Double Segmental Femoral Fracture: A Rare Injury Following High-Energy Trauma.

Femoral fractures are indubitably common injuries that can occur either from high-energy trauma in young patients or due to fragility in the geriatric population. Femoral fractures affecting two or more regions of the femur are exceedingly infrequent injuries, ordinarily caused by high-energy trauma and are considered segmental femoral fractures. We present a rare case of a 33-year-old male patient presented to our Emergency Department with multiple femoral fractures at the subtrochanteric, diaphyseal and supracondylar femoral regions, a condition regarded as double segmental femoral fracture. After assiduous consideration of treatment options, intramedullary nailing was employed for osteosynthesis. Fracture reduction was laborious, as an entirely separated femoral fragment was present between the fracture lines. The reaming process required paramount attentiveness as the middle femoral fragment was prone to rotational displacement by the reamer. Finally, the intramedullary nail was successfully placed, and the patient was discharged without complications after 11 days of hospitalization. Currently, the patient is capable of full weight-bearing without crutches. This paper underlines the challenges that double-segmental femoral fractures' treatment can bring on to the orthopedic surgeon.

Head-Shaft Angle Influences Isometric Shoulder Strength Levels after Intramedullary Nailing of Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Proximal humerus fractures are common fractures of the elderly population which can lead to long-term compromise of a patient's shoulder function. Closed reduction and internal fixation with intramedullary nailing is a well-established surgical technique yielding good outcomes, as perceived by patients, obtained via Patient-Reported Outcome Measures, and objectified by clinical shoulder testing. Apart from conventional range-of-motion testing and clinical shoulder tests, strength testing of the shoulder is a yet-neglected but meaningful and standardizable outcome parameter. In this study, isometric shoulder strength is evaluated in relation to fracture morphology/postoperative reduction quality as well as with patient-reported outcomes. METHODS: 25 patients (mean age 73.2 ± 10.5 years) underwent isometrics strength-testing of the shoulder joint in the scapular plane (abduction) as well as in the sagittal plane (flexion) as well as hand-grip strength-testing at 4.5 ± 1.88 years follow-up. Pre- and postoperative radiographs were analysed. Patients completed ASES and CMS questionnaires. RESULTS: Patients exhibited a decrease in abduction and flexion force (-24.47% and -25.30%, respectively, p < 0.001) using the contralateral, uninjured arm as reference. Abduction force tended to be decreased in three- and four-part fractures. Patient satisfaction correlated negatively with the relatively reduced force of the affected arm. Varus-angulated humeral heads produced significantly lower abduction force output than valgus- or physiologic angulation (p = 0.014), whereas flexion force was unaffected (p = 0.468). The anatomical reduction had no influence on shoulder strength. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal humerus fractures may cause a significant reduction in shoulder function, both reported by patients and objectified by shoulder strength testing. Varus head angulation demonstrated the greatest loss of shoulder strength and should be avoided to ensure proper functioning. Further, strength testing seems a valuable outcome parameter for a thorough shoulder examination with easy obtainability.

Rotatory malunion following antegrade intramedullary femoral nailing for femoral shaft fractures: incidence and risk factors.

DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Level I academic Trauma Center. PATIENT SELECTION CRITERIA: Adult patients with femoral shaft fractures in which a bilateral computed-tomography (CT) scan of both femurs was performed, with a two years minimal follow-up. OUTCOME MEASURES AND COMPARISONS: Criteria related to the patient and the fracture were studied. We fixed the following angles, i.e. 10° and 15°, as references for calculating the RM.

The efficacy of suprapatellar, parapatellar and infrapatellar intramedullary nailing in the treatment of tibial fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Tibial fractures are common and challenging orthopedic injuries that are commonly treated with intramedullary nailing techniques via suprapatellar (SP), parapatellar (PP), and infrapatellar (IP) approaches. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis of the efficacy of different treatment approaches based on clinical outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a detailed search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science for clinical studies comparing suprapatellar, parapatellar, and infrapatellar approaches in intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures. Inclusion criteria included randomized controlled trials and retrospective cohort studies involving patients aged 18 and older, comparing outcomes of these surgical techniques. Exclusion criteria included studies with insufficient data, non-English publications, and those focusing on non-tibial fractures. RESULTS: A total of 15 studies involving 1396 patients were included in meta-analysis. Pooled results indicated that, compared to IP nailing, the SP approach significantly reduced fluoroscopy time (MD = - 35.63, 95% CI - 39.37 to - 31.89, p < 0.001), operative time (MD = - 10.72, 95% CI - 17.30 to - 4.15, p = 0.001), pain scores (SMD = - 1.49, 95% CI - 2.36 to - 0.62, p < 0.001), and improved Lysholm scores (MD = 5.74, 95% CI 3.29 to 8.19, p < 0.001) and malalignment rate (RR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.68, p = 0.008). Quality of life assessments also indicated higher physical component scores for the SP group (MD = 6.68, 95% CI 5.19 to 8.17, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The SP approach provides significant intraoperative and postoperative benefits, reducing surgery time and improving patient outcomes in pain management and knee joint function. These findings support the SP approach as a preferred option for surgical treatment of tibial fractures.

