Acute Intra-articular Fractures Research Articles

Ложные суставы шейки бедренной кости: применение новой классификации при эндопротезировании у пациентов пожилого возраста

Introduction The risk of the femoral neck fracture nonunion is 48 % with avascular necrosis of the femoral head being reported in 42 % of cases. There are many classifications of acute intra-articular fractures of the proximal femur and there are no grading systems for femoral neck nonunions that would allow prediction of outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA). The objective was to evaluate mid-term results of THA in patients with femoral neck nonunion and develop a new classification of nonunions. Material and methods A prospective cohort single-center comparative study included 78 elderly patients with atrophic femoral neck nonunions treated with primary THA. The mean follow-up period was 24.2 months. Three prospective groups were identified. Separation criteria included shortening of the lower limb and femoral offset, changes in the Barnett-Nordin index, the Hounsfield bone density index, the presence of metal constructs and bone defects. Groups A and B were divided into 2 subgroups depending on the presence/absence of fixation metal constructs for a femoral neck fracture. Group C was divided into 2 subgroups: type C1, acetabular defect and type C2, proximal femur defect. Results Mean operating time was 81.1 minutes in group A, 102.9 minutes in group B and 145.2 minutes in group C. The minimum blood loss was recorded in group A measuring on average 429.25 mL in both subgroups. The maximum blood loss was seen in patients of groups B and C measuring 606.62 mL and 631.5 mL. Overall revision rate was 7.7 %. Conclusion A classification for femoral neck nonunions was developed suggesting grading patients into 3 types: type A, type B and type C which were further divided into 2 subtypes. The grading system was based on lower limb shortening and femoral offset, severity of osteoporosis, presence of metal constructs and acetabulum or proximal femur bone defect which prognostically affected the outcome of THA.

Elbow hemiarthroplasty for acute distal humeral fractures and their sequelae: medium- and long-term follow-up of 41 cases.

The earliest distal humeral hemiarthroplasty (or elbow hemiarthroplasty [EHA]) implants, which date back to the late 1940s, were performed in patients with severe elbow joint injuries as an alternative to arthrodesis. After some clinical reports and case studies with a short follow-up, published in the 1990s, a new "anatomically convertible" EHA model was introduced in 2005 and became a common surgical option to treat complex elbow fractures and their sequelae. We describe the mid- and long-term outcomes of EHA performed to treat acute intra-articular fractures or their sequelae. From 2006 to 2017, 51 patients underwent EHA for acute intra-articular fractures or their sequelae. A total number of 41 patients (80.5% female) with a minimum follow-up of 2 years, 24 with acute lesions and 17 with sequelae, were identified retrospectively. Clinical evaluation was according to the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score (subjective), and the Oxford Elbow Score (OES) and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) (objective). Radiographic follow-up was with standard radiographs. Mean follow-up was 92.2 months (range, 24-151). Mean patient age at surgery was 62.8 years (range, 45-81). The mean MEPS was 87.1 points, with excellent results in 26 cases, good results in 9 cases, fair in 2, and poor results in 4. The mean DASH score was 15.9 and the mean OES was 40.5, with satisfactory results in 30 cases. Twenty patients experienced complications and 2 required revision surgery. EHA is a valuable surgical option in selected patients with comminuted distal humeral joint fractures that cannot be reconstructed with stable fixation and in those with malunion of the articular surface of the humerus. EHA offers potential advantages, especially in active elderly patients and in those aged less than 70 years. It is essential to achieve joint stability, restoring medial and lateral ligament function besides the integrity of the coronoid process. An intact olecranon surface without signs of degenerative changes is also critical for EHA success. Our mid- and long-term experience with EHA is favorable, with a high proportion of satisfactory results and long survival rates for both lesion types. In selected patients with acute and post-traumatic injuries, EHA is a valuable surgical option.

Acute Hindfoot Nailing for Ankle Fractures: A Systematic Review of Indications and Outcomes.

