Immediate weight bearing without immobilization for operatively treated ankle fractures is safe - A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: This systematic literature review compared weight bearing (WB) vs. partial- / non-weight bearing (NWB) and mobilization (MB) vs. immobilization (IMB) for surgically treated ankle fractures. METHODS: Five databases were searched. Eligible were (quasi-)randomized controlled trials comparing at least two different postoperative treatment protocols. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB-2 toolkit. The primary outcome was complication rate, secondary outcome Olerud and Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), range of motion (ROM), and return to work (RTW). RESULTS: Out of 10,345 studies, 24 papers were eligible. Thirteen studies (n = 853) compared WB/NWB, 13 studies (n = 706) MB/IMB with a moderate study quality. WB did not increase the risk for complications but resulted in superior short-term outcomes for OMAS, ROM, RTW. 12 studies found no inferior results for MB compared to IMB. CONCLUSION: Early and immediate WB and MB do not increase the complication rates but result in superior short term outcome scores. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I Systematic Review.

[Bilateral well-leg compartment syndrome in a child after abdominal trauma : A review of the literature and treatment recommendations illustrated by a case study]. / Bilaterales Kompartmentsyndrom der Unterschenkel des Kindes nach Abdominaltrauma : Eine Literaturübersicht und Handlungsempfehlungen, veranschaulicht an einem Fallbeispiel.

This article reports a case of a bilateral well leg compartment syndrome (WLCS) in a 9-year-old girl who presented to the emergency room 24 h after blunt abdominal trauma and liver laceration. The abdomen was already packed on presentation. The patient presented a manifest compartment syndrome of both lower legs 48 h after the second look surgery and removal of the packing. Both tibial anterior and peroneal compartments had to be partially resected. In an analysis of literature only five cases of WLCS after surgery in a supine position were found. The young age of the patient and the intra-abdominal packing were identified as risk factors for increased intra-abdominal pressure and reperfusion was suspected to be the cause of the lower leg compartment syndrome.

[Outcome after surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures]. / Outcome nach operativer Therapie von Kalkaneusfrakturen.

BACKGROUND: After controversial discussions in the literature about therapy regimens for calcaneal fractures, a retrospective study of patients operatively treated in a maximum care trauma center was conducted. OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the influencing factors on the treatment quality of operatively treated patients with calcaneal fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 2005 and 2013 a total of 90 patients with calcaneal fractures were surgically treated in this hospital with locking plate osteosynthesis. A total of 48 patients with 55 fractures were retrospectively investigated. The assessment with respect to posttraumatic arthrosis was made radiologically and Böhler's and Gissane's angles were also determined. Clinically AOFAS and SF-36 scores were documented. The results were statistically tested with respect to possible risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 9 patients (18.8%) were found with complications necessitating operative revision, with 8 patients requiring subtalar arthrodesis and 1 patient with a deep wound infection. Nicotine abuse and a long interval between trauma and reconstructive surgery were identified as factors that influenced the development of wound healing problems. The average AOFAS score was 68 points and the SF-36 was 58.86 points. A poor result in the scores was caused by the development of symptomatic arthritis and the type of insurance. In this cohort factors, such as age and complexity of fractures were not correlated with a poor result. CONCLUSION: In this patient collective nicotine abuse and a long interval between trauma and surgery were risk factors for development of wound infections. Other factors with an influence on the outcome were the postoperative development of arthritis and the type of health insurance; however, patient age had no impact on the outcome.

The role of a small posterior malleolar fragment in trimalleolar fractures: a biomechanical study.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a posterior malleolar fragment (PMF), with < 25% ankle joint surface, on pressure distribution and joint-stability. There is still little scientific evidence available to advise on the size of PMF, which is essential to provide treatment. To date, studies show inconsistent results and recommendations for surgical treatment date from 1940. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 12 cadaveric ankles were assigned to two study groups. A trimalleolar fracture was created, followed by open reduction and internal fixation. PMF was fixed in Group I, but not in Group II. Intra-articular pressure was measured and cyclic loading was performed. RESULTS: Contact area decreased following each fracture, while anatomical fixation restored it nearly to its intact level. Contact pressure decreased significantly with fixation of the PMF. In plantarflexion, the centre of force shifted significantly posteriorly in Group II and anteriorly in Group I. Load to failure testing showed no difference between the groups. CONCLUSION: Surgical reduction of a small PMF with less than 25% ankle joint surface improves pressure distribution but does not affect ankle joint stability. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:95-100.