The lesser trochanter profile is an accurate and reliable measure of femoral rotation for intramedullary nailing.

INTRODUCTION: The lesser trochanter profile (LTP) method is an intraoperative fluoroscopic technique that can assess the femoral version and limit malrotation. The purpose of this study was to directly assess the accuracy and reliability of the LTP method, as well as determine the incidence of malrotation produced by this technique. METHODS: Three groups of observers (fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons, orthopedic residents, and medical students) utilized the LTP method to replicate pre-imaged rotation angles on a cadaveric femur bone. Recorded outcomes include rotational error and number of attempts. Accuracy and interobserver reliability were assessed by rotational error and the interclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively. RESULTS: Accuracy was within 3° for all three groups. ICC between each group was greater than 0.99. There was no statistical difference between the accuracy of fellowship-trained surgeons, orthopedic residents, and medical students. Medical students on average required more attempts to obtain their final image compared to fellowship-trained surgeons. There was no statistical difference in the number of attempts between residents and fellowship-trained surgeons. CONCLUSION: None of the LTP measurements were greater than 15°, the clinical threshold for malrotation. The average error of the observers was less than 3°, demonstrating that the LTP is an effective method of assessing the femoral version. There was no statistically significant difference between the observers, indicating that this technique is reliable and easy to use. Ultimately, the LTP method is easily reproducible for surgeons to avoid femoral malrotation.

Trends in Epidemiology and Treatment of Humerus Fractures in the United States, 2017-2022.

Background Fractures of the humerus are one of the more common fractures in the United States and a cause of fragility fractures in the elderly population. This study aims to understand recent trends in the demographic factors correlated with humeral shaft fractures (HSF) and humeral shaft fracture nonunion (HSFN) following open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and intramedullary nailing (IMN). Methods The TriNetX database was used to query using International Classification of Diseases-10 (ICD10) diagnosis codes for patients who sustained HSF between 2017 and 2022. Patients were then organized into cohorts based on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes 24515 and 24516 for ORIF and IMN of HSFs, respectively. Subsequent nonunion after operative management was queried. Descriptive and comparative analysis was performed to examine the differences observed between patients based on age, sex, ethnicity, race, and smoking status as well as surgical management across the six-year study period. Results The incidence of HSF increased from 7,108 in 2017 to 8,450 in 2022. The rate of HSF ORIF increased from 12% to 17% while the nonunion rate following ORIF decreased from 4% to 3%. The rate of HSF IMN increased from 4% to 6% and the rate of nonunion following IMN increased from 2% to 4%. The overall rate of HSFN surgery was 1.7% with slight decreasing trend over the past year. Conclusion It is speculated that improved care and surgical indications resulted in a lower rate of nonunion despite an increase in the overall rate of HSF and its operative managements.

Non-Vascularized Fibular Cortical Strut Graft with Intramedullary Nailing for Fibrous Dysplasia of the Proximal Radius - A Case Report.

