Quality of long standing radiographs assessment of the patella position.

BACKGROUND: The gold standard for evaluating leg alignment is a long leg standing radiograph (LSR). The research states that a correct LSR should have a patella that is centered and facing forward as well as a fibula head superimposition (FHS) with a tibia that is 1/3 larger than the fibula. The purpose of this study was to determine levels of quality for LSR by quantifying and correlating the patella position and fibular head superimposition. METHOD: 741 lower limbs were included using two distinct measurement techniques, we calculated the patella position's (PD) departure from the center of the knee joint (M1 and M2). To measure the inter-rater dependability in assessing PD and FHS, intraclass correlation coefficients were determined. The Bland-Altman approach was used to compare M1 with M2's performance. We created three quality groups based on the average quantity of PD. RESULTS: The mean PD was 3.5 mm for M1 and 4.1 mm for M2, respectively. Three quality categories were created: group A for PD ≤ 5 mm, group B for PD 5-10 mm, and group C for PD of ≥10 mm. Group A takes up 70.9% of the LSR. Interestingly, group A's FHS was 21.3% than the typical value of 1/3. CONCLUSIONS: The patella's center should be centered within a 5 mm range and the fibular head should be 1/5 covered from the tibia. This study is the first to define quantitative metrics based on LSR analysis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV (diagnostic retrospective case series).

Complications and Effectiveness of Intramedullary Limb Lengthening: A Matched Pair Analysis of Two Different Lengthening Nails.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary limb lengthening has become an accepted concept in reconstructive surgery, but as yet comparative clinical studies are missing. We compared the complications and effectiveness of two types of intramedullary limb lengthening devices (ISKD®; Fitbone®). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a retrospective series of 278 consecutive patients with internal limb lengthening, we found 17 matching pairs in terms of predefined matching parameters (group I with ISKD® and group II with Fitbone®). The surgeries were all performed with the same technique and managed with equivalent pre- and postoperative treatment protocols. The performance of the implants was evaluated using the distraction index and the weight-bearing index. Complications were rated according to Paley's classification for external lengthening. RESULTS: The distraction index in group I (ISKD®) was 0.99 mm/day (range 0.55-1.67) and in the group II (Fitbone®) 0.55 mm/day (range 0.14-0.92) (p value = 0.001). The mean weight-bearing index differed between group I and group II from 32.0 day/cm (range 16.4-64.0) to 51.6 day/cm (25.8-95.0) (p value = 0.001). There were 17 recorded incidents in group I and 19 in group II during lengthening. CONCLUSION: Specific technical handicaps of the two systems, such as the so-called runaway of the ISKD® and backtracking of the Fitbone® nails seem to result in different distraction index and weight-bearing index. Further comparative studies might induce technical progress in intramedullary limb lengthening. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Thaller PH, Frankenberg F, Degen N, et al. Complications and Effectiveness of Intramedullary Limb Lengthening: A Matched Pair Analysis of Two Different Lengthening Nails. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2020;15(1):7-12.

"Kissing Nail Technique" for the exchange of intramedullary implants in adjacent peri-implant fractures.

One third of the people aged 65 years and over fall every year, and 1-5% of these falls result in a fracture. For these people, history of fracture and surgery become a risk factor for recurrent falls. In osteoporotic patients, repeated fractures often require several osteosynthetic procedures within a short time frame. Despite the lack of biomechanical studies, clinical experience suggests that additional fractures adjacent to implants occur because of the difference in stiffness between the metallic implant and the osteoporotic bone. This requires customized fixation techniques to ensure stability. The technique was first performed in an 81-year old female patient presenting with a dislocated proximal femoral fracture at the tip of a previously implanted distal femoral nail (DFN), and non-union of the old fracture. For this technique, the DFN was advanced until it passed the proximal fracture, thereby reducing both fractures, while a lateral femoral nail (LFN), extra-long and 3 mm thicker than the DFN, was introduced and advanced distally. The LFN was implanted in a "kissing nail technique," meaning the tips of the two nails were touching each other, and all fracture fragments were held in functional reduction. The DFN was slowly pulled backwards and fragment stability was maintained, while both nails passed the distal non-union. The Kissing Nail Technique allows simple, safe and fast reduction of all instable fragments, precise and easy positioning of the proximal entry point by the retrograde guide wire, a minimally invasive procedure, and stable fixation of a periprosthetic fracture. We found this new customized procedure accommodating to the unique anatomical features of a single patient, that can be applied as a strategy especially for osteoporotic patients with periprosthetic fractures.

Lengthening of the humerus with intramedullary lengthening nails-preliminary report.