[Hallux amputation]. / Amputation der Großzehe.

OBJECTIVE: Debridement of infected tissue with the main aim being the re-establishment of mobilization with preservation of standing and walking ability. Prevention of secondary pressure points or amputations due to inadequate resection or deficient soft tissue cover. INDICATIONS: In the case of increasing necrosis of the big toe, surgical abrasion and/or amputation is considered unavoidable. Other indications where surgery could be considered include diabetes and its associated angiopathies together with peripheral arterial angiopathy. CONTRAINDICATIONS: In the case of insufficient blood supply an expansion of the resection margins should be taken into account. If there are possible alternatives to amputation. Surgery for patients with renal failure requiring dialysis associated with increased complication rate. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A dorsal cuneiform resection is performed to facilitate implantation of a plantar skin transplant and wound healing. Important is the resection of bone in a slide oblique technique. Amputation scars should be outside pressure zones. Partial amputations in the area of the first ray as exarticulation or via the individual amputated segments possible (as opposed to toes 2-5). POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Direct postoperative weight-bearing with rigid insole and dispensing aid for 6-8 weeks. Following complete wound healing, foot support with orthopedic arch and transverse strain relief should be advocated, together with a joint roll in ready-made individual shoes. RESULTS: Both trauma and nontrauma cases were included in our present cohort. A total of 7 cases were surgically revised in 2014 due to superficial skin necrosis that was likely the result of skin tension from the wound stitches.

Comparing the outcomes between Chopart, Lisfranc and multiple metatarsal shaft fractures.

OBJECTIVES: Complex midfoot injuries could lead to severe functional impairment of mobility and quality of daily living. Aim of this study was to compare the clinical and functional outcomes of Chopart, Lisfranc fractures and multiple metatarsal shaft fractures. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. SETTING: Level one trauma center. INTERVENTION: Open or closed reduction and internal fixation with screws, K-wires, plates, external fixation or combination of different technics. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Midfoot Score and the Maryland Foot Score were used to assess pain and functional outcome. 3D gait analysis, pedobarographic analysis and radiologic examinations were performed. The activity level was measured by a step counting accelerometer. All results were compared to an age-matched healthy control group. RESULTS: 24 patients with a median age of 44 years (16-72) were included: 12 patients with multiple metatarsal shaft fractures, 6 patients with Chopart and 6 patients with Lisfranc fractures. The median follow-up was 2.6 years. The pedobarographic analysis reports reduced contact time of the total foot (p = 0.08), the forefoot (p = 0.008) and the hallux (p = 0.015) for the injured foot. A median score of 64 for the SF-36, 64 for the AOFAS Midfoot Score and 73 for the Maryland Foot Score indicated a poor restoration of foot function. Multiple metatarsal shaft fractures presented a significantly lower walking speed (p = 0.03) and cadence (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The worst results were reported for multiple metatarsal shaft fractures on outcome scores, pedobarography, gait analysis and activity. Metatarsal serial fractures should not be underestimated as well as Chopart and Lisfranc fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

[Fractures of the anterior process of the calcaneus]. / Frakturen des Processus anterior calcanei.

OBJECTIVE: Anatomical repositioning of isolated fractures of the anterior process of the calcaneus. Internal fixation for sufficiently large fragment sizes, for small fragments and evidence of instability of the calcaneocuboid (CC) joint in association with Chopart luxation fractures, transfixation of the CC joint. INDICATIONS: Dislocated fragments and intra-articular fractures (contraindication to open repositing: critical soft tissue relationships) and temporary stabilization for Chopart luxation fractures. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Infections and peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAOD). SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Supine position especially with accompanying injuries or placing in a side position for isolated fractures. Anterolateral access, fine repositioning by manipulation of the fragments with Kirschner wires, control of joint repositioning, definitive internal fixation with small fragments or miniscrews. For fragments not to be addressed, resection if necessary and transfixation with Kirschner wires. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Movement exercises of the ankle joint from postoperative day 1. From day 2 mobilization with partial loading of the affected leg with 20 kg for 6-8 weeks. After transfixation, removal of the wires after 6 weeks and gradually increased loading. After subsidence of postoperative edema, patients can wear their own shoes or if necessary use a walker. RESULTS: Isolated fractures of the the anterior process of the calcaneus are rare and often initially overlooked injuries of the foot. In the literature there are only few case descriptions. From November 2009 to June 2011 a total of 5 isolated dislocated fractures of the anterior process with large fragments (type III), of which 3 were initially overlooked, were treated by osteosynthesis. In all cases the exact diagnosis could only be confirmed by computed tomography. In the follow-up after 2 years and 5 months all patients showed consolidation of the fractures, especially those with delayed therapy. Clinically all patients had recovered full function with no evidence of posttraumatic arthrosis. In this small case series extended diagnostics in cases of suitable fracture mechanisms seems to be reasonable in order not to overlook rare fractures of the calcaneus. Operative therapy by anatomical repositioning and internal fixation of fractures of the anterior process of the calcaneus is a suitable therapy for treatment of these rare injuries.

