Teriparatide Does not Have Beneficial Effects on Bone Healing in Complete Atypical Femur Fractures.

Teriparatide is an anabolic drug sometimes administered to patients who have atypical femoral fracture (AFF). However, whether teriparatide has beneficial effects on bone healing remains uncertain. The present study aimed to analyze the association between teriparatide and bone healing in complete AFF. A total of 59 consecutive cases (58 patients) who underwent intramedullary nailing for complete AFF were categorized based on postoperative use of teriparatide into the non-teriparatide (non-TPTD, n = 34) and teriparatide groups (TPTD, n = 25). Time-to-bone union was evaluated and compared between the two groups. Additionally, multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate factors affecting time-to-bone union. All participants were women, with a mean age of 77.6 years (range: 62-92). No significant difference in time-to-bone union was found between the non-TPTD and TPTD groups (5.5 months vs. 5.8 months, p = 0.359). Two patients in the non-TPTD group underwent reoperation (p = 0.503) due to failure caused by inadequate fixation, and both achieved bone healing after additional fixation with blocking screws. Multiple regression analysis revealed that the anterior gap of the fracture site postoperatively was a factor affecting time-to-bone union (p = 0.014). The beneficial effect of teriparatide on bone healing in complete AFF could not be confirmed. Additional randomized controlled trials are required. Nonetheless, appropriate techniques, including efforts to reduce the gap on the tensile side during the surgery, are important for reliable bone healing.

Mid-term results of titanium-titanium modular neck femoral stem in primary total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Modular neck femoral stems are advantageous because they can accurately restore the ideal hip geometry using various options in terms of offset, length, and version. However, there are concerns regarding junctional problems. Despite several reports on such issues, there is a lack of study on mid- to long-term results of these stems. The current study evaluated the mid-term results of patients who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using a titanium-titanium (Ti-Ti) modular neck femoral stem. METHODS: In total, data on 47 hips (42 patients) that could be followed-up for ≥ 5 years after primary total hip arthroplasty using the Ti-Ti modular neck femoral stem from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. There were 22 male and 20 female patients, and their mean age was 56.3 (range: 31-76) years. The mean follow-up period was 8 (range: 5-12) years. Functional and radiological outcomes, complications, and reoperations were investigated. In addition, we conducted a comparative analysis of the outcomes between those who underwent surgery using the Ti-Ti modular neck femoral stem and 41 hips (35 patients, 19 males and 16 females) that underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using nonmodular femoral stems as a control. RESULTS: In all Ti-Ti cases, the mean Harris Hip Scores were 50.6 (range: 6-59) preoperatively and 92.7 (range: 78-99) at the last follow-up (P < 0.001). Regarding the neck component's modularity, straight neck components were used in all Ti-Ti cases, and an anteverted or a retroverted neck was not used in any case. Stem revision was performed in one hip due to aseptic loosening. One hip underwent open reduction and internal fixation due to periprosthetic fracture without stem loosening. There were no cases of osteolysis and periprosthetic joint infection and clinically detectable junctional problems. The stem survival rate, with any stem revision as the endpoint, at 12 years was 96.6%. No significant difference was observed in the functional and radiological outcomes beween the Ti-Ti and nonmodular groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Ti-Ti modular neck femoral stem had comparable results with broadly used nonmodular femoral stems; hence, it can be a reliable option in primary total hip arthroplasty. However, in terms of the modularity itself of the modular neck femoral stem, whether the modular neck femoral stem is useful in uncomplicated primary total hip arthroplasty is unclear.

Injury-mechanism directness as a key factor for fracture laterality in pediatric extremity fractures.

