Arbeitsgemeinschaft Für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association Research Articles

Patients with more complex ankle fractures are associated with poorer patient-reported outcome: an observational study of 11,733 patients from the Swedish Fracture Register.

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) following ankle fractures, including all fracture types, have not been reported. It is therefore unclear whether fracture morphology correlates with outcome. We aimed to analyze PROMs in patients with an ankle fracture in relation to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture classification using population-based register data from the Swedish Fracture Register (SFR). All patients aged ≥ 18 years with an ankle fracture (AO/OTA 44A1-C3) registered in the SFR between 2012 and 2019 were retrieved from the register. Patients with completed PROM questionnaires (Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment and EuroQol-Visual Analogue Scale) on both day 0 (pre-trauma) and 1-year post-trauma were included. The difference in PROMs between day 0 and 1 year was calculated for each patient (delta value) and mean delta values were calculated at group level, based on the AO/OTA fracture classification. 11,733 patients with 11,751 fractures with complete PROMs were included. According to the AO/OTA classification, 21% were A fractures, 67% were B fractures and 12% were C fractures. All groups of patients, regardless of fracture class (A1-C3), displayed an impairment in PROMs after 1 year compared with day 0. Type C fractures displayed a larger impairment in PROMs at group level than type B, which in turn had a greater impairment than type A. The same pattern was seen in groups 3, 2, and 1 for A and B fractures. We found that the AO/OTA classification is prognostic, where more complex fractures were associated with poorer PROMs.

Comparison of Posterior and Anterolateral Surgical Approaches in Treating Adult Humeral Shaft Fractures.

The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes and complications of two different surgical approaches, the anterolateral and posterior approaches, for treating humeral shaft fractures. Between January 2015 and May 2021, 51 patients with humeral shaft fractures were treated with anterolateral and posterior approaches. Twenty-nine patients were operated with the posterior approach (group 1) and 22 with the anterolateral approach (group 2). Statistical analyses were performed between the two groups regarding age, gender distribution, fractured side, body mass index (BMI), type of trauma, Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, and follow-up time. Complications such as operative time, amount of bleeding, incision length and implant fracture, radial nerve palsy, wound infection, and nonunion were compared between the two groups. Functional results of the elbow joint were evaluated with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. The mean follow-up period was 49.10±21.15 months (12-75 months) in group 1 and 50.00±23.71 months (range: 15-70 months) in group 2. There was no statistical difference between the groups in terms of age, gender distribution, fractured side, BMI, trauma type, AO/OTA classification, and follow-up time (p>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of operation time, intraoperative bleeding, and incision length (p>0.05). The mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 77.24±20.03 (range: 70-100 points) in group 1 and 81.36±8.34 (range: 70-100 points) in group 2, and no significant difference was found (p>0.05). When evaluated in terms of complications, there was no significant difference between the groups (p>0.05). While there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding elbow joint range of motion, the limitation was observed in more patients in group 1. Similar satisfactory treatment results were obtained in patients who underwent anterolateral and posterior approaches in treating humeral shaft fractures. Furthermore, no difference was found between the two approaches regarding complication rates.

Elbow hemiarthroplasty vs. open reduction internal fixation for acute Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type 13C fractures-A systematic review.

BackgroundOpen reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is the standard treatment for multifragmentary intra-articular distal humeral fractures. Fractures not amenable by ORIF are treated with total elbow arthroplasty (TEA). In recent years, elbow hemiarthroplasty (EHA) has been used as an alternative to TEA, as weight bearing restrictions and risk of component loosening are lower. We systematically reviewed the literature reporting functional outcomes and complication rates after either EHA or ORIF for Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type 13C fractures.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, The Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The inclusion criteria were at least 5 patients, aged ≥50 years, AO/OTA type 13C fracture treated with ORIF or EHA, and evaluation with the Mayo Elbow Performance Score. Literature screening and data extraction were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. The results were synthesized qualitatively using weighted means. No comparative statistical analyses were done.ResultsWe included 27 articles, which included 96 patients treated with EHA and 535 patients treated with ORIF. We identified 1 randomized controlled trial and 26 case series. The weighted mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 86.9 (n = 89) in the EHA group and 84.7 (n = 535) in the ORIF group. There were 26 (33%) complications (n = 78) in the EHA group and 103 (38%) complications (n = 270) in the ORIF group. Complication rates were generally high in both groups.ConclusionWe found comparable results of EHA and ORIF, which indicate that EHA is a viable treatment option for AO/OTA type 13C fractures not amenable by ORIF. Because of high risk of bias, interpretation of the results should be done with caution.

