Effect of intramedullary nail and locking plate in the treatment of proximal humerus fracture: an update systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the effect of intramedullary nail and locking plate in the treatment of proximal humerus fracture (PHF). METHODS: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Wan-fang database, Chinese Biomedicine Database (CBM), PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched until July 2018. The eligible references all show that the control group uses locking plates to treat PHF, while the experimental group uses intramedullary nails to do that. Two reviewers independently retrieved and extracted the data. Reviewer Manager 5.3 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight retrospective studies were referred in this study which involves 2699 patients. Meta-analysis results show that the intramedullary nails in the treatment of proximal humeral fractures are superior to locking plates in terms of intraoperative blood loss, operative time, fracture healing time, postoperative complications, and postoperative infection. But there is no significance in constant, neck angle, VAS, external rotation, antexion, intorsion pronation, abduction, NEER, osteonecrosis, additional surgery, impingement syndrome, delayed union, screw penetration, and screw back-out. CONCLUSIONS: The intramedullary nail is superior to locking plate in reducing the total complication, intraoperative blood loss, operative time, postoperative fracture healing time and postoperative humeral head necrosis rate of PHF. Due to the limitations in this meta-analysis, more large-scale, multicenter, and rigorous designed RCTs should be conducted to confirm our findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42019120508.

Advances in Exotic Animal Osteosynthesis.

Exotic animal orthopedics has not incorporated the most recent progress made in small animal surgery or human medicine. Although minimally invasive osteosynthesis has been incorporated as a routinely used alternative in small animals, its use in exotic animals is still in its infancy. This article compliments the reviews of orthopedics in small mammals, birds, and reptiles in the previous issue. It reviews relevant recent studies performed in laboratory animals about new orthopedic materials and techniques showing potential to become incorporated into the routine orthopedic treatment of exotic animals in the coming years.

Iatrogenic Injuries in Percutaneous Pinning Techniques for Fifth Metacarpal Neck Fractures.

BACKGROUND: There is little information regarding anatomic structures at risk during closed percutaneous treatment of fifth metacarpal neck fractures. This study evaluates a variety of common percutaneous techniques with the hypothesis that each approach presents unique risks to tendons and neurovascular structures. METHODS: Seven cadaveric hands were used for this study. The senior author, a board-certified hand surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, used a mini-C arm to pass 1.6-mm Kirschner wires (K-wires). The 4 percutaneous techniques employed were anterograde, retrograde, cross-pinning, and transverse fixations. Meticulous superficial dissection was carried out, with fixation from all 4 techniques left in place, to identify any tendons or neurovascular structures penetrated by the K-wires. RESULTS: All techniques demonstrated penetration of at least 1 adjacent structure. The anterograde technique showed penetration of the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon in 5 out of 7 cadavers. In the retrograde approach, the K-wire impaled either the extensor digitorum communis or the extensor digitorum minimi tendons in 4 out of 7 cadavers. The transverse pinning technique exhibited injury to the dorsal cutaneous ulnar nerve in 2 of the specimens. In the retrograde cross-pin technique, there were 2 penetrations of the digital branch of the dorsal cutaneous ulnar nerve. CONCLUSIONS: None of the described percutaneous techniques for treating fifth metacarpal neck fractures eliminate the potential for damage to surrounding tendons or nerves. Each technique has at risk structures that the treating surgeon should be aware of in order to anticipate potential complications and counsel patients accordingly.

Fixator-assisted nailing of tibial fractures: New surgical technique and presentation of first 30 cases.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing is considered a "gold standard" for treatment of tibial shaft fractures. However, some types of fractures are typically considered as "difficult for nailing". This group includes the periarticular fractures, fractures of both bones at the same level, comminuted and segmental fractures of the tibia. Fixator-assisted nailing (FAN) is an effective method treatment of these types of fractures. The main requirements for the ideal reduction device are an ease of its installation and an ability of multiplanar fracture reduction. Fixator-assisted nailing (FAN) with the use of two perpendicular to each other monolateral tubular frames perfectly meets these requirements. In this study we present this new surgical technique and the analysis of first 30 cases. METHODS: A prospective analysis was conducted for 30 patients with "difficult for nailing" tibial fractures treated with fixator-assisted nailing in our institution between September 1st, 2017, and March 1st, 2018. The duration of surgery and its different stages, the time of fluoroscopy, difficulties encountered during surgery, were analyzed. Clinical and radiological methods were used to evaluated reduction quality. RESULTS: In all 30 cases the acceptable reduction was achieved. The mean duration of the surgical procedure was 73.7 ± 3 min. The mean duration of fluoroscopy 85.9 ± 4.8 s. In 7 cases we faced with technical difficulties, which were successfully addressed. CONCLUSION: The described technique of FAN is an effective method for the treatment of "difficult for nailing" tibial fractures. Future multi-centered studies with a larger number of patients are needed to validate our results.

