Bridge Plating Group Research Articles

Distal Radius Fracture Therapy Utilization Following Traditional Open Reduction and Internal Fixation and Dorsal Bridge Plate Fixation.

Background Many distal radius fractures are treated with a volar locking plate, but a minority undergo dorsal bridge plate fixation. This study's primary purpose was to compare therapy utilization following distal radius fractures treated with traditional open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) versus dorsal bridge plate fixation. Secondary outcomes were time to first and last therapy visits and therapy costs. Methods Patients over 18 years old who underwent distal radius ORIF between January 2021 and August 2022 at a single regional orthopedic practice were identified. Patients who underwent post-operative hardware removal were retrospectively reviewed to identify dorsal bridge plate fixation patients. This resulted in "traditional ORIF" and "dorsal bridge plate" groups. Therapy visit number, cost, and payor(insurance type including Medicare, private insurance, worker's compensation, automobile policy, and private pay) were collected. Results In total, 1,376 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 713 of the 1,283 (55.6%) patients in the traditional ORIF group and 25 of the 44 patients (56.8%) inthe dorsal bridge plate group attended therapy at our institution. Traditional ORIF and dorsal bridge plate patients averaged 12.6(±10) and 24(±18.7) therapy visits in the one-year following ORIF, respectively. Time to last therapy visit was 90.9(±60) and 175.2(±72.1) days in the traditional ORIF and dorsal bridge plate groups, respectively. Total therapy cost was $1,219(±$1,314) and $2,015(±$1,828) in the traditional ORIF and dorsal bridge plate groups with similar out-of-pocket costs. Conclusions Dorsal bridge plate fixation patients attended a greater number of therapy sessions, had a longer time from surgery until therapy end, and had a higher therapy total cost relative to traditional ORIF, but both groups had similar patient out-of-pocket therapy costs.

Technical Advances in Pectus Bar Stabilization in Chest Wall Deformity Surgery: 10-Year Trends and an Appraisal with 1,500 Patients.

We aimed to demonstrate the advances we have achieved in pectus excavatum surgery over the last 10 years, with a particular focus on the refinement of pectus bar stabilization techniques and devices. In total, 1,526 patients who underwent minimally invasive repair of pectus excavatum surgery from 2013 to 2022 were enrolled and analyzed. We have pursued a new paradigm of crane-powered remodeling of the entire chest wall. The method of bar stabilization has changed from claw fixators to hinge plates and, finally, to bridge plate connections. We also evaluated the effectiveness of the hinge plate (group H) and the bridge plate (group B). The bar displacement rates were 0.1% (n=2) for the claw fixator, 0% for the hinge plate (n=0), and 0% for the bridge plate (n=0). We stopped using the claw fixator in 2022 and the hinge plate in 2019. Since 2022, when we shifted to a multiple-bar technique for all patients, the bridge plate has replaced both the claw fixator and the hinge plate. No bar displacement occurred in either group. Group H had more pleural effusion, wound problems (p<0.05), and longer stays (5.5 vs. 6.2 days, p=0.034) than group B. We have made significant progress in pectus repair surgery over the last decade, particularly in stabilizing the pectus bar and reducing perioperative complications. Our current strategy is the multiple-bar approach with bridge stabilization. Since the bridge-only technique resulted in no bar displacement, we could eliminate the invasive claw fixator or hinge plate.

Dorsal bridge plating versus bridging external fixation for management of complex distal radius fractures

IntroductionDistal radius fractures are the most frequent upper limb injuries encountered by orthopedic surgeons. Surgical treatment of distal radius fractures is preserved for unstable and displaced fractures. A randomized controlled trial was conducted to compare the radiological and functional outcomes of bridge plating (BP) to external fixation (EF) in comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures. MethodsSixty patients with distal radius fractures were eligible for treatment by means of ligamentotaxis using either a dorsal bridge plate (30 patients) or an external fixator (30 patients) with or without supplementary Kirschner wires (K-wires). Radiological evaluation was done using the radial inclination angle, radial length, and the volar tilt. Clinical evaluation was performed using ranges of wrist motion, grip strength, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and a validated Arabic version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire ResultsPatients were followed up for 12 months. No significant difference was found in terms of radiographic parameters or ranges of wrist motion. At 3-months follow-up, bridge plating group had stronger grip strength, lower Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, and lower Visual Analogue Scale. However, both groups had similar functional outcomes at last follow-up. External fixation group had a higher rate of postoperative complications. ConclusionIn comparison to external fixation, bridge plating may provide earlier functional recovery with lower complication rates. However, no functional or radiological superiority were demonstrated at 12-months follow-up.

