Complete Fracture Healing Research Articles

Surgical treatment of neglected hip fracture in children with cerebral palsy: case report and review of the literature.

A clinical case of a 15-year-old cerebral palsy child with a Sandhu type 2 neglected femoral neck fracture is presented. The patient was treated using cannulated screws and cancellous bone graft augmented with mesenchymal stem cells. At 6 months after the surgery complete fracture healing was observed. To early diagnose this fractures, it is mandatory to perform a comprehensive clinical and radiological evaluation including also a second level imaging. The use of cannulated screws with cancellous bone graft and MSCs is a viable treatment option in these patients.

Teriparatide (rhPTH1-34) Anabolic Therapy for Treatment of Type II Dens Fracture Non-union in Elderly Patients: Report of 5 Cases

Introduction Type II dens fracture is the most common cervical spine fracture type in elderly patients. Treatment options for this common injury include conservative management (i.e., hard collar or Halo Vest immobilization) or surgery. Delayed union or non-union is a frequent complication in elderly patients and is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality due to prolonged immobilization and hospitalization. The rhPTH1–34 (Teriparatide) is the recombinant form of the biologically active component of the human parathyroid hormone, currently approved for treatment of severe post-menopausal osteoporosis. However many in vitro studies have also demonstrated the efficacy of rhPTH1–34 in stimulating osteogenesis and bone healing and a few case reports have been published on its use in humans for treatment of fracture non-unions. The aim of this study is to report our successful experience with the use of rhPTH1–34 in the treatment of 5 cases of dens fracture non-union in elderly patients. Material and Methods Five patients (age > 70, all females) diagnosed with type II C2 dens fracture non-union (no neurological compromise) were enrolled in this study. Fracture non-union was defined as non- healing at 9 months after injury and radiographic evidence of failed healing progression over the last 3 months. All patients had been treated conservatively with a hard collar. Patients were started on anabolic drug therapy with daily subcutaneous injection of rhPTH1–34 (Teriparatide, 20 ng/die) for 3 months. Regular clinical assessments and monitoring of serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and alkaline phosphatase were undertaken throughout the treatment period. We describe the evolution of our cases over time with serial CT scan imaging as well as HRQoL questionnaires (VAS, SF-12, and Eq. 5D). Results Successful complete fracture healing was achieved in all patients at 74.5 ± 4.4 weeks after the injury and at 10.2 ± 3.8 weeks after the start of the anabolic therapy. Mean VAS score at the end of the treatment was 2.4 ± 1.3 (from a baseline value of 6.8 ± 2, p < 0.02) in all patients, while the average SF-12 score was 42 ± 3.7 (PCS) and 61.5 ± 2.11 (MCS) (from a baseline value of 25.1 ± 2.12 and 43.2 ± 1.49, p < 0.04) and Eq. 5D was 0.798 ± 0.044 (from a baseline value of 0.396 ± 0.198, p < 0.03). Patients had normal serum calcium level (9.1 ± 0.9 mg/dl). No side effects related to the use of the anabolic therapy were noted in our patients. Conclusion Our case series shows that rhPTH1–34 has induced successful bone healing in all our cases of type II dens fracture non-union. Bone healing has been demonstrated through CT imaging and also confirmed by clinical improvement of HRQoL measures. This is a potentially groundbreaking finding in management of elderly patients with upper cervical injuries and will deserve further study in future.

The bicipital groove as a landmark for reconstruction of complex proximal humeral fractures with hybrid double plate osteosynthesis.