Impact of Intramedullary Nailing in the Treatment of Femur Fractures An Evolutionary Perspective.

Today intramedullary nails (IMN) are the gold standard in the treatment of femur fractures. Since its inception, improved design and understanding of the surrounding anatomy has exponentially increased successful patient treatment and outcomes by promoting early mobilization and reliable union. In this review, we provide an in-depth look into the evolutionary process that has led IMN to becoming today's gold standard in femur fractures.

Recent developments on intramedullary nailing: a biomechanical perspective.

Combining contributions from engineering and medicine, we highlight the biomechanical turning points in the historical evolution of the intramedullary nailing stabilization technique and discuss the recent innovations concerning increase in bone-implant system stability. Following the earliest attempts, where stabilization of long bone fractures was purely based on intuition, intramedullary nailing evolved from allowing alignment and translational control through press-fit fixation to current clinical widespread acceptance marked by the mechanical linkage between nail and bone with interlocking screws that allow alignment, translation, rotation, and length control. In an attempt to achieve an optimum interfragmentary mechanical environment, recent improvements considered the impact of different biomaterials on bone-implant stiffness. Another strategy considered the increase in the structural stability through the reduction of the number of movements between the different components that constitute the bone-implant system. Intramedullary nail improvements will most likely benefit from merging mechanics and fracture-healing biology by combining surface engineering with sensor tools associated with the innovative progress in wireless technology and with bone-healing biological active agents. Future research should aim at better understanding the ideal mechanobiological environment for each stage of fracture healing in order to allow for intramedullary nail design that satisfies such requirements.

Damage control surgery - experiences from a level I trauma center.

BACKGROUND: There is still no evidence in literature for damage control orthopaedics (DCO), early total care (ETC) or using external fixation solely in fractures of the long bones in multi-system-trauma. The aim of this study was to determine parameters influencing the choice of treatment in clinical routine (DCO, ETC, or EF) in femoral or tibial shaft fractures in combination with multi-system-trauma, severe soft tissue damage or both. METHODS: Data of 236 patients with 280 fractures of long bones of the lower extremities treated at a level I trauma center were analysed. Clinical parameters on arrival (age, sex [m/f], ISS, fracture site [femur/tibia], soft tissue damage [closed or open fractures according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification], pulmonary injury [yes/no]) were collected and analysed whether they influence the choice of upcoming treatment (DCO/ETC/EF). RESULTS: Our findings showed that high ISS and severe soft tissue damage (grade III) significantly correlated with DCO. High ISS, old age, female sex and fracture site (tibia) correlated with EF. This group of sole use of external fixation had highest rate of complications, 69% were associated with at least one complication. CONCLUSION: Severely injured patients are treated significantly more often with DCO or EF. The presence of higher ISS (≥16) and of type III open fractures increased the use of DCO. However, ISS, fracture-site, patient's age, type III open fractures or sex (female) increased the use of EF compared to ETC.

What's new in ankle fractures.

The diagnosis and treatment of ankle fractures has evolved considerably over the past two decades. Recent topics of interest have included indications for operative treatment of isolated lateral malleolus fractures, need for fixation of the posterior malleolus, utilization of the posterolateral approach, treatment of the syndesmosis, and the potential role of fibular nailing. In this update, we concisely review these topics and what to expect in the future literature.

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing in paediatric forearm fractures: the rate of open reduction and complications.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the rate of open reduction and complications of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) in treating unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. We performed a retrospective review of a consecutive series of 102 paediatric patients with a mean age of 9 years (range: 7-14 years) who underwent ESIN of unstable closed forearm fractures at three different centres. Closed reduction of one or both bones was achieved in 68 (67%) patients and open reduction was required in 34 (33%) patients. The rate of open reduction in single-bone fractures (52.2%) was significantly higher than that in both-bone fractures (27.8%) (P=0.04, Fisher's exact test). All the fractures united within 3 months. There were six refractures following nail removal. Five patients had superficial wound infections. Seven patients developed neuropraxia of the sensory branch of the radial nerve. All resolved spontaneously within 3 months of the surgery. ESIN is an effective technique in treating unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures. The need for open reduction should be decided promptly following failed attempts of closed reduction. Single-bone fractures are more likely to require open reduction than both-bone fractures. The radius should be reduced and stabilized first. If open reduction is required, this should be performed through a volar approach rather than a dorsal one.