Evaluation of Functional Outcome and Complications in Bridge Plating Compared to Transarticular Screws for Lisfranc Injuries: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

The optimal treatment strategy of Lisfranc injury is still in debate. This study aimed to compare the functional outcome and complications of dorsal bridge plating (BP) and transarticular screws (TAS). A systematic review and meta-analysis of the present literature was performed. PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched using set search criteria and date range January 2000 to July 26, 2021. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational comparative studies concerning the outcome of dorsal BP and TAS for the fixation of Lisfranc injuries were eligible for inclusion. Random effect models were used to analyze pooled data. Forest plots using 95% confidence intervals (CI) were created to illustrate mean differences and odds ratios. Four observational studies were eligible for inclusion, including 111 patients in the BP group and 87 patients in the TAS group. American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was significantly higher in the BP group (mean difference 7.08, 95% CI 1.50-12.66, p=.01). Osteoarthritis was significantly less common in the BP group compared to the TAS group (odds ratio 0.45, 95% CI 0.22-0.94, p=.03). No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of postoperative infection, hardware removal, chronic pain, and secondary arthrodesis. Dorsal bridge plating of fractures in the Lisfranc joint may lead to better functional outcome and a lower incidence of post-traumatic arthritis when compared to transarticular screws. A larger body of high-quality evidence is required to independently analyze the severity of fractures in the different columns involved and subsequent outcomes of operative management.

Intramedullary nail versus bridge plate in open tibial fractures - randomized clinical trial

IntroductionOpen tibial shaft fractures present a challenge to the orthopedic surgeon, because they are common, have a high rate of complications and still have a controversial treatment. As a result of the high incidence of these fractures, the need of a definitive treatment and the unavailability of the intramedullary nail or a well-trained team, we developed this study to compare the effectiveness of the bridge-plating (BP) with the unreamed intramedullary nail (UIMN) in the treatment of open tibial shaft fractures. Materials and methodsEighty patients were included in a prospective, consecutive and random way and then randomized in two groups of treatment: unreamed intramedullary nail and bridge-plating.The primary outcomes were the reoperation rate and the Johner-Wruhs functional criteria. Secondary outcomes were complication rates, partial and total weight bearing time and bone consolidation time. We verified the existence of normality in the quantitative variables for the outcomes using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. The Chi-Square test was utilized to compare the methods according to the relative frequencies and the comparison between the methods regarding the average of the quantitative variables was done through the T-Student test. ResultsBoth the reoperation rates and the functional criteria of Johner-Wruhs showed no difference between the two groups. The exposure time and the total surgical time were longer in the UIMN group, however the consolidation time, partial weight bearing time and total weight bearing time did not show significant difference. A significant difference was found between the groups in the implant failure rate, in favor of UIMN, the angular malalignment was another secundary outcome that showed a non significant difference in favor of UIMN. ConclusionsWe concluded that both methods were effective for the treatment of open tibia shaft fractures, however, the implant failure rate was higher in the bridge plate group.

Union Following Biological and Rigid Fixations of Distal Tibia Extra-articular Fractures.