Current concepts in the treatment of Anderson Type II odontoid fractures in the elderly in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Although currently there are many different recommendations and strategies in the therapy of odontoid fractures in the elderly, there are still no generally accepted guidelines for a structured and standardised treatment. Moreover, the current opinion of spine surgeons regarding the optimal treatment of odontoid fractures Type II of the elderly is unknown. In order to have an objective insight into the diverging strategies for the management of Anderson Type II odontoid fractures and form a basis for future comparisons, this study investigated the current concepts and preferences of orthopaedic, neuro- and trauma surgeons. Spine surgeons from 34 medical schools and 8 hospitals in Germany, 4 university hospitals in Austria and 5 in Switzerland were invited to participate in an online survey using a 12-item 1-sided questionnaire. A total of 44 interviewees from 34 medical institutions participated in the survey, consisting of trauma (50%), orthopaedic (20.5%) and neurosurgeons (27.3%). Out of these, 70.5% treated 1-20 fractures per year; 63.6% favoured the anterior screw fixation as therapy for Type II odontoid fractures, the open posterior Magerl transarticular C1/C2 fusion, the posterior Harms C1/C2 fusion, and conservative immobilisation by cervical orthosis was preferred by 9.1% in each case. 59.1% preferred the anterior odontoid screw fixation as an appropriate treatment of Anderson Type II odontoid fractures in the elderly. 79.5% chose cervical orthosis for postsurgical treatment. Following operative treatment, nonunion rates were reported to be <10% and <20% by 40.9% and 70% of the surgeons, respectively. 56.8% reported changing from primary conservative to secondary operative treatment in <10% of cases. The most favoured technique in revision surgery of nonunions was the open posterior Magerl transarticular fusion technique, chosen by 38.6% of respondents. 18.2% preferred the posterior Harms C1/C2 fusion technique, 11.4% the percutaneous posterior Magerl technique and the anterior odontoid screw fixation in each case. This study discovered major variations in the treatment of Anderson Type II odontoid fractures in the elderly in terms of indication for conservative and operative treatment between several treatment centres in 3 European countries. Difficulty and complexity in formulating general guidelines based on multicenter studies is conceivable.

Experimental fracture model versus osteotomy model in metacarpal bone plate fixation.

Introduction. Osteotomy or fracture models can be used to evaluate mechanical properties of fixation techniques of the hand skeleton in vitro. Although many studies make use of osteotomy models, fracture models simulate the clinical situation more realistically. This study investigates monocortical and bicortical plate fixation on metacarpal bones considering both aforementioned models to decide which method is best suited to test fixation techniques. Methods. Porcine metacarpal bones (n = 40) were randomized into 4 groups. In groups I and II bones were fractured with a modified 3-point bending test. The intact bones represented a further control group to which the other groups after fixation were compared. In groups III and IV a standard osteotomy was carried out. Bones were fixated with plates monocortically (group I, III) and bicortically (group II, IV) and tested for failure. Results. Bones fractured at a mean maximum load of 482.8 N ± 104.8 N with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 21.7%, mean stiffness was 122.3 ± 35 N/mm. In the fracture model, there was a significant difference (P = 0.01) for maximum load of monocortically and bicortically fixed bones in contrast to the osteotomy model (P = 0.9). Discussion. In the fracture model, because one can use the same bone for both measurements in the intact state and the bone-plate construct states, the impact of inter-individual differences is reduced. In contrast to the osteotomy model there are differences between monocortical and bicortical fixations in the fracture model. Thus simulation of the in vivo situation is better and seems to be suitable for the evaluation of mechanical properties of fixation techniques on metacarpals.