BackgroundComplex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution remain challenging regarding reduction and stability. In most fracture patterns the hard bone of the bicipital groove remains intact. In this case series, we describe a novel technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis of complex proximal humerus fractures with metaphyseal comminution.MethodsIn randomly chosen shoulder specimens and synthetic bones, pilot studies for evaluation of the feasibility of the technique were performed. Between 4/2010 and 1/2012 10 patients underwent hybrid double plate osteosynthesis. Seven patients (4 male, 3 female, mean age was 50 years (range 27–73)) were available for retrospective analysis. Based on plain radiographs (anterior-posterior and axial view), the fractures were classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification (OTA) and by descriptive means (head-split variant (HS), diaphyseal extension or comminution (DE)).ResultsFollow-up radiographs demonstrated complete fracture healing in six patients and one incomplete avascular necrosis. None of the patients sustained loss of reduction. Three patients where reoperated. The medium, not adapted, Constant score was 80 Points (58–94). Patients subjective satisfaction was graded mean 3 (range: 0–6) in the visual analog scoring system (VAS).ConclusionThe technique of hybrid double plate osteosynthesis using the bicipital groove as anatomic landmark may re-establish shoulder function after complex proximal humerus fractures in two dimensions. Firstly the anatomy is restored due to a proper reduction based on intraoperative landmarks. Secondly additional support by the second plate may provide a higher stability in complex fractures with metaphyseal comminution.

Current Opinions on Fracture Follow-up: A Survey of OTA Members Regarding Standards of Care and Implications for Clinical Research.

To determine current practice standards among Orthopaedic Trauma Association surgeons for postoperative fracture follow-up and to investigate the implications of these standards on clinical research. Survey. Web-based survey. One hundred eighty-four orthopaedic trauma surgeons. A web-based questionnaire was distributed to Orthopaedic Trauma Association members to identify standard postoperative radiographic and clinical follow-up duration. Assuming uneventful, complete fracture healing at 3 months, data were collected for 3 generic fracture types (diaphyseal, extra-articular metaphyseal, and intra-articular) and 3 specific fractures (femoral shaft, intertrochanteric, and tibial plateau). Suggested follow-up for clinical research was also investigated. For extra-articular fractures, standard radiographic and clinical follow-up were considered to be 6 months or less by greater than 70% of respondents. For intra-articular fractures, standard radiographic and clinical follow-up was considered to be 6 months or less by greater than 39% of respondents. The most common responses for radiographic follow-up were 3 months for extra-articular fractures (33%) and 12 months for intra-articular fractures (34%). The most common responses for clinical follow-up were 6 months for extra-articular fractures (37%) and 12 months for intra-articular fractures (35%). The majority (55%) indicated that follow-up to clinical and radiographic healing or the establishment of a nonunion should be the minimum follow-up for clinical fracture studies and 66% recommended follow-up to at least 1 year for functional outcome studies. Most surgeons follow-up patients with lower extremity extra-articular fractures (with uneventful healing) radiographically for 3-6 months and clinically for 6 months and slightly longer for intra-articular fractures. Many surgeons cease radiographic and clinical follow-up by 6 months. Therefore, retrospective fracture healing studies can only reasonably expect follow-up for 6 months. Publication requirements for longer follow-up of fracture-related studies would likely eliminated retrospective studies from consideration. Most surgeons support obtaining at least 1-year follow-up for clinical studies that include functional outcome. Therapeutic Level V. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Femoral Fracture Repair in a Ferret (Mustela putorius furo)