To assess the complication rate of hindfoot nailing of acute fractures involving the tibiotalar joint, and mortality, patient-reported outcome measures, and return to preinjury activities. MEDLINE; EMBASE. A systematic literature search for articles in English was completed using MEDLINE and EMBASE databases on April 23, 2020. Original research articles that assessed patients with acute intra-articular fractures of the ankle joint (malleolar ankle fractures and/or pilon fractures) that were treated with a locked hindfoot intramedullary nail, inserted retrograde through the plantar surface of the foot, were selected for inclusion. Case reports (≤4 patients), studies with nonlocked implants, and non-English studies were excluded. A validated data extraction form was used, which included study demographics (authors, journal, date of publication, and study design), patient characteristics, implant type, and reported outcomes. Risk of bias for each included study was evaluated using the Institute of Health Economics Quality Appraisal Checklist for case series and the Risk of Bias in randomized trials tool, where appropriate. The best evidence was summarized and weighted mean values were provided when appropriate. Ten case series and one randomized controlled trial were included. The overall quality of studies was poor with considerable bias. The majority of studies included elderly patients (weighted mean age 75.5 years) with diabetes (42% of patients). Overall complication rate was 16% with an 8% major complication rate (deep infection, malunion, nonunion, implant failure) and an overall infection rate of 6.2%. Pooled mortality rate was 27% with fracture union rates from 88% to 100%. Mean proportion of patients able to return to preinjury level of activity was 85%. Hindfoot nailing of acute ankle and pilon fractures in elderly patients and patients with diabetes is associated with complication rates comparable with other methods of fixation. Issues with elimination of subtalar joint motion and implant complications secondary to poor implant fixation persist. The literature to date has composed of primarily Level IV studies with considerable bias. Further research is necessary to clarify the role of hindfoot nailing of acute ankle and pilon fractures. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Elevation of Inflammatory Cytokines and Proteins after Intra-Articular Ankle Fracture: A Cross-Sectional Study of 47 Ankle Fracture Patients.

Introduction Intra-articular fractures are the leading etiology for posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) in the ankle. Elevation of proinflammatory cytokines following intra-articular fracture may lead to synovial catabolism and cartilage degradation. We aimed to compare cytokine levels in injured and healthy ankle joints, examine the longer-term cytokine levels in fractured ankles, and investigate the association between cytokine levels in fractured ankles and plasma. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, synovial fluid (SF) and plasma of forty-seven patients with acute intra-articular ankle fractures and eight patients undergoing implant removal were collected prior to surgery. We determined concentrations of sixteen inflammatory cytokines, two cartilage degradation proteins, and four metabolic proteins and compared the levels in acutely injured ankles with those of the healthy contralateral side or during metal removal. Cytokine levels in injured ankles were also compared to serum cytokine levels. Nonparametric Wilcoxon rank-sum and Spearman tests were used for statistical analysis, and a p value below 0.05 was considered significant. Results Compared to the healthy ankles, the synovial fluid in ankles with acute intra-articular fracture had elevated levels of several proinflammatory cytokines and proteases (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, TNF, IFNγ, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1RA, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13). The levels of cartilage degradation products (ACG, CTX-2) and metabolic mediators (TGF-β1 and TGF-β2) were also significantly higher. Synovial concentrations of ACG, IL-12-p70, IFNγ, IL-4, and bFGF correlated with serum levels. While most of the examined synovial cytokines were unchanged after implant removal, IL-4 and IL-6 levels were upregulated. Conclusions We show that an acute ankle fracture is followed by an inflammatory reaction and cartilage degeneration. These data contribute to the current understanding of the protein regulation behind the development of PTOA and is a further step towards supplementing the current surgical treatment. This cross-sectional study was “retrospectively registered” on the 31th October 2017 at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03769909). The registration was carried out after inclusion of the first patient and prior to finalization of patient recruitment and statistical analyses: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03769909?term=NCT03769909&draw=2&rank=1.

