 to July 2019, 60 patients with distal patellar fracture were treated and were divided into two groups according to different operation methods. In group A, 30 patients were fixed with memory alloy patellar concentrator (NiTi PC), 17 males and 13 females, aged 20 to 71 (39.4±9.9) years, including 19 cases of falling injury, 9 cases of traffic injury and 2 cases of sports injury. The time from injury to operation was 10 to 75 (33.1±7.8) hours; 30 cases in group B were fixed with tension band andcerclage, 15 males and 15 females, aged 21 to 76 (38.6±10.2) years, including 17 cases of falling injury, 12 cases of traffic injury and 1 case of smashing injury. The time from injury to operation was 10 to 91 (34.5±9.1) hours. The curative effects of two groups were observed and compared.@*RESULTS@#All 60 patients were followed up for 9 to 30 months. There was no significant difference in intraoperative bleeding, operation time, follow-up time and fracture healing time between the two groups. Six months after operation, according to the Bostman function score of knee joint:30 cases in group A, the total score was 28.6±4.7, of which 26 cases were excellent and 4 cases were good. The total score of 30 cases in group B was 25.5±4.4, of which 20 cases were excellent, 8 cases were good and 2 cases were poor. There were significant differences in Bostman total score and curative effect evaluation between two groups (@*CONCLUSION@#Memory alloy patellar concentrator is strong and reliable in the treatment of inferior patellar fracture. It can take early rehabilitation exercise after operation, with good recovery of joint function and range of motion and less complications.

Locking plate external fixation combined with membrane induction technology for the treatment of open and comminuted tibial fractures with bone defects / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical effect of locking plate external fixation combined with membrane induction technology in treating open and comminuted tibial fractures with bone defects.@*METHODS@#Totally 92 patients of open and comminuted tibial fractures with bone defects were chosen form January 2018 to July 2019, and randomly divided into external fixation group and internal fixation group, 46 patients in each group. In external fixation group, there were 29 males and 17 females, aged from 25 to 62 years old, with an average of (37.45±10.92) years old;according to AO classification, 15 patients were type A, 22 patients were type B and 9 patients were type C;according to Gustilo classification, 21 patients were typeⅡ, 10 patients were type ⅢA, 10 patients were type ⅢB, 5 patients were type Ⅲ C;treated by fracture reduction with locking plate external fixation. In internal fixation group, there were 31 males and 15 females, aged from 23 to 60 years old, with an average of(36.88±10.64) years old;according to AO classification, 18 patients were type A, 20 patients were type B and 8 patients were type C; according to Gustilo classification, 22 patients were typeⅡ, 11 patients were type ⅢA, 7 patients were type ⅢB, 6 patients were type Ⅲ C;treated by traditional open reduction with plate internal fixation. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, fracture healing time and lower limb full weight-bearing time and postoperative complications between two groups were observed and compared, bone mineral density, osteocalcin, blood calcium and phosphorus before operation and 1 month after operation.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up from 12 to 18 months with an average of (14.92±2.46) months. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, fracture healing time and lower limb full weight-bearing time of external fixation group were significantly better than that of internal fixation group(@*CONCLUSION@#Locking plate external fixation combined with membrane induction technology in treating open and comminuted tibial fractures with severe post-traumatic bone defects has advantages of less trauma, reliable fixation, shorter fracture healing time, and could improve bone metabolic activity with less postoperative complications.

Informe de caso: Resultado clínico de TOE conservado después de un evento traumático de pie / Case report: Clinical outcome of TOE preserved after Traumatic event of foot

Introduction: Decision making in determining management of post-trauma patient is very important, especially for traumatic in the small bones, fingers and toes. The global predictor to determine the management of retaining or amputating the limb is using the Mangled Extrimity Severity Score (MESS) scoring system, values above 7 are the indication for amputation. The decision maker have to pay attention for the end result of the actions which were performed in the initial management. Material and Methods: One case is reported from Orthopaedic emergency department Hospital in Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. A 39-year old male with motor vehicle accident trauma at left foot region since 6 hours before admitted to hospital, later was diagnosed with open comminutive fracture shaft proximal phalang of left 5th toe, the Mangled Extrimity Severity Score (MESS) was 8. Patient underwent emergency debridement and retained the toe by performed Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) K-Wire. Results: This patient has a good clinical outcome by following up 2 weeks and 8 months after surgery by retain the affected side with debridement and Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) K-Wire. Patient can ambulate normally with full weight bearing, and there is no difficulty to wearing shoe or sandal. Conclusions: Determination of action by retaining the traumatized limb needs to be considered for the good of the patient, but it is necessary to provide informed consent to the patient and family that there will be a possibility of tissue death with the worst possibility of limb amputation