Introduction: Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a skeletal developmental abnormality commonly affecting the ribs, femur, tibia, skull, pelvis, spine, and shoulder. FD of the proximal radius is extremely rare and very few cases have been reported. In addition, monostotic lesions of FD in the upper extremity go unnoticed as they are usually asymptomatic. Symptomatic lesions warrant surgical intervention. Here, we present a rare case of FD of the proximal radius treated with curettage and non-vascularized fibular cortical strut graft with intramedullary elastic nailing. We believe that this is the first report in the literature wherein this treatment modality has been undertaken. Case Report: A 27-year-old woman presented with excruciating pain and swelling in her right elbow for 4 weeks, with no inciting event or trauma leading to the pain. Plain radiographs revealed a well-circumscribed radiolucent lesion in the proximal radius with cortical thinning at the metaphysis and a rim of epiphyseal bone. Clinically, the patient had restricted supination (50°) and limited elbow range of motion (ROM) (20-130°), mostly because of the pain but had full pronation. With these radiographic and clinical features, FD and giant cell tumor were kept as differential diagnoses and surgical treatment was planned. The lesion was excised leaving the normal epiphysis of the radius intact and samples were sent for histopathological examination. A non-vascularized fibular cortical strut graft was harvested from the same side and was fluted into the radial shaft. Final stabilization was done using a 2.5 mm intramedullary elastic nail. The arm was immobilized in an above-elbow slab. Histopathology confirmed our diagnosis of FD. The slab was removed after 6 weeks, and a gentle ROM was started in the form of active-assisted ROM. At the end of 1 year, complete union and almost full ROM were achieved and the patient was completely pain-free. Conclusion: Non-vascularized fibular strut grafting with intramedullary nailing provides a comparatively quicker, cost-effective way of treating this lesion with a minimum insult of the bony cortex and quicker rehabilitation.

Treatment Outcomes of Dynamic Hip Screws Versus Short Intramedullary Nails for Extra-capsular Fragility Hip Fractures and Their Coding Audit.

Introduction In the UK, hip fractures are a common reason for presentations to the emergency departments, which places significant pressure on NHS hospitals, appropriate choice of an implant to treat the hip fracture is one among many other factors that affect patients' outcomes. This audit aims to identify and compare the outcome difference between the dynamic hip screws (DHS) and short cephalomedullary nails in the treatment of extracapsular hip fractures. Methods In a retrospective study of 52 patients admitted as a result of hip fractures in one NHS trust, data collection was done from the patients' records using the trust's online system, we studied different variables to compare the outcome difference between DHS and short intramedullary (IM) nails, two senior authors interpreted the patients' X-rays and verified the coding and classification of the neck of femur fractures. Results This retrospective study examined 52 extracapsular hip fracture cases, including 37 females and 15 males. Forty-six (88%) of the included patients were ASA 3 and 4 (American Society of Anesthesiologists), and the average days to discharge from therapies were 8.4 (SD-+ 4) days compared to 11 (SD-+ 5.2) days for short IM nails and DHS, respectively (P= 0.03), the 30-day mortality rate for short nails was 7% (n= 4/52) patients and 6% (n= 3/52) for DHS (P =0.69). The mean operating times for the different implants were 58.11 (SD-+ 15.1) minutes for DHS and 58.03 (SD-+ 23.2) minutes for the short nail (P =0.98). Compliance with the national guidelines for providing an appropriate operation to treat hip fractures initially went from 63% (n=33/52) initially to 73% (n=38/52). This means that more patients who are appropriate for nailing are being treated with IM nails. Conclusion Short IM nails are associated with faster hospital discharge; this fact may be reflecting the lower postoperative pain as a result of avoiding soft tissue dissection associated with extramedullary devices. keeping in mind that IM devices have mechanical advantages over sliding hip screws; hence, they are more commonly used for more complex fracture patterns, leading to nearly similar outcomes when compared to extramedullary devices, this can be a source of bias in retrospective studies, larger randomized trials may lead to different outcomes.

Intramedullary nailing of proximal humerus fractures does not achieve superior functional results to non-operative treatment in the long term.

INTRODUCTION: Non-operative treatment (NOT) of proximal humerus fractures (PHF) has regained significance due to recent evidence. Additionally, positive outcomes of plate osteosynthesis and fracture arthroplasty prompt a reassessment of the role of intramedullary nailing (IMN). While favorable short and medium-term results have been documented following IMN, little is known regarding functional outcomes and quality of life in the long-term. METHODS: Data from 180 patients with dislocated PHF of Neer types III, IV and V, treated at our level-I trauma center between 2004 and 2014 using IMN or NOT therapy, were scanned. Patients were re-evaluated after a minimum of 5 years to assess functional outcomes (age- and sex-adapted Constant Score, QuickDASH), quality of life (SF12), and complications or reoperations. RESULTS: Out of the initially identified 180 patients, 51 were unavailable for follow-up (FU) and 71 had deceased during the FU period. Functional outcomes and quality of life was, therefore, assessed in 58 patients (30 IMN, 28 NOT) with an average age at injury of 68 years after a mean FU time of 10.3 ± 3.4 years. Epidemiological patient characteristics did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups (p > .05). The functional outcome assessed by age- and sex-adapted Constant Score (NOT: 74 ± 28; IMN: 68 ± 24; p = .438), QuickDASH (NOT: 25 ± 27; IMN: 31 ± 23; p = .374) or quality of life using the SF12 (p > .05) revealed no significant disparities in long-term outcomes between the treatment groups. 10 of 30 patients in the IMN group underwent surgical revision to address complications, exceeding mere implant removal. Conversely, no patient in the NOT group underwent a revision surgery during the FU period. CONCLUSIONS: In the long-term, functional and quality of life-related outcomes of IMN did not diverge significantly from those of NOT, while causing a higher incidence of follow-up interventions.

