Lateral minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with long PHILOS for proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal humeral fracture: surgical techniques and a clinical series.

The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal humeral fracture is an effective alternative treatment with satisfactory outcomes. In this study, we described the surgical techniques and clinical results using MIPO via a lateral approach and long PHILOS plate fixation in 23 patients. All fractures were successfully united within a mean union time of 13.5 weeks (range 9-18). There was no iatrogenic radial nerve palsy. The deltoid power was grade 5 in all patients, except for 2 patients who had associated brachial plexus injury and gunshot injury at the deltoid muscle. The mean Constant-Murley score was 85.6 (range 16-98) and DASH score was 12.1 (range 1.7-85). Based on these findings, the lateral MIPO with long PHILOS plate fixation could be an alternative for the proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal fractures of the humeral shaft.

Comparative study of mechanical performance of various fixation constructs in multifragmentary distal humeral shaft fracture: a finite element analysis.

BACKGROUND: There has been no scientific mechanical assessment demonstrating the optimal fixation technique in multifragmentary fractures of the distal humeral shaft. The purpose of the present study was to compare the biomechanical performance of 5 fixation constructs as used in minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO) for distal humeral shaft fractures. METHODS: Three-dimensional (3D) humerus model with 20 mm distal humeral shaft fracture gap simulating multifragmentary fracture was created from computed tomography data and virtually fixed by 5 fixation techniques as MIPO, i.e., anterior narrow dynamic compression plate (DCP), anterior narrow locking compression plate (LCP), anterior reversed proximal humeral internal locking system (R-PHILOS), extra-articular distal humerus locking compression plate (LCP-EADH), and anteromedial LCP. All constructs were biomechanically tested under 6 loading conditions by means of finite element analysis, i.e., 250-N axial compression, 7.5-N m internal rotation, 7.5-N m external rotation, 10-N m posterior bending, 10-N m valgus rotation, and 10-N m varus rotation. In addition, A 3D model of each construct was fabricated as 3D printed models. Fixations were applied to the 3D printing model which were later mechanically tested to validate the FE results. RESULTS: EQV stress exhibited on anterior narrow LCP and anterior R-PHILOS were comparable which were lower than other constructs under axial compression and valgus-varus bending. Anterior R-PHILOS produced lower EQV stress than other constructs under internal-external rotation and posterior bending. On the whole, R-PHILOS demonstrated a comparable fracture displacement to those LCP with anterior or anteromedial approaches, that achieved the lowest displacement values. In addition, the experimental mechanical test values shared a correlation with the FE model results. CONCLUSION: Overall, the anterior R-PHILOS was considered as a potential candidate for multifragmentary distal humeral shaft fractures. It demonstrated efficacious biomechanical performance in terms of implant stress and distal fragment displacement.

Locating an iliac cortical window for reduction of an acetabular dome impaction: A computed tomography and cadaveric study.

This study aimed to determine the optimal location of the iliac cortical window (ICW) for the direct reduction of acetabular dome impactions using a reference bony landmark. Methods: In the first part of the study, computed tomography scans of 10 normal acetabula, the femoral head weight bearing area, were projected through the superior iliac cortical surface perpendicular to the plane of the true pelvis to show the area that corresponds to the acetabular dome. A line connecting each pair of anterior inferior iliac spines (AIIS) was drawn then reflected in the superior surface of the acetabulum and a reference point (RP) was marked on the line halfway between the AIIS and the pelvic brim. A 12-point 1-cm interval grid with horizontal and vertical axes labeled A, B, C and 1 to 4, respectively, overlying the acetabular surface projection was created to identify the location of the acetabular dome. In the second part of the study, the 12-point grid was marked on eight fresh cadavers (16 acetabula) and the same acetabular dome reference point was identified. K-wires were drilled into the acetabula using a parallel drill guide at each of the twelve grid points. An arthrotomy was carried out and the locations of the K-wires which penetrated the acetabular dome were recorded. Results: The average distance from the AIIS to the medial pelvic brim in the CT scans and cadaveric study were 47.7 and 45.9 mm, respectively. The K-wires at grid points B2 and C1 had a 100% correlation to the dome area. The A2, B1, and C2 grid points had a correlation with the dome area of >80%. The remaining grid points had joint penetrations ranging from 6.25% to 62.5%. Conclusion: The proposed RP, which can be easily identified intraoperatively, and the area 1 cm2 around the RP (except in the posterior direction) can be used as reliable reference landmarks and for identification of the location of the ICW for the reduction of an acetabular dome impaction.