Surgical tips of intramedullary nailing in severely bowed femurs in atypical femur fractures: Simulation with 3D printed model.

INTRODUCTION: The surgical management of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) is complex in cases with severe bowing of the femur, being associated with a high rate of failure. Our first aim was to use preoperative templating and 3D printed model characterise the technical difficulties associated with use of current commercially available intramedullary nail (IMN) systems for the management of AFFs with severe bowing. Our second aim was to use outcomes of our 3D printing analysis to define technical criteria to overcome these problems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The modelled femur with 3D printing had an anterior bowing curvature radius of 772mm and an angle of lateral bowing of 15.4°. Nine commercially available IMN systems were evaluated in terms of position of the nail within the medullary canal, occurrence of perforation of femoral cortex by the distal tip of the nail, and location of the site of perforation relative to the knee joint. The following IMN systems were evaluated: unreamed femoral nail (UFN), cannulated femoral nail (CFN), Sirus nail, right and left expert Asian femoral nail (A2FN), right and left Zimmer Natural Nail (ZNN), proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA), and Zimmer Cephalomedullary Nail (CMN). RESULTS: Along the sagittal plane, the UFN, CFN and Sirus systems were acceptably contained within the medullary canal, as well as the "opposite side" A2FN and ZNN. Only the Sirus IMN system was contained along the coronal plane. The distal part of the all other IMN systems perforated the anterior cortex of the femur, at distances ranging between 2.8 and 11.7cm above the distal end of the femoral condyles. Using simulated fracture reduction in the 3D printed model, none of the 9 IMN systems provided acceptable anatomical reduction of the fracture. A residual gap in fragment position and translation was provided by the "opposite side" ZNN, followed by the UFN and Sirus systems. CONCLUSION: Commercially available IMN systems showed mismatch with severely bowed femurs. Our simulation supports that fit of these systems can be improved using an IMN system with a small radius of curvature and diameter, and by applying specific operative procedures.

What is new in distal femur periprosthetic fracture fixation?

Distal femoral periprosthetic fractures are on the rise. Increased mortality of these injuries is also evident from recent data. Their incidence and risk factors have been extensively reported in the past but new data are being available that merit attention. The increased incidence and the even higher projected incidence should direct the focus of future strategies to the education of surgeons, relevant capacity of hospital and reconfiguration of health care resources. New and potentially modifiable risk factors should be taken into consideration to the informed consent process and new studies should be developed to clarify the causative relationship of the new risk factors such as the peptic ulcer disease and the COPD. The main internal fixation techniques remain the lateral locking plating and the retrograde intramedullary nailing. New techniques in plating are the supplementary medial plate in selected cases and the far cortical locking. Nailing is considered a valid option especially in fractures located well above the anterior flange of the femoral component of the arthroplasty. Results and outcomes from good quality studies are still sparse regarding the comparison between plating and nailing. Interprosthetic fractures constitute an entity that is lately gaining considerable attention. The best method of management of these injuries is still evolving with considerable amount of work being done in the clinical and biomechanical level.

Which Fixation Device is Preferred for Surgical Treatment of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures in the United States? A Survey of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