Distal tibia fractures are among the most common bony injuries, with a significant rate of nonunion and delayed union. There are multiple methods for the management of distal tibia fractures. Among the plating methods, there are bridge plating and compression plating techniques. There is still a lack of evidence about whether one method has a higher rate of union than the other. The present study aimed to assess the union rate of extra-articular distal tibia fractures using biological fixation with bridge plating and rigid fixation with compression plating. This retrospective analysis was performed on 41 adult patients with distal tibia fractures. The subjects were divided into two groups based on the fixation method, namely bridge plating and compression plating. Baseline characteristics, fracture characteristics, and union status were analyzed and compared in this study. Baseline and fracture characteristics were similar between the groups. Only higher translation in any planes was noted in the bridge plating group (2.80±3.04 mm; P<0.001). As for union status, the rates of the union during 3 months and delayed/no union were similar between the two groups (P=0.18). During a 6-month follow-up, 92% and 93.8% of the patients achieved union in the bridge plating and compression plating groups, respectively. Rates of delayed union and nonunion are similar regarding extra-articular distal tibia fractures treated with either bridge plating or compression plating.

Outcomes of Bridge Plating Versus Standard Fixation in Geriatric Ankle Fractures

Category:Ankle, TraumaIntroduction/Purpose:Ankle fractures represent one of the most common injuries encountered by foot and ankle specialists. Internal fixation of the lateral malleolus can be achieved by several different techniques, most commonly by lag screw and neutralization plating. However, ankle fractures in older patients often present technical challenges as osteoporotic bone is more commonly encountered which may require bridge plating techniques. This study compares outcomes in patients over age 50 years who underwent ORIF of the lateral malleolus with either a bridge plate or lag screw and neutralization plate technique.Methods:This retrospective study evaluated 56 patients with closed ankle fractures, aged over 50 years who underwent open reduction internal fixation of the lateral malleolus. These were divided into two groups: 36 patients had fixation with one or more lag screws and a neutralization plate, and 20 patients had fixation with a bridge plate technique. Fractures were stabilized with lag screw fixation when feasible, while bridge plating was utilized in patients where lag screw fixation was not possible. SF-36 scores were attained at a minimum one-year post-op. Final radiographs and complications were recorded.Results:The lag group had a mean age of 63 years, 17% men, 61% with syndesmotic screw fixation, and 56% with medial malleolus fixation. The bridge group had a mean age of 65 years, 15% men, 60% with syndesmotic screw fixation, and 70% with medial malleolus fixation. At minimum one-year, SF-36 physical component summary score was 74.2 ± 19.4 in the lag group vs 63.2 ± 24.8 in the bridge plate group (p=0.049). The SF-36 mental component summary score was 89.2 ± 12 in the lag group vs 75.5 ± 22.7 in the bridge plate group (p=0.009). One patient in each group required return to the OR for irrigation and debridement for infection. No patients experienced fixation failure and all fractures demonstrated union on final radiograph.Conclusion:In the present study of patients over age 50 years who underwent ORIF of an ankle fracture, as compared with bridge plating, lag screw and neutralization plating is associated with superior one-year SF-36 physical and mental summary scores with similar rates of complications. However, additional research is needed to determine to what degree this difference is causative or correlative with confounding variables as fixation technique was not found to be an independent predictor of SF-36 outcomes in this small cohort.

External fixator-augmented flexible intramedullary nailing of an unstable pediatric femoral shaft fracture model: a biomechanical study.

The objective of this study was to test the compressive strength and torsional stiffness provided by the addition of a two-pin external fixator to an unstable pediatric femoral shaft fracture model after being instrumented with flexible intramedullary nailing (FIMN), and to compare this to bridge plating and FIMN alone. A length-unstable oblique diaphyseal fracture was created in 15 pediatric sized small femur models. Fracture stabilization was achieved by three constructs: standard retrograde FIMN with two 3.5-mm titanium (Ti) nails (Group 1), FIMN augmented with a two-pin external fixator (Group 2), and a 4.5-mm bridge plate (Group 3). Groups I and II were tested in 10 cycles of axial rotation to 10° in both directions at 0.1 Hz under 36 kg of compression. Torsional stiffness was calculated. Compressive strength was calculated by applying an axial load of 5 mm/min until failure was encountered. Failure was defined as the force required to achieve 10° varus at the fracture site or shortening of 2 cm. Group II demonstrated a greater compressive strength compared to Group I (1067.32 N vs 453.49 N, P < 0.001). No significant difference in torsional stiffness was found between Groups I and II (0.45 vs 0.38 Nm/deg, P = 0.18). Group III showed superior compressive strength and rotational stiffness compared to Groups I and II. In an unstable pediatric femoral shaft fracture model, augmenting FIMN with a two-pin external fixator increased the compressive strength by 147%, but did not increase torsional stiffness. Bridge plating with a 4.5-mm plate provided superior compressive strength and torsional stiffness.