Evaluación de resultados calificada por el paciente en el análisis la diferencia de resultado funcional entre Fijación distal del segundo y tercer metacarpiano de placa de distracción dorsal en conminutivo distal fractura de radio / Patient-rated outcomes evaluation in analyzing the difference of functional outcome between second and third metacarpal distal fixation of dorsal distraction plating in comminutive distal radius fracture

Introduction: Comminuted distal radius fracture is one of the fractures that difficult to reduce. This study aimed to compare Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score between plating on second and third metacarpal groups. Methods: This study used a retrospective analytic research design with a sample of twenty seven cases of distal radius comminutive fractures that have been treated using dorsal distraction plating. Fifthteen cases with distal fixation in second metacarpal and twelve cases in third metacarpal. Data were then analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The mean Pain scores in the second metacarpal and third metacarpal groups, respectively were 5.73 compared to 6.17. While the mean score of Function in the second metacarpal group and the third metacarpal group, respectively 12.67 compared to 13.83. The total PRWE score in the second metacarpal group was 18.40 compared to the third metacarpal group which was 20.0 (p>0.05). Conclusions: Patients with distal radius comminuted fracture treated using dorsal distraction plating with distal fixation in second metacarpal showed higher mean Pain, Function and total PRWE compared to third metacarpal, but there were no significant differences

Fratura de mandíbula causada por projétil de arma de fogo: relato de caso / Mandible Fracture Caused by Firearm Projectile: Case Report

Introdução: A face é uma região exposta a diversos traumas que são causados por várias etiologias, dentre eles por projétil de arma de fogo que são a segunda maior causa de fraturas perdendo somente para os acidentes automobilísticos. As fraturas acometem com frequência a região mandibular, por ser um osso de destaque na face devido sua proeminência. O objetivo deste trabalho é elucidar uma fratura cominutiva na região de côndilo e colo mandibular causada por ferimento de arma de fogo e seu respectivo tratamento. Relato de Caso: Paciente de 25 anos, compareceu a um serviço de atendimento de cirurgia bucomaxilofacial vítima de um ferimento por arma de fogo. Após a realização dos exames de imagem constatou-se que o projétil estava alojado no pescoço da vítima, causando a fratura cominutiva o ramo e o côndilo mandibular do lado esquerdo. A paciente foi submetida a anestesia geral para realização da osteossíntese da fratura. Considerações finais: O diagnóstico e o tratamento são realizados por uma equipe multidisciplinar para que o tratamento seja o mais correto e efetivo, com finalidade de minimizar morbidades e mortalidades, já que os pacientes sobrevivem com sequelas permanentes quando o diagnóstico e o tratamento não são realizados de forma correta... (AU)

Introduction: The face is a region exposed to several traumas that are caused by several etiologies, among them a firearm projectile that is the second major cause of fractures losing only to automobile accidents. The fractures frequently affect the mandibular region, as it is a prominent bone in the face due to its prominence. The purpose of this study is to elucidate a comminuted fracture in the condyle and mandibular neck region caused by a firearm injury and its respective treatment. Case Report: A 25-year-old patient who attended a buccomaxillofacial surgery service as a victim of a gunshot wound. After imaging examinations it was found that the projectile was lodged in the victim's neck, causing the comminuted fracture of the branch and mandibular condyle on the left side. The patient underwent general anesthesia to perform the fracture osteosynthesis. Final considerations: Diagnosis and treatment are performed by a multidisciplinary team so that treatment is the most correct and effective, in order to minimize morbidities and mortalities, since patients survive with permanent sequelae when diagnosis and treatment are not performed correctly... (AU)

Fracturas Mandibulares Conminutadas por Impacto de Proyectil Balístico: Propuesta de Tratamiento Inicial Mediante Método de Fijación Alternativo / Mandibular Fractures Comminuted by Ballistic Projectile Impact: Initial Treatment Proposal Using Alternative Fixation Method

