Clinical outcomes for linked fixation of distal humerus fractures: a multi-center study.

BACKGROUND: O'Driscoll popularized the principle of linked column fixation for distal humerus fractures. Despite the linked column concept being widely accepted, there are few reported techniques to accomplish this goal. A novel device was designed based on the principles of linked columns. An interlocking beam is used to connect the medial and lateral plates, creating a unified fixed angle construct. Our primary objective was to report clinical outcomes across multiple institutions for a linking beam used in distal humerus fracture fixation. METHODS: A retrospective series was collected from five institutions for the TiBeam (Skeletal Dynamics, Miami, FL, USA) with a minimum follow-up of six months. Acute and chronic treatment of distal humerus fracture patterns, and all plate configurations were included for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 36 cases were collected at a mean age of 52 years and a mean follow-up of 19.3 months. AO C-type fractures were 56% of the series. The median MEPS was 85 (IQR 76.3 to 90), the median DASH was 21.4 (IQR 15.9 to 30), and the median VASa was 3.5 (IQR 2 to 5). An olecranon osteotomy was used in 86% of cases and an anatomic plate was used for fixation of the osteotomy in 94% of those cases. There were three cases of olecranon plate removal for a rate across the series of 13.7%. DISCUSSION: Our short-term results demonstrate satisfactory clinical outcomes with low rates of revision for distal humerus fracture fixed with a linking beam. Further, the rate of removal for the olecranon osteotomy plate was lower than historical reports for aggregate methods of osteotomy fixation.

Technique for Intramedullary Stabilization of Ulnar Neck Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Distal ulna fractures at the ulnar neck can be seen in association with distal radius fractures, and multiple techniques have been described to address the ulnar neck component of these injuries. We have found that treatment of ulnar neck fractures can be challenging in terms of anatomy and fracture fixation. We present a new percutaneous fixation technique for ulnar neck fractures commonly seen with distal radius fractures. TECHNIQUE: Fixation of the ulnar neck fracture is performed after fixation of the distal radius fracture. Our technique uses anterograde intramedullary fixation to stabilize the fracture with a 1.6-mm (0.062 inch) Kirschner wire or a commercially available metacarpal fixation intramedullary nail. The fixation is introduced into the intramedullary space of the ulnar shaft 4 to 6 cm proximal to the fracture at a separate surgical site along the subcutaneous border of the ulna. The fixation is also supported with a sugar-tong splint for the first few weeks after surgery and requires removal of the ulnar implant approximately 10 weeks after implantation. CONCLUSION: Our technique utilizes a percutaneous approach with minimal fracture exposure. It provides a relatively simple and reproducible method to address ulnar neck fractures commonly seen in association with distal radial fractures.

Nail and Locking Plate for Periprosthetic Fractures.

The incidence of periprosthetic fractures have been increasing, and in patients with osteopenic bone, high body mass index, or a combination both, they are difficult to treat and pose a high risk for malunion. Previous studies have compared the use of locking plates and intramedullary nails, and have found that each has its own strengthens and drawbacks, but neither is superior in terms of treating periprosthetic fractures. Here, we present the technique and series of patients treated with a combination of a retrograde intramedullary nail and flare-to-flare lateral locking plate without the use of allograft or autograft supplementation.

The EFCR Approach and the Radial Septum-Understanding the Anatomy and Improving Volar Exposure for Distal Radius Fractures: Imagine What You Could Do With an Extra Inch.

Locked volar plating is the most common surgical procedure to address distal radius fractures. The extended flexor carpi radialis approach continues to be an excellent method for visualizing distal radius fractures and applying a volar plate. A new understanding of the anatomy allows for better visualization and reduction of the many different distal radius fracture patterns surgeons commonly see. Within the extended flexor carpi radialis approach, we describe the radial septum in further detail including the anatomy which comprises the radial septum triangle. Knowledge of this area allows for better visualization, more anatomic reductions, and fewer complications.

