Depression fractures of the posterolateral tibial plateau: Treatment by lateral femoral epicondyle osteotomy approach.

OBJECTIVE: The best surgical exposure and fixation method for fractures affecting the posterolateral corner of the tibial plateau remain debatable. This study describes a surgical approach to treat lateral depressions of the posterolateral tibial plateau with or without rim involvement by osteotomy of the lateral femoral epicondyle associated with osteosynthesis with a one-third tubular horizontal belt plate to stabilize the fracture fragment. METHOD: We evaluated 13 patients with fractures of the tibial plateau affecting the posterolateral region. Assessments included the degree of the depression (in millimeters), quality of the reduction, complications, and function. RESULTS: All fractures and osteotomies consolidated. The patients had a mean age of 48 years and were mostly men (n=8). Regarding the quality of the reduction, the mean reduction obtained was 15.8 mm, and 8 patients achieved anatomical reduction. The mean (± standard deviation) Knee Society Score was 92±13 (range 65-100), and the mean Function Score was 95±9.6 (range 70-100). The mean Lysholm Knee Score was 92±11.7 (range 66-100), and the mean International Knee Documentation Committee Score was 85±12.6 (range 63-100). All these scores reflect good results. None of the patients developed superficial or deep infection or presented healing disorders. Sensitive or motor complications of the fibular nerve were not observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients with depression fractures of the posterolateral tibial plateau, a surgical approach through osteotomy of the lateral femoral epicondyle allowed direct reduction and stable osteosynthesis of the fractures without functional impairment.

Treatment of femur pseudoarthrosis using wave plate: Evaluation of consolidation and its relationship with graft type.

INTRODUCTION: In the pathogenesis of femoral pseudoarthrosis, the arched shape of the bone is important when determining traction force on the anterolateral plane and posteromedial compression. In plate osteosynthesis, flexion forces affect the implant and can determine its breakdown and osteosynthesis failure. The wave plate seeks to solve the problem by transferring the support to the cortex under the plate or creating the resistance of a leaf spring. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the bone healing pattern of femoral pseudoarthrosis treated with wave plate and its effectiveness in consolidation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 18 patients with femoral pseudoarthrosis treated with wave plate. RESULTS: Three months after surgery, one patient presented healing of pseudoarthrosis, six months after surgery, 16 patients presented healing of pseudoarthrosis and at 12 months, all patients had complete bone healing. Regarding the type of pseudoarthrosis, nine patients had avascular and nine vascular pseudoarthrosis. Fifteen patients had medial cortical failure and three, lateral cortical failure. In all cases, consolidation started where there was bone failure, be it medial or lateral. DISCUSSION: The wave plate technique is well indicated for the existence of cortical bone failure, both in fractures and in pseudoarthrosis. Objective is to stabilize the fragments by transferring and allowing contact between them. The formation of the bone callus occurred in our sample from the region of the bone defect to the region of bone contact, using either a tricortical or cancellous bone graft. The elastic force of the wave and the eccentric distribution of loads in the femur favored the formation of a callus where it was distracted (bone failure) and the location with concentration of movement (proximity between the fragments) was the end of bone healing. CONCLUSION: The wave plate technique was effective in bone healing of femoral pseudoarthrosis, promoting consolidation from the cortical failure to the bone contact zone.

ANTEGRADE X RETROGRADE NAILING IN FEMORAL FRACTURES: A STUDY ON CONSOLIDATION AND INFECTION.

OBJECTIVE: Osteosynthesis with intramedullary nailing is considered the method of choice to treat diaphyseal femur fractures in adults. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the bone healing time and incidence of infection in patients with diaphyseal femur fractures treated surgically with retrograde and antegrade intramedullary nailing. METHODS: The medical records of 123 patients from two university hospitals dated 2011-2013 were evaluated, with 126 diaphyseal femur fractures having been found. The most frequent treatment was antegrade intramedullary nailing (51%), of which 38% involved reaming (n=25). RESULTS: We found evidence of 92% healed fractures at 12 months postoperatively. Complications included chronic osteomyelitis in one patient and femoral neck fracture in another patient, both after reamed antegrade nailing. Pyoarthritis of the knee associated with osteomyelitis affected two patients after reamed retrograde nailing and one patient after unreamed retrograde nailing. CONCLUSION: We did not observe a significant difference in bone healing rates with the use of reamed or unreamed antegrade or retrograde nailing. Complications included the presence of infection with an incidence similar to that reported in the literature, and of particular significance, unrelated to the type of approach. Level of evidence III, Retrospective comparative study.

