Anterolateral versus anteromedial plate osteosynthesis of midshaft humeral fractures; is there a difference in the rates of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy?

PURPOSE: The anterolateral (AL) and anteromedial (AM) surfaces of the humerus are typically used for plate placement during plate osteosynthesis of midshaft humeral fractures via the anterolateral approach. The purpose of this study was to determine if a significant difference exists in the rates of iatrogenic radial nerve palsy (IRNP) following either AL or AM humeral fracture plating. The research question is stated as follows: is anteromedial plating of humeral fractures associated with lower rates of IRNP when compared with anterolateral plating? METHODS: This multicenter prospective randomized study was undertaken following ethical review and approval with eligible patients who had midshaft humeral fractures or nonunions randomized into 2 groups, viz AL plate osteosynthesis group and AM plate osteosynthesis group. Following diagnostic and preoperative evaluation, patients had open plate osteosynthesis through the anterolateral approach with plate placement according to their study groups. Post-operatively, they were assessed for IRNP while obtained data was analyzed with SPSS version 23 and inter-group differences with P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Eighty-five eligible patients participated in the study with 43 patients in Group A (AL plate osteosynthesis group) and 42 patients in Group B (AM plate osteosynthesis group). The observed inter-group differences with regard to gender distribution, mean age and clinical diagnosis; acute fracture (AF) versus nonunion were not statistically significant. Furthermore, four (9.3%) patients amongst the 43 patients in Group A (AL plate osteosynthesis group) developed IRNP while two (4.8%) patients amongst the 42 patients in Group B (AM plate osteosynthesis group) had IRNP. The inter-group difference with regard to rates of IRNP was not statistically significant (P = 0.694). CONCLUSION: This study found that (in contrast to previous studies) there was no significant difference in the rates of IRNP following either open anterolateral or anteromedial plate osteosynthesis of midshaft humeral fractures through the anterolateral approach. Orthopaedic surgeons should therefore remain cautious when obtaining consent for surgery as well as when performing internal fixation of midshaft humeral fractures to limit medicolegal disputes that may arise from IRNP.

Monolateral external fixation versus internal fixation of Gustilo IIIB open tibial fractures: a multicenter comparative study.

PURPOSE: Gustilo IIIB open tibial fractures are associated with significant risks of complications particularly nonunion and fracture-related infections (FRI) due to the severity of the injuries. The commonly adopted viewpoint is that a Gustilo IIIB open tibial fracture is a relative contraindication for internal fixation. However, this study aims to assess the veracity of this viewpoint. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the definitive fixation technique on fracture nonunion and FRI rates in Gustilo IIIB open tibial fractures. In this study, we compared the rates of nonunion and FRI rates in grade IIIB open tibial fractures managed definitively with either mono-lateral external fixation or internal fixation. METHODS: The study was a multicenter retrospective comparative study undertaken in seven Nigerian tertiary hospitals. Following ethical approval, medical records of patients diagnosed with Gustilo IIIB open tibial fractures (between 2019 and 2021) were retrieved, patients who had a minimum of nine months of follow-up period and were found eligible had their relevant data entered into an online data collection form. Data obtained was analysed with SPSS version 23, and chi-square test was used to determine the statistical significance of differences observed between the two groups with regard to nonunion and FRI rates. P values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Out of a total of 47 eligible patients, 25 patients were managed definitively with mono-lateral external fixation whilst 22 patients were managed with internal fixation. Five of the 25 patients (20%) managed with external fixation had nonunion whilst two cases of nonunion were recorded amongst the 22 patients (9.1%) treated with internal fixation. The difference between the two techniques with regard to nonunion rates was not statistically significant (P = 0.295). 12 out of 25 patients (48%) in the external fixation group had FRIs whilst 6 out of 22 patients (27.3%) in the internal fixation group had FRIs. The rates of FRIs of the two groups were not significantly different (P = 0.145). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that mono-lateral external fixation and internal fixation do not differ significantly with respect to rates of nonunion and fracture-related infections in Gustilo IIIB open tibial fractures.