[Injuries of the midfoot]. / Verletzungen des Mittelfußes.

Injuries of the midfoot are often missed and therefore underestimated. The diagnosis and primary treatment are crucial for the outcome. An accurately made diagnosis and therapy initially can anticipate the extent of post-traumatic malpositioning, arthrosis and the number of subsequent surgeries. Diagnostics should liberally include computed tomography with multiplanar reconstructions; clinically a compartment syndrome should be treated at an early stage. Surgery includes anatomical reconstruction of the relevant joints and ligamentous structures and restoration of axes and lengths of the columns of the foot. Innovations comprise intraoperative 3-D imaging and computer-assisted surgery for quality control. New methods for ligamentous injuries are transosseous suturing and endobutton techniques, which have not yet become established.

Successful delayed surgical treatment of a scaphocapitate fracture.

The scaphocapitate fracture syndrome is a rare entity of a perilunate fracture-dislocation. The diagnosis is frequently missed at initial presentation to a physician. Usually, a CT scan is required to reveal the extent of the lesion. Operative treatment consists of open reduction and internal fixation with screws (e.g. headless compression screw) or Kirschner wires. We report on a case of a 19-year-old man who presented to our hospital 2 months after he fell on his left wrist. He complained about persistent pain and a decreased range of motion after conservative treatment in a short arm cast. The diagnosis was finally made by a CT scan and the patient was treated operatively using headless compression screws in both the capitate and the scaphoid. After 12 weeks, fractures were completely healed radiographically and the patient returned to work. At follow-up 16 months after trauma, the patient had no further complaints. Range of motion increased and no avascular necrosis could be observed.

[Enchondroma of the hand - treatment and long-term outcome]. / Enchondrome des Handskeletts - Therapeutisches Vorgehen und funktionelle Langzeitergebnisse.

BACKGROUND: An enchondroma is with up to 90% the most common benign tumour of the hand. Functional long-term outcome studies of the several treatments do not exist. The aim of this study is thus to evaluate the information from our 147 patients about diagnostics, operative treatment and follow-up treatment. METHODS: 147 patients with 183 histologically secured enchondromas of the hand, who had been treated between 1973 and 2004, were analysed by follow-up examination and radiological findings retrospectively. RESULTS: We found 136 mono- and 11 polyostotic lesions. The proximal phalanx was afflicted most commonly (44.8%). There was no preference for one special finger, only the thumb was afflicted below average (9.8%). The most common symptoms were pain and swelling (51.7%) or pathological fracture (25%). We found 11 relapses (7.5%) after an average of 4.4 years. In two cases we found a grade 1 chondrosarcoma. 84.2% of the patients achieved a "very good" or a "good" functional long-term outcome, 11.7% a "fair" and 4.2% a "poor" outcome. CONCLUSION: Standard treatment should be the accurate extirpation of the tumour and subsequent filling of the defect with cancellous bone. Only very small, asymptomatic lesions can be treated conservatively with six-month check-up examinations.

[3D navigated osteosynthesis of calcaneal fractures. Open and minimally invasive techniques]. / 3D-navigierte Fersenbeinosteosynthese: Offene und minimal-invasive Technik.

BACKGROUND: It is hypothesized that misplacement of sustentacular screws during osteosynthesis of intraarticular calcaneal fractures can be reduced with the help of navigation. A method for three-dimensional (3D) navigated placement of sustentacular screws for treating intraarticular calcaneal fractures is presented and evaluated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 11 consecutive patients with 15 intraarticular calcaneal fractures were treated using 3D navigation. In 12 cases osteosynthesis was done through an extended lateral approach; in three cases, it was achieved through a minimally invasive percutaneous approach. For verification and documentation of the placed screws, a second 3D scan was performed. RESULTS: A total of 20 screws were placed using 3D navigation. None of the navigated screws was misplaced. Extra operating time due to navigation averaged 11.9 minutes (+/-2.2 min). CONCLUSION: Through a combination of intraoperative 3D imaging and navigation, placement of sustentacular screws is possible and can yield precise and reliable results. Especially in minimally invasive treatment, a high quality of osteosynthesis can be achieved.