Complications associated with anterior plate fixation of distal radial fractures: a retrospective study of 599 patients.

We evaluated the incidence of postoperative complications following anterior locking plate fixation of distal radial fractures. We investigated whether there is an association with the patient's age, severity of the fracture or surgeon's experience. The medical records of all patients treated with anterior locking plate for a distal radial fracture between 2016 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Radiographs were evaluated regarding Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, Soong grade and dorsal screw prominence. Six-hundred and three distal radial fractures treated with anterior locking plate fixation in 599 patients were included. The overall postoperative complication incidence was 11%. Secondary surgery was performed in 9%. No statistical significance in the incidence of complications was found regarding age, AO/OTA type or surgeon experience.Level of evidence: IV.

Comparative study of intertrochanteric fracture fixation using proximal femoral nail with and without distal interlocking screws.

BACKGROUNDIntertrochanteric (IT) fracture is one of the most common fractures seen in an orthopaedic practice. Proximal femoral nailing (PFN) is a common modality of fixing IT femur fracture. We retrospectively studied whether a PFN with two proximal lag screws can be done without distal interlocking screws in the 31-A1 and 31-A2 fracture patterns according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) guidelines for IT femur fractures.AIMTo compare the outcomes of IT fractures (AO/OTA 31-A1 and 31-A2) treated by PFN with and without distal interlocking screws.METHODSWe carried out a retrospective study of 140 patients in a tertiary care centre who had AO/OTA type 31-A1 and 31-A2 IT fractures. We divided the patients into two groups, in which one of the groups received distal interlocking screws (group 1) and the other group did not (group 2). The subjects were followed up for a mean period of 14 mo and assessed for radiological union time, fracture site collapse, mechanical stability of implant, and complications associated with the PFN with distal interlocking and without distal interlocking. Then, the results were compared.RESULTSPFN without distal interlocking screws has several advantages and gives better results over PFN with distal interlocking screws in the AO/OTA 31-A2 fracture pattern. However, similar results were observed in both groups with the fracture pattern AO/OTA 31-A1. In patients with fracture pattern AO/OTA 31-A2 treated by PFN without distal interlocking screws, there were minimal proximal lock-related complications and no risk of distal interlock-related complications. The operative time, IITV radiation time and time to radiological union were reduced. These patients also had better rotational alignment of the proximal femur, and the anatomy of the proximal femur was well maintained. It was also noted that in the cases where distal interlocking was performed, there was a gradual decrease in neck shaft angle, which led to varus collapse and failure of bone-implant construct in 21.40%.CONCLUSIONIn fracture pattern AO/OTA 31-A2, PFN without distal interlocking had better results and less complications than PFN with distal interlocking.

Sliding hip screw vs intramedullary nail for AO/OTA31A1-A3: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectiveto conduct a systematic review with consequent meta-analysis evaluating the best treatment for Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) 31A1-A3 trochanteric fractures when comparing the sliding hip screw (SHS) to the intramedullary nail (IMN). The outcomes used for comparison are major complications (in total, as well as nonunion and infection specifically), mortality rates, functional outcomes and patient-reported outcome measures (PROM). Materials and methodsSearch strings for the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Medline and Embase databases were developed with the help of a scientific librarian. Two authors screened the studies from the search string independently using Covidence.org and data extraction was performed similarly. Quality assessment was performed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool for randomised trials (ROB2) for RCT studies, and Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies – of Interventions (ROBINS-I) for non-RCT studies. Meta-analyses were performed using Log Risk Ratio as the primary effect estimate. ResultsOf the 2,051 studies screened by the two authors, six RCTs and six non-RCTs were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 10,402 patients. The results indicated no significant differences in total major complications, nonunion, infection or mortality between SHS and IMN treatments for AO/OTA 31A1, 31A2 and 31A3 trochanteric fractures. Due to a lack of compatible data, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis on function scores and PROM. However, there are trends that favour IMN for 31A1 and 31A2 fractures. ConclusionNo significant difference between SHS and IMN was found in the meta-analysis in any of the examined AO/OTA fracture subtypes in terms of primary and secondary outcomes. When assessing function scores and PROM, we found trends favouring IMN for 31A1 and 31A2 fractures that should be explored further.