Distraction osteogenesis of the humerus with fully implantable lengthening is now possible since the diameter of the available nails was reduced to 10 mm and below. We report on the first intramedullary lengthening cases of the humerus with two different lengthening devices (FITBONE and PRECICE). Two different approaches and implantation techniques were used. We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiographic data and pointed out results, pitfalls and complications of the procedure. Four adult patients with relevant length discrepancy of the humerus were treated with fully implantable systems in two centers between 2012 and 2015. Three patients were treated with FITBONE by an antegrade approach; one patient had lengthening with a PRECICE and a retrograde approach. Average nail lengthening was 55 mm (40-65 mm), and the average duration of lengthening was 70 days (52-95 days). The average distraction index was 0.72 mm/day (range 0.4-1.0 mm/day) or 12.5 days/cm (range 8.0-16.2 days/cm). The average consolidation index was 33.6 days/cm (range 25-45 days/cm). There was an implant failure (arrest) with the PRECICE. After consolidation and exchange with a technically improved implant, the course of treatment was uneventful. In patients with antegrade lengthening shoulder abduction decreased, and in the patient with the retrograde approach it improved but elbow extension decreased marginally. Reduced motion of the adjacent joints can be a major problem in intramedullary lengthening of the humerus. This first case series in the field of a rare indication suggests that lengthening of the humerus by fully implantable lengthening nails might be a valuable alternative to lengthening with external fixation. Main advantage of the PRECICE technology is the possible shortening in-between of lengthening.

Blocking screws for alignment control in intramedullary limb lengthening.

Simultaneous deformity correction in the frontal and sagittal plane becomes more and more an important part of intramedullary lengthening to avoid further operative procedures. Such as in fracture treatment blocking screws can be used for alignment control if osteotomy is performed in the metaphyseal bone. 31 intramedullary lengthening procedures between 2009 and 2011 were retrospectively analysed for precision of simultaneous deformity correction. The average planned correction to the HKA was 2.4° (0.1°-8.0°) and the final results after lengthening deviated an average of 1.7° (0.0°-8.1°) from the planning. With blocking screws a higher degree of deformity (mean 3.2° vs. 1.7°; p<0.05) was corrected with a slightly higher precision (mean 1.5° vs. 1.9°; p=0.48) compared to patients without blocking screws. Placed on the concave side of the deformity blocking screws are a helpful tool to successfully address leg length discrepancy and other deformities with one single operation.

Bone Transport for Limb Reconstruction Following Severe Tibial Fractures.

A common treatment of tibial defects especially after infections is bone transport via external fixation. We compare complications and outcomes of 25 patients treated with a typical Ilizarov frame or a hybrid system for bone reconstruction of the tibia. Average follow up was 5.1 years. Particular interest was paid to the following criteria: injury type, comorbidities, development of osteitis and outcome of the different therapies. The reason for segmental resection was a second or third grade open tibia fractures in 24 cases and in one case an infection after plate osteosynthesis. Average age of the patients was 41 years (range 19 to 65 years) and average defect size 6.6 cm (range 3.0 to 13.4 cm). After a mean time of 113 days 23 tibial defects were reconstructed, so we calculated an average healing index of 44.2 days/cm. Two patients with major comorbidities needed a below knee amputation. The presence of osteitis led to a more complicated course of therapy. In the follow up patients with an Ilizarov frame had better results than patients with hybrid systems. Bone transport using external fixation is suitable for larger defect reconstruction. With significant comorbidities, however, a primary amputation or other methods must be considered.

Corrective tibial osteotomy in young adults using an intramedullary nail.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to document results of a less invasive technique of open wedge proximal tibial osteotomy (PTO) for the varus knee in young adults using an intramedullary tibial nail. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively studied 24 knees in 16 young patients with varus knee deformity. The mean follow-up was 54 months (range, 36 to 107 months) and the mean age of patients at the time of operation was 25.8 years (range, 18 to 40 years). The open wedge PTO was performed below tibial tuberosity using a percutaneous multiple drill-hole technique. Conventional intramedullary tibial nail was used for fixation without bone graft. Radiographic evaluations were made using mechanical alignment (MA), posterior tibial slope angle, and Insall-Salvati ratio. Union time, loss of correction, implant failure, and associated complications were also investigated. RESULTS: The mean MA was significantly changed from -9.7° preoperatively to 1.1° at the final follow-up (p<0.001). There was no significant change in the proximal tibial anatomy and patellar height. All patients achieved radiographic bony union at an average of 3.1 months without loss of correction. The only complication was knee pain due to nail prominence in 3 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Radiographic evaluation indicated that PTO using an intramedullary tibial nail leads to significant improvement in radiographic parameters without changes in posterior tibial slope or patellar height. We found that this technique could be a less invasive and effective alternative for correction of the varus knee in young adults.

The correction of a 140 mm lower limb difference as a late complication of a childhood meningococcal sepsis with a fully implantable system.

Meningococci (Neisseria meningitidis) are the typical agents of a severe septic shock with fulminate diseases. Many children survive the initial phase of shock today; there are several late complications such as limb differences, large scar areas and impaired soft tissue. The current case report deals with the impaired bone growth and a resulting lower limb difference as a late complication of meningococcal sepsis. Usually, these cases are corrected by external fixator systems. In the present case, a lower leg-length difference of 140 mm was uneventfully corrected in two operative steps by fully implantable systems despite the presence of large scars and seriously affected soft tissue. In conclusion, fully implantable systems, even in difficult cases, may be an excellent alternative to external fixator systems.