Short-term complication rates of open reduction and plate fixation and intramedullary nailing in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures: a propensity score matched analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This is a retrospective cohort study designed to compare short-term postoperative complication rates between closed humeral shaft fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus intramedullary nailing (IMN), as well as secondary independent risk factors for adverse outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) database was queried using CPT codes to identify patients that underwent an open reduction and plate fixation or intramedullary nailing procedure for a closed humeral shaft fracture from 2010 to 2021. Cohorts were matched using propensity scores to account for demographic differences and rates of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: From the database, a total of 4,222 patients were identified who met inclusion criteria, with 3,326 and 896 undergoing ORIF and IMN respectively. After propensity score matching, 866 of the nearest-neighbor matches were included in each cohort for a total of 1,732 patients in the final analysis. The rate of any adverse event (AAE) was significantly higher in the ORIF cohort (16.3%) than the IMN cohort (12.1%, p = 0.01). The ORIF group had higher rates of postoperative transfusion (p = 0.002), return to OR (p = 0.005), and surgical site infection (SSI, p = 0.03). After multivariate analysis, ASA class 4, increasing age, increasing operative time, and history of bleeding disorder were found to increase the risk of AAE in both ORIF and IMN patients. CONCLUSIONS: While prior studies have claimed higher complication rates in IMN patients, this study found a significantly higher short-term risk of AAE in ORIF patients when compared in matched cohorts. However, individual 30-day complication rates do not differ significantly between procedures, and both have been shown to be safe and effective tools in the management of humeral shaft fractures.

Intramedullary versus locking plate fixation for proximal humerus fractures: indications and technical considerations.

Background: The incidence of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) continues to increase with an aging population, and intramedullary nailing (IMN) and locking plate fixation are two commonly employed techniques for the surgical management of PHF. However, the optimal fixation method can be a source of ongoing controversy. Some influencing factors include the extent of humeral head involvement, fracture complexity, patient age, and surgeon preference. There are many studies that provide a mix of data either when comparing the two techniques or analyzing them in isolation. The aim of this review is to further elucidate the indications and technical considerations involved specifically in IMN vs. locking plate fixation for PHF to further aid orthopedic surgeons when choosing surgical management. Methods: A narrative approach was chosen for this review allowing for a comprehensive review of literature, including recent findings pertaining to the comparison of management options for PHF. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The inclusion criteria involved studies that discussed "proximal humerus fracture" and either "intramedullary nail" or "locking plate fixation." Results: Complications such as avascular necrosis, hardware failure, additional surgical interventions, infection, fracture redisplacement, rotator cuff rupture, and nonunion did not show significant differences between the two groups. Newer generation humeral nails have minimized early complications. As both techniques undergo further refinement and utilization when specifically indicated, functional outcomes, potential complications, and postoperative pain continue to be improved. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that both intramedullary nails and locking plates can effectively restore shoulder function in the treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures, with unclear superiority of either method. The choice of technique should be tailored to patient factors such as fracture type, age, bone quality, and functional expectations. Surgeon experience also plays a role. While certain presentations may exhibit trends that favor one fixation, no specific technique can be universally recommended. Both IMN and LP have shown comparable and satisfactory outcomes, and the final fixation method chosen should take into account the unique characteristics of each patient.

Patient Satisfaction Following Non-Operative Treatment of Geriatric Hip Fractures: A Case-Control Study.

