COMBINED PLATE VERSUS EXTERNAL FIXATION FOR DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES.

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the functional and radiological results of patients who had intra-articular comminuted distal radius fractures and were operated on with external fixation percutaneous pinning or the volar-dorsal combined plate osteosynthesis. Methods: In this study, 49 patients operated on and followed up for the comminuted distal radius fractures between May 2015 and January 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The surgical outcomes of the patients, who were operated on with combined dorsal-volar plate osteosynthesis or external fixation percutaneous pinning, were compared in this study. Functional and radiological scores were evaluated and analyzed statistically. Results: There was no statistical difference between external fixation and volar-dorsal combined plate groups regarding the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Mayo scoring system, range of motion, and grip strength values. Discussion: Although the combined volar-dorsal plate osteosynthesis technique had a longer operation time and a more complicated surgical procedure, the combined volar-dorsal plate osteosynthesis had lower complication rates and permitted early mobilization. The combined volar-dorsal plate osteosynthesis could be an alternative to external fixation percutaneous pinning. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os resultados funcionais e radiológicos de pacientes portadores de fraturas intra-articulares cominutivas do rádio distal, operados com fixação externa percutânea ou com osteossíntese volar-dorsal de placa combinada. Método: Foram avaliados 49 pacientes operados e acompanhados por fraturas cominutivas distais do rádio entre maio de 2015 e janeiro de 2019 retrospectivamente. Os resultados cirúrgicos dos pacientes operados com osteossíntese de placa volar-dorsal combinada ou fixação externa percutânea foram comparados. Os escores funcionais e radiológicos foram avaliados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos de fixação externa e placa combinada volar-dorsal em relação ao questionário Deficiências do braço, ombro e mão (DASH), à Escala Visual Analógica (VAS), ao sistema de pontuação Mayo, à amplitude de movimento ou à avaliação de força de preensão. Conclusão: Embora a técnica combinada de osteossíntese da placa volar-dorsal tenha um tempo cirúrgico mais longo e procedimento mais complicado, a osteossíntese combinada da placa volar-dorsal apresentou menores taxas de complicações, permitindo a mobilização precoce. A osteossíntese combinada da placa volar-dorsal pode ser uma alternativa à fixação externa percutânea. Nível de Evidência III, Estudos terapêuticos ­ Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

New interlocking intramedullary nail for treating acute midshaft clavicular fractures in adults: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to retrospectively examine the radiological and functional results of midshaft clavicle fractures that were treated with a new, interlocking intramedullary nail, and employing a different locking option. METHODS: Between January 2018 and January 2020, 24 displaced midshaft clavicle fractures were operated with new, interlocking intramedullary nail. Fractures were classified according to the AO/orthopedic trauma association classification, according to which there were 22 15.2.B (wedge) and 2 15.2.C (comminuted) fractures. The mean patient age was 35.5±14.2 (range: 18-63) years. Eighteen (75%) of the patients were male and six (25%) were female. RESULTS: Follow-up data were recorded at a minimum of 1 year (range 12-36 months), with an average of 21.5 months (SD±8). The mean interval between the injury and surgery was 4.1 (SD±2.3; range: 1-9) days. Full shoulder movements had been achieved by all patients, relative to the contralateral side. The mean constant score was 95.6 (SD±4.2; range 90-100), and the mean visual analog scale score was 0.8 (SD±0.8; range: 0-3). Union was achieved in all patients. The mean union time was 9.5 (SD±1.8; range 6-12) weeks as assessed by radiograph. Average shortening of the clavicle relative to the contralateral side was 3.4% (SD±1.1; range 1.1-6.3). One patient experienced implant irritation, implant removal was performed after 14 months. No implant migration, hardware loosening, implant breakage, or neurovascular damage occurred. One hypertrophic scarring developed. One wound detachment developed at the 3rd post-operative week. CONCLUSION: We think that this new intramedullary nail is a good alternative for wedge type fractures in adult, acute, displaced, and midshaft clavicle fractures.

