Fixation of Proximal Third Humeral Shaft Fractures in Older Patients.

Background: Humeral shaft fractures occur frequently in older patients. The more proximal end of the shaft is prone to non-union when compared with more distal fractures. We provide an overview of several key features of this significant patient group. Method: Our institutional fracture database was searched for all cases of proximal third humeral shaft fractures in patients over 60 years of age. Retrospective evaluation of patient demographics, management, length of stay and incidence of non-union was performed. Results: 75 patients (61 female) were analysed. 33 patients were 'frail' (Clinical Frailty Scores of >4). Non-union occurred in 19 of 45 non-surgically treated fractures and in 1 of 37 cases treated surgically. Mean length of stay was 5.9 days (non-operative) and 6.6 days (operative). Proximal extension into the humeral head is common. Conclusion: Non-surgical management of proximal third humeral shaft fractures is associated with an increased risk of non-union. We detail an operative technique and case example supporting early fixation of displaced proximal third humeral shaft fractures in older patients that can be utilized for both primary and delayed fixation. In view of the significant association of non-union a well-constructed prospective cohort study with outcome assessment would be of value to further characterize this emerging injury population.Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective case series.

Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Delayed Union Jones Fractures: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: Different methods have been adopted to treat delayed union and non-union of fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal using screws, plates and tension band wires. There has been increasing use of intramedullary screw fixation to treat these fractures with variable rates of success. The optimum screw diameter and properties have been a subject of debate. To assess the results of using a larger diameter 5.5 mm cannulated, headless variable-pitch screw to fix delayed union of Jones fracture of the base of the fifth metatarsal. METHODS AND METHODS: A case series study including 24 patients with delayed union of Jones fifth meta-tar-sal fractures. The fractures were fixed by a 5.5 mm cannulated variable-pitch compression titanium screw (Acumed® Acutrak 2® Screw System). RESULTS: Radiological union was achieved in all patients at a mean of 7.2 weeks. At 12 months' follow up, patients had a mean American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society midfoot score of 95.6. The mean Short Form 12 Physical and mental survey scores improved from 22.71 and 29.31 points preoperatively to 57.88 and 59.54 respectively. CONCLUSION: The headless compression screw achieved a satisfactory union rate for delayed union Lawren-ce zone II fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal with satisfactory functional results.

Clinical Outcome of Percutaneous Intramedullary Fixation for Midshaft Clavicular Fractures Using Elastic Stable Nails.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the clinical outcomes of fixation of displaced middle-third clavicular fractures using percutaneous elastic stable intramedullary nails. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study included sixty patients with a mean age of 26.40 ± 8.91 years (16-53 years) presented with a displaced middle third fracture of the clavicle. According to the Robinson classification, 48 cases (80%) were type 2B1, 9 cases (15%) type 2B2 and 3 case (5%) 2A1. All cases were treated by elastic intramedullary nails and followed up for at least 12 months. RESULTS: At the end of the twelve months' follow-up period, the mean Constant Shoulder score was 95.70 ± 13.55, ranging from 48 to 100. 54 patients (90%) had excellent results, 3 patients (5%) had an adequate result and 3 patients (5%) had a poor result. There was a statistically significant relationship between the final score and age and associated medical conditions. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing is an image-dependent procedure indicated best for young medically free athletes with simple 2-part middle third clavicle fracture. 2. Hammering is not recommended to avoid dorsolateral cortex perforation. 3. The most common complication is medial skin irritation because of the subcutaneous position of the clavicle as well as the sharp end of the cut nail.

Anterolateral ligament reconstruction improves the clinical and functional outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in athletes.

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with those of combined ACL and anterolateral ligament (ALL) reconstruction in ACL-deficient knees. The objective of this study was to improve knowledge regarding the treatment of ACL-deficient knees with combined ACL and ALL reconstruction. Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction has been hypothesized to result in better clinical and functional outcomes than isolated ACL reconstruction (ACLR). METHODS: One-hundred and seven adult male athletes with ACL tears and high-grade pivot shifts were randomized into two groups. Those in group A (n = 54) underwent ACLR, while those in group B (n = 53) underwent combined ACL and ALL reconstruction. The median age was 26 (18-40) and 24 (18-33) years in groups A and B, respectively, and the median follow-up was 60 (55-65) months. Physical examination findings, instrumented knee laxity tested using a KT-1000 arthrometer, and International Knee Documentation Committee Scale (IKDC) scores were used to evaluate the outcomes. RESULTS: One-hundred and two patients were available for follow-up: 52 in group A and 50 in group B. Postoperatively, the pivot shift was normal in 43 (82.7%) and 48 (96%) patients in groups A and B, respectively (p < 0.001). The median instrumented knee laxity was 2.5 ± 0.7 (1.2-6.1) mm in patients in group A and 1.2 ± 0.7 (1.2-3.2) mm in patients in group B (p < 0.001). Additionally, 44 (84.6%) patients in group A had normal IKDC scores and 3 (5.8%) had nearly normal scores, while 48 (96.0%) patients in group B had normal IKDC scores and 2 (4%) had nearly normal scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Combined ACL and ALL reconstruction, compared with isolated ACLR resulted in favourable clinical and functional outcomes, as demonstrated by decreased rotational instability and instrumented knee laxity, a lower graft rupture rate and better postoperative IKDC scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 1.