Background: Ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) are increasingly popular as pets. They require similar medical and surgical care as small animals, and orthopedic lesions are more and more common. Fracture diagnosis is based on history, orthopedic exam, and diagnostic imaging. The preferred treatment for femur fractures is surgery, which has a favorable outcome in the majority of cases. However, surgical fracture repair in ferrets can be challenging due to the small size of the bones. The objective of thispaper is to report the surgical repair of a femoral fracture in a ferret using an external skeletal fxation system type IA connected to an intramedullary pin (tie-in confguration).Case: An adult ferret was referred to the veterinary hospital after being stepped on. The ferret was diagnosed with an oblique diaphyseal fracture of the left femur and surgery was recommended. Open fracture reduction was performed with a 1 mm in tramedullary pin (Kirschner wire) placed in a retrograde direction into the proximal bone segment. After fracture reduction, the intramedullary pin was inserted into the distal bone segment. The external skeletal fxator type IA was created by the insertionof a 1.5 mm Schanz pin into the distal diaphysis and another, also 1.5 mm, inserted into the proximal metaphysis, both percuta neously. The three pins were connected externally to an aluminum bar with the aid of three staples to form a tie-in system. Rest and restriction of activity were recommended during the frst month after surgery. The ferret recovered well and, at 120 days, orthopedic and radiographic exams showed complete fracture healing. The implant was removed and no functional changesrelated to ambulation were observed.Discussion: The orthopedic knowledge applied to ferrets commonly originates in procedures performed on cats and dogs. Overall,the main objective when dealing with fractures is to stabilize the broken bone to allow early ambulation. Due to the location and type of fracture, an external immobilization was contraindicated in this case. A plate was considered, but the small diameter of the femur and the consequent risk of iatrogenic fractures made this option not feasible. Therefore, the external skeletal fxator in a tie-in confguration was selected. This method permitted control of the forces acting on the fracture site and had the advantage of low cost and ease of application and removal. Nevertheless, the vast musculature that covers the femur could hinder the use ofthe external pins and lead to discomfort. The method has been reported with some changes in ferrets, though with inconclusive results due to lack of follow-up. In the present report, a less rigid method, type I, was used since types II and III have a biplanar confguration and were thus inadequate due to the possible contact between the fxator and the abdominal or inguinal region. The precautions taken during placement of the implant were the same as in cats and dogs since their anatomy follows the same pattern. The implant was rigid, light, and effective, allowing early weight-bearing on the affected limb without discomfort to the patient. As such, the external fxator type IA connected to the intramedullary pin in a tie-in confguration was an effective method for the treatment of the oblique diaphyseal femoral fracture in this ferret. Although it is not the recommended method for this type of fracture in cats and dogs, there were no complications in the ferret, with complete fracture healing and return tofunction of the affected limb. Since there has yet to be a consensus on the recommended procedures in these animals, reports of this nature are important due to the growing number of ferret patients in veterinary practice.Keywords: ferret, osteosynthesis, bone fxation, repair of fractures.

Strength reliability and in vitro degradation of three-dimensional powder printed strontium-substituted magnesium phosphate scaffolds

Strontium ions (Sr2+) are known to prevent osteoporosis and also encourage bone formation. Such twin requirements have motivated researchers to develop Sr-substituted biomaterials for orthopaedic applications. The present study demonstrates a new concept of developing Sr-substituted Mg3(PO4)2 – based biodegradable scaffolds. In particular, this work reports the fabrication, mechanical properties with an emphasis on strength reliability as well as in vitro degradation of highly biodegradable strontium-incorporated magnesium phosphate cements. These implantable scaffolds were fabricated using three-dimensional powder printing, followed by high temperature sintering and/or chemical conversion, a technique adaptable to develop patient-specific implants. A moderate combination of strength properties of 36.7MPa (compression), 24.2MPa (bending) and 10.7MPa (tension) were measured. A reasonably modest Weibull modulus of up to 8.8 was recorded after uniaxial compression or diametral tensile tests on 3D printed scaffolds. A comparison among scaffolds with varying compositions or among sintered or chemically hardened scaffolds reveals that the strength reliability is not compromised in Sr-substituted scaffolds compared to baseline Mg3(PO4)2. The micro-computed tomography analysis reveals the presence of highly interconnected porous architecture in three-dimension with lognormal pore size distribution having median in the range of 17.74–26.29μm for the investigated scaffolds. The results of extensive in vitro ion release study revealed passive degradation with a reduced Mg2+ release and slow but sustained release of Sr2+ from strontium-substituted magnesium phosphate scaffolds. Taken together, the present study unequivocally illustrates that the newly designed Sr-substituted magnesium phosphate scaffolds with good strength reliability could be used for biomedical applications requiring consistent Sr2+- release, while the scaffold degrades in physiological medium. Statement of significanceThe study investigates the additive manufacturing of scaffolds based on different strontium-substituted magnesium phosphate bone cements by means of three-dimensional powder printing technique (3DPP). Magnesium phosphates were chosen due to their higher biodegradability compared to calcium phosphates, which is due to both a higher solubility as well as the absence of phase changes (to low soluble hydroxyapatite) in vivo. Since strontium ions are known to promote bone formation by stimulating osteoblast growth, we aimed to establish such a highly degradable magnesium phosphate ceramic with an enhanced bioactivity for new bone ingrowth. After post-processing, mechanical strengths of up to 36.7MPa (compression), 24.2MPa (bending) and 10.7MPa (tension) could be achieved. Simultaneously, the failure reliability of those bioceramic implant materials, measured by Weibull modulus calculations, were in the range of 4.3–8.8. Passive dissolution studies in vitro proved an ion release of Mg2+ and PO43- as well as Sr2+, which is fundamental for in vivo degradation and a bone growth promoting effect.In our opinion, this work broadens the range of bioceramic bone replacement materials suitable for additive manufacturing processing. The high biodegradability of MPC ceramics together with the anticipated promoting effect on osseointegration opens up the way for a patient-specific treatment with the prospect of a fast and complete healing of bone fractures.