BACKGROUND: Associations between certain extremity fracture sites and laterality in pediatric trauma are well known, whereas the rationale for such laterality tendencies are unclear. We hypothesized that the laterality tendency of a specific fracture would be affected by directness of injury mechanism and not by the fracture site itself. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 1382 children (aged 2-16 years) who were diagnosed with extremity fractures sustained during loss-of-balance situations and investigated the laterality tendencies (dominant vs. non-dominant extremity) of specific fracture sites. Multivariate analyses were sequentially performed to adjust for potential confounding variables-with and without injury-mechanism directness as a covariate. RESULTS: In the upper extremities, the non-dominant side was more prone to fractures (p < 0.001), especially of the distal supracondylar humerus, radial and/or ulnar shaft, and distal radius. In the lower extremities, the dominant side was more frequently fractured (p < 0.001), especially at the tibial shaft and distal tibia. However, the predisposing effects of specific fracture sites on fracture laterality were not statistically significant when in analysis adjusted for injury-mechanism directness as a covariate. Fracture laterality was affected by whether the injury mechanism was direct or indirect. Indirect injury to the upper extremity was strongly associated with non-dominant arm injury (odds ratio 0.686 [95% CI 0.517-0.991]; p = 0.009), whereas indirect injury to the lower extremity was strongly associated with dominant leg injury (odds ratio 2.138 [95% CI 1.444-3.165]; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Injury-mechanism directness, rather than fracture site itself, is a key factor that affects fracture laterality in pediatric extremity fractures. These findings are helpful for improving our understanding of which factors may affect fracture laterality among children.

Intramedullary Nailing for Atypical Femoral Fracture With Lateral Bowing: Does Medial Gap Matter?

When performing intramedullary nailing for atypical femoral fractures (AFF), especially in lateral bowing femurs, a medial opening wedge-shaped gap in the fracture site may occur after nailing. We intended to analyse and compare clinical outcomes according to the medial gap in AFF cases after intramedullary nailing. Materials and Methods: Of the 38 consecutive patients with complete AFF treated by intramedullary nailing, 22 patients (all female, mean age of 76.5 years [range, 62-87]) available for follow-up for more than 12 months were included. According to the size of the medial gap, the patients were divided into 2 groups: large and small medial gaps. Comparative analysis was performed between groups in terms of patient, fracture characteristics and post-operative clinical outcomes. Results: There was no significant difference in bone union time between the 2 groups (5.4 months vs 5.6 months, P = .628). When comparing the amount of change in the hip-knee-ankle angle after the surgery with reference to the contralateral side, there was a significant difference between the 2 groups (-4.4° [femoral straightening and relatively changed to a more valgus pattern, that is, in cases of varus alignment, towards neutral alignment] vs .5°, P = .002). There was no significant difference in leg length discrepancy between the 2 groups (4.1 mm vs 3.2 mm, P = .674). In terms of functional outcomes, there was no significant difference in the recovery of ambulatory ability (ΔKoval grade: post-operative Koval grade-pre-operative Koval grade, 0 vs .1, P = .771). Conclusion: Even if the medial gap occurs following intramedullary nailing in AFF, post-operative clinical outcomes seem to be acceptable. However, if previous total knee arthroplasty is performed and neutral alignment is maintained, care should be taken as the occurrence of the gap may result in lower limb malalignments.

Surgical outcomes of retrograde nailing enhanced with minimally invasive cerclage cable fixation for infra-isthmal femoral fracture.