OBJETIVO: A osteossíntese com haste intramedular é considerada o método de escolha para tratamento das fraturas diafisárias do fêmur em adultos. O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi avaliar o tempo até a consolidação e a incidência de infecção em pacientes com fratura diafisária do fêmur, operados com haste intramedular retrógrada e anterógrada. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados os prontuários de 123 pacientes de dois hospitais universitários entre os anos de 2011 e 2013, tendo sido encontradas 126 fraturas diafisárias do fêmur. O tratamento mais frequente foi com haste intramedular anterógrada (51%), das quais 38% (n=25) eram fresadas. RESULTADOS: Com 12 meses de pós-operatório, evidenciamos 92% de consolidação. Entre as complicações, observamos um paciente com osteomielite crônica e um com fratura do colo do fêmur, ambos submetidos à haste intramedular anterógrada fresada e pioartrite do joelho, associada à osteomielite em dois pacientes submetidos à haste intramedular retrógrada fresada e em um paciente após a utilização de haste intramedular retrógrada não fresada. CONCLUSÃO: Não observamos diferença significativa entre a taxa de consolidação com o emprego das hastes retrógradas e anterógradas, fresadas ou não fresadas. Dentre as complicações, observamos a presença de infecção em incidência similar à da literatura e particularmente sem relação com a via de acesso escolhida. Nível de evidência III, estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

Antegrade x retrograde nailing in femoral fractures: a study on consolidation and infection / Haste anterógrada x retrógrada em fraturas femorais: um estudo sobre consolidação e infecção

ABSTRACT Objective: Osteosynthesis with intramedullary nailing is considered the method of choice to treat diaphyseal femur fractures in adults. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the bone healing time and incidence of infection in patients with diaphyseal femur fractures treated surgically with retrograde and antegrade intramedullary nailing. Methods: The medical records of 123 patients from two university hospitals dated 2011-2013 were evaluated, with 126 diaphyseal femur fractures having been found. The most frequent treatment was antegrade intramedullary nailing (51%), of which 38% involved reaming (n=25). Results: We found evidence of 92% healed fractures at 12 months postoperatively. Complications included chronic osteomyelitis in one patient and femoral neck fracture in another patient, both after reamed antegrade nailing. Pyoarthritis of the knee associated with osteomyelitis affected two patients after reamed retrograde nailing and one patient after unreamed retrograde nailing. Conclusion: We did not observe a significant difference in bone healing rates with the use of reamed or unreamed antegrade or retrograde nailing. Complications included the presence of infection with an incidence similar to that reported in the literature, and of particular significance, unrelated to the type of approach. Level of evidence III, Retrospective comparative study.

RESUMO Objetivo: A osteossíntese com haste intramedular é considerada o método de escolha para tratamento das fraturas diafisárias do fêmur em adultos. O objetivo deste estudo retrospectivo foi avaliar o tempo até a consolidação e a incidência de infecção em pacientes com fratura diafisária do fêmur, operados com haste intramedular retrógrada e anterógrada. Métodos: Foram avaliados os prontuários de 123 pacientes de dois hospitais universitários entre os anos de 2011 e 2013, tendo sido encontradas 126 fraturas diafisárias do fêmur. O tratamento mais frequente foi com haste intramedular anterógrada (51%), das quais 38% (n=25) eram fresadas. Resultados: Com 12 meses de pós-operatório, evidenciamos 92% de consolidação. Entre as complicações, observamos um paciente com osteomielite crônica e um com fratura do colo do fêmur, ambos submetidos à haste intramedular anterógrada fresada e pioartrite do joelho, associada à osteomielite em dois pacientes submetidos à haste intramedular retrógrada fresada e em um paciente após a utilização de haste intramedular retrógrada não fresada. Conclusão: Não observamos diferença significativa entre a taxa de consolidação com o emprego das hastes retrógradas e anterógradas, fresadas ou não fresadas. Dentre as complicações, observamos a presença de infecção em incidência similar à da literatura e particularmente sem relação com a via de acesso escolhida. Nível de evidência III, estudo retrospectivo comparativo.