Introduction: A minority of geriatric hip fracture patients pursue non-operative treatment. Compared with surgical patients, non-operative patients have higher mortality rates. However, patient satisfaction following non-operative vs operative treatment has not been investigated extensively. The purpose of this study was to compare satisfaction among non-operatively vs operatively treated hip fracture patients. Methods: We identified patients aged 60+ years with proximal femur fractures treated over a 10-year period. Excluded were patients with isolated greater/lesser trochanteric fractures. Patients or relatives were asked to complete a 6-question survey about their treatment satisfaction. Results: Survey responses from 56 operative and 28 non-operative patients were recorded. Overall, 91.1% of operative and 82.1% of non-operative patients were satisfied with their treatment course (P = 0.260). However, only 71.4% of non-operative patients were satisfied with treatment option explanations vs 83.9% of operative patients (P = 0.014). While only 64.3% of non-operative respondents were satisfied with the ultimate treatment outcome (vs 85.7% of operative patients, P = 0.025), 89.3% of patients in each cohort would choose the same treatment plan again. Discussion: Our findings highlight the complexity of defining patient satisfaction, particularly in a geriatric hip fracture population. Unlike previous studies, we chose a direct approach to quantifying patient satisfaction by asking participants specifically about satisfaction with treatment outcome and the overall treatment course. Additional survey questions were then included to assess factors considered important in treatment satisfaction, such as health care provider treatment explanations, post-treatment mobility, and palliative care service involvement. Conclusions: We identified significant differences between non-operatively and operatively treated geriatric hip fracture patients regarding satisfaction with the explanation of treatment options, and ultimate treatment outcomes. There was no significant difference in overall satisfaction with the treatment course or likelihood of choosing the same treatment again. Further research investigating patient satisfaction following geriatric hip fracture treatment is warranted.

Predictive value of tip-apex distance and calcar-referenced tip-apex distance for cut-out in 398 femoral intertrochanteric fractures treated in a private practice with dynamic intramedullary nailing.

Introduction: Cut-out, a biomechanical complication, is one of the most common causes of internal fixation failure of trochanteric hip fractures. The tip-apex distance (TAD) and the calcar-referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD) have been suggested as the radiographic parameters that most predict the risk of cut-out. The purpose of this study was to check whether these two factors could predict implant cut-out in a series 398 of intertrochanteric hip fractures, treated by dynamic intramedullary nailing with the Trigen Intertan short nail. Methods: We reviewed 398 consecutive intertrochanteric fractures included in a prospective study and treated in a single private hospital by the same surgeon. The radiographic parameters were obtained from anteroposterior (AP) and axial hip plain radiographs before surgery, immediately postoperatively, and every 3 weeks after surgery until 3 months postoperatively, and every month until the 6-month follow-up. The concept of medial cortex support (MCS) was also analyzed as a criterion for evaluating the quality of fracture reduction. Results: The overall cut-out rate was 2.3% (9/398). The significant parameters in the univariate analysis were AO fracture type, quality of fracture reduction (p = 0.02), TAD (p < 0.001), CalTAD (p = 0.001), and quality of reduction. No statistically significant relationships were observed between the occurrence of cut-out and sex, age, fracture side, and American Society of Anesthesiologists type. Varus collapse and cut-out were only found in cases of negative MCS (22.2% and 77.8%, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that only TAD showed an independent significant relationship to cut-out (p < 0.001). In this study, CalTAD has no predictive value in the multivariable analysis. Conclusions: Our findings differed from those in previous reported studies suggesting that CalTAD is the best predictor of cut-out. According to our data, careful optimal reduction ensuring stable fixation with TAD >25 mm reduced the occurrence of cut-out after dynamic intramedullary nailing of intertrochanteric fractures.

Progression of Femoral Osteolytic Metastases after Intramedullary Nailing and Subsequent Salvage Techniques.

Intramedullary nailing insertion from the proximal-to-distal femur is frequently performed for impending and complete pathological femur fractures due to osteolytic metastases. After nailing through cancer-laden bone, residual chemotherapy- and/or radiation-resistant tumor may progress. Progression of osteolysis risks future nail failure or pathological fractures. This study assesses the incidence of cancer progression following intramedullary nailing in a femur-only cohort and describes a percutaneous rod-retaining salvage technique. A single-institution, retrospective study was conducted to identify adult patients who underwent intramedullary nailing for femoral osteolytic lesions for complete or impending nail failure from 2016 to 2023. Progression was defined as enlargement of the pre-existing lesion and/or appearance of new lesions on radiographs. Surgical outcomes were assessed with a combined pain and functional score. A total of 113 patients (median age 66.8 years (IQR = 16.4); median follow-up 6.0 months (IQR = 14.5)) underwent intramedullary nailing. Sixteen patients (14.2%) exhibited post-nailing cancer progression. Pre- and postoperative radiation and chemotherapy did not decrease the odds of cancer progression. Three patients underwent initial open surgical salvage consisting of proximal femur replacement arthroplasty, and six patients did not receive salvage due to poor surgical candidacy or patient choice. Seven patients (median follow-up 10.7 months (IQR = 12.9)) received percutaneous salvage. In this group, pain and functional scores improved by 4.0 points (p = 0.0078) at two-week postoperative follow-up and 2.0 points (p = 0.0312) at the most recent follow-up (mean follow-up 13.0 ± 9.4 months). All three nonambulatory patients became ambulatory, and six patients were able to ambulate independently without walking aids. No major complications were reported 30 days postoperatively. Progression of femoral osteolytic metastases may occur following intramedullary nailing. Continued monitoring of the entire femur is needed to maintain improved functional status and to prevent catastrophic progression of pre-existing lesions or appearance of new lesions. In patients with more proximal metastases only, the customary practice of bringing a long nail from the proximal femur to distal metaphysis should be reconsidered. Furthermore, there is concern of mechanical transport of cancer cells during guide wire insertion, reaming, and rod insertion through cancer laden bone to cancer free distal bone.