Titanium Elastic Nailing with Temporary External Fixator versus Bridge Plating in Comminuted Pediatric Femoral Shaft Fractures: A Comparative Study.

Background:High-velocity trauma, associated injuries, risk of iatrogenic devascularization of fragments and need for maintaining alignment upto union make comminuted fracture in pediatric femur a formidable fracture to treat. This comparative study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes of two modes of management in such cases: titanium elastic nailing supplemented with external fixator and submuscular bridge plating (BP).Materials and Methods:Thirty eight children (aged 6–12 years) with comminuted fracture shaft femur who were randomized into two groups underwent systematic evaluation. One group was operated with titanium nailing with temporary external stabilization by fixators (titanium nailing with external [TNE] group) for 4 weeks. The other underwent submuscular BP with locked plates (BP group). Clinical and radiological outcomes, operative time, blood loss, radiation exposure, difficulties in removal and complications were evaluated.Results:Both groups achieved union (10.7 ± 1.9 weeks BP, 11 ± 1.6 weeks TNE), satisfactory knee flexion (138.2 ± 6.4° BP, 136 ± 7.3° TNE), and painless weight bearing (7.3 ± 0.9 weeks vs. 7.3 ± 1.4 weeks) in acceptable alignment. Functional outcomes were excellent in majority of both BP (15 of 19) and nail external fixator groups (15 of 18). Operating time and radiation exposure (69.5 ± 14.5 s vs. 50.9 ± 12.9 s) were more in TNE than in BP (P < 0.01). However, implant removal was more difficult in BP (56.4 ± 12.4 min in BP vs. 30.1 ± 8.8 min TNE). Pin-tract infections (n = 3) and hardware prominence (n = 2) in TNE group and deep infections (n = 2) in BP group were notable complications.Conclusion:Two groups were similar in radiological and functional outcomes. Inserting elastic nails and external fixator was a more exacting surgery, while removal was more difficult in BP group. Both techniques had acceptable success and complication rates.

Bridge Plate Fixation Results in Better Functional Outcomes Than Transarticular Screw Fixation for Low-Energy Lisfranc Injuries

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot, Sports, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with transarticular screws or bridge plating is the standard of care for unstable Lisfranc injuries. There are no studies comparing the clinical outcomes of fixation with transarticular screws or bridge plates in young, athletic patients who sustained low-energy injuries. Methods: All low-energy Lisfranc injuries that underwent ORIF between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Injuries were classified as low-energy if the occurred during athletic activity, ground level twisting, or a fall from less than three feet (typically stairs or curbs). Tarsometatarsal (TMT) joint fixation with transarticular screws or bridge plating was documented. Transarticular screws were typically removed between four and six months postoperatively. Injury characteristics, complication rates, pain scores, and Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM) scores were compared. All continuous variables were compared with a two-tailed Student t-test. All categorical variables were compared using the Chi Squared test. Results: Of the fifteen patients identified, nine were fixed with transarticular screws and six with bridge plates. Average patient age was 27 years old. 12 of 15 were primarily ligamentous injuries. Implant removal was performed in the entire transarticular screw group and three out of six in the bridge plate group (p=0.018). Secondary arthrodesis for arthritis was recommended in two of the transarticular screw group and none of the bridge plate group (p=0.21). Mean FAAM scores were significantly higher in all subscales (ADL 96.2 v 76.7 p=.035, ADL SANE 92.5 v 72.6 p=.055, Sport 89.5 v 62.5 p=.027, Sport SANE 90 v 58.7 p=.024) in the bridge plate group at an average of 43 months follow up. Conclusion: In this study, ORIF with bridge plate fixation of the TMT joints had a lower rate of HWR and higher medium term FAAM scores than fixation with transarticular screws. A statistically significant difference in rates of secondary arthritis could not be established in this small cohort. Prospective studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