Carpal Instability Nondissociative Following Acute Wrist Fractures

Carpal malalignment following intra-articular fractures has been reported in the literature, with no clear description of possible ligamentous injury leading to the radiological appearance. This study presents a series of patients that developed carpal instability nondissociative (CIND) following acute wrist fractures. The mechanism of injury is postulated by using a cadaveric laboratory investigation. Twelve patients with average age of 32 years were identified with CIND, between 2013 and 2018. Ten patients with a normal carpal alignment in the initial postoperative radiographs exhibited CIND-palmar radiographically at different postoperative periods, and 2 patients showed CIND-dorsal in the initial postoperative x-rays. Four cadaveric specimens were used to validate this injury pattern. In cadaveric dissections, CIND-palmar could be reproduced by applying an axial loading and dorsal shearing force on a wrist with sequential sectioning of dorsal and palmar extrinsic wrist ligaments. For the intra-articular fractures with CIND-dorsal, the cause is likely a result of volar radiocarpal extrinsic ligament injury combined with intra-articular incongruity of the scaphoid fossa. Eight out of the 12 patients had severe wrist pain and underwent additional surgery. Three patients with reducible CIND-palmar had open capsular repair, and 5 patients with fixed nonreducible malalignment were treated with radioscapholunate arthrodesis. At an average follow-up of 2.3 years, pain relief was noted, together with an improvement in grip strength and range of movement. Radiographically, the wrist alignment was corrected and maintained. This article highlights the existence of possible concomitant radiocarpal ligament lesions and residual articular incongruity, associated with acute intra-articular fractures and radiocarpal fracture-dislocations, that destabilize the proximal carpal row into a pattern of nondissociative carpal instability. Early detection of this condition may preserve wrist function by capsular repair, whereas cases with fixed deformity and residual joint incongruity may be best managed with a limited radiocarpal arthrodesis. Diagnostic IV.

Time-Dependent Effects on Synovial Fluid Composition During the Acute Phase of Human Intra-articular Ankle Fracture.

The study objective was to examine the effect of time and fracture severity on the undiluted synovial fluid (SF) microenvironment during the acute phase following intra-articular fracture (IAF) of the human ankle. Ankle SF from 54 patients with an acute IAF was analyzed for concentrations of 10 cytokines, 5 matrix metalloproteinases, 2 products of cartilage catabolism, and combined products of heme metabolism. All analytes were correlated with time from fracture and further analyzed for an effect of 3 time subgroups (0-2 days, 3-9 days, and ≥10 days) corresponding to timepoints for clinical ankle fracture interventions. The effect of fracture severity was determined by grouping SF according to the number of radiographic intra-articular fracture lines. Fifteen of 18 analytes were significantly correlated with time. Temporal grouping of SF revealed an initial (0-2 days) spike of pro-inflammatory (IL-12p70, IL-1β, IL-6) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IL-4) cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) MMP-9, and sGAG, followed immediately (3-9 days) by products of heme metabolism and an unchallenged surge in mediators and products of cartilage catabolism (MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-10, and CTX-II). After 10 days, there was a decrease in pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines but a persistence of mediators of ECM catabolism. There was no clear relationship between the number of fracture lines and SF levels of analytes. This study demonstrated acute temporal fluctuations following ankle IAF resulting in an overall catabolic environment by 10 days post-fracture and supports consideration of an early evacuation of the joint space to reduce the intra-articular inflammatory burden. Clinical Relavence: This study contributes to the understanding of the intra-articular events that potentially contribute to the development of posttraumatic osteoarthritis acutely following IAF in the ankle.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Intraarticular Volar Fractures of the Middle Phalanx in Proximal Interphalangeal Joint