Effect of bone grafting on bone union in exchange nailing for the treatment of femoral shaft nonunions.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of bone grafting on the bone union in exchange nailing (EN) for the treatment of femoral shaft nonunions. METHODS: A total of 26 patients (16 male) were included in this study. The mean age of the patients was 36.1±9.3. Bone grafts were used in 8 patients (bone graft group), and EN was performed without bone grafting (no bone graft group) in 18 patients. Etiology, fracture type, location, and classification of the fractures at the time of initial injury were evaluated. The reduction type (open or closed) and locking status of the nails were also noted. Nonunion types were recorded. In the bone grafting group, iliac bone autografts were used in seven patients and a synthetic bone graft was used in one patient. Following EN, the presence and duration of bone union, and the increase in the nails' diameter were analyzed for each group and compared. RESULTS: Union rates were 100% and 94.4% in bone grafting and no bone grafting groups, respectively. The mean union period was not significant between the groups (22.5 and 16.5 months, respectively). The mean increase in the nail diameter was 1.88 mm in the bone graft group and 2.00 mm in the no bone graft group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that high union rates can be achieved with EN by means of using larger diameter nails with or without bone grafting in the management of femoral shaft nonunions, and bone grafting had no significant effect on union rates and periods.

Comparison of Titanium versus Resorbable Intramedullary Nailing in Pediatric Forearm Fractures.

Pediatric forearm fractures, particularly involving the shaft or diaphysis, are common injuries typically resulting from accidental trauma during various activities. Traditional treatment involves closed reduction and casting; however, surgical intervention may be necessary in certain cases. The gold standard surgical approach utilizes elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN), but a newer technique uses bioabsorbable intramedullary nails made of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). This study aims to compare the outcomes of these two surgical methods in pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 86 patients who underwent operative treatment due to the diaphyseal fractures of the forearm in the Surgical Division, Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary between 2018 and September 2022. The mean age was 9.48 (ranging from 4 to 17). A total of 41 patients underwent surgery with PLGA implants (RESIN technique), while 45 patients were treated with titanium elastic nails (ESIN technique). Various factors including patient demographics, injury mechanisms, fracture characteristics, and complications were assessed. Both groups showed similar gender distribution, with a majority of fractures occurring in boys (the male-female ratio was 31:10 in the PLGA group, while in the titanium elastic nailing (TEN) group, this ratio was 29:16, with no statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.005). The average age of the patients treated with PLGA implants (8.439 years) was lower compared to those treated with titanium nails (10.422 years). A statistically significant difference was found regarding the average age of the two groups (p = 0.0085). Left-sided injuries were more prevalent in both groups (59% of the cases in the PLGA group and 69% in the TEN group, with no statistically significant difference, p = 0.716), and fractures typically involved both the radius and ulna. This represents 93% of the cases in the PLGA group and 80% in the TEN group. Regarding the involvement of bones, we also did not find a statistically significant difference (p = 0.123). The mechanisms of injury predominantly involved indirect force, such as falls (30 cases in the PLGA group and 27 cases in the TEN group), and no statistically significant difference was found (p = 0.139) regarding the mechanism of the injury. Complication rates were lower in the PLGA group (7%) compared to the titanium group (20%). The treatment of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures using PLGA implants appears to be a viable alternative to traditional titanium implants. Advantages include no need for secondary surgery and associated cost savings and reduced complication rate and stress associated with anesthesia and surgery. Prospective randomized trials are warranted to further validate these findings and explore long-term outcomes.