Humerus shaft fractures, approaches and management.

Humeral shaft fracture is a common injury which can be treated either conservatively with functional bracing or with surgical fixation. Current evidence shows an increase in the rate of nonunion after conservative treatment, suggesting that indications for conservative treatment may need to be re-examined. This article updates trends in treatment for humeral shaft fracture. Indications for surgery, both for plate osteosynthesis with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as well as for minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and intramedullary nailing (IMN) are described. Recognition of the advantages and disadvantages of each technique can better define the role of the plate or nail and can aid in the selection of an appropriate surgical approach. ORIF with compression plate continues to have a role in the treatment of simple or AO/OTA type A fractures. The primary goal of minimal invasive osteosynthesis, a surgical technique involving small incisions, closed reduction or mini-open reduction that minimizes soft tissue dissection and helps preserve the periosteal blood supply, is to achieve bone union and the best possible functional outcomes. MIPO of the humerus is now well accepted as being less invasive and providing relative stability to allow indirect (secondary) bone healing with callus formation. MIPO approaches can be performed circumferentially to the humerus, including the proximal, middle and distal shaft. The classic MIPO approach is anterior MIPO, followed by posterior, anterolateral and anteromedial MIPO. IMN is also an option for treating humerus fractures. In the past, IMN was not widely used due to the potential for complications such as shoulder impingement and elbow problems as well as the limited availability of implants and the steep learning curve of this surgical technique. Over the past decade, the launch of a new design of straight antegrade and retrograde IMN with established techniques has encouraged more surgeons to use IMN as an alternative option. Methods of dealing with concomitant and post-treatment radial nerve palsy have also been evolving, including the use of ultrasound for diagnosis of radial nerve conditions. Radial nerves with contusion, entrapment or laceration can be detected using ultrasound with reliability comparable to intraoperative findings. Trends in treatment of radial nerve palsy are described below. Future larger randomized controlled trials comparing conservative and operative management are necessary to further develop appropriate guidelines.

Single-Stage Externalized Locked Plating for Treatment of Unstable Meta-Diaphyseal Tibial Fractures.

(1) Background: Unstable meta-diaphyseal tibial fractures represent a heterogeneous group of injuries. Recently, good clinical results have been reported when applying a technique of externalized locked plating in appropriate cases, highlighting its advantage in terms of less additional tissue injury compared with conventional methods of fracture fixation. The aims of this prospective clinical cohort study were, firstly, to investigate the biomechanical and clinical feasibility and, secondly, to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of single-stage externalized locked plating for treatment of unstable, proximal (intra- and extra-articular) and distal (extra-articular), meta-diaphyseal tibial fractures. (2) Methods: Patients, who matched the inclusion criteria of sustaining a high-energy unstable meta-diaphyseal tibial fracture, were identified prospectively for single-stage externalized locked plating at a single trauma hospital in the period from April 2013 to December 2022. (3) Results: Eighteen patients were included in the study. Average follow-up was 21.4 ± 12.3 months, with 94% of the fractures healing without complications. The healing time was 21.1 ± 4.6 weeks, being significantly shorter for patients with proximal extra- versus intra-articular meta-diaphyseal tibial fractures, p = 0.04. Good and excellent functional outcomes in terms of HSS and AOFAS scores, and knee and ankle joints range of motion were observed among all patients, with no registered implant breakage, deep infection, and non-union. (4) Conclusions: Single-stage externalized locked plating of unstable meta-diaphyseal tibial fractures provides adequate stability of fixation with promising clinical results and represents an attractive alternative to the conventional methods of external fixation when inclusion criteria and rehabilitation protocol are strictly followed. Further experimental studies and randomized multicentric clinical trials with larger series of patients are necessary to pave the way of its use in clinical practice.

