Distal Shaft Fractures Research Articles

To fix or not to fix? The role of fibular fixation in distal shaft fractures of the leg

BackgroundThe role of stabilisation of the fibula in distal two-bone fractures of the leg is controversial. Some studies indicate the need for fibular stabilisation in 43 AO fractures, but few studies consider the role of the fibula in 42 AO fractures. The aim of the current paper is to explain the role of stabilisation of the fibula in 42 AO fractures, correlating the rates of healing and non-union between patients with and without fibula fixation. Materials and methodsA total of 60 patients with 42 AO (distal) shaft fracture of the tibia with associated fracture of the fibula were selected. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether or not the fibula was fixed: Group I (n=26) comprised patients who had their fibula fixed while Group II (n=34) comprised patients who did not. The fibular fracture was classified according to the AO and related to the level of the tibial fracture. Other parameters examined were the union rate of the two groups correlated to the fracture pattern and position of the fibular fracture; the demographic data, such as age and gender; the presence of an open fracture, and the type of tibial fixation device used (nail or plate). ResultsNone of the parameters considered (open injury, AO classification, device used and level of the fibular fracture relative to the tibial) were shown to have an influence on the development of a non-union. ConclusionThis study showed a higher non-union rate when the fracture of the tibia and fibula were at the same level, the tibia was fixed with a bridging plate and the fibula left untouched. For this reason, we recommend fibular fixation in all 42 distal fractures when both fractures lie on the same plane and the tibial fracture is relatively stabilised.

Modified Combined Approach for Distal Humerus Shaft Fracture: Anterolateral and Lateral Bimodal Approach

BackgroundDue to the anatomical nature of the radial nerve, dissection and attainment of an adequate operative field in mid to distal humerus fracture is dangerous and limited. We devised a combined anterolateral and lateral approach that ensures protection of the radial nerve. This is achieved by performing bimodal dissection of the proximal humerus anteriorly and the distal humerus laterally.MethodsThirty-five consecutive patients were treated using a combined anterolateral and lateral approach for a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. We analyzed time to bony union, time to return to daily work, range of motion, elbow joint function as assessed by the Mayo elbow performance index and complications.ResultsRadiologic bony union was observed at 11.2 weeks (range, 8 to 20 weeks) on average. Four cases of incomplete radial nerve palsy before surgery all recovered. Time to return to work was 10.2 weeks (range, 2 to 32 weeks) on average. The average range of motion of the elbow was 3.3° (range, 0° to 10°) of extension and 135.9° (range, 125° to 145°) of flexion. There were 21 cases of excellent and 13 cases of good or better recovery, comprising over 97.1% on the Mayo elbow performance index. There were no complications of radial nerve palsy, non-union, mal-union, or infection.ConclusionsOur a modified combined anterolateral and lateral approach is a clinically effective surgical method of achieving protection of the radial nerve and securing easy and firm internal fixation.

Distale Radiusschaftfraktur beim Cyr Wheel-Turnen – eine ungewöhnliche Rhönradverletzung

The cyr wheel is a modified gymnastic wheel with only one ring that can lead to extreme forces on the gymnast. We report on a distal radius shaft fracture (AO 22 A2.1) and a fracture of the styloid process of the ulna that occurred after holding on to a slipping Cyr wheel and exposition to high pressure on the lower arm. The fracture was fixed by screws and a plate.

Short reconstruction nail for intertrochanteric fracture: does it really fit Asian feature?