A Randomized Controlled Study on the Efficacy of Different Approaches of Intramedullary Nailing with Blocking Screws for Proximal Tibial Fractures

SUMMARY: The objective of this study was to compare and analyze the clinical efficacy of different approaches of intramedullary nailing with blocking screws for proximal tibial fractures. One hundred cases of proximal tibial fractures treated in the orthopedic department from April 2021 to September 2023 were included in the study and divided into control and treatment groups using a random number table. A control group (n=50) treated with infrapatellar intramedullary nailing with blocking screws, and a treatment group (n=50) treated with suprapatellar intramedullary nailing with blocking screws. We observed the excellent and good rates in both groups, compared various perioperative indicators, changes in joint range of motion (ROM), Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores, Lysholm knee joint function scores, changes in inflammatory factors, and various bone markers before and after treatment, and analyzed postoperative complications. There were no significant differences in baseline data such as age, sex, body mass index, fracture site, concomitant fibular fractures, time from fracture to surgery, injury mechanism, and AO/OTA fracture classification between the two groups (P>0.05). The excellent and good rate in the treatment group after treatment was 90.00 % (45/50), significantly higher than 72.00 % (36/50) in the control group (P0.05). However, the treatment group had shorter surgical times and fewer fluoroscopy times than the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, both groups showed increased ROM and Lysholm scores, as well as decreased VAS scores. Moreover, compared to the control group, the treatment group had higher ROM and Lysholm scores and lower VAS scores (P<0.05). Inflammatory factors including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), osteocalcin (BGP), and calcitonin (CT) increased in both groups after treatment, while total n- terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (Total-PINP) and b-C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (β-CTX) decreased. Compared to the control group, the treatment group exhibited greater increases in inflammatory factors and lower levels of Total-PINP and β-CTX, but higher BGP and CT levels (P<0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications was 8.00 % (4/50) in the treatment group and 24.00 % (12/50) in the control group, with statistically significant differences (P=4.762, X2=0.029). In the treatment of proximal tibial fractures, intramedullary nailing with blocking screws using the suprapatellar approach achieves significant clinical efficacy. It reduces surgical time, minimizes radiation exposure to healthcare workers and patients, improves knee joint range of motion and function, decreases postoperative pain and complication rates, suppresses inflammatory reactions, and promotes the improvement of bone markers related to fracture healing.

El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar y analizar la eficacia clínica de diferentes abordajes de clavo intramedular con tornillos de bloqueo para las fracturas de tibia proximal. Se incluyeron en el estudio 100 casos de fracturas de tibia proximal tratados en el departamento de ortopedia desde abril de 2021 hasta septiembre de 2023 y se dividieron en grupos de control y de tratamiento mediante una tabla de números aleatorios. Un grupo control (n=50) tratado con clavo intramedular infrapatelar con tornillos de bloqueo, y un grupo tratamiento (n=50) tratado con clavo intramedular suprapatelar con tornillos de bloqueo. Observamos excelentes y buenas tasas en ambos grupos, comparamos varios indicadores perioperatorios, cambios en el rango de movimiento articular (ROM), puntuaciones de dolor en la escala visual analógica (EVA), puntuaciones de función Lysholm de la articulación de la rodilla , cambios en factores inflamatorios y varios marcadores óseos, antes y después del tratamiento, y se analizaron las complicaciones postoperatorias. No hubo diferencias significativas en los datos iniciales como edad, sexo, índice de masa corporal, sitio de fractura, fracturas de fíbula concomitantes, tiempo desde la fractura hasta la cirugía, mecanismo de lesión y clasificación de fractura AO/OTA entre los dos grupos (P>0,05). La tasa de excelente y buena en el grupo con tratamiento después del tratamiento fue del 90,00 % (45/50), significativamente mayor que el 72,00 % (36/50) en el grupo control (P0,05). Sin embargo, el grupo con tratamiento tuvo tiempos quirúrgicos más cortos y menos tiempos de fluoroscopía que el grupo control (P <0,05). Después del tratamiento, ambos grupos mostraron un aumento de las puntuaciones de ROM y Lysholm, así como una disminución de las puntuaciones de VAS. Además, en comparación con el grupo control, el grupo con tratamiento tuvo puntuaciones ROM y Lysholm más altas y puntuaciones EVA más bajas (P <0,05). Los factores inflamatorios que incluyen interleucina-1β (IL-1β), proteína C reactiva (CRP), factor de necrosis tumoral-α (TNF-α), osteocalcina (BGP) y calcitonina (CT) aumentaron en ambos grupos después del tratamiento, mientras que el total disminuyó el propéptido n-terminal del procolágeno tipo I (Total-PINP) y el telopéptido β-C-terminal del colágeno tipo I (β-CTX). En comparación con el grupo control, el grupo con tratamiento mostró mayores aumentos en los factores inflamatorios y niveles más bajos de Total-PINP y β-CTX, pero niveles más altos de BGP y CT (P <0,05). La incidencia de complicaciones postoperatorias fue del 8 % (4/50) en el grupo de tratamiento y del 24 % (12/50) en el grupo control, con diferencias estadísticamente significativas (P=4,762, X2=0,029). En el tratamiento de las fracturas de tibia proximal, el clavo intramedular con tornillos de bloqueo mediante el abordaje suprapatelar logra una eficacia clínica significativa. Reduce el tiempo quirúrgico, minimiza la exposición a la radiación de los trabajadores de la salud y los pacientes, mejora el rango de movimiento y la función de la articulación de la rodilla, disminuye el dolor postoperatorio y las tasas de complicaciones, suprime las reacciones inflamatorias y promueve la mejora de los marcadores óseos relacionados con la curación de las fracturas.