Combined plate versus external fixation for distal radius fractures / Placa combinada versus fixação externa para fraturas do rádio distal

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study aimed to compare the functional and radiological results of patients who had intra-articular comminuted distal radius fractures and were operated on with external fixation percutaneous pinning or the volar-dorsal combined plate osteosynthesis. Methods: In this study, 49 patients operated on and followed up for the comminuted distal radius fractures between May 2015 and January 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The surgical outcomes of the patients, who were operated on with combined dorsal-volar plate osteosynthesis or external fixation percutaneous pinning, were compared in this study. Functional and radiological scores were evaluated and analyzed statistically. Results: There was no statistical difference between external fixation and volar-dorsal combined plate groups regarding the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Mayo scoring system, range of motion, and grip strength values. Discussion: Although the combined volar-dorsal plate osteosynthesis technique had a longer operation time and a more complicated surgical procedure, the combined volar-dorsal plate osteosynthesis had lower complication rates and permitted early mobilization. The combined volar-dorsal plate osteosynthesis could be an alternative to external fixation percutaneous pinning. Level of Evidence III, Therapeutic Studies Investigating the Results of Treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os resultados funcionais e radiológicos de pacientes portadores de fraturas intra-articulares cominutivas do rádio distal, operados com fixação externa percutânea ou com osteossíntese volar-dorsal de placa combinada. Método: Foram avaliados 49 pacientes operados e acompanhados por fraturas cominutivas distais do rádio entre maio de 2015 e janeiro de 2019 retrospectivamente. Os resultados cirúrgicos dos pacientes operados com osteossíntese de placa volar-dorsal combinada ou fixação externa percutânea foram comparados. Os escores funcionais e radiológicos foram avaliados e analisados estatisticamente. Resultados: Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos de fixação externa e placa combinada volar-dorsal em relação ao questionário Deficiências do braço, ombro e mão (DASH), à Escala Visual Analógica (VAS), ao sistema de pontuação Mayo, à amplitude de movimento ou à avaliação de força de preensão. Conclusão: Embora a técnica combinada de osteossíntese da placa volar-dorsal tenha um tempo cirúrgico mais longo e procedimento mais complicado, a osteossíntese combinada da placa volar-dorsal apresentou menores taxas de complicações, permitindo a mobilização precoce. A osteossíntese combinada da placa volar-dorsal pode ser uma alternativa à fixação externa percutânea. Nível de Evidência III, Estudos terapêuticos - Investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Comparison of the clinical and radiographic outcomes of plate fixation versus new-generation locked intramedullary nail in the management of adult forearm diaphyseal fractures.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare functional and radiographical outcomes following intramedullary nailing (IMN) versus plate and screw osteosynthesis in managing patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures. METHODS: Forty-six patients (27 male, 19 female) were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 25 were treated with plate osteosynthesis and 21 with IMN. The mean age was 32.4 (range, 19-67) years in the plate group and 28.8 (range, 18-64) years in the IMN group. The mean follow-up was 22.3 (range, 12-36) months in the IMN group and 24.8 (range, 12-48) months in the plate group. Functional outcomes were evaluated based on the forearm pronation/supination range of motion, grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and Grace-Eversmann scoring criteria. RESULTS: The median time to union was 13.6 weeks in the plate group and 10.9 weeks in the IMN group (p<0.05). Union was achieved in 24 of 25 patients in the plate group (96%) and all patients in the IMN group (100%). The mean operative time was 69.7 (range, 45-110) minutes in the IMN group and 88.2 (range, 50-130) minutes in the plate group. The mean fluoroscopy time was 2.7 seconds in the plate group and 21.3 seconds in the IMN group. The mean length of hospital stay was five (range, 3-9) days in the plate group and four (range, 3-10) days in the IMN group. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the IMN group (p < 0.05), while the mean fluoroscopy time was longer in the IMN group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in forearm pronation and supination, grip strength, DASH score, and Grace-Eversmann scoring criteria. CONCLUSION: Locked IMNs seem a viable alternative to ORIF with plate osteosynthesis for adult diaphyseal forearm fractures with similar healing rates, functional scores, and shorter operative times. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, Therapeutic Study.