Clinical outcomes and affecting factors of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures - Multination, multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures and identify the risk factors associated with missed diagnosis of femoral neck fractures and clinical outcomes of this fracture. METHODS: The ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures from seven centers were retrospectively reviewed. Data on injury mechanism, fracture pattern, and fracture classification; surgical factors including fixation method; and timing of detection of femoral neck fracture were analyzed. The clinical outcomes, complications, and the incidence of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) were reviewed. Risk factors for missed femoral neck fracture and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: In total, 74 patients with an average age of 43.6 years were included. Of the femoral shaft fractures, 56.8% were type A, 21.6% were type B, and 21.6% were type C. Sixteen patients had an open fracture of the femoral shaft. Femoral neck fracture was initially missed in 27% patients and the timing of delayed diagnosis was at an average of 11.1 days after injury. For detecting femoral neck fractures, minimal displacement of the femoral neck fracture was a risk factor, whereas computed tomography (CT) was a protective factor. The incidence of AVNFH was 6.8% at an average of 36.8 months after injury. The AVNFH group had more displaced femoral neck fractures at the time of surgery, but there was no difference in the timing of diagnosis compared to non-AVNFH group. The femoral shaft showed considerable healing problems, with an average union time of 29.7 weeks and a 20.2% nonunion rate. CONCLUSION: Ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures had a high rate of missed diagnosis, especially in minimally displaced fractures; however, CT was a protective factor. AVNFH occurred in 6.8% and was related to femoral neck fracture displacement, but not delayed diagnosis. The femur nonunion rate was high, which warrants attention.

Clinical Score for Predicting the Risk of Poor Ambulation at Discharge in Fragility Femoral Neck Fracture Patients: A Development Study.

Surgical treatment in patients with fragility femoral neck fractures often leads to a longer length of hospital stay (LOS) and higher costs. Intensive rehabilitation is one of the choices to reduce LOS, but patient selection criteria are controversial. We intended to develop a clinical score to predict the risk of poor ambulation at discharge. This study was based on a retrospective cohort of patients diagnosed with fragility femoral neck fractures surgically managed from January 2010 to December 2019 at Chiang Mai University (CMU) Hospital. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative factors that affect rehabilitation training were candidate predictors. All patients were categorized into able or unable groups based on their ability to bear self-weight at discharge. Logistic regression was used for score derivation. Five hundred and nine patients were included in this study. Male sex, end-stage kidney disease (ESRD), cerebrovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, pre-fracture ambulation with gait aids, concomitant fracture, post-operative intensive care unit (ICU) admission or ventilator use, and urinary catheter use at second day post-operation were identified as the prognostic factors. The score showed an AuROC of 0.84 with good calibration. The score can be used for risk stratification on the second day post-operation. External validation is encouraged before clinical implementation.

Prognostic Factors of the Inability to Bear Self-Weight at Discharge in Patients with Fragility Femoral Neck Fracture: A 5-Year Retrospective Cohort Study in Thailand.

An inability to bear self-weight is one of the unfavorable results in geriatric hip fracture, which needs to be prevented. This study determines pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative prognostic factors of the inability to bear self-weight at discharge in patients with fragility femoral neck fracture. This retrospective study was conducted at Chiang Mai University (CMU) hospital with an observational cohort design. Electronic medical records of patients aged ≥ 50 years old with fragility femoral neck fractures between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 were reviewed. Pre-, intra-, and post-operative factors were collected. Ambulation status at discharge time was classified into either ability or inability to bear self-weight. Analysis of prognostic factors was done using multivariable risk ratio regression. In total, 269 patients were recruited in this study. Significantly prognostic factors of inability to bear self-weight at discharge were end-stage renal disease (ESRD), cirrhosis, cerebrovascular disease, pre-fracture ambulatory status, having associated fractures, increasing intra-operative blood loss, and having pressure sore. These prognostic factors could be used to predict patients' outcomes at discharge. Proper management could then be offered to the patients by the multidisciplinary care team to enhance surgical outcomes.