RESUMEN: El trauma maxilofacial por arma de fuego representa un desafío terapéutico principalmente debido a la gran conminución de tejidos que genera. Específicamente, en casos de fracturas mandibulares conminutadas, las modalidades de tratamientos incluye la reducción cerrada, fijación con tutor externo, fijación interna con alambres y reducción abierta y fijación interna utilizando placas y tornillos. El objetivo del presente trabajo es describir un tratamiento inicial con un método de fijación para fracturas mandibulares conminutadas como dispositivo alternativo al tutor externo clásicamente utilizado. Se desarrolla una revisión de la literatura actual acerca del tratamiento inicial o de urgencia de fracturas mandibulares conminutadas por impacto de proyectil balístico, haciendo énfasis en las indicaciones de cada modalidad de tratamiento y sus respectivas ventajas y desventajas. Luego se describe detalladamente el proceso de confección de un método de fijación alternativo junto con la exposición de casos clínicos donde fue utilizado como alternativa de tratamiento. La reducción y fijación obtenida por el dispositivo presentado logra resultados satisfactorios, sin encontrarse diferencias significativas a los elementos de fijación clásicos. Tanto el uso de placas de reconstrucción como el de tutor externo constituyen alternativas válidas para el tratamiento de fracturas mandibulares conminutadas. El dispositivo descrito y utilizado en los pacientes es una alternativa eficiente, de fácil confección y bajo costo económico demostrando buenos resultados en relación a la consolidación de fracturas conminutadas. Se debe conocer las indicaciones para la aplicación de cada modalidad de tratamiento.

ABSTRACT: Ballistic maxillofacial trauma represents a challenge for surgeons because of the important comminution process it presents. Specifically, in cases of mandibular comminuted fractures, the different treatment modalities include closed reduction, external fixation and internal fixation. The purpose of this case series is to describe an initial treatment modality, with a fixation method for comminuted mandibular fractures as an alternative for the classic external fixator. We conducted a literature review about the initial treatment for ballistic comminuted mandibular fractures, emphasizing indications of each treatment modality and their respective advantages and disadvantages. Next, we described the preparation process of an alternative fixation method along with a case series, where it was used as a therapeutical alternative. The reduction as well the fixation achieved by the external fixator, showed satisfactory results without significant differences noted with traditional fixation methods. Both, reconstruction plates and external fixators, are valid alternatives for treating comminuted mandibular fractures. The method described and used in these patients is and efficient alternative, easy to make and at a low cost, with good results in relation to fracture consolidation. We propose that every treatment modality and its indications should be evaluated in order to treat each case adequately.

Principios quirúrgicos en fracturas de platillos tibiales con compromiso de columna posterior / Surgical principles in posterior column tibial plateau fractures

Las fracturas de platillos tibiales son lesiones complejas que incluyen una variedad de patrones morfológicos cada vez mejor caracterizados en la literatura. Históricamente, los esquemas de clasificación se han basado en evaluar los rasgos de fractura en el plano frontal y las técnicas quirúrgicas en lograr la fijación de esos fragmentos, sin tomar en consideración el compromiso óseo que ocurre en la región posterior de los platillos tibiales. Con el advenimiento de la clasificación columnar basada en tomografía computada, se han logrado desarrollar estrategias de fijación optimizada, dando cada vez más relevancia a la columna posterior. Este artículo realiza una revisión extensa de la literatura, otorgando los fundamentos quirúrgicos que explican la importancia del tratamiento específico de la columna posterolateral y posteromedial, con el fin de restablecer la biomecánica normal de la rodilla y el razonamiento quirúrgico de las diversas vías de abordaje específicas para una reducción y osteosíntesis satisfactoria de esos fragmentos.

Tibial plateau fractures are complex injuries which include a variety of morphological patterns that have been increasingly better characterized in the literature. Historically, classifications have focused on description of fracture patterns in the frontal plane, while surgical techniques have focused on reduction of these fragments not considering the osseous defects that occur on the posterior region of the tibial plateau. With new CT scan column based classifications, strategies to optimize fixation have been developed, giving relevance to the posterior column. This article is an exhaustive review of the literature, providing the surgical foundations that explain the importance of specific treatment of the posterolateral and posteromedial column, aiming to restore normal knee biomechanics. Furthermore, this article provides the diverse specific surgical approaches rationale for a satisfactory open reduction and internal fixation of these fragments.