Locking plate fixation of distal femoral fractures is a challenging technique: a retrospective review.

Distal femoral fractures have typically a bimodal occurrence: in young people due to a high-energy trauma and in older people related to a low-energy trauma. These fractures are associated to a very high morbidity and mortality in elderly. Distal femoral fractures might be treated with plates, intramedullary nails, external fixations, and prosthesis. However, difficulties in fracture healing and the rate of complications are important clinical issues. The purpose of this retrospective review was to present our experience in treatment of distal femoral fracture in a sample of older people in order to evaluate the technical pitfalls and strategies used to face up the fractures unsuccessfully treated with locking plates. We included people aged more than 65 years, with a diagnosis of distal femoral fracture, treated with locking plates. We considered 'unsuccessfully treated' the cases with healing problems or hardware failures. Of the 12 patients (9 females and 3 males; mean aged 68.75 ± 3.31 years) included, we observed 3 'unsuccessfully cases', 2 due to nonunions and 1 due to an early hardware failure, all treated using a condylar blade plate with a bone graft. One patient obtained a complete fracture healing after 1 year and in the other cases there was a nonunion. We observed as most common technical pitfalls: inadequate plate lengthening, fracture bridging, and number of locking screws. The use of locking plates is an emerging technique to treat these fractures but it seems more challenging than expected. In literature there is a lack of evidences about the surgical management of distal femoral fractures that is still an important challenge for the orthopaedic surgeon that has to be able to use all the fixation devices available.

Lysostaphin-coated titan-implants preventing localized osteitis by Staphylococcus aureus in a mouse model.

The increasing incidence of implant-associated infections induced by Staphylococcus aureus (SA) in combination with growing resistance to conventional antibiotics requires novel therapeutic strategies. In the current study we present the first application of the biofilm-penetrating antimicrobial peptide lysostaphin in the context of bone infections. In a standardized implant-associated bone infection model in mice beta-irradiated lysostaphin-coated titanium plates were compared with uncoated plates. Coating of the implant was established with a poly(D,L)-lactide matrix (PDLLA) comprising lysostaphin formulated in a stabilizing and protecting solution (SPS). All mice were osteotomized and infected with a defined count of SA. Fractures were fixed with lysostaphin-coated locking plates. Plates uncoated or PDLLA-coated served as controls. All mice underwent debridement and lavage on Days 7, 14, 28 to determine the bacterial load and local immune reaction. Fracture healing was quantified by conventional radiography. On Day 7 bacterial growth in the lavages of mice with lysostaphin-coated plates showed a significantly lower count to the control groups. Moreover, in the lysostaphin-coated plate groups complete fracture healing were observed on Day 28. The fracture consolidation was accompanied by a diminished local immune reaction. However, control groups developed an osteitis with lysis or destruction of the bone and an evident local immune response. The presented approach of terminally sterilized lysostaphin-coated implants appears to be a promising therapeutic approach for low grade infection or as prophylactic strategy in high risk fracture care e.g. after severe open fractures.