The Trigen short reconstruction trochanteric antegrade nail (TAN) is considered most suitable for the small skeletons of Asian patients. We have evaluated the results of TAN for intertrochanteric fractures in Asian patients. Between January 2006 and March 2009, 174 fractures in 164 patients were treated by TAN in our department. Epidemiological data, radiological changes, fracture types, cortical bone indices, clinical outcomes, and complications over a mean of 26 months were analyzed retrospectively. We observed a 17.0% fracture rate at the tip of the nail, a poor reduction rate of 15.9%, and a 41.4% cracking rate of the lateral trochanter for type 31-A3 fracture. Review of these cracking cases showed that they were all type 31-A3 unstable fractures combined with comminuted lateral trochanter fractures. Two shaft fractures required revision, with other fractures showing no delayed union, nonunion or infection. No screw breakage but one cut-out occurred, which received total hip arthroplasty revision. All other fractures healed at last. Risk of distal shaft fractures was not associated with patient age, gender, fracture type or cortical bone index. Despite the theoretically better design of TAN and the healing of most fractures and good activity at last follow-up, poor reduction and coxa vara caused by insertion of the nail could not be completely avoided, and the design of the distal part of the nail had the potential to cause femoral shaft fracture. Future improvements are necessary to enable the use of this system in Asians.

Pre-bend elastic stable intramedullary nail fixation for distal radial shaft fractures in children

Objective To investigate the functional and radiographic outcomes of pre-bent elastic stable intramedullary nail in treatment of distal radial shaft fractures in children. Methods From January 2006 to December 2008, 18 children with distal radial shaft fracture were treated by close reduction and internal fixation with a pre-bent elastic stable intramedullary nail. The age range was from 5 years to 15 years,with an average of 9 years and 8 months. All the cases were closed fractures, and followed up at least 12 months. The time interval from injury to surgery were 1 to 9 days. Fracture sites were located at the distal radial shaft. Among them, 15 cases suffered ipsilateral ulnar fracture, and the others for solitery radial fracture. Closed reductions were performed under C-arm fluoroscopy. All affected arms were immobilized in the functional position postoperatively by the plaster cast beyond elbows. Results The average time of fracture complete union was 5 months (ranged from 3 months to 7 months). The average preoperative angulation of the fractures: anteroposterior view 16.2±7.5 degrees, lateral view 26.2±13.1 degrees. The average postoperative angulation of the fractures: anteroposterior view 2.7±1.5 degrees, lateral view 1.4±1.2 degrees. All fractures maintained good alignment postoperatively, and 94.4% (17/18) of the patients regained a full range of rotation of the forearm. One patient suffered limitation of rotation in forearm less than 10°, and this had improved by final follow-up. Complications included soft tissue irritation at the site of nail insertion in one patient and transient scar hypersensitivity in another. Conclusion Fixation with a pre-bent elastic stable intramedullary nail is an effective, safe and convenient method for treating distal radial shaft fractures in children. Key words: Child; Radius fractures; Fracture fixation, intramedullary

Pre‐bent elastic stable intramedullary nail fixation for distal radial shaft fractures in children

To investigate the functional and radiographic outcomes of pre-bent elastic stable intramedullary nail in treatment of distal radial shaft fractures in children. From January 2006 to December 2008, 18 children with distal radial shaft fracture were treated by close reduction and internal fixation with a pre-bent elastic stable intramedullary nail. The age range was from 5 years to 15 years, with an average of 9 years and 8 months. The minimum follow-up was 12 months. All fractures maintained good alignment postoperatively, and 94.4% (17/18) of the patients regained a full range of rotation of the forearm. One patient has limitation of rotation to less than 10°, this had improved by final follow-up. Complications included soft tissue irritation at the site of nail insertion in one patient and transient scar hypersensitivity in another. Fixation with a pre-bent elastic stable intramedullary nail is an effective, safe and convenient method for treating distal radial shaft fractures in children.

Acceptable Alignment of Forearm Fractures in Children: Open Reduction Indications

Acceptable alignment of forearm fractures in children is controversial. An initial attempt at closed reduction in the emergency department is appropriate for the majority of these injuries. Complex or unstable fractures and those that cannot be maintained in acceptable alignment are candidates for surgical intervention. As a general guideline, fractures with complete displacement will remodel satisfactorily. However, angulation may be more critical for preservation of forearm rotation. Up to 15 degrees angulation is recommended as maximum angulation for mid-shaft and distal-shaft fractures in children younger than 8 years old. But 10 degrees is recommended as the maximum acceptable angulation for older children and proximal shaft fractures. When malunion is greater than this, remodeling is unreliable but may occur for fractures with less than 20-30 degrees of angulation.