Fractura articular conminuta de rótula tratada con placa bloqueada de Sanders. Descripción de un caso y técnica quirúrgica / Articular comminuted fracture of patella treated with Sanders locked plate. A case report and surgical technique

Actualmente las fracturas articulares conminutas de rótula son manejadas mediante cerclajes con alambres o patelectomía. Estás técnicas quirúrgicas se han relacionado con complicaciones como pseudoartrosis, fracaso de la fijación, migración de los alambres, dolor postoperatorio, rigidez post traumática y cirugía de revisión, entre otras. El objetivo de este estudio es describir una técnica quirúrgica novedosa y alternativa para el tratamiento de estas lesiones. Caso clínico: presentamos el caso de paciente masculino de 21 años quien posterior a traumatismo directo en la rodilla derecha presenta fractura intraarticular conminuta de rótula. El paciente fue tratado con reducción directa y osteosíntesis con placa anatómica bloqueada de Sanders para calcáneo. Se realizó seguimiento de 12 meses. Presentamos la técnica quirúrgica, resultados y evolución. Resultado: la fractura consolidó completamente. Los rangos articulares de flexo-extensión, marcha y apoyo fueron recuperados. Según la puntuación de la Knee Society, este paciente presentó un resultado excelente. El tiempo operatorio fue de 40 minutos. Ningún tornillo fue insertado en la cavidad articular y tampoco se evidencio alguna complicación del caso. Conclusión: el tratamiento de fracturas articulares conminutas de rótula utilizando la placa de Sanders bloqueada es una técnica sencilla, genera una osteosíntesis estable y adecuada cicatrización ósea de los fragmentos. Permite la pronta rehabilitación del paciente sin necesidad de inmovilización en el postoperatorio(AU)

Currently comminuted patellar articular fractures are managed by cerclage wires or patellectomy. These surgical techniques have been associated with complications such as nonunion, fixation failure, migration of the wires, postoperative pain, post traumatic stiffness and revision surgery, among others. The objective of this study is to describe a case of articular conmminuted fracture of the patella treated by a novel and alternative surgical technique. Case report: we present the case of 21-year male patient who after blunt trauma to the right knee shows articular comminuted patella fracture. The patient was treated with direct reduction and internal fixation using a Sanders locked plate designed for calcaneus. Up of 12 months was performed. We present the surgical technique, results and evolution Results: the fracture healed entirely. The joint ranges, support and march were recovered. Depending on the KSS, this pacient showed excellent result. The operative time was 40 minutes. No screw was inserted intraarticular. No intraoperative complications were noted. Conclusion: treating comminuted patellar fractures using Sanders locked plate is a simple technique, generates a stable fixation and bone healing appropriate. It allows the patient early rehabilitation without immobilization(AU)

Separate Vertical Wiring for the Fixation of Comminuted Fractures of the Inferior Pole of the Patella

PURPOSE: Among patients over 50 years of age, separate vertical wiring alone may be insufficient for fixation of fractures of the inferior pole of the patella. Therefore, mechanical and clinical studies were performed in patients over the age of 50 to test the strength of augmentation of separate vertical wiring with cerclage wire (i.e., combined technique). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Multiple osteotomies were performed to create four-part fractures in the inferior poles of eight pairs of cadaveric patellae. One patella from each pair was fixed with the separate wiring technique, while the other patella was fixed with a combined technique. The ultimate load to failure and stiffness of the fixation were subsequently measured. In a clinical study of 21 patients (average age of 64 years), comminuted fractures of the inferior pole of the patellae were treated using the combined technique. Operative parameters were recorded from which post-operative outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: For cadaveric patellae, whose mean age was 69 years, the mean ultimate loads to failure for the separate vertical wiring technique and the combined technique were 216.4+/-72.4 N and 324.9+/-50.6 N, respectively (p=0.012). The mean stiffness for the separate vertical wiring technique and the combined technique was 241.1+/-68.5 N/mm and 340.8+/-45.3 N/mm, respectively (p=0.012). In the clinical study, the mean clinical score at final follow-up was 28.1 points. CONCLUSION: Augmentation of separate vertical wiring with cerclage wire provides enough strength for protected early exercise of the knee joint and uneventful healing.

Flexor Carpi Radialis Brevis: An Unusual Anomalous Muscle of the Wrist

During imaging studies or surgical procedures, anomalous forearm and wrist muscles are occasionally encountered. Among them, the flexor carpi radialis brevis is very rare. Because the trend is growing toward treating distal radius fractures with volar plating, the flexor carpi radialis brevis is worth knowing. Here, we report two cases with a review of the literature.