Proximal femoral nail antirotation versus cemented calcar-replacement hemiarthroplasty for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in elderly: an overall survival study.

The aim of this study is to compare the perioperative complications and overall survival of patients who underwent proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and patients who underwent cemented calcar-replacement hemiarthroplasty (CCRH) for unstable intertrochanteric fracture in patients aged 75 years and older. A total of 94 patients who underwent PFNA or CCRH between 2010 and 2012 because of femur fracture (A2.2 and A2.3 according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification) were analyzed retrospectively. Hospitalization times, blood transfusion needs, reoperation rates, and overall survival were compared. Forty-eight patients in the PFNA group and 46 patients in the CCRH group were included for analysis. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of hospitalization times, blood transfusion needs, reoperation rates, and survival rates. Both PFNA and CCRH techniques can be used for surgical treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femur fractures.

Periprosthetic femoral fracture type and location are influenced by the presence of an ipsilateral knee arthroplasty implant: A case-control study of 84 interprosthetic femoral fractures

BackgroundThis multicentre case-control study compares Vancouver Classification System (VCS) grade and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture type in interprosthetic femoral fractures (IPFFs) between primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) and ipsilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) to periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) without ipsilateral TKA. MethodsData were collected following institutional approval. Eighty-four IPFFs were assessed for VCS grade and AO/OTA type. Each IPFF case (84) was matched to five PFF controls (360) by age, gender and stem fixation philosophy (SMD<0.1). VCS grade and AO/OTA type were compared between the IPFF and PFF groups using weighted proportions and medians. ResultsMedian (IQR) age of IPFF patients was 81.75 (76.57–85.33) years and 61 (72.6%) were female. The commonest VCS grade was B1 (34, 40.5%). The commonest AO/OTA type was spiral (51.8% of VCS B fractures; 50.0% of VCS C fractures). A greater proportion of fractures occurred distal to the stem in IPFF patients versus PFF patients (33.3% versus 18.2%, p = 0.003). VCS grade was significantly different between groups (p = 0.015). For VCS C fractures, twice as many AO/OTA transverse and wedge fractures occurred in the IPFF group compared to the PFF group (25.0% versus 12.6% and 7.1% versus 3.3%, respectively) although the overall difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.407). ConclusionThe presence of an ipsilateral TKA affects the location of PFF with more fractures occurring distal to the stem. A greater proportion of bending type fractures occurred when an ipsilateral TKA was present. These unstable fractures often require more complex surgery.

Quick-DASH as a main early outcome of humeral shaft fractures: A Latin American multicenter prospective study.

The main objective of this study was to evaluate the Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Score (DASH) score as the main early (90 days) outcome in a prospective multicenter observational Latin American study on isolated humeral shaft fractures. From December 2015 to April 2017, in six Latin American countries, patients 18 years or older with a closed, isolated nonpathological 12A, 12B, or 12C AO/OTA (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association) fractures were included. The 90 (±10)-day Quick-DASH score was used to compare the results of the different treatments. The secondary outcomes were patient treatment satisfaction, shoulder and elbow range of motion, and radiographic evaluation. A total of 92 patients successfully completed the Quick-DASH questionnaire. Surgical treatments resulted in better outcomes than nonsurgical treatment, but only minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis produced significantly lower Quick-DASH scores than nonsurgical treatment (p < 0.05). There were strong correlations between patient self-evaluation and the Quick-DASH score (p < 0.0005) but not between the Quick-DASH score and radiographic fracture healing. No significant difference was found between the treatments regarding the rate of return to work, but the medical center had a significant influence on treatment choice (p < 0.0005). The high correlation between Quick-DASH score and patient satisfaction and functional outcome indicates that the Quick-DASH questionnaire is a suitable tool for evaluating adult humeral shaft fracture outcomes. Patients with a Quick-DASH score below 15 could be considered recovered, and patients with a Quick-DASH score above 40 could be considered not yet recovered. Quick-DASH scores were not significantly associated with radiographic fracture healing.