Unstable elbow dislocation with coronoid process fracture associated with distal radius fracture: a case report and review of the literature

We present a case of distal radial shaft fracture associated with elbow dislocation and coronoid process fracture. The associated coronoid fracture was initially missed. Closed reduction of the elbow and open reduction with internal fixation of the radial fracture were achieved immediately after admission. Radiographic control 3 days later showed that the elbow was redislocated into the cast. A careful reevaluation of the radiographs disclosed the coronoid fracture. An anterior approach of the elbow permits to reduce and fix the coronoid process. In addition, a hinged external fixator was applied to maintain concentric elbow reduction, and to protect the coronoid fracture fixation and the capsulo-ligamentous healing, while early elbow motion was started. The final result at 10-year follow-up was excellent both clinically and radiologically. According to our knowledge, a similar presentation of distal radial shaft fracture with ipsilateral unstable complex elbow dislocation and fracture of the coronoid process has never been described in the previous literature.

Medial Transposition of Radial Nerve in Distal Humerus Shaft Fracture: A Report of Six Cases

Medial Transposition of Radial Nerve in Distal Humerus Shaft Fracture: A Report of Six Cases

Stiff Knee by Entrapment of Quadriceps Femoris Tendon at Fracture Site in Paediatric Distal Femur Shaft Fracture

Stiff Knee by Entrapment of Quadriceps Femoris Tendon at Fracture Site in Paediatric Distal Femur Shaft Fracture

Forearm Injury-Gymnastics

HISTORY A 17-year-old junior elite gymnast sustained a forearm injury during a grip-lock maneuver after a release technique during a high bar exercise. Patient underwent a mid-shaft ulna and radius fracture reduction at the emergency room by the emergency room physician. Patient was released from the emergency room with a splint as the patient did not have significant swelling and pain. Patient's father followed-up with orthopaedic surgeon next day by phone previous to office visit. Patient's father reported that his son is complaining of numbness, tingling, swelling and pain of all fingers. Patient was scheduled to be seen at the surgery center that day. PHYSICAL EXAMINATION Examination revealed severely swollen hand and fingers with severe tenderness to palpation. Tenderness with attempts at passive range of motion of all fingers was noted. After splint removal significant forearm swelling was noted mainly in the volar aspect. Distal vasculature was intact with a 2+ radial pulse. Instability at the fracture site with gross motion of forearm bones was noted. Patient had intact light touch sensation in his fingertips and thumb. DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS Right ulna and radius shaft fracture. Right forearm compartment syndrome TESTS AND RESULTS Forearm radiographs: -Radius and Ulna mid to distal shaft fracture with comminution and evidence of instability at fracture site. FINAL WORKING DIAGNOSIS -Right both-bone forearm fracture with compartment syndrome TREATMENTS AND OUTCOMES Right both-bone forearm fracture open reduction with internal fixation using plates. Fasciotomy of volar flexor and dorsal extensor compartments with debridement of non-viable muscle tissue. Proximal 80% of volar incision was left open with rubber band stapled in criss-cross manner forming a lattice to not allow the skin to retract. Prophylactic oral antibiotics Whirlpool, wet-to-dry dressing changes, elbow, wrist and hand ROM exercises and home program instruction daily until full skin closure. Right forearm open wound irrigation and muscle debridement with skin closure 6 days after initial surgery. The more proximal 5-cm of dorsoulnar aspect was left open as there would be too much tension on the skin edges. Repeated radiographs of radius and ulna fractures at 5 days, 3 weeks, and 8 and 12 weeks after initial injury showed well-aligned both-bone forearm fracture with hardware in place. 3-cm wound closure 3 weeks later. Plastic surgery to close remaining 2-cm open wound with flap and graft. Strengthening exercises progressing to medicine ball plyometrics and weight bearing activities by 4 months.