The radiographic quality of conservatively managed distal radius fractures in adults using haematoma block versus intravenous sedation.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the radiographic quality of initial reduction of distal radius fractures reduced using haematoma block to those reduced with intravenous sedation. The overall rate of re-manipulation and complications were noted. METHODS: A prospective study carried out at the emergency unit of our hospital between 1st September, 2017 and 31st December, 2018. Patients were consecutively recruited into Haematoma Block (HB) and Sedation(S) groups using the simple balloting method. After 5-10 min of administering anaesthesia, the fracture was reduced and immobilized in a below-to-elbow Plaster of Paris (P.O.P) cast for 6 weeks. The pre- and post-reduction radiographs were reviewed for volar tilt, radial angulation, radial deviation and radial shortening. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients completed the study with 33 patients in HB group and 34 patients in S group. There was no significant difference in the radiographic quality of initial reduction between the two groups using the Sarmiento's modification of Lindström criteria (p = 0.49). Five out of 34 patients among the sedated group had gastrointestinal symptoms. The overall rate of re-manipulation was low and the complications recorded were wrist stiffness and residual wrist deformity. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed that there was no significant difference in the radiographic quality of initial reduction between the groups. Excellent to good reduction was achieved with both anaesthetic options. The choice of anaesthesia should be individualized and based on surgeons' preference.

Comparison of single versus double tranexamic acid dose regimens in reducing post-operative blood loss following intramedullary nailing of femoral fracture nonunions.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM OF STUDY: Tranexamic acid has been found to be effective in reducing peri-operative blood loss and is widely used across surgical specialties including orthopaedic surgery. However, there is still no consensus on the most appropriate and effective dose regimen. This study therefore compared the efficacy of single versus double dose regimens in patients that had interlocking intramedullary nailing by assessing the volume of drain output with the objective of determining the more effective regimen. METHODS: The study was a multicenter prospective study amongst adult patients who had interlocking intramedullary nailing for femoral nonunions. Following ethical approval, consent was obtained from eligible patients who were randomly assigned into two study groups. Group A patients had single pre-incision tranexamic acid bolus of one gram while group B patients had a second (repeat) one gram bolus (at the completion of wound closure). The volume of drain output at 48 h postop was the primary outcome measure and data collection was via an online data collection form linked to the google drive of the principal investigator. The mean of the drain output of the two groups was compared for statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 61 patients participated in the study with 30 patients in group A and 31 patients in group B. The demographic data and duration of fracture were comparable in the two groups. Group A had a mean drain volume of 274.80 ml (± 103.93 ml) while group B had a mean of 187.94 ml (± 41.95 ml) and the difference was found to be statistically significant. (P, 0.000). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that double dose perioperative tranexamic acid regimen is superior to single-dose peri-operative tranexamic acid regimen in reducing post-operative blood loss in patients undergoing interlocking intramedullary nailing for femoral nonunions.

Treatment outcome of quality of life and clinical symptoms in patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc diseases: which treatment modality is superior?

OBJECTIVE: This was to assess the quality of life and clinical symptoms before and after treatment of patients with symptomatic lumbar degenerative disc disease (LDDD). It was also to determine the superior treatment for well-selected patients: conservative versus surgical treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective interventional analytical study. METHODS: We studied 160 adult symptomatic patients aged 31-60 years with diagnosis of LDDD who were enrolled between May 2016 and November 2017. Their pre- and post-treatment clinical symptoms and signs and quality of life were studied using the Oswestry disability index (ODI). The data was analysed using SPSS version 24. RESULTS: One hundred fifty-three adult patients aged 31 to 60 years completed the study. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.5 while the symptom duration ranged between one and 14 years. The treatment modalities were medical (46%), epidural steroid injection (26%) and operative treatment (28%). The responses to the treatment were worsened symptoms (10.5%), no improvement (13.1%), moderate/slight improvement (27.5%) and significant improvement (49%). There were statistically significant improvements (p value < 0.05) in clinical symptoms, sign and ODI at six months after treatment. Surgical treatment was superior to all other form of care. CONCLUSION: This study showed significant improvement in outcome among the participants in different treatment modalities with surgical treatment being the superior. We recommend surgical treatment for well-selected adult patients with symptomatic LDDD and assessment of quality of life and clinical symptoms before and after treatment.