Breakage of cephalomedullary nailing in operative treatment of trochanteric and subtrochanteric femoral fractures.

Mechanical breakage of cephalomedullary nail osteosynthesis is a rare complication attributed to delayed fracture union or nonunion. This study presents a series of cases of breakage and secondary lag screw dislocation after cephalomedullary nailing. The aim of this study was to identify factors that contribute to cephalomedullary nail breakage. In a retrospective case series review between 02/2005 and 12/2013, we analyzed 453 patients with trochanteric and subtrochanteric fracture who had been treated by cephalomedullary nailing. Fractures were classified according to AO/OTA classification. 13 patients with cephalomedullary nail breakage were included (failure rate 2.9%). Seven patients were women, and six men with a mean age of 72years (range 35-94). Implant breakage occurred 6months postoperatively (range 1-19months). In ten cases, breakage was secondary to delayed or nonunion, which was thought to be mainly due to insufficient reduction of the fracture, and in two cases due to loss of the lag screw because of missing set screw. In one case, breakage was apparent during elective metal removal following complete fracture healing. Short-term outcome was evaluated 6months after operative revision using Harris hip score in 11 out of 13 patients showing a mean score of 84%. Complete radiological fracture healing has been found in 11 patients available for follow-up within 6months after revision surgery. Breakage of cephalomedullary nail osteosynthesis of trochanteric fractures is a severe complication. The results of our study demonstrate that revision surgery provides good clinical and radiological short-term results. Predominately, failures of trochanteric fractures are related to lack of surgeon performance. Therefore, application of the implant requires accurate preoperative planning, advanced surgical experience to evaluate the patient and the fracture classification, and precise surgical technique including attention to detail and anatomical reduction of the fracture fragments.

The role of external fixation in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures: A retrospective case study review on 85 humeral fractures

There is no consensus among surgeons on the treatment for humeral fractures: the best it is still a matter of some debate. The aim of our work was to demonstrate that external fixation may be considered a valid method not only in emergencies but also for the definitive treatment of such fractures. We perform a retrospective case study review on 85 humeral fractures, 62 shaft fractures, and 23 extrarticular distal third fractures treated with external fixation. Clinical (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and SF-36) and radiographic follow-up lasted on average 30 months (minimum 12 to maximum 36). Complete healing of fractures was achieved in 97.6% of cases (83 patients), with an average consolidation time of about 12 weeks (83.2 days). One case of delayed union and one case of refracture were encountered. Eighty-one patients demonstrated SF-36 scores at or above the national average and an average DASH score of 8.9. External fixation of humeral shaft fractures is considered a valid treatment method as it provides good results in terms of stability of reduction, tolerability, healing times, and functional recovery.

Displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly: Results after open reduction and internal fixation