Biomechanical comparison of supraacetabular external fixation and anterior pelvic bridge plating

Unstable pelvic ring injuries are complex and risky injuries due to high morbidity and mortality. Although anterior pelvic external fixator is a suitable method for rapid stabilization of an injured pelvic ring, due to some disadvantages such as high complication rate, nerve damage, and difficulties of patient's mobility and comfort, there has recently been increased searching for alternative methods for stabilization of the pelvic ring. Pubic symphysis zone freely moves in pelvic models. This study aims to evaluate the biomechanical stability of anterior pelvic bridge plating and compare it with supraacetabular external fixators in an untreated unstable pelvic fracture model. Samples were loaded statically with 2-mm/min loading rate in single leg standing position. Maximum load was 2.3 kN. When loading the samples, photographs were taken continuously. Stiffness values were calculated from the load displacement curves. Some reference parameters were described and were measured from unloaded and 2.3-kN-loaded photographs of the test. The mean stiffness values were 491.14 ± 52.22, 478.55 ± 41.44, and 470.25 ± 44.51 N/mm for anterior pelvic bridge plating group, supraacetabular external fixator group, and Control group, respectively. According to the measured parameters from photographs, the mean displacement at the pubic symphysis was 4.7 ± 0.32, 15.8 ± 2.01, and 18.2 ± 0.47 mm for anterior pelvic bridge plating, supraacetabular external fixator, and Control group, respectively. The highest displacement in the pubic symphysis was found in Control group, and minimum displacement was observed in anterior pelvic bridge plating group. When the perpendicular distance between the right and left lower end of ischium was examined, it was observed that displacement was minimum in anterior pelvic bridge plating group compared to other two groups, regarding to the high stability of pubic symphysis. In conclusion, this study revealed superiority of anterior subcutaneous plate fixation with biomechanical results.

6-12 yaş arası pediatrik spiral ve parçalı femur kırıklarında submuskuler plaklama ve eksternal fiksatör uygulaması etkinliği karşılaştırılması

Objective: The treatment of femoral diaphyseal fractures in children 6 to 12 years of age has changed substantially over the last two decades and continues to evolve. Although external fixation and submuscular plating have been extensively used in the management of pediatric femur fractures, there are few studies which have compared the results of external fixation and submuscular bridge plating in pediatric closed unstable spiral femoral diaphyseal fractures. Patients and Method: Two groups of patients treated by external fixator or submuscular plating due to femoral diaphyseal spiral and comminuted fractures were included in our study. Twenty patients comprised the external fixation group and 26 patients the submuscular bridge plating group. The patients were evaluated for mechanism of injury, knee ROM, length of hospital stay, clinical and radiological findings and complications. The average follow-up period was 2 (range: 1.5 to 4) years. Results: Age of the patients ranged from 6 to 11 (average: 7.45) years in the external fixator group and from 7 to 12 (average: 9.08) years in the submuscular plating group. In the external fixator group, the fixator was removed at an average of 12.2 weeks. In the submuscular plating group, radiographic union was detected at an average time of 10 weeks. Pin site infection was common in the external fixator group. Patients were given knee ROM rehabilitation for knee contracture. No refracture was observed in the external fixator and submuscular plating groups. Conclusion: The main point to consider in external fixator use in pediatric femur fractures is refracture after fixator removal, which is mostly seen in transverse and open fractures. Use of the external fixator in spiral fractures and removing the fixator following bone healing in four cortices may prevent refracture complication. It is the surgeon’s choice to decide between the two treatment modalities to operate on the femur fracture. Although we found similar results between external fixator and plate in pediatric femur shaft fractures; we think large population based studies are needed in order to comparison.

