Fast and easy preoperative estimation of cancellous bone mineral density in patients with proximal femur fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Postoperative complications after hip fractures in osteoporotic bone such as implant cutout can be reduced by the use of specially designed implants or additional cement augmentation. It is not yet clear at which degree of osteoporosis, patients will profit from implant augmentation or specially designed implants for geriatric patients. As the surgeon ideally should obtain information on local bone quality at the site of implant anchorage already preoperatively, the aim of the study was to develop an easily applicable radiographic method to estimate bone quality in those patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 75 patients with unilateral hip fracture were included. Preoperatively, a CT scan with a calibration device was conducted. Postoperatively, DXA scans were performed. The proposed method measures local cancellous bone mineral density in the contralateral and uninjured femoral head. As a control, 15 young and healthy non-osteoporotic subjects were included. Inter- and intraobserver reliability was investigated for a subgroup of 20 patients. RESULTS: Study group patients had a mean BMD measured by CT scans of 194.2 mg/cm(3) (SD 40.4). There was a statistically significant correlation with data from DXA scans (r = 0.706, p < 0.001). The control group was significantly younger and showed a significantly higher BMD when compared to the study group (p < 0.001). Reliability evaluation showed no statistically significant difference in inter- and intraobserver measurements. Interclass correlation proved to be very high. CONCLUSION: The proposed method is an easily applicable, reliable and useful tool to estimate bone quality preoperatively using the contralateral hip as a reference. Obtained data may facilitate the decision-making towards the use of further therapeutic measures to improve implant anchorage in osteoporotic bone such as bone cement augmentation. Thus, our method allows for a more individualized surgical treatment of hip fracture patients adapted to the estimated cancellous bone quality of the patient.

[Masquelet technique for the treatment of large dia- and metaphyseal bone defects]. / Die Masquelet-Technik zur Behandlung großer dia- und metaphysärer Knochendefekte.

OBJECTIVE: Treatment of large dia- and metaphyseal bone defects (> 3 cm) with two surgical interventions with an interval of 4-8 weeks. INDICATIONS: Dia- and metaphyseal bone defects predominantly of the lower extremity. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Intraarticular bone defects, persisting bone infection or osteomyelitis, insufficient soft tissue coverage in the region of the bone defect, osteoporosis. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: First surgical intervention: thorough bone debridement and soft tissue coverage, implantation of a cement spacer into the bone defect for the induction of a synovial foreign-body membrane, internal or external fixation. Second surgical intervention: removal of the cement spacer and filling of the bone defect with autologous cancellous bone graft, optionally internal fixation after initial external fixation. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Partial to full weight-bearing after the first surgical intervention depending on pain. Partial weight-bearing (max. 15 kg) after the second surgical intervention, until radiological signs of a remodeling of the regenerate bone occur. Usually no implant removal. RESULTS: A total of 6 patients (4 men, 2 women) aged 15-66 years with average bone defects of 7 cm (range 4-10 cm) were treated using the Masquelet technique. There were 2 aseptic femoral nonunions and 4 tibial nonunions (2 septic and 2 aseptic nonunions). One case was a periprosthetic tibial bone defect. Bone stabilization after debridement was performed using ring fixators on the tibia and an intramedullary nail and a locking plate on the femur, respectively. The second surgical intervention was performed after 6-9 weeks. In 3 of the 4 tibial cases, internal fixation was performed during this intervention. The iliac crest and the RIA (reamer-irrigator-aspirator) technique were used for cancellous bone grafting. Amputation after breakage of the plate was necessary in the patient with the periprosthetic bone defect. Nonunion at the docking site required cancellous bone grafting in 1 patient. All 5 patients were able to perform full weight-bearing without pain after 6 months. The Ilizarov fixator was removed 5 months after the second surgical intervention in a 15-year-old patient. None of the other implants were removed.

Fragility non-hip fracture patients are at risk.

