Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of Proximal, Middle and Distal Humerus Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of proximal, middle and distal third humeral fractures treated with the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients with the proximal, middle or distal third humeral fractures underwent MIPO. There were 12 men and 19 women with an average age of 46.7 years. The radiological outcomes of bony union and anatomical reduction were evaluated. The clinical outcomes were assessed by measuring the range of shoulder and elbow motion, UCLA scores, KSS sores and the postoperative complications. RESULTS: Fracture union was obtained in all patients at an average of 18.4 weeks. According to the UCLA scores, 9 were excellent and 3 were good for the proximal humeral fractures. For the middle and distal third fractures, UCLA scoring system showed excellent results in 15 cases and good results in 4 cases. The average KSS scores of proximal and shaft fracture were 92.5 and 98.6, respectively. Complications developed in 3 patients: one had radial nerve palsy, one had a fracture adjacent to the plate distally, and one had a rotational deformity. CONCLUSION: MIPO for proximal, middle and distal third humeral fractures provided satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes considering high union rate and minor complications.

Volar Percutaneous Cannulated Screw Fixation for Subacute Scaphoid Wasit Fracture

PURPOSE: To report the surgical results of volar percutaneous cannulated compression screw fixation in subacute scaphoid fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2004 and January 2007, eight consecutive patients with subacute scaphoid waist fracture, who sought medical attention between 4 weeks to 6 months after injury, were included in this study. All patients were male of an average age 29.2 years (range, 19 to 44). Mean duration of injury was 10.3+/-4.1 weeks. An acutrak cannulated screw (Acumed, Hillsboro, OR) was introduced volarly under image intensifier guidance in all patients. We performed radiological evaluation preoperatively and postoperatively. And we performed 12 months postoperatively using grip strength, range of motion (ROM) of the wrist, Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and the Hand (DASH) score for functional evaluation. RESULTS: Preoperative radiography showed minimal sclerosis line in three patients and a bone resorption around fracture sites in two patients. However, no patient had dorsal intercalated segment instability or more than 35 degrees of lateral intrascaphoid angle. Fractures united successfully at 11.6+/-2.1 weeks postoperatively without any requirement for a further procedure. At 12 months follow-up evaluations, ROM of the injured wrist was 93% of the uninjured wrist and grip strength of the injured wrist was 95% of the injured wrist. The mean MMWS was 93+/-6.6 and the mean DASH score was 4.8+/-1.2. CONCLUSION: We believe that volar percutaneous cannulated screw fixation is a reliable method in case of subacute scaphoid waist fracture without scaphoid deformity or carpal instability.

Early Clinical Results in the Use of a Tantalum Trabecular Metal System For Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of core decompression using a tantalum trabecular metal system for treatment of early stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head, with a minimum follow-up of 1 year and a maximum follow-up of 5 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2003 and August 2007, a retrospective analysis was conducted on 46 femoral heads in 36 patients (9 males and 27 females) underwent core decompression using a tantalum trabecular metal system. The mean duration of follow-up was 26 months (minimum, 1 year; maximum, 5 years). The ARCO classification system was used. The mean age of the patients was 42.9 years. The conversion to total hip arthroplasty due to aggravating hip pain was defined as a clinical failure. RESULTS: At an average of 12 months, 18 patients (21 hips) were converted to THR. No conversion to THR in occurred in stages IA or IIA. In Stage IB, one-half of the medial lesion and all of the lateral lesions were converted to THR. One of 11 medial lesions and all of the lateral lesions in stage IC were converted to THR; 2 of 3 medial lesions and all of the lateral lesions in stage IIB were converted to THR. In stage IIC, 6 of 8 lateral lesions were converted to THR, but the central lesions were not converted. All of the lateral lesions in stage IIIC were converted to THR. CONCLUSION: The higher stage of ARCO classification and the more lateral position of the lesion, the greater the failure rate of the tantalum trabecular metal system. Conversion to THR from a failed tantalum trabecular system developed within 12 months postoperatively. The tantalum trabecular metal system is a useful treatment for osteonecrosis of the femoral head with a lower stage of ARCO classification and a medial location of the lesion.