BACKGROUND: Infra-isthmal femoral fracture has been known as one of the risk factors for femoral nonunion. Retrograde intramedullary nailing can provide reliable stability of the distal fragment in infra-isthmal femoral fracture, but adequate reduction is required to achieve a successful outcome. This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of retrograde nailing enhanced with minimally invasive cerclage cable fixation for infra-isthmal femoral fracture. METHODS: Between March 2013 and July 2017, 15 patients with infra-isthmal fractures treated with retrograde nailing and minimally invasive cerclage cable fixation were included in this study. Cerclage cable was applied for reduction aid (reduction cable) or prevention of further displacement in non-displaced extension of the distal spiral fracture (prevention cable). Number and function of cerclage cables, operation time, additional surgery, and complications were assessed. Further displacement of the wedge after nailing, coronal and sagittal alignment, displacement of the main fragment, and time from injury to union were evaluated as radiologic outcomes. RESULTS: Of the 15 patients in this study, 14 were treated with reduction cables. Average postoperative coronal and sagittal angulation was 1.7° (1° varus to 4° valgus) and 1.6° (2° flexion to 11° extension). Mean displacement between the main fragments was 3.5 mm (range 0-22 mm). Four of the 14 cases used additional prevention cables combined with reduction cable. Only one case was treated solely with a prevention cable. A total of five prevention cables were maintained without further displacement. All patients achieved bone union, and the average time to union was 22.7 weeks (range 9-44 weeks). There were no complications as a result of surgery, such as infection or major neurovascular injury. CONCLUSIONS: The minimally invasive cerclage cable technique could be a useful and safe enhancement in retrograde nailing for infra-isthmal femoral fracture in order to prevent further displacement and to reduce the main fracture.

Can early surgery reduce the need to packed red blood cell transfusion in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fractures?

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to compare and analyse the amount of packed red blood cell transfusions (PRBCTs) in relation to surgical timing in elderly patients undergoing cephalomedullary nailing due to intertrochanteric fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 110 patients (24 men, 86 women) who had received cephalomedullary nailing for intertrochanteric fractures were retrospectively investigated. A restrictive transfusion strategy was followed during the peri-operative period. Patient characteristics and fracture classifications, methods of anaesthesia, time interval from admission to surgery (TI) and operative duration (OD) were investigated. The amount of PRBCTs was measured and categorised as pre-operative, post-operative and entire peri-operative values. The patients were divided into early surgery (ES) and delayed surgery (DS) groups based on surgical treatment within or after 48 h of admission. In addition, multiple regression analysis including TI and other factors likely to affect blood loss and PRBCT was conducted to objectively evaluate the impact of TI on the amount of the entire peri-operative PRBCT. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 82.6 years (range, 68-98), mean TI of 41.1 h (range, 5-110) and mean OD of 37 min (range, 15-90). Although the amount of pre-operative PRBCT was significantly different between the ES and DS groups (36.2 ml vs. 168.3 ml, p < 0.001), they displayed no remarkable difference regarding post-operative and the entire peri-operative amount of PRBCTs (279.7 ml vs. 189.8 ml, p = 0.064 and 315.9 ml vs. 358.0 ml, p = 0.992, respectively). The results from multiple regression analysis demonstrated that TI did not significantly affect the amount of the entire peri-operative PRBCT. CONCLUSIONS: If an appropriate transfusion strategy is adopted, TI does not seem to affect the amount of peri-operative PRBCT in elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures. Nevertheless, careful transfusion management with a view to compensating for any drop in pre-operative haemoglobin is necessary when surgery is delayed.

Weak psoas and spine extensors potentially predispose to hip fracture.

INTRODUCTION: We performed a computed tomography analysis of muscle composition characteristics in hip fracture patients and non-hip fracture controls. METHODS: In total, 43 patients (9 men, 34 women) were included in the hip fracture group, matched 1 to 1 with non-hip fracture controls. Muscle cross-sectional areas were measured in axial CT scan at the body level of the 4th lumbar vertebra (L4), intervertebral disc level between the 5th lumbar vertebra and the 1st sacral vertebra (L5-S1) and just below level of the lesser trochanter (LT). Attenuation was also evaluated through the mean Hounsfield unit (HU) in these areas. RESULTS: The cross-sectional area per weight (CSA/Wt, mm2/kg) of psoas muscle and extensor muscles of the spine showed a significant difference between the 2 groups at both L4 (9.7 vs. 12.4, p < 0.001 and 26.3 vs. 29.2, p = 0.025) and L5-S1 (9.6 vs. 11.5, p = 0.001 and 8.8 vs. 10.3, p = 0.041) levels. In addition, the HU of these muscles differed significantly between the 2 groups at both L4 (33.3 vs. 47.6, p < 0.001 and 13.7 vs. 30.2, p < 0.001) and L5-S1 (39.7 vs. 52.6, p < 0.001 and 3.8 vs. 15.1, p = 0.012) levels. There was no difference in abdominal wall, gluteal, or thigh compartment musculature between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Poorer quantity and quality of psoas muscle and extensor muscles of the spine rather than whole body muscles may contribute to falls and were characteristic features of the hip fracture patients in this series. These findings should be considered when recommending a preventive exercise and rehabilitation protocol.