BACKGROUND: The best treatment for intertrochanteric hip fractures is controversial. The use of cephalomedullary nails has increased, whereas use of sliding hip screws has decreased despite the lack of evidence that cephalomedullary nails are more effective. As current orthopaedic trainees receive less exposure to sliding hip screws, this may continue to perpetuate the preferential use of cephalomedullary nails, with important implications for resident education, evidence-based best practices, and healthcare cost. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked: (1) What are the current practice patterns in surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fractures among orthopaedic surgeons? (2) Do surgical practice patterns differ based on surgeon characteristics, practice setting, and other factors? (3) What is the rationale behind these surgical practice patterns? (4) What postoperative approaches do surgeons use for intertrochanteric fractures? METHODS: A web-based survey containing 20 questions was distributed to active members of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Three thousand seven-hundred eighty-six of 10,321 invited surgeons participated in the survey (37%), with a 97% completion rate (3687 of 3784 responded to all questions in the survey). The survey elicited information regarding surgeon demographics, preferred management strategies, and decision-making rationale for intertrochanteric fractures. RESULTS: Surgeons use cephalomedullary nails most frequently for treatment of intertrochanteric hip fractures. Sixty-eight percent primarily use cephalomedullary nails, whereas only 19% primarily use sliding hip screws, and the remaining 13% use cephalomedullary nails and sliding hip screws with equal frequency. The cephalomedullary nail was the dominant approach regardless of experience level or practice setting. Surgeons who practiced in a nonacademic setting (71% versus 58%; p < 0.001), did not supervise residents (71% versus 61%; p < 0.001), or treated more than five intertrochanteric fractures a month (78% versus 67%; p < 0.001) were more likely to use primarily cephalomedullary nails. Of the surgeons who used only cephalomedullary nails, ease of surgical technique (58%) was cited as the primary reason, whereas surgeons who used only sliding hip screws cite familiarity (44%) and improved outcomes (37%) as their primary reasons. Of those who use only short cephalomedullary nails, ease of technique (59%) was most frequently cited. Postoperatively, 67% allow the patient to bear weight as tolerated. Nearly all respondents (99.5%) use postoperative chemical thromboprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Despite that either sliding hip screw or cephalomedullary nail fixation are associated with equivalent outcomes for most intertrochanteric femur fractures, the cephalomedullary nail has emerged as the preferred construct, with the majority of surgeons believing that a cephalomedullary nail is easier to use, associated with improved outcomes, or is biomechanically superior to a sliding hip screw. The difference between what is evidence-based and what is done in clinical practice may be attributed to several factors, including financial considerations, educational experience, or inability of our current outcomes measures to reflect the experiences of surgeons. The educators, researchers, and policymakers among us must work harder to better define the roles of sliding hip screws and cephalomedullary nails and ensure that the increasing population with hip fractures receives high-quality and economically responsible care. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V, therapeutic study.

Factors related to leg length discrepancy after flexible intramedullary nail fixation in pediatric lower-extremity fractures.

This study assessed the factors related to leg length discrepancy after flexible intramedullary nailing in pediatric patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted of 27 patients with flexible intramedullary nail fixation. Twenty-three patients showed lengthening of the injured limb, and 23 showed lengthening of the injured femur or tibia, with 11 patients having a resultant leg length discrepancy greater than 10 mm. Age at the time of injury was the only factor that was significantly related to leg length discrepancy. Our results show that most patients experience lengthening in the injured bone, with significantly increased risk in younger patients.

Paraplejia traumática a nivel dorsal: alteraciones morfológicas de la médula espinal a largo plazo / Traumatic paraplegia at thoracic level: Long-term morphological alterations in spinal cord

Objetivo: Analizar la morfología medular en pacientes con paraplejia traumática crónica a nivel dorsal, en vistas a su posible inclusión en ensayos de terapia celular. Material y método: Se han valorado los estudios de Resonancia Magnética (RM) en 100 pacientes con paraplejia traumática a nivel dorsal (ASIA A) que han solicitado ser incluidos en un ensayo clínico de terapia celular. Resultados: En el 14% de los casos, la presencia de artefactos impidió el estudio. Un 30% mostró grandes deformidades cifóticas vertebrales, con ocupación del canal raquídeo. Entre los pacientes con un correcto estudio morfológico, el 16% mostró una sección medular completa y el 12% interrupción prácticamente total, persistiendo solo algunos tractos de tejido entre los bordes de sección medular. En el 83% de los casos se observaron quistes intramedulares, con un volumen medio de 0,95 ± 0,89 cc. Una cavitación extensa, identificable como siringomielia postraumática, se vio solo en tres pacientes. Un grado variable de atrofia medular, generalmente segmentaria, se apreció en más del 60% de los pacientes estudiados. Conclusión: Si se considera, de acuerdo con experiencias preclínicas, que una continuidad anatómica de la médula y lesiones intramedulares limitadas son criterios de posible eficacia de la terapia celular, estos datos sugieren que solo aproximadamente el 30% de los pacientes con una paraplejia traumática crónicamente establecida, a nivel dorsal, podrían ser razonablemente válidos para entrar en estos ensayos (AU)

Objective: To analyze the spinal cord morphology in patients with chronic traumatic paraplegia at the thoracic level, for a possible inclusion in trials of cell therapy. Material and method: We reviewed Magnetic Resonance (MR) studies in 100 patients with a traumatic thoracic paraplegia (ASIA A). Results: In 14% of cases, the presence of artifacts prevented the study. 30% showed large vertebral kyphotic deformities, with occupation of the vertebral canal. Among patients with a correct morphological study, 16% showed complete spinal cord transection and 12% showed only some tracts of tissue between the edges of the sectioned spinal cord. In 83% of cases intramedullary cysts were observed, with a mean volume of 0.95 ± 0.89 cc. Extensive cavitation, identified as post-traumatic syringomyelia was seen only in three patients. Varying degree of spinal cord atrophy, being generally segmental, was observed in over 60% of the patients. Conclusion: If according to preclinical studies, anatomical continuity of the spinal cord and limited intramedullary lesions are criteria for possible efficacy of cell therapy, these data suggest that only about 30% of patients with traumatic paraplegia chronically established, at dorsal level, could be reasonably valid for entry in first clinical trials (AU)