BackgroundThe optimal management of elderly patients with displaced acetabular fractures remains controversial. This paper aims to summarize the clinical results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and the possible factors influencing them. MethodsRadiographic and clinical data on 52 elderly patients with displaced acetabular fractures that were treated by ORIF between May 2000 and May 2008 were retrospectively analysed. Data, such as fracture type (Letournel's classification system), quality of reduction, clinical outcomes (Harris hip score and modified Merle d’Aubigne-Postel score), and radiological outcomes (Matta score), were evaluated. ResultsGood to excellent clinical and radiological outcomes were recorded in 43 (82.7%) and 37 patients (71.2%), respectively. Acetabular fractures without radiographic features, such as quadrilateral plate fracture, Gull sign, posterior dislocation of hip, posterior wall marginal impaction, comminuted posterior wall fracture, and femoral head injury, can still achieve good to excellent outcomes. However, patients with the abovementioned radiographic features tend to achieve fair or poor outcomes. When an acetabular fracture with the aforementioned features, except for femoral head injury, can achieve and maintain anatomic reduction until complete fracture healing, the difference between fractures with and without the radiographic features is no longer significant. The results indicate that the outcomes are more affected by reduction rather than radiographic features. ConclusionORIF may be suggested for displaced acetabular fractures in the elderly. Good to excellent outcomes and a high degree of patient satisfaction can be achieved in majority of the patients. We recommend ORIF as the preferred treatment for displaced acetabular fractures without the abovementioned radiographic features. Level of evidenceTherapeutic level IV.

29. Complete Healing of Traumatic Multiple Spinal Fractures in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis Who Refused Surgical Intervention with Teriparatide

29. Complete Healing of Traumatic Multiple Spinal Fractures in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis Who Refused Surgical Intervention with Teriparatide

Results in treatment of distal femur fractures using polyaxial locking plate

Indications and techniques of locked plate fixation for the treatment of challenging fractures continue to evolve. As design variant of classic locked plates, the polyaxial locked plate has the ability to alter the screw angle and thereby, enhance fracture fixation. The aim of this observational study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic results in 89 patients with 90 fractures of the distal femur treated, between June 2006 and November 2011, with such a polyaxial locked plating system (Polyax™ Locked Plating System, DePuy, Warsaw, IN, USA). Seventy-seven fractures formed the report of this study. These cases were followed up until complete fracture healing or for a mean time of 77 weeks. At the time of last follow-up, 58 of 77 fractures (75.3 %) progressed to union without complication and radiographic healing occurred at a mean time of 16.3 weeks. Complications occurred in ten fractures that did not affect the healing and in nine fractures that showed delayed or non-union. The mean American Knee Society Score at the time of final follow-up was 83 for the Knee Score and 71.1 for the Functional Score. In conclusion, there is a high union rate for complex distal femoral fractures associated with a good clinical outcome in this series.

Adverse Sequelae Due to Plate Retention Following Submuscular Plating for Pediatric Femur Fractures

Submuscular plating has become a common operative treatment of length-unstable pediatric femur fractures. There has been no consensus regarding the need for plate removal after fracture union. The purpose of this report was to describe the potential constellation of findings that may occur with growth after plate retention. Retrospective case series. A retrospective study was done on all patients who underwent a submuscular plate application for a pediatric femur fracture at our institution between 2003 and 2010 by the senior author. We reviewed the clinical and radiographic findings of patients who had returned for problems after being discharged from care after fracture union. We identified 3 patients who returned after having been discharged from care. All 3 patients had been treated with a distally contoured plate. All patients had findings of stress shielding, leg length discrepancy, valgus deformity of the femur, bony overgrowth of the plate, and screw tip prominence in the medial thigh. All these findings were related to plate migration secondary to the normal growth of the femur. One patient required a corrective osteotomy for significant limb malalignment, and 2 patients required removal of prominent distal screws. Submuscular plates that are distally contoured and applied in growing children for femoral fracture fixation should be removed after complete fracture healing to avoid the potential sequelae of plate retention seen with growth. Therapeutic level IV.