Evaluation of locked plate in the osteosynthesis of fractures in osteoporotic bones.

BACKGROUND: The use of conventional dynamic compression plates (DCPs) in osteoporotic bones is associated with higher chances of implant failure. The advent and use of locking combi-plates have ensured a stable construct during osteosynthesis of fractures in osteoporotic bones. OBJECTIVES: The study aims to assess the outcome of use of locking combi-plates in the management of fractures in osteoporotic bones in our environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cases of patients with nonunion and localized osteoporosis from January 2014 to December 2014 that were managed with locked combi-plates were reviewed. Outcome was assessed by time to healing, stability of implant construct after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: There were 10 patients with mean age of 47.4 ± 12.63 years. There were 9 males and 1 female, and road traffic crashes were the mechanism of injury in 90% (n = 9) and gunshot injuries in 10% (n = 1). Atrophic nonunion was the most common indication for osteosynthesis with 80%, followed by fibrous nonunion with 10.0%. The humerus was the most common long bone involved with 50%. Locked broad DCP was used in 62.5%, and the duration between initial injury and surgery was 6 and 48 months, with an average of 17.5 months. The outcome was such that 90% healed after 12 months on follow-up while one case had the implant backing out and delay union at 6 months. CONCLUSION: The use of locked plate in the management of nonunion in the presence of osteoporosis ensures stable fixation construct and healing. Contexte: L'utilisation de plaques de compression dynamiques conventionnelles dans les os ostéoporotiques est associée à des chances plus élevées de défaillance de l'implant. L'avènement et l'utilisation de combi-plaques de verrouillage ont assuré une construction stable lors de l'ostéosyntheis de fractures dans les os ostéoporotiques. Objectifs: L'étude vise à évaluer le résultat de l'utilisation de combi-plaques de verrouillage dans la gestion des fractures dans les os ostéoporotiques dans notre environnement. Méthodologie: Les cas de patients atteints d'ostéoporose non syndiquée et localisée de janvier 2014 à décembre 2014 qui ont été gérés avec des combi-plaques verrouillées ont été examinés. Le résultat a été évalué par le temps de guérison, la stabilité de la construction d'implant après 6 et 12 mois. Résultats: il y avait 10 patients avec un âge moyen de 47,4 12,63. Il y avait 9 hommes et 1 accident de la route et de la route était le mécanisme de la blessure dans 90% (n = 9) et les blessures par balle dans 10% (n = 1). La non-union atrophique était l'indication la plus courante pour l'ostéosynthèse avec 80%, suivie d'une non-union fibreuse avec 10,0%. L'humérus était l'os le plus fréquent impliqué avec 50%. La plaque de compression dynamique bloquée (DCP) a été utilisée à 62,5% et la durée entre la blessure initiale et la chirurgie était de 6 et 48 mois avec une moyenne de 17,5 mois. Le résultat était tel que 90% ont été guéris après 12 mois de suivi, tandis que 1 cas avait l'implantation de l'implant et retardé l'union à 6 mois. CONCLUSION: L'utilisation de la plaque verrouillée dans la gestion de la non-union en présence d'ostéoporose assure une construction stable de fixation et une guérison.