Tratamiento de la pseudoartrosis recalcitrante de húmero en pacientes de edad avanzada / Treatment of recalcitrant humeral nonunion in elderly patients

Fundamento: La pseudoartrosis de húmero, cuando varios intentos previos para su curación ya han fracasado, es un reto. Si asociamos la osteoporosis severa propia de pacientes ancianos, las dificultades se multiplican. El objetivo es estudiar la mejor opción para esta situación. Material y método: Analizamos la evolución de cinco pacientes con los siguientes criterios de inclusión: pseudoartrosis de la diáfisis del húmero intervenida sin éxito previamente al menos en dos ocasiones y/o haber permanecido en dicha situación más de 18 meses, asociado a osteoporosis severa en personas mayores de 65 años. Fueron tratados mediante desbridamiento del foco y estabilización con placas bloqueadas asociando injerto óseo. Resultados: Todos los casos consolidaron tras un seguimiento medio de 19 meses (8-36 meses). Conclusiones: En la pseudoartrosis de húmero en ancianos con hueso osteoporótico, las placas bloqueadas han demostrado que proporcionan una fijación estable y duradera, superior a la de las placas tradicionales a compresión. En nuestra experiencia hay que considerarlas también como una opción válida en situaciones de máxima precariedad ósea y biológica, como sucede en las pseudoartrosis recalcitrantes(AU)

Background: Humeral nonunion that persists through various unsuccessful attempts at management, presents a real challenge. When combined with severe osteoporosis in elderly patients, the problems only increase. This study aims to investigate the best option for treating this combination of factors. Materials and method: This study analyses the outcomes of five patients with the following inclusion criteria: nonunion of the humeral diaphysis, after at least two unsuccessful interventions and/or after a period of 18 months or more, associated with severe osteoporosis in patients aged over 65. All cases were treated by debridement of the site of nonunion and stabilisation with locking plates and bone graft. Results: All cases consolidated after a mean follow-up period of 19 months (8-36 months). Conclusions: In cases of humeral nonunion in elderly patients with osteoporotic bones, locking plates have been proven to provide consistent, long-term stability, with better results than traditional compression plates. The authors consider that locking plates should be considered as a valid option in cases of extreme bone and biological instability, as is the case in recalcitrant humeral nonunion (AU)

Artrodesis sin fusión ósea con clavo modular intramedular para revisión de prótesis total de rodilla infectada / Arthrodesis without bone fusion with an intramedullary modular nail for revision of infected total knee arthroplasty

Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados de la fijación de rodilla sin fusión ósea, con clavo intramedular e interposición de cemento. Material y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo de 29 prótesis total de rodilla infectadas con datos recogidos prospectivamente y seguimiento medio de 4,2 años (3-5). Resultados. Las complicaciones fueron 2 infecciones recurrentes, una fractura periimplante y una erosión cortical en la punta del componente femoral, siendo todas revisadas con buen resultado. La dismetría media fue 0,8 cm, con 24 < 1 cm. Veinticinco pacientes no referían dolor. El valor medio de WOMAC-dolor fue 86,9, WOMAC-función 56,4, SF12-físico 45,1, y SF12-mental 53,7. Cuatro pacientes precisaron andador y solo 2 eran dependientes para actividades diarias. Conclusiones. El clavo Endo-Model Link® es un efectivo método de fijación de rodilla, restaurando la alineación del miembro y adecuada longitud del mismo (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the outcome of knee fixation without bone fusion using an intramedullary modular nail and interposed cement. Material and methods. Retrospective study of 29 infected total knee arthroplasties with prospective data collection and a mean follow-up of 4.2 years (3-5). Results. Complications included 2 recurrent infections, 1 peri-implant fracture, and 1 cortical erosion due to the tip of the femoral component. All of these were revised with successful results. The mean limb length discrepancy was 0.8 cm, with 24 < 1 cm. Twenty-five patients reported no pain. The mean WOMAC-pain was 86.9, WOMAC-function 56.4, SF12-physical 45.1, and SF12-mental 53.7. Four patients needed a walking frame, and only two were dependent for daily activities. Conclusions. The Endo-Model Link nail is an effective method for knee fixation that restores the anatomical alignment of the limb with adequate leg length (AU)