Purpose: We report clinical and radiographic outcomes after internal fixation of intraarticular volar fractures of the middle phalanx base. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted on 11 patients who had been treated with miniplate or screw for acute proximal interphalangeal joint fracture, after adjusting for the cases excluding severe comminuted or open fractures. The participants consisted of 9 males and 2 females, with average age of 43.7 years and with average follow-up period of 15.2 months. Bony union, change of articular side were examined through radiographs, and functional results were evaluated by means of the total active range of motion (TAM) and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH). Results: Of 11 cases of a finger fracture, 7 cases were fixed by miniplate with screws and 4 cases by screws alone. At the final follow-up retrospection, the average range of proximal interphalangeal joint motion was 95°, the average TAM was 243.2°, and the average DASH score was 7.4. Average 2.8 months was spent from the finger fracture to bony union. There was no case of degenerative change. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with screws for acute intraarticular fractures of the middle phalanx base showed favorable results in our study and it could be one of recommendable treatment options.

Treatment of severe fractures of the calcaneus by reconstruction arthrodesis using the Vira ® System: Prospective study of the first 37 cases with over 1 year follow-up

Purpose To study the surgical applicability and clinical results of the Vira ® System in treatment for severe fractures of the calcaneus. Methods A total of 37 acute intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus treated by reconstruction and primary fusion with the minimally invasive Vira ® System. Of them, 33 patients were analysed over a 2-year period. All fractures were classified, according to the Sanders criteria, as grade IV. The mean age was 42.08 years. Four were bilateral fractures and three were open fractures. All the patients were evaluated, in a prospective manner, using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale, plain radiographs and CT scan studies. Results The average AOFAS score 12 months after surgery was 75.43 points (SD: 13.9). In 31 cases, the result was considered good and very good, and in five and one case mild and poor. Most of the patients (81%) could wear normal shoes; the footprint and the alignment of the heel were considered normal in all cases but seven patients showed a mild valgus deviation. The Böhler angle improvement after surgery was significant ( p = 0.05) and it did not vary along the follow-up. Subtalar arthrodesis was achieved in all cases. Only one case needed bone grafting. Important post-surgical complications were not registered in this cohort. Conclusions The Vira ® System is a useful option for the surgical treatment of severe fractures of the calcaneus, yielding good clinical and radiological results with a surgical procedure that is only minimally aggressive and has a low rate of complications.

Operative Treatment of Intra-articular Distal Radius Fractures Using the Small AO External Fixation Device

A retrospective group study was done to evaluate the effect of the small AO external fixator in the management of acute intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Between January 1995 and December 1996, 70 consecutive patients with articular fractures of the distal radius were treated by closed reduction and external fixation with small AO external fixators. The mean age at the time of surgery was 58.9 years (range, 14-87 years). There were 58 Colles' Barton's fractures and 12 Smith's Barton's fractures. The follow-up period was 104 months (range, 92-118 months). All fractures united in a mean of 5.8 weeks (range, 4-10 weeks). At the final follow-up, the average range of motion was 56.3 +/- 11.6 degrees in flexion, 58.6 +/- 10.7 degrees in extension, 21.5 +/- 4.2 degrees in ulnar deviation, 9.1 +/- 2.9 degrees in radial deviation, 71.5 +/- 8.5 degrees in pronation, and 67.3 +/- 9.2 degrees in supination. Compared with the normal side, the average grip force was 87 +/- 6%. The overall clinical and functional outcomes, according to the scoring system of Gartland and Werley, showed that 22 patients (31.4%) had excellent results, 36 (51.4%) had good results, 9 (12.9%) had fair results, and 3 (4.3%) had poor results. Closed reduction and external fixation with the small AO external fixator is useful and effective in the management of displaced comminuted articular fractures of the distal radius.