Short-term Clinical Outcome of Proximal Humeral Fracture Fixation Using Minimally Invasive Trans-Deltoid Approach.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the clinical outcomes of fixation of displaced fractures of the proximal humerus using a trans-deltoid approach. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty patients (13 male and 7 female) were treated with this technique, with a mean age of the patients of 38.85 years (range, 19 to 64 years). All patients were followed up for at least twelve months and were evaluated according to the Constant shoulder score. RESULTS: The mean Constant Shoulder score was 87.45, ranging from 63 to 100. Ten patients (50%) had excellent results, four patients (20%) had good results, three patients (15%) had satisfactory results, and three had adequate results (15%). There was a statistically significant difference between the type of the fracture and the final score (p=0.013), where 3-part fractures with impaction (11-B1), either valgus or varus impaction, showed higher scores than those without impaction. Four patients presented with post-operative complications varying from superficial infection to radial nerve palsy. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The trans-deltoid approach was a safe and reliable alternative to the delta-pectoral approach for the treatment of displaced proximal humerus fractures. 2. The impacted (11-B1) fracture type was a signifi-cant contributing factor in terms of good functional outcomes.

Management of Unstable Phalangeal Shaft Fractures Using External Minifixator.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of the hand are the most common fractures in the skeletal system and phalangeal fractures constitute about 46% of all hand fractures. Operative treatment of unstable phalangeal fractures should aim at anatomic fracture reduction and stable fixation that allows early mobilization of the affected finger's joints . This study evaluates the results of fixation of unstable shaft fractures of finger proximal or middle phalanges using a non-spanning external minifixator. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 32 men and 8 women aged 17 to 60 (median, 31.25) years suffering from fractures of 44 phalanges in 40 hands were included in the study. Four of the fractured phalanges were middle phalanges and 40 were proximal phalanges .All fractures were fixed using a mini external fixator. All procedures were done under regional anaesthetic block. The fixator was applied after closed reduction of fractures. Additional procedures included wound debridement in open fractures, and tendon repair was needed in 4 cases. We excluded fractures where intraarticular fracture extension mandates open reduction and internal fixation. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period (mean follow-up 11.5 months), patients were assessed clinically and radiologically. 26 fingers (59.1 %) had "excellent" results , 14 fingers (31.8 %) had "good" results and 4 fingers (9.1%) had "poor" results as their P.I.P. flexion ranges were < 80˚. CONCLUSION: External fixation of displaced phalangeal shaft fractures is an effective method of treatment in terms of a minimally invasive technique with rigid fracture fixation allowing early mobilization after surgery.

Evaluation of the results of management of frozen shoulder using the arthroscopic capsular release.

BACKGROUND: The aim of treatment of frozen shoulder is to regain a painless and functional shoulder range of shoulder motion. In this study we evaluated the results of using the arthroscopic technique for the release of the shoulder joint capsule in patients with a diagnosis of frozen shoulder. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 40 patients with frozen shoulder. They were operated upon with the use of electrocautery for the release of the shoulder joint capsule. The group consisted of 29 women and 11 men with a mean age of 48.2 years (range 38-62). RESULTS: Preoperatively, the mean Constant and Murly shoulder score was 36.35 (range 21-51). At the end of the follow up period, the mean score was 85.8 (range 62 to 98). The difference between the means of pre- and postoperative total score was statistically significant (t =10.85 and p=0.0001). 22 patients (55%) had excellent results, 14 patients (35%) had good results, 4 patients (10%) had fair results and none had poor results. The 4 cases with fair results were all female, all had insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and were > 50 years old. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Arthroscopic capsular release is an effective and safe method for the treatment of refractory frozen shoulder. 2. It achieves dramatic pain and motion improvement post-operatively, allowing very early postoperative rehabilitation.

Treatment of subtalar calcanean fractures using trans-osseous limited lateral approach.

BACKGROUND: Calcaneal fractures are the most common fractures of the tarsal bones. The majority of these fractures are produced by axial force like a fall from a height. Controversy still exists on the best line of treatment. This study is to evaluate the results of trans-osseous limited lateral approach as a minimally invasive surgical treatment of the displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included forty two patients (46 feet) with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures admitted to El-Hadra University Hospital. They were treated by trans-osseous open reduction of subtalar joint and internal fixation by k-wires consuming the trans-osseous limited lateral approach. Out of 42 patients, 36 pateints (85.7%) were males. RESULTS: Using calcaneal fracture scoring system, the mean score was 67.55+17.35. Satisfactory results were found in 26 patients (61.9%), while 16 patients (38.1%) had unsatisfactory results. There was significant relationship between classification of the fracture and the final results (the more the grade of the fracture, the worse the final score) (x 2 =5.914, p=0.05). The value of calcaneal angles were significantly improved after surgery including bohler angle (p=0.0001), gissane angle (p=0.0001), calcaneal pitch angle (p=0.001) and calcaneofibular space (p=0.0021). CONCLUSIONS: 1. Trans-osseous limited lateral approach is an effective method for management of intra articular calcaneal fractures. 2. Anatomical reduction for intra articular calcaneal fractures is essential. 3. Functional outcome of intra articular calcaneal fractures depends upon the initial damage of the articular cartilage. 4. There is a need for multi-center prospective randomized study for accurate assessment of the results of operative management of intra articular calcaneal fractures involving pre and post-operative CT for assessment of reduction and using a rational scoring system and a long period of follow up.