Prognostic Factors of 1-Year Postoperative Functional Outcomes of Older Patients with Intertrochanteric Fractures in Thailand: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Restoration of ambulatory status is considered a primary treatment goal for older patients with intertrochanteric fractures. Several surgical-related parameters were reported to be associated with mechanical failure without focusing on the functional outcomes. Our study examines the roles of both clinical and surgical parameters as prognostic factors on 1-year postoperative ambulatory outcomes, reaching a good functional outcome (the New Mobility Score: NMS ≥ 5) and returning to preinjury functional status at one year, of older patients with intertrochanteric fracture. Intertrochanteric fractures patients age ≥65 years who underwent surgical treatment at our institute between January 2017 and February 2020 were included. Of 209 patients included, 149 (71.3%) showed a good functional outcome at one year. The pre-injury ambulatory status (OR 52.72, 95%CI 5.19-535.77, p = 0.001), BMI <23 kg/m2 (OR 3.14, 95%CI 1.21-8.13, p = 0.018), Hb ≥10 g/dL (OR 3.26, 95%CI 1.11-9.57, p = 0.031), and NMS at discharge ≥2 (OR 8.50, 95%CI 3.33-21.70, p < 0.001) were identified as independent predictors for reaching a good postoperative functional outcome. Only aged ≤80 (OR 2.34, 95%CI 1.11-4.93, p = 0.025) and NMS at discharge ≥2 (OR 6.27, 95%CI 2.75-14.32, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with an ability to return to preinjury function. To improve postoperative ambulatory status, orthopedic surgeons should focus more on modifying factors, such as maintaining the preoperative hemoglobin ≥10 g/dL and providing adequate postoperative ambulation training to maximize the patients' capability upon discharge. While surgical parameters were not identified as predictors, they can still be used as guidance to optimize the operation quality.

Size and location of posterior wall fragment on CT can predict hip instability in a cadaveric model.

PURPOSE: Previous research has been unable to elucidate the exact factors that contribute to hip instability in the setting of posterior wall acetabular fractures. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of posterior wall fracture fragment size and fracture angle on the stability of the hip joint in a cadaveric model. METHODS: Six fresh human cadavers (12 hips) were used. Specimens underwent pre-procedure CT evaluation and were then randomized to one of three groups: posterior wall fragment size (FS) of 15%, 20% and 25%. Osteotomies were performed starting at a fracture angle (FA) of 40°. The specimens underwent an exam under anesthesia (EUA). If the hip remained stable, the fracture angle was increased in 20° increments and re-tested until it became unstable. RESULTS: In the group with a FS of 15%, all hips were stable with a FA of 40°. Increasing the FA to 60° caused all hips to be unstable (subluxation or dislocation). In the group with a FS of 20% and 25%, all hips were unstable with a FA of 40°. CONCLUSION: In all specimens, a FS of 15% and FA of 40° were stable on EUA. Varying combinations of increasing FS size and increasing FA were all unstable. This study provides data for a CT-based measurement to predict hip instability in the setting of posterior wall acetabular fractures based on FS and FA. More research is required to validate this data in a clinical setting.

Proximal humerus exposure with the inverted-L anterolateral deltoid flip approach, anterolateral deltoid splitting approach, and deltopectoral approach: A comparative cadaveric study.

BACKGROUND: Reduction of the posterior aspect of proximal humerus fracture, such as far-retracted greater tuberosity or posterior articular head split fracture via a deltopectoral or deltoid splitting approach, is difficult and usually needs extensive dissection. The inverted-L anterolateral deltoid flip approach, which is developed from the deltoid splitting approach, accesses the proximal humerus via lateral deltoid flap lifting. This study compared the area and arc of surgical exposure to the proximal humerus of this proposed approach to existing approaches. METHODS: Eleven cadaveric specimens were used. Deltopectoral and deltoid splitting approaches were carried out on the right and left shoulder, respectively. Soft tissue was retracted after completion of a surgical approach to expose the proximal humerus, and dot-to-dot marking pins were placed along the border of exposed area. An additional area with a full shoulder rotation was also marked on the deltopectoral side. An inverted-L deltoid flip approach was further carried out on a deltoid splitting side with a posterior extending incision along the acromion process and the deltoid detachment from the acromion process. The additional area of exposure was subsequently marked. All soft tissue around the proximal humerus was taken down, and the glenohumeral joint was disarticulated. Area of exposure and axial images were taken for further processing and measurement. RESULT: An average distance of the axillary nerve from the acromion process of the deltoid splitting and the deltopectoral approaches were 49.15 mm and 57.35 mm, respectively (P < 0.05). The average area of exposure of the inverted-L deltoid flip, deltoid-splitting, deltopectoral, and deltopectoral with full rotation approaches were 2729.81mm2, 1404.39mm2, 1325.41mm2, and 2354.78mm2, respectively (P < 0.05). Mean arc of exposure lateral to bicipital groove of the inverted-L deltoid flip, deltoid splitting, deltopectoral, and deltopectoral with full rotation approaches were 151.75degrees, 105.02degrees, 61.68°, and 110.64°, respectively (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The inverted-L anterolateral deltoid flip approach provides the most posterior access to the proximal humerus. However, it requires more soft tissue dissection and awareness of tension on the axillary nerve. This approach could be an alternative for displaced posterior head splits or far-retracted greater tuberosity proximal humerus fractures.