Results after operative treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fractures with a minimum follow-up of 2 years

Thirty-one patients with 33 displaced intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus were treated with open reduction and internal fixation in our hospital between 1989 and 1995. The fractures were classified according to the CT-classification of Crosby [Crosby, L. A. and Fitzgibbons, T., Computerized tomography scanning of acute intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 1990, 72A, 852–859] and Hannover [Zwipp, H. and Tscherne, H. et al., Osteosynthese dislozierter intraartikulärer calcaneusfrakturen. Unfallchirurg, 1988, 91, 507–515]. The minimal follow-up was 2 years. Functional results were assessed at 6 and 12 months and in February 1997 using the Creighton calcaneal score. Overall results improved during follow-up, especially in the first year. At the final control the overall results were: excellent/good 73%, fair 21% and poor 6%. The results are comparable with larger series in the literature. The average range of motion in the subtalar joint was 65% of normal. No correlation was found between clinical outcome and the subtalar range of motion. Two patients received a secondary arthrodesis for painful arthrosis.

Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty for Displaced, Acute Intraarticular Knee Fractures

Primary total knee arthroplasty was performed in four patients with acute intraarticular fractures. All four were at high risk of failure for standard operative and nonoperative treatment because of severe osteopenia, preexisting intraarticular pathology, or a limited life expectancy. All benefited by early pain relief, functional range of motion, and early ambulation, with no early perioperative morbidity.

Computerized Tomography Scanning of Acute Intra-Articular Fractures of the Calcaneus. A New Classification System

Computerized Tomography Scanning of Acute Intra-Articular Fractures of the Calcaneus. A New Classification System

Computerized tomography scanning of acute intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus. A new classification system.

Computerized tomography scanning of acute intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus. A new classification system.

Computerized tomography scanning of acute intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus. A new classification system.

Computerized tomography was used to evaluate thirty intra-articular fractures of the calcaneus in twenty-seven patients. A classification of the fractures was devised on the basis of fracture patterns involving the posterior facet joint of the calcaneus. In Type I, the fracture fragments were small or not displaced; in Type II, they were displaced; and in Type III, they were comminuted. There were thirteen Type-I, ten Type-II, and seven Type-III fractures, all of which were treated with a variety of closed methods. The length of follow-up ranged from eighteen to fifty-two months (mean, thirty-six months). The results were graded by a predetermined point system that included the evaluation of motion of the subtalar joint. Of the thirteen Type-I fractures, eight had an excellent result; four, a good result; and one, a fair result. Of the ten Type-II fractures, two had a good result; four, a fair result; and four, a poor result. All of the seven Type-III fractures had a poor result. On the basis of our study of the fracture patterns as seen on the computerized tomography scans, we believe that it is possible to predict which fractures will do well with closed treatment and which will not. Type-I fractures did well with closed treatment. Type-II fractures can be treated closed but with a lower success rate than Type-I fractures. All of the Type-III fractures had a poor result after closed treatment.

Computed tomography of calcaneal fractures: anatomy, pathology, dosimetry, and clinical relevance

Eighteen CT examinations were performed in 10 patients for the evaluation of acute intraarticular fractures and their follow-up. Fractures comparable to those in the patients were created in cadavers. The normal anatomy and the traumatically altered anatomy of the calcaneus in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes are demonstrated by CT and corresponding anatomic sections. Scanning was performed in the axial plane, with subsequent reconstruction in the coronal and sagittal planes. The axial scans show disruption of the inferior part of the posterior facet, calcaneocuboid joint involvement, and widening of the calcaneus. The coronal scans show disruption of the superior part of the posterior facet, sustentaculum tali depression (involvement of middle and anterior facets), peroneal and flexor hallucis longus tendon impingement, and widening and height loss of the calcaneus. The sagittal scans show disruption of the posterior facet, calcaneocuboid joint involvement, and height loss of the calcaneus and allow the evaluation of Boehler's and Gissane's angles. All three planes show the position of major fracture fragments. Radiation dose to the foot was measured to be 0.1 rad (0.001 Gy) for plain film radiography (five exposures), 18 rad (0.18 Gy) for conventional tomography (20 cuts), and 2.6 rad (0.026 Gy) for axial CT examination.