Treatment of proximal scaphoid waist nonunions with vascularized bone graft from the distal radius or medial femoral condyle.

Fractures of the proximal scaphoid waist are more prone to nonunion than distal scaphoid fractures. Thirty-nine patients (five females, 34 males; mean age 31 years) who had operation for proximal scaphoid waist nonunion between 2017 and 2020 were retrospectively analysed. Patients received a free vascularized medial femoral condyle graft (Group 1: 18 patients) or distal radial bone graft based on a 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicle (Group 2: 21 patients). In Group 1, union was achieved in 17 of 18 cases, with mean time to union of 13 weeks and mean operation time was 221 minutes. In Group 2, union was achieved in 19 of 21 cases, with mean time to union of 15 weeks and mean operation time was 100 minutes. The radiological and functional results of both groups were similar. We recommend a distal radial bone graft based on the 1,2 intercompartmental supraretinacular artery pedicle for proximal scaphoid waist nonunions since the operation is shorter, technically more manageable and requires less microsurgical experience.Level of evidence: III.

Surgical outcomes of scaphoid fracture osteosynthesis with magnesium screws.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the mid-term functional and radiological outcomes of magnesium-based screws in the treatment of scaphoid fractures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2015 and February 2018, a total of 21 patients (18 males, 3 females; mean age: 28.5±5.8 years; range, 19 to 39 years) with acute scaphoid waist fractures who underwent fracture fixation with biologically degradable magnesium-based compression screws were retrospectively analyzed. Fractures were classified according to the Herbert and Fisher classification. The absence of pain on palpation and painless active range of motion were accepted as the signs of union. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 43.3±5.3 (range, 36 to 52) months. According to the Herbert and Fisher classification, nine patients had type B1 and 12 patients had type B2 scaphoid fractures. Union was achieved in all cases. The mean time to union was 11.2±1.5 (range, 9 to 14) weeks. The mean grip strength, flexion, and extension were 43.57°, 73.57°, and 76.43°, respectively. The grip strength, pinch strength, and range of motion of the operated side were evaluated at the final follow-up visit and compared with the contralateral side (control group). No complication occurred. Any screw was not removed. CONCLUSION: Magnesium-based compression screws can be safely used for acute scaphoid fractures considering their favorable functional and radiological results.

Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, restriction, and orthopedic trauma: Retrospective observational study.

ABSTRACT: In 2019, the Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) was reported in Wuhan, China. Governments in various countries had taken many safeguards. This study investigated the incidence of orthopedic trauma in a rural region epidemiologically and guided source distribution and medical professionals to sustain healthcare systems.Between December 2019 and August 2020, 1651 patients admitted to orthopedics and traumatology clinics with trauma were evaluated in this study. Patients were grouped into 3 groups: pre-covid, restriction, and permitted groups. Age, sex, and fracture types of patients were recorded.The number of patients in the pre-covid period was 629 (38.1%), those were 334 (20.2%) in the restriction period, and 688 (41.7%) patients were admitted in the permitted period. A total of 1203 (72.9%) patients with upper extremity fractures, 383 (23.2%) patients with lower extremity fractures, and 65 (3.9%) patients with axial skeleton and pelvic ring fractures were included in the study. The lowest rates were found in the restriction period when all fractures were evaluated according to the admission periods. There were significant differences between admission dates and the fractures (P < .001).In this study, a decrease in orthopedic trauma rates was observed by half in the restriction period compared with the other 2 periods. Public health precautions had led to a reduction in the incidence of orthopedic trauma in all age groups.