[Calcaneonavicular coalition fracture. A rare differential diagnosis of post-traumatic ankle pain]. / Fraktur einer Coalitio calcaneonavicularis. Eine seltene Differentialdiagnose des posttraumatischen Sprunggelenkschmerzes.

The causes of chronic posttraumatic ankle pain are manifold, ranging from ligament and tendon injuries and fractures to joint degeneration. Calcaneonavicular coalition, a bridge between the calcaneus and navicular bones, is a rare disease with an incidence below 1%. The morphology of this coalition is variable. It can occur as either a fibrous, cartilaginous or bony union of the involved bones. Symptoms usually occur in adolescence with chronic pain around the ankle, mainly lateral and anterior, following distortion trauma. Patients often claim to have a lateral ankle sprain. We report 2 cases of a fracture of the calcaneonavicular coalition as the cause of chronic posttraumatic ankle pain and demonstrate the characteristics of tarsal coalitions with a review of the literature.

[Is use of the fixateur externe no longer indicated for the treatment of unstable radial fracture in the elderly?]. / Ist die Behandlung der instabilen distalen Radiusfraktur beim älteren Menschen mittels Fixateur externe nicht mehr indiziert?

BACKGROUND: In recent years there has been an increasingly marked shift in the operative treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius. The introduction of locking compression plates has made it possible to extend the indications for palmar stabilisation according to the principles of internal fixation to extension fractures even in osteoporotic bone, and since then the new design has been used more and more widely. First clinical results show very good and good clinical and radiological outcomes in over 80% of cases after locking compression plate osteosynthesis. All this raises the question of whether external fixation is no longer indicated for distal radius fractures in the elderly, or is now no more than a second-line treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Within a 5-year period, 67 patients over 65 years of age were identified among 220 who had had unstable fractures of the distal radius in our hospital with external fixation. The average follow-up period (clinical and radiological examinations) was 37 months. We devoted particular attention to the analysis of complications and problems during the treatment. RESULTS: Complete bone healing was observed in all patients treated with external fixation. In most cases, complications were minor pin-track infections (10%). The radiological follow-up examination revealed radial shortening by an average of 2 mm and an average radial shift of 0.2 mm. The joint angle was 2.5 degrees with lateral irradiation and 18 degrees with dorso-palmar irradiation. According to the Gartland and Werley score, the functional, radiological and subjective outcome was excellent or good in 87% of these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, internal fixation with angular fixed plates has definite benefits. The medium- and long-term follow-up and functional outcome still show no benefits over external fixation, however. External fixation is a genuine option, even if as second-line treatment.

[Rupture of the quadriceps tendon. Diagnosis and treatment of a rare injury]. / Quadrizepssehnenruptur. Diagnostik und Therapie einer seltenen Verletzung.

Rupture of the quadriceps tendon is a rare knee injury. In most cases the tendon ruptures spontaneously without adequate trauma in patients older than 40 years with degenerative changes of the tendon. Suture repair is the only treatment option for acute complete, older ruptures and partial ruptures that do not heal after nonoperative treatment. The type of repair depends on the time of diagnosis and localisation of the rupture. The functional outcome depends on timely repair and early initiation of knee movement and strengthening therapy.

[Extraosseous calcifications in dermatomyositis. A rare differential diagnosis of a benign heterotropic ossification]. / Extraossäre Kalzifikationen bei Dermatomyositis. Eine seltene Differenzialdiagnose bei benignen heterotopen Ossifikationen.

Juvenile dermatomyositis is rare but still the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy of the childhood. Operative treatment may be indicated, whenever joint motion and patients mobility is limited through the manifestation of calcinosis cutis. Although Vitamin K dependent coagulation pathways have been described, the entire pathophysiological mechanism of its occurrence is currently not clarified. Standard therapy includes the systemic application of steroids and cytotoxins, other options involve aluminum-hydroxid or diltiazem. Only in serious functional obstructions operative resection may be indicated. The case of a 39-year-old female with a 24 year history of dermatomyositis involving most areas of the upper and lower extremities like a coat of mail is presented. Surgical resection of the calcification revealed a good functional recovery of the joint but because of a high recurrency rate the operation is only indicated in special cases.