Intraoperative assessment of reduction quality during nail fixation of intertrochanteric fractures

BackgroundThe quality of intertrochanteric fracture reduction has traditionally been evaluated using simple radiographs. However, subjective intraoperative evaluation and efforts to achieve a perfect reduction are essential for optimal outcomes. This study aimed to establish criteria for the intraoperative assessment of the quality of intertrochanteric fracture reduction and also analyzed postoperative outcomes in terms of reduction quality. MethodsThis study included 106 patients who received cephalo-medullary nailing for the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures between March 2012 and May 2016 and were followed-up for at least 1 year. An image intensifier was used intraoperatively to evaluate reduction quality by examining the restoration of anteromedial cortex continuity, and neck-shaft angle and anteversion. Based on the reduction quality, the patients were classified into optimal, acceptable, and unacceptable groups, with intervention provided for the unacceptable group. The need for revision surgery and the degree of blade sliding were assessed, and postoperative outcomes related to implant position were analyzed. ResultsOver 50% of patients with Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type 31A2 and A3 fractures were assigned to the unacceptable group after closed reduction (P = 0.006), and 60 cases required additional reduction. Approximately 40% of cases classified as clinically unacceptable required revision, and the rate of sliding was ≥2-fold higher in the unacceptable group than those in the optimal and acceptable groups (P = 0.015), with an average excessive sliding of 9.85 mm. Regarding implant position, cut-out or penetration were observed in cases with superiorly-located blades (P = 0.039). ConclusionsGood outcomes cannot be achieved with traction alone for femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Active management is required because accurate anteromedial cortex reduction, and restoration of neck-shaft angle and anteversion are essential in femoral intertrochanteric fractures.

Satisfactory postoperative alignment following retrograde SIGN Fin nailing for femoral shaft fractures

Purpose:In developing countries, long bone fractures following trauma are a significant contributor to morbidity, and operating room resources are often limited in these settings. The Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) Fin nail may reduce the challenges of retrograde intramedullary nailing of femoral fractures without fluoroscopy. In contrast to the traditional SIGN nail placed in a retrograde fashion, the Fin nail does not require proximal interlocking screws. Instead, the nail achieves stability through an interference fit within the proximal femoral canal. The purpose of this study is to compare postoperative alignment in femoral shaft fractures treated with either a retrograde SIGN Fin nail or a standard retrograde SIGN nail.Method:Using the SIGN online surgical database, we identified all femoral shaft fractures treated with a retrograde SIGN Fin nail at 2 African hospitals. Two examiners independently classified fracture patterns using the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification system. Using an on-screen protractor tool, postoperative coronal and sagittal plane alignment were measured and recorded as deviation from anatomic alignment (DFAA), with units in degrees. Available patient demographics and surgical details were also recorded. Fin nail cases were matched in a 1:1 ratio to retrograde standard SIGN nail cases based on AO/OTA fracture type.Results:Twenty-eight retrograde Fin nail cases were identified, and 28 matched retrograde SIGN nail cases were selected. The Fin nail and retrograde SIGN nail groups were well matched in terms of demographics, AO/OTA fracture type, and surgical characteristics. There was no significant difference in postoperative coronal or sagittal plane alignment between the groups. There were no cases in either group of average postoperative malalignment >5° in any plane.Conclusion:The SIGN Fin nail appears to achieve satisfactory radiographic alignment without the need for proximal interlocking screws, making it an attractive implant for retrograde femoral shaft fracture fixation in resource-limited settings. Further research is required to validate these findings and determine long-term Fin nail clinical outcomes.

Demographics and clinical features of humeral shaft fractures: The Latin American multicentre prospective study (HSF-LAMPS).

To present transversal data (demographic and clinical) on isolated humeral shaft fractures (HSFs) in Latin American countries. Patients were enrolled between December 2015 and April 2017 at 11 medical institutions from six Latin America countries. Age ≥18 years and a closed, isolated 12A, 12B, or 12C fracture (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification). The patients' demographic, comorbidity, and other baseline data were recorded. The outcome measures included the basal results of the research and the associations among the demographic factors, fracture features, and type of treatment applied. A total of 123 patients were included. There was a preponderance of men (61.8%), whose mean age was significantly lower than that of the women (31.48 vs. 60.55). Overweight or obesity was present in 61.0% of women; 56.1% of patients were sedentary, 75.6% were nonsmokers, and 74.0% had no chronic disease. The type or treatment (operative/nonoperative) was not significantly associated with the patient's or fracture's characteristics. Falls and traffic accidents were the main causes of HSFs. Intramedullary nailing treatment was performed significantly more often in women, elderly patients, patients who did not participate in sports, and patients participating in only home activities. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis was performed significantly more frequently in men and in those who were self-employed. Open reduction internal fixation was performed significantly more often when the cause of the fracture was a traffic accident and when radial nerve palsy was present. The demographics and etiological differences observed in comparison to the current literature show the importance of regional studies for both preventive measures and educational guidance.