Intramedullary rod fixation of fibrous dysplasia without use of bisphosphonates

Controversy exists regarding approach to treatment of pediatric patients with fibrous dysplasia. We retrospectively reviewed medical records of seven patients who were treated at our institution for fibrous dysplasia by intramedullary rod fixation without bisphosphonate supplementation. Seven patients with a total of ten fibrous dysplasia lesion sites surgically treated by intramedullary rod fixation were included. Of these ten lesion sites, eight demonstrated pathologic fracture at the time of fixation. Complete fracture healing was observed in all eight sites, with no incidence of recurrent pathologic fractures examined radiographically. There were no major infections or neurologic deficits, and lesions appeared to stabilize. In this series, intramedullary rod fixation proved to be successful in treatment of acute pathologic fracture and incompletely healed fibrous dysplasia lesions. We observed partial resolution of fibrous dysplasia lesions at all ten sites without significant long-term complications. Following treatment, there were no refractures. Level IV, case series.

Assessment of fracture healing after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis or open reduction and internal fixation of coexisting radius and ulna fractures in dogs via ultrasonography and radiography

To evaluate fracture healing after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of coexisting radius and ulna fractures in dogs via ultrasonography and radiography. Prospective cohort study. 16 dogs with radius-ulna fractures that underwent MIPO (n = 9; 2 dogs were subsequently not included in the analyses because of incomplete follow-up information) or ORIF (7). Dogs in the 2 treatment groups were matched by age, body weight, and configuration of the fractures. Fracture healing was evaluated with ultrasonography, power Doppler ultrasonography, and radiography every 3 to 4 weeks until healing was complete; a semiquantitative score based on the number of Doppler signals was used to characterize neovascularization, and subjective B-mode ultrasonographic and radiographic scores were assigned to classify healing. Fractures in dogs that underwent MIPO healed in significantly less time than did fractures in dogs that underwent ORIF (mean ± SD; 30 ± 10.5 days and 64 ± 10.1 days, respectively). Radiography revealed that fractures in dogs that underwent MIPO healed with significantly more callus formation than did fractures in dogs that underwent ORIF. Although Doppler ultrasonography revealed abundant vascularization in fractures that were healing following MIPO, no significant difference in neovascularization scores was found between groups. For dogs with radius-ulna fractures, data indicated that bridging osteosynthesis combined with a minimally invasive approach contributed to rapid healing after MIPO. The MIPO technique may offer some clinical advantage over ORIF, given that complete radius-ulna fracture healing was achieved in a shorter time with MIPO.

Tibial Tuberosity Fractures in Adolescents

Tibial tuberosity fractures have been described as uncommon injuries, but their frequency appears to be increasing. Because of the relatively few cases reported in the literature, little is known regarding risk factors for complications. In a large group of adolescents with tibial tuberosity fractures, we noted more frequent complications in patients who had posterior metaphyseal fractures in addition to tibial tuberosity avulsion fractures. The purpose of this study was to examine the outcomes associated with this fracture pattern and compare them with tibial tuberosity fractures without the posterior component. All patients who had closed or open reduction and internal fixation of a tibial tuberosity fracture between January 2003 and December 2010 were identified. All radiographs and medical records were reviewed. Fifty-three tibial tuberosity fractures had radiographs available for review; 15 (28%) fractures had a posterior component identified by either radiograph or computed tomography scan. Four of these combined injuries had an adverse event: 1 patient had compartment syndrome affecting all 4 compartments and 3 patients had refractures after closed reduction and casting. None of the 38 tibial tuberosity fractures without a posterior metaphyseal component had these complications. All patients had complete fracture healing and had returned to full activity at last follow-up. In this study, a posterior metaphyseal fracture associated with a tibial tuberosity fracture was a marker for potential complications. If radiographs suggest that a fracture line extends through the posterior metaphysis, computed tomography imaging is recommended to confirm the fracture pattern. Open reduction and internal fixation that includes both the anterior and posterior fragments is recommended for all fractures with these combined components, including nondisplaced fractures, because of an increased risk of refracture. Level IV (case study).