Unique Form of Atypical Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture at the Medial Cortex: A Report of 3 Cases.

CASE: Three women with unique subtrochanteric femoral fracture occurring at the medial cortex of the femur are presented. One patient had been on drug holiday for the past 2 years after 3 years of risedronate use; the other patients had been taking alendronate for osteoporosis for 4 years and 20 years without drug holiday. CONCLUSION: The fractures met all major criteria for the revised case definition of atypical femoral fracture (AFF) provided by the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research task force except for the location. Hence, we report 3 cases of AFFs developing in the subtrochanteric medial femoral cortex.

Posterior Sagging After Cephalomedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture is Associated with a Separation of the Greater Trochanter.

INTRODUCTION: Cephalomedullary nailing presents several biomechanical benefits for treatment of intertrochanteric fractures, but posterior sagging (PS) of the proximal fragment occurs postoperatively in some patients despite intraoperative achievement of an adequate reduction. We investigated the risk factors for PS in those patients, with specific attention to posterior split fragment involving the greater trochanter (GT separation) as a possible significant risk factor. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 50 (12 males, 38 females) patients ≥50 years old at diagnosis of an intertrochanteric fracture after low-energy trauma who underwent cephalomedullary nailing between April 2015 and February 2017 and were not lost to follow-up within 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Thirteen (26%) patients experienced PS postoperatively. Average time to bone union was significantly longer in the PS (9.5 months) than in the non-PS (4.8 months) groups (P = .002). Three patients in the PS group experienced nonunion compared to none in the non-PS group (P = .015). Significant difference was found in postoperative level of ambulatory ability (Koval score) and deterioration of the score after the injury between 2 groups (4.2 vs 2.8, P = .043 and 2.5 vs 0.8, P = .005). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, GT separation (P = .010) was a significant risk factor for PS. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The presence of GT separation in cases of intertrochanteric fractures seems to weaken posterior stability in the proximal fragment, thus showing poor clinical outcomes.

What characteristics indicate concomitant posterior pelvic injury in pubic ramus fractures in the elderly?

BACKGROUND: Posterior pelvic ring injury (PPRI) can be challenging to diagnose and visualize using plain radiographs; sometimes, PPRI is even overlooked. This study aimed to investigate differences between isolated pubic ramus fractures and fractures concomitant with PPRI in elderly patients. HYPOTHESIS: Elderly patients with pubic ramus fractures and concomitant PPRI present different characteristics than patients with isolated ramus fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 65 patients aged≥65 who visited the emergency department with a pubic ramus fracture on plain radiograph between January 2013 and December 2018. Patients were divided into two groups based on whether PPRI was found by computed tomography (CT). We then compared patient data and fracture characteristics between the two groups, including displacement and location of the pubic ramus fracture and presence of complete anterior pelvic ring disruption (i.e., concurrent superior and inferior rami fracture). RESULTS: PPRI was identified in 49 of 65 patients (75%) on CT. There was greater displacement of the pubic ramus fracture in patients with concomitant PPRI than in those with isolated pubic ramus fractures (4.6mm and 2.2mm, respectively, p<0.001). PPRI more commonly accompanied ramus fractures located medially to the obturator foramen than ramus fractures located in the obturator foramen or laterally to the obturator foramen (96%, 52%, and 77%, respectively, p=0.001). Complete anterior pelvic ring disruption was associated with significantly more concomitant PPRI relative to incomplete anterior pelvic ring disruption (84% and 22%, respectively, p<0.001). DISCUSSION: When a pubic ramus fracture is markedly displaced, located medially to the obturator foramen and complete anterior pelvic ring disruption, care should be taken to assess PPRI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV, retrospective study.