Development of Clinical Prediction Rules for One-Year Postoperative Functional Outcome in Patients with Intertrochanteric Fractures: The Intertrochanteric Fracture Ambulatory Prediction (IT-AP) Tool.

Individualized prediction of postoperative ambulatory status for patients with intertrochanteric fractures is clinically relevant, during both preoperative and intraoperative periods. This study intended to develop clinical prediction rules (CPR) to predict one-year postoperative functional outcomes in patients with intertrochanteric fractures. CPR development was based on a secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort of patients with intertrochanteric fractures aged ≥50 years who underwent a surgical fixation. Good ambulatory status was defined as a New Mobility Score ≥ 5. Two CPR for preoperative and intraoperative predictions were derived using clinical profiles and surgical-related parameters using logistic regression with the multivariable fractional polynomial procedure. In this study, 221 patients with intertrochanteric fractures were included. Of these, 160 (72.4%) had good functional status at one year. The preoperative model showed an acceptable AuROC of 0.77 (95% CI 0.70 to 0.85). After surgical-related parameters were incorporated into the preoperative model, the model discriminative ability was significantly improved to an AuROC of 0.83 (95% CI 0.77 to 0.88) (p = 0.021). The newly-derived CPR enable physicians to provide patients with intertrochanteric fractures with their individualized predictions of functional outcome one year after surgery, which could be used for risk communication, surgical optimization and tailoring postoperative care that fits patients' expectations.

"Reverse miss-a-nail technique" of reconstruction nailing for successful fixation of the ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fracture.

INTRODUCTION: Although reconstruction nails have an advantage of single-construct fixation in ipsilateral femoral neck and shaft fractures, they have not been used widely due to the technical challenges associated with their placement. Reduction is particularly demanding in patients with displaced neck fractures after nailing of the shaft fracture, and can be resulted in nonunion, malunion, and osteonecrosis. We report a new technique of reconstruction nailing after the provisional reduction and fixation of a neck fracture to achieve successful healing of this injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Osteosynthesis using a reconstruction nail was performed in ten consecutive patients with displaced femoral neck and shaft fracture. After closed reduction of the displaced neck fracture, the femoral neck was provisionally fixed with pins in an anterolateral-to-medial direction. While maintaining reduction of the neck fracture, a nail was inserted and passed into the medullary canal posterior to the provisionally fixed pins with indirect reduction of the shaft fracture. After two reconstruction locking screws were fixed for proximal interlocking, the provisional pins were removed once distal interlocking was achieved. The radiologic outcomes included quality of reduction, healing rate, and time to the union were appraised, and the functional outcomes were assessed with Friedman and Wyman's criteria. RESULTS: This novel technique provided satisfactory reduction of both the femoral neck and shaft fractures with no malunion. All fractures achieved primary union, except for one case of nonunion of femoral shaft. Eight of ten patients experienced good results in functional outcome, whereas the remaining two patients reported moderate limitations in activities of daily living. At the latest follow-up, all patients had excellent range of motion in hip and knee joints. CONCLUSIONS: Provisional fixation after reduction of a femoral neck fracture may facilitate successful reconstruction nailing in the ipsilateral fractures of the femoral neck and shaft. This "Reverse Miss-a-Nail Technique" may minimize complications and maximize the radiologic and functional outcomes of patients who experience this injury.

Location of Vertical Limb of Extensile Lateral Calcaneal Approach and Risk of Injury of the Calcaneal Branch of Peroneal Artery.