Are traumatologists treating osteoporosis to prevent new fractures in brazil? / Os traumatologistas tratam osteoporose, para prevenir uma nova fratura, no brasil?

ABSTRACT Objectives: To determine the proportion of traumatologists who investigate osteoporosis in elderly patients with fractures and recommend secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures. Methods: We distributed questionnaires to 244 physicians attending the 2015 Brazilian Congress of Orthopedic Trauma. We determined the respondents' profiles and assessed how they investigated and treated osteoporosis in elderly patients with fractures. Results: Overall, 32% of the respondents reported that their knowledge level regarding osteoporosis ranged from 0-5 (out of 0-10). In total, 42% of the participants reported that they usually requested DXA for elderly patients with fractures and less than 30% reported prescribing supplemental calcium and/or vitamin D. We considered physicians conducting a complete treatment for the patient as those who in addition to requesting DXA prescribed supplemental calcium, vitamin D, and specific medications for their elderly patients, and recommended non-pharmacological measures. Only 0.8% of the participants fulfilled all these criteria. In addition, 47% of the traumatologists reported that they did not treat osteoporosis directly but instead, referred osteoporotic patients to a qualified physician. Conclusion: Less than 50% of the surveyed traumatologists investigated and performed secondary prevention against osteoporotic fractures after treating an elderly patient with a fracture. Level of evidence III, Economic and Decision Analyses - Developing an Economic or Decisions Model.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a proporção de traumatologistas que investigam a osteoporose nos pacientes idosos com fraturas e recomendam a prevenção secundária das fraturas osteoporóticas. Métodos: Distribuímos questionários para 244 médicos participantes do Congresso Brasileiro de Traumatología Ortopédica em 2015. Determinamos o perfil dos mesmos e avaliamos como os entrevistados investigam e tratam a osteoporose nos pacientes idosos com fraturas. Resultados: Entre os entrevistados, 32% relataram que seu nível de conhecimento sobre osteoporose seria algo entre 0 e 5 (de 0 a 10). No total, 42% dos participantes relataram que frequentemente solicitam DXA para pacientes idosos com fraturas, mas menos de 30% relataram prescrever suplementação com cálcio e/ou vitamina D. Consideramos como prescritores do tratamento completo para o paciente aqueles médicos que, além de solicitar DXA, prescrevem suplementação de cálcio, vitamina D e medicamentos específicos para seus pacientes idosos, além de recomendar medidas não farmacológicas. Apenas 0,8% dos participantes preencheram todos esses critérios. Além disso, 47% dos traumatologistas relataram que não tratam a osteoporose, mas encaminham seus pacientes com osteoporose para um médico que o faz. Conclusão: Menos de 50% dos traumatologistas pesquisados investigam e realizam prevenção secundária contra fraturas osteoporóticas após tratamento de paciente idoso com fratura. Nível de evidência III, Análises econômicas e de decisão - Desenvolvimento de modelo econômico ou de decisão.

Rotational evaluation of humeral shaft fractures with proximal extension fixed using the MIPO technique.