Tratamiento artroscópico de las fracturas desplazadas y conminutas del troquíter / Arthroscopic treatment of displaced and comminuted greater tuberosity fractures

Objetivos: El propósito de esta serie de casos fue evaluar los resultados clínicos en pacientes con fracturas desplazadas o conminutas del troquíter asociadas o no a luxación glenohumeral. La reducción y osteosíntesis artroscópica realizada con tornillos canulados representa una forma de tratamiento eficaz en este tipo de fracturas. Materiales y métodos: Se trataron 10 pacientes con fracturas desplazadas o conminutas del troquíter por vía artroscópica mediante la reducción y osteosíntesis con tornillos canulados. La evaluación clínica se realizó después de los 18 meses de seguimiento. Se evaluó la reducción y consolidación de la fractura, el dolor posoperatorio, la amplitud de movimiento y los resultados clínicos mediante las escalas de Rowe y de ASES. Resultados: Todos los pacientes presentaron una correcta consolidación de la fractura, mínimo dolor y puntajes aceptables en las pruebas de Rowe y de ASES. Conclusiones: La reducción y osteosíntesis artroscópica de las fracturas del troquíter puede alcanzar resultados clínicos y radiográficos satisfactorios.

Complication Rate and Pitfalls of Temporary Bridging External Fixator in Periarticular Communited Fractures

BACKGROUND: A second staged operation using temporary bridging external fixation (TBEF) has been widely used in patients with periarticular complex fracture, yet few papers have been published on the related complications. The purpose of this study was to report the complication rate and pitfalls directly related to TBEF through a retrospective study and to suggest some solutions. METHODS: Fifty-nine cases that were treated by using TBEF were studied among 195 periarticular complex fractures. We retrospectively collected the clinical and radiological data and then the study data was evaluated for 1) cases with unsatisfactory restoration of length, 2) cases with deep infection caused by half pins invading the zone of definitive fixation, and 3) neurovascular injuries related to half pins. RESULTS: Complications were observed in 7/59 cases (11%). Problems related to the achievement of length were observed in one case of distal tibia fracture and 2 cases of distal femur fracture. Half pin related infection was observed in 2 cases of distal femur fracture. Neurovascular injury (medial calcaneal nerve injury in a distal tibia fracture) was observed in 2 cases. Among 7 complications, four were related to using TBEF in distal femur fracture. This is because the abundant leg muscles have strong deforming force and infection might be increased due to frequent irritation by the half pins. CONCLUSIONS: TBEF is a simple procedure with several advantages. However, complications might be observed if certain principles are not followed. It is thought that many complications due to TBEF can be reduced if the half pins are not inserted in the zone of injury, restoration of length is fully achieved and the neurovascular characteristics are carefully considered. In particular, much more caution is needed in the distal femur, which has abundant muscles surrounding it.

External fixation for comminuted fractures of the distal radius

A severely comminuted intra-articular closed fracture of the distal part of the radius in 32 adults was treated by closed reduction and external fixator. Complications were rare, and there was no loss of fixation of the pins. 17 patients had an excellent result; 11 a good result; and 4 a poor result, on the basis of pain, motion, strength, and radiographic appearance. Radial length was well maintained, with shortening averaging less than one millimeter. This study shows the efficacy of external fixator in treatment of these complex fractures

Osteosintesis con placas y tornillos en las fracturas de la clavicula / Plating on midshaft clavicle fractures

Introducción: El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar laeficacia y las complicaciones del tratamiento quirúrgicocon placas y tornillos para las fracturas desplazadas yconminutas de la clavícula. Materiales y métodos: Se trató con osteosíntesis con placas y tornillos a 20 pacientes con fracturas mediodiafisarias y desplazadas entre enero de 2000 hasta enero de 2005. Resultados: Todos los pacientes operados evolucionaron favorablemente, con poco dolor posoperatorio. Se logróla consolidación ósea en todos ellos. Se obtuvo movilidad dentro del rango escapular dentro dela semana de la operación. Cuatro pacientes presentaron complicaciones, como infección superficial y aflojamiento de la osteosíntesis. Conclusiones: La osteosíntesis con placas y tornillos para fracturas desplazadas del tercio medio de clavícula es un procedimiento confiable, con un excelente porcentajede consolidación y un bajo índice de complicaciones.