The treatment of segmental bone defects in rabbit tibiae with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-loaded gelatin/hydroxyapatite “cryogel” scaffold

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a novel hydroxyapatite containing gelatin scaffold--with and without local vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) administration--as the synthetic graft material in treatment of critical-sized bone defects. An experimental nonunion model was established by creating critical-sized (10 mm. in length) bone defects in the proximal tibiae of 30 skeletally mature New Zealand white rabbits. Following tibial intramedullary fixation, the rabbits were grouped into three: The defects were left empty in the first (control) group, the defects were grafted with synthetic scaffolds in the second group, and synthetic scaffolds loaded with VEGF were administered at bone defects in the third group. Five rabbits in each group were killed on 6th and 12th weeks, and new bone growth was assessed radiologically, histologically and with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). At 6 weeks, VEGF-administered group had significantly better scores than the other two groups. The second group also had significantly better scores than the control group. At 12 weeks, while no significant difference was noted between the second and third groups, these two groups both had significantly better scores in all criteria compared with the control group. There were no signs of complete fracture healing in the control group. The administration of hydroxyapatite containing gelatin scaffold yielded favorable results in grafting the critical-sized bone defects in this experimental model. The local administration of VEGF on the graft had a positive effect in the early phase of fracture healing.

Surgical Treatment of the Atrophic Mandibular Fractures by Locked Plates Systems: Our Experience and a Literature Review

The management of atrophic mandibular fractures in edentulous patients represents an insidious issue for the maxillofacial surgeon due to the biological and biomechanical conditions that are unfavorable for fracture fixation and bone healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the treatment of atrophic mandibular fractures and to compare the outcomes of different plating systems used for stabilization. We selected a study group of 16 patients with fractures of completely edentulous atrophic mandibles who were treated in our department between 2004 and 2010. All patients were surgically treated by open reduction and internal rigid fixation using 2.0-mm large-profile locking and 2.4-mm locking bone plates. All patients achieved a complete fracture healing and fast functional recovery of mandibular movements without intraoperative or postoperative surgical complications. The results of our study demonstrated the efficacy of this type of treatment in association with a low postoperative complication rate, a reduction in the recovery time, and the possibility to have an immediately functional rehabilitation. There were very similar results using each of the two bone plating methods considered: no case had hardware failure or nonunion of the fracture. The 2.0-mm large locking plate is thinner, exposes through the soft tissues less frequently, and is much easier to shape and adapt to the mandibular anatomy. However, the 2.4-mm locking plate system still represents the reference hardware in the condition of severe bone atrophy.

Clinical outcomes of autogenous cancellous bone grafts obtained through the portal for tibial nailing

BackgroundThe purpose of this study is to introduce and review the clinical outcomes of a new technique for harvesting autogenous cancellous bone grafts in association with tibial intramedullary (IM) nailing. Materials and methodsWe retrospectively reviewed 21 patients who received autogenous cancellous bone grafts obtained from the entry portal of a tibial IM nail for fracture gaps, malalignment or nonunion in the lower extremities. All patients were scheduled to receive IM nailing or had already received IM nailing for the fixation of an ipsilateral tibia shaft fracture. A total of 33 patients who received only tibial IM nailing were selected as a control group. Through the follow-up, postoperative complications related to the bone harvest were monitored. Further by taking serial X-rays, radiographic changes of the donor site and the knee joint were closely observed. Knee pain (visual analogue scale (VAS)) and function (Lysholm knee score) were compared between the study group and the control group. ResultsAt the last follow-up, the average VAS in the study group was 1.28 (0–5), which was not significantly different from the control group (VAS: 1.36, range 0–7) (P=0.985). The range of motion of the knee joint was similar in both groups, averaging 130.23° (range: 115–135°) and 131.36° (range: 115–135°), respectively. There was no significant difference in the Lysholm knee score between the study and control groups (P=0.610). All patients exhibited complete fracture healing at an average of 6months and no complications associated with the bone donor site were observed. ConclusionsBy using the new technique, autogenous cancellous bone grafting can be performed conveniently and safely to treat fracture gaps, malalignment or nonunion in the lower extremities without additional morbidity at the donor site.