InSafeLOCK® humeral nailing for humeral nonunions: Clinical and radiological results.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the clinical and functional results of patients treated with InSafeLOCK® humeral nail and iliac crest autograft for humeral nonunion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 15 patients (11 males, 4 females; mean age: 52.1±15.3 years; range, 31 to 78 years) who were followed conservatively for humeral fractures and operated with the InSafeLOCK® humeral nail and iliac bone graft in our center between June 2018 and January 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. Data including demographic and clinical characteristics of the patients, operative data, and pre- and postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH), and Constant-Murley Scores (CMS) were recorded. RESULTS: The mean time from injury to nonunion treatment was 10.9±1.6 months. Five patients had atrophic, eight patients had oligotrophic, and two patients had hypertrophic nonunion. Preoperatively, the mean DASH was 37.7±9.1, the mean CMS was 69.7±6.3, and the mean VAS was 3.8±0.7. In all patients, union was achieved. The mean operation time was 59.0±16.2 min. The mean postoperative DASH score was 16.1±8.7, CMS 87.4±3.4, and VAS score 0.8±0.7. Regarding the shoulder joint, the mean abduction was 164.7±11.3 degrees, the mean internal rotation was 82.0±6.8 degrees, the mean external rotation was 81.3±8.3 degrees, and the mean flexion was 162.0±12.1 degrees. During follow-up, complications such as vascular-nerve injury, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, screw migration or loosening, implant failure, and loss of reduction did not occur in any of our patients. CONCLUSION: Considering the satisfactory functional and radiological results, the InSafeLOCK® humeral nail can be used safely in humeral nonunions.

The impact of Covid-19 pandemic related lockdown on clubfoot practice: Type of study design: Retrospective cross-sectional study.

ABSTRACT: We investigated whether the number of pediatric patients with congenital clubfoot treated with the Ponseti method decreased during the Covid-19 pandemic or not in a rural area. So we aimed to guide orthopedic surgeons and health infrastructure for future pandemics to be prepared in hospitals of rural areas for the treatment of children with congenital clubfoot.One hundred and fifty-four patients with clubfoot who were admitted to our clinic were evaluated retrospectively from March 2017 to December 2020. Institutional hospital electronic database was used to detect the number of weeks between the birth and first cast performed in clinic and the number of casts been applied and unilaterality or bilaterality. Patients were divided into four groups, which included pandemic period and three previous years. Recorded data were analyzed statistically to detect if there is a difference between the numbers of the patients in pandemic period and three previous years.The number of patients with clubfoot admitted to our hospital between March 2020 and December 2020 increased by 140% compared to previous year. There was a statistically significant difference between the average number of cast applications of Group 4 and other groups (P <.001). Achilles tenotomy was performed in 44 (61.1%) of 72 patients admitted during the pandemic period. Only 4 (13.3%) out of 30 patients admitted between March 2019 and December 2019 were performed Achilles tenotomy.We detected an increase in the number of clubfoot cases admitted to our rural-based hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic, treated with casting or surgically. We think this is because of preventive measures during the pandemic, which caused parents could not reach urban for treatment.

Comparison of single and double dorsal wires in the extension block technique for mallet fractures: Retrospective observational study.

ABSTRACT: Mallet fractures are avulsion fractures of the extensor tendon from the distal phalanx base and often occur due to sudden flexion or axial loading. In this study, we aimed to compare the clinical and radiological results of patients treated with single and double dorsal wires from the dorsal in the extension block method.Patients to whom a single wire from dorsal was applied were assigned to Group 1 (n: 22), and those to whom double wires were applied were assigned to Group 2 (n: 23). Surgical treatment was decided for patients with more than 1/3 of the fracture fragment containing the joint surface and volar subluxation. The range of motion of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint was measured with a goniometer. The displacement of the fragment was measured before and after surgery on lateral radiographs. The presence of bridging callus formation on anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs was evaluated for a union.There were 30 male (66.7%) and 15 (33.3%) female patients. The mean age of the patients was 32 years. Radiographic union was obtained in all patients. Pseudoarthrosis was not observed in any patient. The Crawford score was excellent in 13 (28.9%) cases, the score was good in 18 (40%) cases, the scores were moderate in 13 (28.9%) cases, and the score was poor in 1 case (2.2%). There were no complications in 35 (77.8%) cases, dorsal bump complications occurred in 9 cases (20%), and osteoarthritis and dorsal bump complications occurred in 1 (2.2%) case. We did not observe nail deformity, skin necrosis, infection, or fingertip sensitivity. We found similar functional and clinical results between the groups.We recommend using single dorsal wire, as using double dorsal wires requires extra operation time, effort, and fluoroscopy.