Fixation of extra articular distal radial fractures with non bridging external fixator.

Severely comminuted fractures of distal radius often lead to impairment of wrist function. A prospective study was performed on 30 patients aged between 35-65 years of extra-articular fractures of distal radius. All patients were treated with closed manipulation of the fracture an application of non-bridging (radio radial) external fixator under radiological control. At six months after the injury functional results were good with near normal movements of the wrist and hand. Radiological fracture alignment was satisfactory with no significant shortening of the radius. There were no re-displacements and none of the patients required a second operation. Superficial pin site infection occurred in two patients without pin loosening. We recommend non bridging external fixator as a good method of treatment of extra articular fractures of the distal radius in younger patients.

Tratamento conservador de fratura cominuta de mandíbula ocasionada por arma de fogo: relato de caso

Objetivo: Relatar um caso de fratura cominutiva de ramo e côndilo mandibular após lesão por arma de fogo ocorrido em nosso serviço, demostrando um método simples e confiável de tratamento. Método: Estudo de caso de paciente do sexo feminino, 24 anos, branca, vítima de ferimento por projétil de arma de fogo durante tentativa de assalto, com orifício de entrada em região mastóide à esquerda e orifício de saída em região submentoniana. Realizou tomografia computadorizada evidenciando fatura de ramo ascendente e côndilo de mandíbula esquerda. Resultado: Submetida a tratamento com bloqueio maxilo-mandibular com barra de Erich por quatro semanas. Após retirada do bloqueio realizou terapia miofuncional e tratamento com fonoaudióloga, evoluindo com boa amplitude de abertura bucal (maior que 40mm), desvio mínimo e recuperação completa das funções mastigatórias e de fala. Conclusão: A continuidade mandibular é a pedra angular para a integridade estética e funcional da face. Após uma fratura significativa, a estabilidade da articulação têmporo-mandibular, deglutição e fala podem estar gravemente comprometidas e; apesar do reparo cirúrgico ser freqüentemente necessário para que se evite assimetrias faciais, desvios mandibulares e dor crônicas, não existe nenhum consenso quanto ao melhor tratamento. As fraturas cominutivas resultam de traumas importantes, caracterizando-se por uma múltipla fragmentação óssea em seu sítio. Seu tratamento deve ser individualizado, evitando-se a manipulação do foco de fratura com sua fixação interna devido ao grande risco de desvascularização óssea. O objetivo desse nosso trabalho foi justamente relatar uma forma simples e confiável de tratamento das fraturas cominutivas de mandíbula, de baixo custo e facilmente aplicável em regiões onde os recursos são escassos.

Primary below knee amputation in the management of compound comminuted fracture lower tibia and fibula due to high velocity missile injury associated with bone loss and tibial nerve injury

Compound comminuted fractures of lower tibia and fibula are very common in Iraq these days due to missile injuries [bullets and blasts], it could be associated with bone loss and neurovascular injury this will interfere with the patients rehabilitation and leads to major social and economic burden on the patient, his family and the community. To prove that primary below knee amputation in management of compound comminuted fracture lower tibia and fibula due to high velocity missile injury and complete tibial nerve injury is superior to limb salvage. This is a prospective comparative study including 25 patients age 30-60 years presented to the emergency department in Medical City with a history of missile injury during the period 2005-2007 they had compound comminuted fractures of lower tibia and fibula [Gustilo grade II, III] all of them had different degrees of bone loss [more than 5 cm] and all of them had complete tibial nerve injury and 10 of them had associated posterior tibial artery injury which is irreparable. We divided our patients in to two groups the first one [9 patients four of them had also associated vascular injury] we did primary below knee amputation, while the second group [16 patients six of them had vascular injury] who refused amputation we did wound exsion and application of external fixation. Both groups followed up clinically and radiologically for one year. Group I the patients rehabilitated early and a prosthesis were used after one and a half month and the patients return to their original work or changing their work and have almost normal life, group II all of them had prolonged course of treatment with economic and social problems. Primary below knee amputation is a very good option for patients with history of compound comminuted fractures of lower tibia and fibula [grade II and III] associated with bone loss and tibial nerve injury. Decreasing rehabilitation time and early return back to work also less cost and less social problems