Concordance analysis of adult ankle fracture classifications

Objective: To analyze the interobserver agreement among physicians in an orthopedy and traumatology service with knowledge and training in adult ankle fracture classifications through radiographic evaluation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in which the records of 20 patients with a diagnosis of ankle fracture in 2016 (uni-, bi- or trimalleolar), aged older than 18 years or with a closed physis, were studied. The radiographs that met the criteria were analyzed and classified according to the Danis Weber (DW), Lauge-Hansen (LH) and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classifications by two first-year residents, two second-year residents, two third-year residents and two preceptors of the service. The conditions were identical for the observers and were performed individually once. The Kappa coefficient (K) was used to assess agreement. Results: The results showed great interobserver agreement in the DW and LH classifications, with K values equal to 0.69 and 0.64, respectively. The AO/OTA classification showed moderate agreement, with K = 0.47. Conclusion: The DW classification was the most reliable among the three classifications. The AO/OTA classification showed the lowest agreement and was the least reliable, and the LH classification was in between the others. Level of Evidence III, Diagnostic Studies; Study of non consecutive patients; without consistently applied reference “gold” standard.

Does altering projection of the fractured clavicle change treatment strategy?

Shortening of the fractured clavicle is proposed and debated as an indicator for surgical intervention. There is no standardized or uniform method for imaging and measuring shortening. Different methods and techniques can lead to different measured outcomes. However, the question remains whether a difference in measured shortening using a different technique has any short-term clinical relevance in terms of treatment strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether a different projection of the same midshaft clavicular fracture would lead to a different choice in treatment strategy. Thirty-six AO-OTA (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen-Orthopaedic Trauma Association) 15A.1-15A.3 midshaft clavicular fractures were digitally reconstructed into radiographs using both 15° caudocranial and 15° craniocaudal projections. The 72 projections were rated in random order by 23 orthopedic trauma or upper-extremity surgeons on the need for either conservative or operative treatment. On average, the raters altered their treatment strategy with a different projection of the same midshaft clavicular fracture 12.2 times among the 36 cases (33.9%), ranging from 5 times (13.9%) to 19 times (52.8%). A statistically significant increase in choice for surgical treatment was identified when using the 15° caudocranial projection (P = .01). This study reveals the influence the projection of the midshaft clavicular fracture has on the surgeon's decision of treatment strategy. The decision changes from operative to nonoperative or vice versa in 33.9% of the cases.

Distal Radius Fractures: AAOS Appropriate Use Criteria Versus Actual Management at a Level I Trauma Center.

The aim of this study is to determine whether the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' (AAOS) Appropriate Use Criteria (AUC) for distal radius fractures correlates with actual treatment by orthopedic hand surgeons at a level I trauma center. ICD-9 codes were used to retrospectively identify patients who presented with wrist fractures over 1 year. Patients with isolated distal radius fractures were evaluated using the AAOS AUC application for distal radius fractures. Actual treatment was then compared with treatment recommended by the AUC. Of the 112 patients, 64 (57%) received treatment that matched the AAOS AUC recommendation as an "appropriate treatment." Actual management matched the AUC recommendation 100%, 7%, and 50% of the time, for Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type A, B, and C fractures, respectively. Surgery was performed for type A, B, and C fractures 30%, 7%, and 50% of the time, respectively. For type B fractures, only the 2 cases that were managed operatively were in agreement with the AUC. For type C fractures, increased patient age (57 years and older) was significantly associated with nonoperative treatment decisions. Surgeon decisions for nonoperative treatment were in agreement with the AUC recommendations 40% of the time, whereas surgeon decisions for surgery matched the AUC recommendations 97% of the time. We found low agreement between actual treatment decisions and the AUC-recommended "appropriate" treatments, especially for the type B and C fractures that were managed nonoperatively. The AUC favors surgery for all intra-articular fractures, while we emphasized age and fracture displacement in our decision-making process.