Extra-articular hip impingement due to heterotopic ossification formation at the anterior inferior iliac spine following previous pelvic external fixation.

Femoroacetabular impingements (FAIs), specifically cam type and pincer type, continue to be accepted as causes of intra-articular hip pathology and sources of hip pain. Reports of other causes of hip impingement including extra-articular causes have surfaced recently. One structure of importance is the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) due to its inconsistent bony morphology and the pull of the rectus femoris muscle putting it at risk for an avulsion fracture. Under certain circumstances, open surgical excision of exostosis formation after an avulsion fracture of the AIIS has been used. The case below represents a clinical scenario in which a medically unstable and multiply injured trauma patient had an external pelvic fixator placed as part of the treatment plan for an unstable pelvic injury. Following this pelvic external fixation treatment, the patient went on to develop clinically significant heterotopic bone formation at the AIIS pin site with extra-articular hip impingement syndrome.

Bilateral atypical femoral fracture and end-stage arthritis of the hip, treated with total hip arthroplasty.

The prolonged use of bisphosphonates has been associated with an increased rate of atypical femoral fracture. A 77-year-old woman with prolonged bisphosphonate use presented to our office with groin pain and end-stage arthritis, She was scheduled for a total hip replacement. Before the surgery and with minimal trauma, the patient then suffered a displaced atypical femoral fracture. She underwent a total hip replacement as a treatment for her fracture and her arthritis. Subsequently, the patient presented with pain in the contralateral thigh with an incomplete atypical femoral fracture. That side was also treated with a total hip arthroplasty. An uncemented stem with open reduction internal fixation and a long cemented stem were used on the complete fracture and incomplete fracture sides, respectively. At a follow-up of 2 years, the patient had no pain and had excellent function demonstrating the short-term success of both cemented and uncemented stems in total hip arthroplasty after atypical femoral fractures.

Radiographic factors and effect of fifth metatarsal Jones and diaphyseal stress fractures on participation in the NFL.

INTRODUCTION: Jones fracture and proximal diaphyseal stress fracture of the fifth metatarsal have been associated with prolonged healing times and nonunions. We hypothesized that the Jones fracture and proximal diaphyseal stress fracture have a high incidence in elite collegiate football players and that they lead to a decrease in participation in the NFL. Also, we hypothesized that these fractures are associated with a cavovarus foot alignment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The database collected by a single NFL team during the 2004 to 2009 NFL Combines was reviewed to identify players with Jones and proximal diaphyseal fifth metatarsal fractures. A total of 74 fifth metatarsal fractures were identified in 68 players. Subsequent participation data also were collected through the NFL.com website and included games played and years played. Digital plain radiographs and additional imaging studies also were reviewed to determine the extent of healing, types of fixation utilized, and foot alignment. RESULTS: The locations of fractures in the proximal fifth metatarsal were 45 (61%) in the Jones area, 15 (20%) in the proximal diaphyseal area, and 14 (19%) of indeterminate location. The number of patients treated with intramedullary fixation was 55/74 (74%). Of 74 proximal fifth metatarsal fractures, 9 (12.2%) were nonunions at the time of the NFL Combine medical examinations. With the numbers available, the average number of games played in the NFL was not significantly different in the fifth metatarsal fracture group, 16.9, compared to the control group, 24.9 (P > .05). The average number of games started was 7.4 in the fracture group versus 12.1 in the control group (P > .05). No significant differences were noted in the number of years played in the NFL. Except for talonavicular angle measurements, all measurements of coronal plane alignment demonstrated significant differences across groups, but no differences were noted in sagittal plane alignment. CONCLUSION: No statistically significant difference was noted in participation in the NFL following Jones fractures and proximal diaphyseal stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal, although a trend toward decreased participation was noted. Radiographic abnormalities were noted in the coronal plane with varus alignment, but not in the sagittal plane.