INTRODUCTION: Diaphyseal fractures with proximal humeral extension can be treated using a helical model, so it is lateral on the proximal aspect and on the diaphyseal segment in the anterior surface. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate possible rotational deviations using minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and to determine how it affects upper limb function. METHODS: We followed 11 patients for a period of two years. The proximal approach was anterior-lateral, and the distal approach was anterior, dividing the brachial muscle. For rotational evaluation, we used the semi-axial incidence described by Oztuna et al., assessing the degree of retroversion of the humeral head in relation to the elbow. During follow-up, we measured bilateral range of motion, shoulder function (UCLA), and upper limb function (DASH). RESULTS: For patients whose final result was an increase in retroversion, there was an average difference of 9°, with an increase in the final difference of external rotation of 3° compared with the other shoulder, and no difference between the final levels of internal rotation. In the patients whose final result was a decrease in retroversion, where the distal fragment was fixed in internal rotation, the difference observed was an average of 6°. These patients had an average decrease of the external rotation of 5° with an increase of the internal rotation by two levels. The final functional scores were "good" and "excellent" in all patients, with a mean UCLA of 31.8 points (28-34) and a mean DASH of 9.11 points (0.83-22.2). CONCLUSION: In all patients, there was a difference in the humeral head retroversion compared to the contralateral limb, but with little clinical repercussion and good or excellent functional scores.

ARE TRAUMATOLOGISTS TREATING OSTEOPOROSIS TO PREVENT NEW FRACTURES IN BRAZIL?

OBJECTIVES: To determine the proportion of traumatologists who investigate osteoporosis in elderly patients with fractures and recommend secondary prevention of osteoporotic fractures. METHODS: We distributed questionnaires to 244 physicians attending the 2015 Brazilian Congress of Orthopedic Trauma. We determined the respondents' profiles and assessed how they investigated and treated osteoporosis in elderly patients with fractures. RESULTS: Overall, 32% of the respondents reported that their knowledge level regarding osteoporosis ranged from 0-5 (out of 0-10). In total, 42% of the participants reported that they usually requested DXA for elderly patients with fractures and less than 30% reported prescribing supplemental calcium and/or vitamin D. We considered physicians conducting a complete treatment for the patient as those who in addition to requesting DXA prescribed supplemental calcium, vitamin D, and specific medications for their elderly patients, and recommended non-pharmacological measures. Only 0.8% of the participants fulfilled all these criteria. In addition, 47% of the traumatologists reported that they did not treat osteoporosis directly but instead, referred osteoporotic patients to a qualified physician. CONCLUSION: Less than 50% of the surveyed traumatologists investigated and performed secondary prevention against osteoporotic fractures after treating an elderly patient with a fracture. Level of evidence III, Economic and Decision Analyses - Developing an Economic or Decisions Model.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a proporção de traumatologistas que investigam a osteoporose nos pacientes idosos com fraturas e recomendam a prevenção secundária das fraturas osteoporóticas. MÉTODOS: Distribuímos questionários para 244 médicos participantes do Congresso Brasileiro de Traumatología Ortopédica em 2015. Determinamos o perfil dos mesmos e avaliamos como os entrevistados investigam e tratam a osteoporose nos pacientes idosos com fraturas. RESULTADOS: Entre os entrevistados, 32% relataram que seu nível de conhecimento sobre osteoporose seria algo entre 0 e 5 (de 0 a 10). No total, 42% dos participantes relataram que frequentemente solicitam DXA para pacientes idosos com fraturas, mas menos de 30% relataram prescrever suplementação com cálcio e/ou vitamina D. Consideramos como prescritores do tratamento completo para o paciente aqueles médicos que, além de solicitar DXA, prescrevem suplementação de cálcio, vitamina D e medicamentos específicos para seus pacientes idosos, além de recomendar medidas não farmacológicas. Apenas 0,8% dos participantes preencheram todos esses critérios. Além disso, 47% dos traumatologistas relataram que não tratam a osteoporose, mas encaminham seus pacientes com osteoporose para um médico que o faz. CONCLUSÃO: Menos de 50% dos traumatologistas pesquisados investigam e realizam prevenção secundária contra fraturas osteoporóticas após tratamento de paciente idoso com fratura. Nível de evidência III, Análises econômicas e de decisão - Desenvolvimento de modelo econômico ou de decisão.