Intraobserver and interobserver reliability assessment of tibial plateau fracture classification systems.

This study aims to assess the intra- and interobserver reliability of commonly used tibial plateau fracture classification systems. This retrospective cohort study included computed tomography (CT) and plain radiographic images (lateral and anteroposterior X-rays) of 60 patients (40 males, 20 females; mean age 45.9 years; range 18 to 80 years) who presented to two orthopaedic clinics between January 2011 and January 2015 with unilateral tibial plateau fractures. All plain X-rays (XR) and CT images were evaluated by four observers on two separate occasions, 1.5 months apart. All fractures were classified according to the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen-Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO-OTA), Schatzker, Hohl and Moore, Luo and revised Duparc systems. Intraobserver reliability was measured with Cohen's kappa (κ) coefficient and interobserver reliability with Fleiss' kappa coefficient. When Schatzker classification was performed, interobserver reliability was in moderate level for (κ=0.51) for XR and in substantial level for CT (κ=0.61). When AO/OTA classification was used, interobserver reliability was in moderate level for both methods of diagnosis (κXR=0.43 and κCT=0.54, respectively). In the Hohl and Moore classification, the interobserver reliability was also moderate for both methods of diagnosis (κXR=0.45 and κCT=0.51, respectively). Revised Duparc classification showed the lowest interobserver reliability ranging from fair to moderate level (κXR=0.27-0.55 and κCT=0.44-0.61). Interobserver reliability for Luo classification was κCT=0.47. Intraobserver reliability for CT in Luo classification was in substantial level for observers 1, 2 and 3 (κCT=0.67-0.71) and in perfect level for observer 4 (κCT=0.84). Intraobserver reliability was in substantial level in Schatzker classification and in moderate level at the other classifications. Among the classification systems compared in this study, Schatzker was the most reliable particularly when CT was used. On the other hand, revised Duparc classification presented the worse reliability results due to its complexity and different morphological subtypes.

Incidence of tendon entrapment and dislocation with calcaneus and pilon fractures on CT examination.

To examine the association between tibial pilon and calcaneal fracture classification and tendon entrapment or dislocation. After institutional review board approval, we retrospectively reviewed consecutive CT scans with calcaneal or pilon fractures from 5years at a level 1 trauma center. We categorized calcaneal fractures according to the Sanders classification, and pilon fractures according to the Ruedi and Allgower and the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen-Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO-OTA) classifications. Ankle tendons were assessed for dislocation or entrapment. Fisher's exact test was used for statistical analysis with significance at p < 0.05. A total of 312 fractures (91 pilon only, 193 calcaneal only, and 14 ankles with ipsilateral pilon and calcaneal fractures) were identified in 273 patients. Twenty-two pilon, 42 calcaneal, and nine combination fractures were associated with 99 occurrences of tendon entrapment or superior peroneal retinacular injury. Such findings were associated with multiple fractures (p = 0.002). Multifragmentary pilon fractures were associated with posterior tibial and flexor digitorum longus tendon entrapment (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0003 for Ruedi/Allgower and AO-OTA, respectively), and multifragmentary Sanders type 3 or 4 calcaneal fractures were associated with superior peroneal retinacular injury (p = 0.0473) compared to simple fracture patterns. Thirty-nine percent of tendon entrapments or retinacular injuries were prospectively identified, 85% by musculoskeletal radiologists (p < 0.0001). Approximately 25% of calcaneal and pilon fractures were retrospectively identified to contain posteromedial tendon entrapment or superior peroneal retinacular injury. Radiologists should meticulously search for such injuries, particularly when analyzing multifragmentary and multiple fractures.

Anterograde Headless Cannulated Screw Fixation in the Treatment of Medial Malleolar Fractures: Evaluation of a New Technique and Its Outcomes

