Cannulated Screw and Wire Fixation with Predrilling for Olecranon Osteotomy in Intra-articular Comminuted Distal Humerus Fractures

PURPOSE: The olecranon osteotomy in intra-articular comminuted distal humerus fractures is a suggested technique for excellent exposure of articular fractures. However, complications including delayed union, nonunion of osteotomy site have been reported. Authors have applied predrilling for cannulated screw before osteotomy for achievement of rapid and accurate reposition of separation part and added wire fixation for secure stability. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of this fixation procedure following the olecranon osteotomy during the internal fixation of intra-articular fracture of the distal humerus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed 14 cases (9 women and 5 men) of intra-articular distal humerus fractures in which the olecranon osteotomy was applied. The mean age of patients was 53.4 years (range, 25 to 83 years), and the average follow-up period was 15.9 months. Eleven cases were classified as AO 13-C3, and the other 3 cases were AO 13-C2. Reduction accuracy, union period of osteotomy site on follow-up radiographs and postoperative complications related to olecranon osteotomy were evaluated. RESULTS: All osteotomized parts showed no position change and solid union with normal alignment at the last follow-up. The mean period of bony union was 3.5 months (range, 2 to 5 months). There were no complications related to olecranon osteotomy except one case of non-displaced fracture of the proximal ulnar shaft at the level of cannulated screw tip caused by forceful passive physical therapy. It was managed by conservative treatment without further problem. CONCLUSION: Predrilled cannulated screw and wire fixation following the olecranon osteotomy during internal fixation of intra-articular comminuted distal humerus fractures showed satisfactory results in the union of osteotomy site and it could be a recommendable procedure when fractures require olecranon osteotomy.

Lateral Supramalleolar Flap for Reconstruction of Soft Tissue Defect around the Ankle Joint

PURPOSE: Soft tissue defect on foot and ankle is vulnerable and requires a thin flap for improvement of aesthetic and functional results. Lateral supramalleolar flap is a simple and fast procedure, which can preserve and supply reliable constant blood flow, and causes fewer donor site complications. The authors reviewed our cases and report the clinical results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten cases of soft tissue defects on the lower leg, around the ankle were treated with lateral supramalleolar flap. There were seven males and three females with a mean age of 54.8 years. The mean size of flaps was 5.9x6.3 cm and the mean follow-up period was 23 months. Flap survival and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Nine flaps survived completely without loss of flap. There was one case of partial wound dehiscence requiring debridement and repair, and another case of necrotic flap change requiring partial bone resection and closure. All patients were capable of weight bearing ambulation at the last follow up. CONCLUSION: The authors suggest that the lateral supramalleolar flap could be a useful option for treatment of soft tissue defect around the ankle joint.

Arthrodesis of Distal Interphalangeal Joints in the Hand with Interosseous Wiring and Intramedullary K-wire Fixation

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of intramedullary K-wire fixation and interosseous wiring in the arthrodesis of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint with description of surgical procedure. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 9 cases (7 women and 2 men) of DIP joint arthrodesis. The average age of patients was 44.2 years (range, 21 to 71 years) and the mean follow-up period was 19.6 months. Joint union was evaluated on the follow-up radiographs together with postoperative complications. RESULTS: All cases achieved radiologic union of the arthrodesis site. There was no surgical complication except for one case of skin irritation by the interosseous wire knot which was removed during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary K-wire fixation and interosseous wiring could be an alternative procedure of arthrodesis in the DIP joint.