Non-Tobacco Nicotine dependence associated with increased Postoperative Complications following Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Femur Fractures.

Objectives: Nicotine usage is known to increase postoperative complications; however, studies show that the general population believes that non-tobacco nicotine delivery devices are a safer option compared to tobacco-based nicotine products. This study evaluates postoperative complications between non-tobacco nicotine dependent and non-nicotine dependent patients for intramedullary nailing in intertrochanteric femur fractures. Methods: Utilizing the TriNetX database, we retrospectively examined postoperative outcomes in patients aged 18 to 90 who underwent intramedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fractures between November 21, 2013, and November 21, 2023. Two cohorts were analyzed: Cohort A comprised nicotine-dependent patients without tobacco product usage (e.g. cigarettes or chewing tobacco) and Cohort B consisted of patients without any nicotine dependence. Propensity matching was performed for BMI, type 2 diabetes, alcohol/substance abuse, socioeconomic status, and demographic factors. Outcomes assessed included mortality, sepsis, pneumonia, revision, dehiscence, pulmonary embolism, nonunion, and deep vein thrombosis within 1 day to 6 months post-treatment. Results: A total of 2,041 non-tobacco nicotine dependent patients were matched with 22,872 non-nicotine dependent patients. Non-tobacco nicotine dependent patients experienced higher associated risk for numerous postoperative complications compared to non-nicotine dependent patients including increased risk for mortality within 6 months postoperatively (RR 1.386, 10.7% vs 7.7%, P = 0.001), sepsis (RR 1.459, 4.4% vs 3.0%, P = 0.027), and pneumonia (RR 1.751, 5.8% vs 3.3%, P = 0.001). Conclusions: Non-tobacco nicotine dependence increases postoperative complications for patients undergoing intramedullary nailing for intertrochanteric femur fractures. Our findings support the need for development of perioperative nicotine cessation guidelines for non-tobacco nicotine users. Level of evidence: Level III, Prognostic.

Intramedullary nailing in a tibial shaft fracture distal to a total knee prosthesis with compromised soft tissue condition.

Case: We present a case report on the management and outcome of a periprosthetic tibial shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nailing. The patient, a 78-year-old female, presented with a history of having undergone total knee arthroplasty ten years ago due to osteoarthritis. She sustained a periprosthetic fracture of the tibial shaft with compromised soft tissues surrounding the fracture site following a motor vehicle accident. Plain radiographs revealed a displaced tibial shaft fracture with a flipped large spiral wedge fragment located distal to the total knee prosthesis. Due to the poor soft tissue condition and the risk of complications in wound healing, as well as the desire to avoid prolonged bed rest and immobilization, intramedullary nailing was chosen as the primary treatment modality. Despite the challenging circumstances, the patient achieved satisfactory healing and recovered her pre-injury ambulation status with no significant complications at the six-month follow-up. Conclusion: Managing periprosthetic tibial shaft fractures in the presence of compromised soft tissues presents significant challenges for orthopedic surgeons. In this case, intramedullary nailing proved to be a suitable treatment option, minimizing soft tissue trauma and providing stable fixation to facilitate early mobilization and weight bearing.