Objective: To evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes of anterograde headless cannulated screw fixation for medial malleolar fractures. Subjects and Methods: This study included 12 patients (8 males, 4 females; age 27-55 years) with medial malleolar type B fractures according to the Herscovici fracture classification who had undergone anterograde headless cannulated screw fixation surgery between 2012 and 2014. Seven had an isolated medial malleolar fracture and 5 a bimalleolar fracture. All of the bimalleolar fractures were classified as 44-B2 based on the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification. Postoperatively, bone union was evaluated on direct radiographs at the final follow-up examination. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scoring system was used for clinical evaluation. Results: The mean follow-up period was 17.2 ± 5.3 months (range 12-23). Full union was achieved in all fractures. The mean time to union was 3.4 ± 1.5 months (range 2-5). No instability, loss of reduction, non-union or infection was observed in any patient. The mean AOFAS score was 95.0 ± 5.4 (range 87-99). Based on the AOFAS score, 4 patients showed good results and 8 excellent results. The mean time to return to the previous level of activity was 4.0 ± 2.5 months (range 2-5). Conclusion: In this study, anterograde headless cannulated screw fixation yielded good clinical outcome in the surgical treatment of Herscovici type B fractures.

Risk factors for nonunion after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures: Remaining controversies

IntroductionIntramedullary nailing (IMN) is the preferred treatment for femoral shaft fractures in adults. Although previous studies published good outcomes, some controversies remain. The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors that influence outcome after IMN for femoral shaft fractures. Materials and methodsBetween July 1998 and July 2013, we treated 230 patients with 248 femoral shaft fractures. Statistical analyses were performed to determine predictors of nonunion. The following set of variables was selected based on the speculation that they would contribute to the outcome: sex (male or female), smoking, obesity, polytrauma, fracture type, open fractures, Gustilo type, primary external fixation (EF) and reaming. ResultsInitial fracture stabilization was performed by IMN in 161 (64.9%) and by EF in 87 (35.1%) fractures. There were no documented cases of deep infection. Nonunion was diagnosed in 27 patients with 28 fractures (11.3%). Factors affecting nonunion in the univariate analysis were Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture type (odds ratio [OR] 25.0; p<0.0001), Gustilo type (OR 0.64; p=0.0358), and EF (OR 0.42; p=0.0401). Multiple logistic regression analysis only identified AO/OTA fracture type (OR 22.0; p<0.0001) as a risk factor for nonunion. Fracture reaming did not change the outcome (OR 0.80; p=0.6073). A separate analysis showed that damage control EF was not a risk factor in polytrauma patients (OR 0.76; p=0.5825). ConclusionsFracture stabilisation with IMN is a good treatment option for femoral shaft fractures in adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors of poor outcome after IMN of femoral shaft fractures. The present analysis revealed that there was no difference in the outcome whether the fracture was reamed or not. Univariate and multivariate analysis could only correlate AO/OTA fracture type with the occurrence of nonunion. Therefore, in this study, unreamed nailing and damage control EF were not associated with a negative outcome.

The Impact of Three-Dimensional CT Imaging on Intraobserver and Interobserver Reliability of Proximal Humeral Fracture Classifications and Treatment Recommendations.

The classification systems for fractures of the proximal part of the humerus provide low interobserver and intraobserver reliability when radiographs or two-dimensional computed tomography scans are used. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether the use of three-dimensional computed tomography scans could improve interobserver and intraobserver reliability of AO/OTA (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association) and Neer classifications and treatment recommendations. Two trauma surgeons, one shoulder surgeon, two senior orthopaedic residents, and two junior orthopaedic residents reviewed the radiographs and two and three-dimensional computed tomography scans of forty fractures of the proximal part of the humerus. Each imaging modality was reviewed in isolation, and fractures were classified according to the Neer and AO/OTA classifications and treatment recommendations were provided. This process was repeated for intraobserver analysis. Interobserver agreement was calculated within and between levels of training for each classification and treatment recommendation with respect to radiographs and two and three-dimensional computed tomography scans. Among attending orthopaedic surgeons and senior residents, the use of three-dimensional computed tomography did not improve agreement compared with the use of two-dimensional computed tomography for the Neer classification based on planes, the AO/OTA classification, or the treatment recommendation, but it did improve agreement among junior residents. Comparing between levels of training, three-dimensional computed tomography increased agreement only between junior residents and more experienced reviewers for the Neer classification based on planes and for the AO/OTA classification but not for the treatment recommendation. Intraobserver agreement for each reviewer for classification and treatment ranged from slight to fair and was not improved through the use of three-dimensional computed tomography. In this investigation, the use of three-dimensional computed tomography imaging did not offer improved interobserver and intraobserver agreement compared with the use of two-dimensional computed tomography imaging with regard to classification and treatment of fractures of the proximal part of the humerus, except among reviewers with limited clinical experience. Diagnostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.