INTRODUCTION: Fragility fractures are a growing worldwide health care problem. Hip fractures have been clearly associated with poor outcomes. Fragility fractures of other bones are common reasons for hospital admission and short-term disability, but specific long-term outcome studies of non-hip fragility fractures are rare. The aim of our trial was to evaluate the 1-year outcomes of non-hip fragility fracture patients. METHODS: This study is a retrospective cohort review of 307 consecutive older inpatient non-hip fracture patients. Patient data for analysis included fracture location, comorbidity prevalence, pre-fracture functional status, osteoporosis treatments and sociodemographic characteristics. The main outcomes evaluated were 1-year mortality and post-fracture functional status. RESULTS: As compared to the expected mortality, the observed 1-year mortality was increased in the study group (17.6 vs. 12.2 %, P = 0.005). After logistic regression, three variables remained as independent risk factors for 1-year mortality among non-hip fracture patients: malnutrition (OR 3.3, CI 1.5-7.1), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (OR 1.3, CI 1.1-1.5) and the Parker Mobility Score (PMS) (OR 0.85, CI 0.74-0.98). CCI and PMS were independent risk factors for a high grade of dependency after 1 year. Management of osteoporosis did not significantly improve after hospitalization due to a non-hip fragility fracture. CONCLUSION: The outcomes of older non-hip fracture patients are comparable to the poor outcomes of older hip fracture patients, and appear to be primarily related to comorbidities, pre-fracture function and nutritional status. The low rate of patients on osteoporosis medications likely reflects the insufficient recognition of the importance of osteoporosis assessment and treatment in non-hip fracture patients. Increased clinical and academic attention to non-hip fracture patients is needed.

[Correction of posttraumatic lower leg deformities using the Taylor Spatial Frame]. / Die Korrektur posttraumatischer Deformitäten am Unterschenkel mit dem "Taylor Spatial Frame"

OBJECTIVE: Correction of posttraumatic lower leg deformities using percutaneous osteotomy, external fixation with a ring fixator, and computer-assisted gradual correction with the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF). INDICATIONS: Posttraumatic lower leg deformities not suitable for acute correction and internal fixation or deformities that are suitable but have a significantly increased risk for complications: deformities with poor soft tissue coverage, rigid deformities that require gradual correction, complex mulitplanar deformities, deformities with shortening, and periarticular juvenile deformities. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Posttraumatic lower leg deformities which are suitable for acute correction and internal fixation are also suitable for deformity correction using the TSF. In these cases, however, we recommend acute correction and internal fixation in order to improve the patient comfort. Lack of patient compliance for self-contained correction and pin care. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Percutaneous fixation of the TSF rings to the main fragments using transosseous K-wires and half pins (hybrid fixation). Percutaneous osteotomy of the tibia either by drilling across both cortices and completion of the osteotomy using an osteotome (DeBastiani method) or by using the Gigli saw with preservation of the periostal envelope. Connection of both rings with six oblique telescopic struts via universal joints (hexapod platform). Computer-assisted planning of the correction. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Gradual postoperative correction of the deformity by changing the strut lengths according to the correction plan. Strut changes, if required. Osseous consolidation of the osteotomy site with the TSF or revision to internal fixation. RESULTS: The correction of posttraumatic lower leg deformities using the TSF was performed in 6 cases. The mean deformity was 15° (12-22°) in the frontal plane and 6° (4-8°) in the sagittal plane. The correction time was 19 days (14-22 days). The deviation between planned and achieved correction was 0-3° in the frontal plane and 0-2° in the sagittal plane. The osseous consolidation of the osteotomy site was carried out in the TSF in 5 cases with a mean external fixation time of 112 days (94-134 days). In one case, the TSF was removed after the correction and the osteotomy site was fixed using an intramedullary nail. Pin site infections were observed in 3 cases. There were no further complications. The treatment goal was achieved in all cases. The examination at final follow-up was performed after 1 year. All patients were able to walk without walking aids and with no pain at that time. They were able to perform all of their activities of the daily life and their leisure activities without limitations.

Functional outcome and mortality in geriatric distal femoral fractures.

BACKGROUND: Fragility fractures are a major health care problem worldwide. Due to the ageing population an increase of distal femoral fractures is to be expected. We studied the long-term functional outcome and their influencing factors in geriatric patients with LISS-plated distal femoral fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cohort study with functional long-term follow up examination was carried out in a level one trauma centre on distal femoral fracture patients 65 years and older. Of 53 consecutive patients who were treated in our hospital, 43 patients with a mean age of 80 years met our inclusion criteria. 48.8% died within the study period of 5.3 years. On the remaining patients the residential status, the Barthel index and the Parker score were assessed. RESULTS: The mean Barthel index was 47.7 and the mean Parker score was 3.5. 23% were found to be totally housebound and 26% were not able to perform any social activity. Only 18% were able to walk unaided. Patients with any medical complication had significantly higher mortality rates. Patients with extraarticular fractures had better mobility scores. Nursing home residents showed higher mortality rates but compared to patients coming from their own home the difference regarding Barthel and Parker scores remained non-significant. CONCLUSION: This study documents the poor functional long-term outcome of geriatric patients with distal femoral fractures. In comparison to other fragility fracture patients it seems that this population is at higher risk to die in-hospital during their perioperative course. Medical complications have to be avoided as they were found to be associated with worse functional outcome and higher mortality rates. An osteoporosis therapy may be associated with reduced mortality rates also in these patients.