Percutaneous acetabular anchoring pin-assisted cephalomedullary nailing for subtrochanteric and unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

It is important to maintain acceptable reduction and make suitable entry when performing cephalomedullary nailing for subtrochanteric and unstable intertrochanteric fractures; however, this is often challenging due to deforming forces or the unstable nature of the fracture itself. Several percutaneous reduction techniques for fractures have been introduced, but, in some cases, a loss of reduction during the nailing procedure is experienced. To prevent this problem, it is important to keep the proximal fragment stable for the entire nailing procedure. The present study reports favourable outcomes for cephalomedullary nailing for subtrochanteric and unstable intertrochanteric fractures when percutaneous acetabular anchoring pin is used to maintain the proximal fragment stably in the reduced position.

Varus shearing force is a main injury mechanism of pediatric trampoline-related injury in addition to compressive axial loading.

BACKGROUND: Many case studies have been published about trampoline-related injury (TRI); however, a comparative study could allow a more specific analysis of the characteristics of TRI, and enable more differentiated approaches to prevent such injuries. We investigated the injury mechanism of TRI in children compared with other pediatric trauma. METHODS: Of 35,653 children (age 0-18 years) who visited the pediatric emergency department after traumatic injuries from January 2011 to June 2017, 372 patients with TRI (TRI group) were retrospectively identified. Among the remaining 35,281 patients with other trauma (non-TRI group), 372 were 1:1 matched to the TRI group according to sex, age, injured body part, and body weight (matched-control group). The patients' data, injured site, and injury patterns were compared between the groups. RESULTS: The most frequently injured body part was the knee/lower leg in the TRI group and the head in the non-TRI group. The most frequent injury types were fractures in the TRI group and open wounds in the non-TRI group. In the comparison between the TRI and matched-control groups, the most common lower-extremity fractures were proximal tibial fractures with varus angulation in the TRI group and tibial shaft spiral fractures in the matched-control group. For the upper extremities, the risk of lateral condylar humeral fracture was higher in the TRI group. The TRI group presented more physeal involvements. CONCLUSIONS: The risks of varus stress injury (proximal tibial fracture with varus angulation in lower extremity and lateral condylar humeral fracture in upper extremity) were higher in the TRI group than in matched-control group. Thus, varus shearing force seems to be an important injury mechanism in TRI in addition to compressive force. This varus force may increase the risk of physeal injury by generating additional shear force on the physis.

Local Postoperative Complications after Surgery for Intertrochanteric Fractures Using Cephalomedullary Nails.

PURPOSE: Cephalomedullary nails (CMN) are commonly used for the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures. This study aimed to evaluate overall postoperative local complications by reviewing patients who received surgical treatment using three different types of implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample included 353 patients (107 males, 246 females) who underwent surgery using CMN for intertrochanteric fractures. Three different types of implants were used: i) the Gamma3® (Stryker) in 80 cases, ii) the Targon® PF (Aesculap) in 225 cases, and iii) the Compression Hip Nail® (Trademedics) in 48 cases. The mean age was 82.6 (range, 60-109) years and the average follow-up period was 15 (range, 6-80) months. Postoperative local complications and risk factors of cut-out were assessed. RESULTS: The most common complication was cut-out (n=26). Other complications included non-union (n=3), periprosthetic fracture (n=2), avascular necrosis (n=1), heterotopic ossification (n=1), and sleeve pull out (n=1). Multivariate analysis revealed that the cut-out group had a higher rate of poor reduction compared to the non-complicated group (P<0.001). Although the mean tip-apex distance (TAD) was 18.4 mm in the non-complicated group, lower than that of the cut-out group (P=0.001), multivariate analysis revealed that TAD was not a significant risk factor for cut-out (P=0.065). CONCLUSION: Cut-out is the most common local complication associated with surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures using CMN. Proper reduction appears to be important in lowering the risk of cut-out. Maintaining low TAD is another critical factor in achieving sufficient fixation of lag screw to the subchondral bone of the femoral head.