BACKGROUND:: The extensile lateral calcaneal approach is a standard method for accessing a joint depression calcaneal fracture. However, the operative wound complication rate is high. Previous studies showed a calcaneal branch of the peroneal artery contributing to the calcaneal flap blood supply. This study focuses on the location of the vertical limb in this approach correlating to the aforementioned artery and flap perfusion. METHODS:: Ten pairs of fresh-frozen cadaveric lower extremities were used. Extensile lateral calcaneal approach (ELCA) was carried out on both calcanei, where the vertical limb was placed at the line between the posterior border of lateral malleolus and lateral edge of the Achilles tendon for the right side (standard ELCA; sELCA) and at the lateral edge of the Achilles tendon for the left side (modified ELCA; mELCA). The identified vessel in the vertical limb incision was ligated and cut, and the horizontal limb of the incision was carried out as usual. After completion of flap elevation, 80°C water was injected into the popliteal vessel. In addition, thermal images were taken pre- and postinjection. Dye was injected subsequently, and perfusion was recorded in video format. RESULTS:: Mean pre- and postinjection skin flap temperature difference was significantly higher in mELCA (5.36°C vs 0.72°C, P = .0002). Dye perfusion patterns were significantly better in mELCA ( P = .0013). The calcaneal branch of peroneal artery was found in the vertical incision in 9 of 10 sELCA, with average distance 22.04 mm anterior to the calcaneal tuberosity and 8.22 mm proximal to superior border of the calcaneus, whereas one was found in mELCA, in which perfusion tests still appeared normal. CONCLUSION:: The vertical limb of incision during extensile lateral calcaneal approach should be placed at the lateral edge of the Achilles tendon to avoid injuring the calcaneal branch of peroneal artery, which supplies the lateral calcaneal flap. However, further clinical research might be needed to confirm the results of this study. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:: This study demonstrates a likely safest position for the proper incision for exposing the lateral calcaneus.

How to determine the surgical approach in Hoffa fractures?

Surgical approach selection and fixation of Hoffa fractures is difficult and remains controversial. Evolving trends emphasize the importance of fracture morphology, fracture location, and comminution, all of which guide decisions regarding surgical approach and implant selection. This focused review highlights factors affecting Hoffa fracture available surgical approaches, treatment outcomes, and recommendations for selecting an optimal approach.

Relationships between Hoffa fragment size and surgical approach selection: a cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: Fixation of a small Hoffa fragment requires a selection of the proper surgical approach for reduction and posterior to anterior screws fixation. However, currently there are no guidelines regarding how to select the best approach for small posterior Hoffa fractures. OBJECTIVES: To compare the size of Hoffa fractures that are appropriate for reduction and fixation with the medial parapatellar approach (MPPA) and those which require the direct medial approach (DMA), and to make a similar comparison between the lateral parapatellar approach (LPPA) and the posterolateral approach (PLA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty extremities of fresh cadavers were included. After completion of each approach, the articular surface boundaries were marked and soft tissue was removed. On the medial condyle, an imaginary line was drawn from the most anterior (A) to the most posterior (B) point, representing the AP diameter (d3). The most posterior boundary of MPPA (C) and the most anterior boundary of DMA (D) were similarly marked. Distances between B and C (d1) and between B and D (d2) were measured as well as the anterior-posterior diameter of the condyle (d3). The same measurements were made for the lateral condyle. RESULTS: On the medial condyle, the average values of d1, d2, and d3 were 10.8 mm ± 3.8, 17.3 mm ± 3.3, and 60.1 mm ± 3.2, while percentages of d1/d3 and d2/d3 were 18.3% ± 6.4 and 28.7% ± 4.7. In lateral condyle, the averages for d1, d2, d3 were 6.1 mm ± 1.4, 12.1 mm ± 2.8 and 60.9 mm ± 3.3 mm and the percentages of d1/d3 and d2/d3 were 10.1% ± 2.3 and 19.9% ± 4.9. CONCLUSIONS: When the Hoffa fragment is less than 18.3% of the AP diameter of medial condyle or 10.1% of lateral condyle, the fracture is invisible with the PPA. When the Hoffa fragment is more than 28.7% of the medial condyle or 19.9% of the lateral condyle, the PPA should be selected. If the Hoffa fragment is less than 28.7% of the medial condyle or 19.9% of the lateral condyle, the DMA or PLA with posterior-to-anterior screws is recommended. Combined approaches should be considered in some complex cases with articular comminution.

Posterolateral tibial plateau fractures, how to buttress? Reversed L posteromedial or the posterolateral approach: a comparative cadaveric study.