Systematic review of recovery of spinal cord injury with antioxidant therapy / Revisão sistemática da recuperação de trauma raquimedular com terapia antioxidante / Revisión sistemática de recuperación de trauma raquimedular con terapia antioxidante

ABSTRACT The objective of the paper is to analyze the frequency and efficacy of experimental studies with antioxidant therapy. A search was conducted in the pubmed.gov database using the keywords "antioxidants" AND "spinal cord injury", from January 2000 to December 2015, resulting in 686 articles. Studies of non-traumatic injuries, non-antioxidant therapies, absence of neurological and functional evaluation, and non-experimental studies were excluded, leaving a total of 43 articles. The most used therapies were melatonin (16.2%), quercetin (9.3%), epigallocatechin and edaravone (6.9%). The most frequent route of administration was intraperitoneal (72.09%). The dose and mode of administration varied greatly, with a single dose being the most commonly used (39.53%). The time elapsed from trauma to treatment was 0-15 minutes (41.8%), 15-60 minutes (30%) and over 60 minutes (10.6%). Histological analysis was performed in 32 studies (74.41%). The BBB scale was the main functional measure applied (55.8%), followed by the inclined plane test (16.2%) and the Tarlov scale (13.9%). Positive outcomes were observed in 37 studies (86.04%). The heterogeneity of antioxidant therapy, with different types, doses, and measurements observed, limits the comparison of efficacy. Standardized protocols are required to make clinical translation possible.

RESUMO O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a frequência e a eficácia dos estudos experimentais com terapia antioxidante. Realizou-se uma pesquisa na base de dados pubmed.gov usando as palavras-chave "antioxidants" (antioxidantes) AND "spinal cord injury" (trauma raquimedular), de janeiro de 2000 a dezembro de 2015, resultando em 686 artigos. Estudos de lesões não traumáticas, terapias não antioxidantes, ausência de avaliação neurológica e funcional e estudos não experimentais foram excluídos, restando 43 artigos. As terapias mais utilizadas foram melatonina (16,2%), quercetina (9,3%), epigalocatequina e edaravona (6,9%). A via de administração mais frequente foi intraperitoneal (72,09%). A posologia e o modo de administração tiveram grande variação, sendo que a dose única foi a forma mais frequente (39,53%). O tempo decorrido desde o trauma até a instituição do tratamento foi de 0 a 15 minutos (41,8%), 15 a 60 minutos (30%) e acima de 60 minutos (10,6%). A análise histológica foi realizada em 32 estudos (74,41%). O sistema de escala BBB foi a principal medida funcional aplicada (55,8%), seguida de teste com plano inclinado (16,2%) e a escala de Tarlov (13,9%). Os desfechos positivos foram observados em 37 estudos (86,04%). A heterogeneidade da terapia antioxidante com diferentes tipos, doses e medições observadas limita a comparação da eficácia. Protocolos padronizados são necessários para tornar possível a tradução clínica.

RESUMEN El objetivo del presente estudio es analizar la frecuencia y eficacia de los estudios experimentales con terapia antioxidante. Se realizó una búsqueda en la base de datos pubmed.gov utilizando las palabras clave "antioxidants" (antioxidantes) AND "spinal cord injury" (trauma raquimedular), de enero de 2000 a diciembre de 2015, y se encontraron 686 artículos. Se excluyeron los estudios de lesiones no traumáticas, terapias no antioxidantes, con ausencia de evaluación neurológica y funcional y los estudios no experimentales, quedando 43 artículos. Las terapias más utilizadas fueron melatonina (16,2%), quercetina (9,3%), epigalocatequina y edaravona (6,9%). La vía de administración más común fue intraperitoneal (72,09%). La dosificación y administración fueron variadas, pero la dosis única fue la forma más frecuente (39,53%). El tiempo trascurrido desde el trauma a la iniciación del tratamiento fue de 0-15 minutos (41,8%), 15 a 60 minutos (30%) y más de 60 minutos (10,6%). El análisis histológico se realizó en 32 estudios (74,41%). El sistema de la escala BBB se aplicó como la principal medición funcional (55,8%), seguida por la prueba del plano inclinado (16,2%) y la escala de Tarlov (13,9%). Se observaron resultados positivos en 37 estudios (86,04%). La heterogeneidad de la terapia antioxidante con diferentes tipos, dosis y mediciones observados limita la comparación de la eficacia. Son necesarios protocolos estandarizados para tornar posible la traducción clínica.