Functional Outcomes After Temporary Bridging With Locking Plates in Lisfranc Injuries

The standard operative treatment of Lisfranc fracture dislocations currently consists of open reduction and transarticular fixation. Recently, bridge plating has been used more often. Using joint spanning, the reduced fracture dislocation is temporary stabilized to minimize articular damage. The present study describes the outcomes of patients treated with bridge plating after tarsometatarsal fracture dislocations compared with transarticular screw fixation. A retrospective cohort study was performed. Patients with an isolated tarsometatarsal injury who had been treated operatively from June 2000 to October 2013 were included. The primary functional outcome was measured using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot score and the Foot Function Index. The secondary outcome was patient satisfaction, which was measured using the EuroQol 5 dimensions questionnaire and a visual analog scale. A total of 34 patients were included. Bridge plating was used in 21 patients. In 13 patients, Kirschner wires or transarticular screws or a combination were used. The median follow-up period was 49 (interquartile range 18 to 89) months. The implants were removed in 10 of 13 patients in the transarticular group and 17 of 21 patients in the bridge plating group. The incidence of wound complications was comparable in both groups. The median American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was lower in the transarticular group (77 versus 66). The Foot Function Index score was 18 in both groups. Patient satisfaction was 90% in the bridge plating group and 80% in the transarticular group. Bridge plating for Lisfranc injuries led to at least similar results compared with transarticular fixation in terms of functional outcomes and patient satisfaction. Longer follow-up is necessary to determine whether the prevention of secondary damage to the articular surface leads to less post-traumatic arthritis and better functional outcomes.

Comparison of Submuscular and Open Plating of Pediatric Femur Fractures

Plate osteosynthesis is an accepted method of treatment of pediatric femur fractures. Historically, open plating has been used. Submuscular bridge plating has gained recent popularity due to the theoretical advantages of decreased operative time, decreased blood loss, and decreased risk for infection. The purpose of this study was to compare submuscular bridge plating to open plating of pediatric femur fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 79 patients (80 treated femur fractures) between 1999 and 2011 that underwent either open plating (58 femur fractures) or submuscular bridge plating (22 femur fractures). The outcome measures evaluated were operative time, estimated blood loss, malunion, leg length discrepancy, time to union, infection, unplanned return to the operating room, and length of hospital stay after surgery. Among our outcome measures, there was no difference between the 2 groups in terms of operative time, leg length discrepancy, time to union, infection, or length of hospital stay after surgery. There was greater estimated blood loss in the open plating group (P≤0.0001) and greater rotational asymmetry in the submuscular bridge plating group (P=0.005). There was a trend of increased unplanned return to the operating room in the open plating group (5/58 vs. 0/22) although not statistically significant (P=0.32). Submuscular bridge plating and open plating seem to be equally viable options for the management of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures. In this study, open plating had an increase in estimated blood loss and a trend of more unplanned returns to the operating room, whereas submuscular bridge plating had an increase in asymptomatic rotational asymmetry. Further larger, prospective, randomized studies are necessary to further evaluate these operative techniques. Therapeutic Level III.

Biomechanical evaluation of different internal fixation methods for humerus shaft fractures with medial butterfly fragment

The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical strength of three fixation methods in humerus shaft fractures with medial butterfly fragment. An AO 12B2 fracture with butterfly fragment was created in 21 synthetic cortical shell humeri. Humeri were divided into 3 groups which underwent bridge plating, antegrade intramedullary nailing or retrograde intramedullary nailing. Rotational and four-point bending test displacement curves were obtained. Mean displacement values in the torsion tests were 37.38 (range: 25.75 to 55.69) mm in the bridge plating group, 26.55 (range: 21.25 to 41.81) mm in the antegrade nailing group, and 33.23 (range: 27.50 to 46.45) mm in the retrograde nailing group. Mean displacement values in the four-point bending test were 3.27 (range: 2.54 to 3.73) mm in the bridge plating group, 3.17 (range: 2.69 to 3.55) mm in the antegrade nailing group, and 3.15 (range: 2.10 to 4.03) mm in the retrograde nailing group. No significant difference was found among the groups (p>0.05). The biomechanical stability of bridge plating, antegrade intramedullary nailing and retrograde intramedullary nailing appears to be similar in the fixation of humerus shaft fractures with medial butterfly fragment.