INTRODUCTION: The selection of a surgical approach for buttressing posterolateral tibial plateau fractures is controversial. OBJECTIVE: This study compared the surgical exposure area between the reversed L posteromedial approach (R-PM) and the posterolateral (PL) approach using the lateral plateau width as a metric. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty lower extremities from fresh frozen cadavers were included. The R-PM approach was used first and the boundary of the posterior tibial cortex exposure was marked with metal pins. With the same specimens, the PL approach was then performed and the exposure area was marked. After removing all soft tissue, an imaginary line was drawn from the lateral plateau rim anterior to the fibular head (L) to the posteromedial ridge of the tibia (M). Additional metal pins were used to indicate bony reference landmarks at the joint line on the posterior tibial plateau, including the lateral tibial spine (S), the lateral boundary with the PM approach (LPM) and the lateral boundary with the PL approach (LPL). All distances were measured using S as the reference point. RESULTS: The average distance from S to L, referred to as the lateral plateau width (A), was 32.62 mm. The average distances from S to LPM (B) and from S to LPL measured as a percentage of A were 43.72 and 81.41%, respectively. The average R-PM approach blind distance from LPM to LPL (C) as a percentage of the lateral plateau width was 58.45%, while the distance LPL to L (D), which represents the invisible blind distance with both approaches, was 15.37% of that width. CONCLUSIONS: The PL approach provides better access for buttressing the posterolateral tibial plateau fracture than the R-PM approach. With the R-PM approach, the blind area on the lateral plateau which can be accessed only by the PL approach starts approximately at 43.72% and ends at 81.41% of the lateral tibial plateau width. When a fracture is located in this zone, the posterolateral approach is recommended.

Safe zones and a technical guide for cerclage wiring of the femur: a computed topographic angiogram (CTA) study.

INTRODUCTION: Cerclage wiring for reduction of complex femoral shaft fractures can create iatrogenic vascular injury. OBJECTIVE: To describe the anatomical relation of blood vessels to the femur and develop a technical guide for safe passage of cerclage wire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT lower-limb angiographs (CTA) of 80 patients were reviewed and analysed to identify the superficial femoral artery (SFA) and the deep femoral artery (DFA) as well as the relation of those arteries to the femoral cortex. The total length of the femur was measured and divided into eight equal segments (seven levels). At each level, the medial half of the femur was divided into eight sectors labelled A through H and the position of the SFA and DFA was recorded. The shortest distance between the femoral cortex and the SFA and DFA at each level was measured. The data was analysed using STATA version 10.0. RESULTS: The average total femoral length from the tip of greater trochanter to lateral joint line was 402.98 ± 26.16 cm. The average distances from the SFA to the femur (d1) for levels 1 through 7 were 37.20 ± 5.0, 32.09 ± 4.74, 27.13 ± 4.19, 27.71 ± 5.46, 23.71 ± 4.40, 13.63 ± 3.59 and 10.08 ± 3.09 mm, respectively. The average distances between the DFA and the femur (d2) for levels 1 through 3 were 26.70 ± 4.13, 14.76 ± 3.27 and 9.58 ± 3.79 mm, respectively. The position of the SFA is located in sectors B through E at levels 1-3 and in sectors E through H at levels 4-7 and the position of the DFA located in sectors B through F at levels 1-3. CONCLUSION: Cerclage wiring should be started from the posterior intermuscular septum at the linea aspera. The safe area is the proximal half (midshaft) of the femur where the SFA and DFA lie at a safe distance from the femur. Between the midshaft and the distal 1/4, insertion of the passer must be done meticulously with the tip kept close to posteromedial cortex. Below the distal 1/4, the tip of the passer should be kept close to the posterior cortex to avoid injury to the SFA and the sciatic nerve.

Removal of the broken femoral nail with T-reamer technique: A three-case report.

Nonunion of femoral shaft fracture is an uncommon complication after closed intramedullary nailing which often leading to nail breakage. Removal of the broken femoral nail with closed manner is a challenging procedure for orthopedic surgeons. The removal technique with the T-reamer is a closed method, which does not require either a nonunion site opening or knee exposing. We reported 3 cases of nonunion femoral shaft with broken slotted and non-slotted hollow nail which were successfully removed without any complication. All fractures healed uneventfully without open the fracture site or bone grafting.