Photodynamic therapy combined with intravitreal bevacizumab in a patient with choroidal neovascularization secondary to choroidal osteoma.

Choroidal osteoma is a benign ossified tumor that is found predominantly in healthy young women during their second and third decades of life. The lesions are white-to-cream or orange in color, are located in the peripapillary and macular areas, and are unilateral in most patients. The symptoms of choroidal osteoma include decreased visual acuity and metamorphopsia or scotoma corresponding to the location of the osteoma, but some patients have no symptoms. Prognosis of vision varies according to tumor location, retinal pigment epithelial and sensory retinal degeneration, subretinal fluid and hemorrhage, and development of a subretinal neovascular membrane.

The Correlation between Posterior Tibial Slope and Maximal Angle of Flexion after Total Knee Arthroplasty.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the posterior tibial slope and the maximal angle of flexion after total knee arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy nine cases (63 patients, 60 females and 3 males), which received total knee arthroplasty with the Nexgen LPS system from Jan 2001 to Jan 2004, were enrolled. We divided all cases into two subsets in two ways. Firstly, group A (up to 10°, 44 cases) and group B (over 10°, 35 cases) were divided according to the mean value of the postoperative posterior tibial slope. Secondly, group α (up to -4°, 39 cases) and group ß (over -4°, 40 cases) were divided according to the mean difference between the preoperative posterior tibial slope and the postoperative posterior tibial slope. We compared the maximal angle of flexion between group A and group B, group α and group ß, respectively. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between group A and group B, and also between group α and group ß in terms of maximal angle of flexion. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant correlation between the postoperative posterior tibial solpe and the maximal angle of flexion.

Results of meniscus allograft transplantation using bone fixation: 110 cases with objective evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Meniscus allograft transplantation (MAT) has shown efficacy in relieving pain and improving knee joint function, but objective evaluation in a large number of patients is necessary to verify this effect. HYPOTHESIS: Meniscus allograft transplantation relieves pain and improves function of the involved knee joint. Objective evaluation provides evidence of allograft integrity. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Of the 115 knees that underwent MAT from December 1996 to February 2009, 110 (95.7%) were followed up for more than 2 years and were enrolled in this study. Of these, 83 underwent lateral MAT, and 27 underwent medial MAT. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using the modified Lysholm score and Knee Society pain score. All knees underwent postoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and/or second-look arthroscopy to evaluate the integrity and position of the allografts, with allograft status classified as satisfactory, fair, or poor. RESULTS: At a mean follow-up of 49.4 months, clinical improvement was achieved in 104 of the 110 knees (94.5%). Mean modified Lysholm score increased from 72.7 preoperatively to 92.3 at final follow-up (P < .001), and mean preoperative Knee Society pain score increased from 32.5 to 47.7 (P < .001). Of the 110 knees, 90 were evaluated by postoperative MRI alone, 2 by second-look arthroscopy alone, and 18 by both. Magnetic resonance imaging showed 12 gross tears and 6 small tears in the allograft. Mean extrusion of the allograft was 3.7 mm, and mean relative percentage of extrusion was 42.6%. Second-look arthroscopy showed 6 gross tears and 1 small flap tear. Classification by clinical outcome, MRI, and second-look arthroscopy graded 90 allografts (81.8%) as satisfactory, 8 (7.3%) as fair, and 12 (10.9%) as poor. CONCLUSION: Meniscus allograft transplantation using bone fixation resulted in significant symptomatic and functional improvements. Magnetic resonance imaging or second-look arthroscopy was necessary to assess allograft status even after favorable clinical outcome. Meniscus allograft transplantation with bone fixation is considered effective for symptomatic, totally meniscectomized knees.