An Alternative Method of Osteosynthesis for Distal Humeral Shaft Fractures

Treatment of extra-articular distal humerus shaft fractures with plating techniques is often difficult, as traditional centrally located posterior plates often encroach on the olecranon fossa, limiting distal osseous fixation. The use of a modified Synthes Lateral Tibial Head Buttress Plate (Synthes, Paoli, PA) allows for a centrally placed posterior plating of the humeral shaft that angles anatomically along the lateral column to treat far distal humeral shaft fractures. Fifteen patients treated in this manner were followed to radiographic and clinical union. There were no cases of instrumentation failure or loss of reduction.

The use of unilateral external fixators in treatment of distal shaft fractures of humerus

目的 回顾分析单边外固定器治疗肱骨干下 1/3骨折的效果.方法 1997年 10月～ 2002年 10月 33例肱骨干下 1/3骨折 ,年龄 18～ 70岁(平均 31岁),其中横形骨折 3例、斜形骨折 1例、螺旋形骨折 9例、粉碎性骨折 20例. 15例行切开复位、有限内固定结合外固定器固定, 10例行切开复位、外固定器固定, 8例行闭合复位、外固定器固定. 9例桡神经损伤者均行桡神经探查.结果随访 8～ 24个月(平均 18个月).骨折愈合时间 11～ 22周,平均 14周.术后有 2例桡神经损伤,与术前的 9例桡神经损伤在最后一次随访时均恢复功能.肘关节功能恢复正常.有 7例外固定针孔感染,经口服抗生素及针道清创后好转.结论单边外固定器结合切开复位、有限内固定,在肱骨干下 1/3骨折治疗中具有独特的价值及良好的效果.

A biomechanical evaluation of lateral plating of distal radial shaft fractures

Purpose In this ex vivo biomechanical study we compared the maximum anterior/posterior bending moment, maximum torque, torsional stiffness, and twist angle at failure of distal radial shaft (Galeazzi) fractures stabilized with lateral plating (LP) and anterior plating (AP) and subjected to 4-point anterior/posterior bending and torsion. Methods Simulated fractures (oblique osteotomy between the middle and distal thirds of each radius) were created in 21 pairs of fresh, unembalmed, cadaver radii. One radius from each pair was stabilized with AP (n = 21); the contralateral radius was stabilized with LP (n = 21). Eleven pairs of specimens were tested to failure in torsion; the remaining 10 pairs were tested to failure in 4-point anterior/posterior bending. Differences between plating groups were checked for significance using paired t-tests. Results AP fixation was stronger in torsion (12.8 ± 5.6 N-m) and anterior/posterior bending (40.1 ± 25.7 N-m) than LP fixation (10.7 ± 5.6 N-m and 36.0 ± 30.5 N-m, respectively), although the differences were not significant. Similarly there was no significant difference in twist angle at failure (29° ± 13° vs 23° ± 10°) or in torsional stiffness (0.6 ± 0.2 N-m/° vs 0. 6 ± 0.2 N-m/°) between AP and LP fixations, respectively. Conclusions Because LP fixation was not mechanically superior to AP fixation and required additional tendon elevation and dissection of the dorsal sensory nerve and possibly of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerves, AP fixation appears to be the preferable treatment for Galeazzi fractures.

Operative treatment for isolated distal ulnar shaft fracture.

This study retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of an open reduction and internal fixation of a tension band wiring technique for treating displaced or unstable comminuted distal ulnar shaft fractures without a radial fracture. Ten patients were treated for an isolated distal ulnar shaft fracture. There were 6 cases of a fracture 2.5 cm below the lower end of the ulna, and 4 cases with the fracture being 2.5 cm to 5 cm away from the lower end of the ulna. The authors classified the fractures of the distal ulnar into 3 types: a type I-simple fracture, a type II-comminuted fracture without a distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) involvement, and a type III- comminuted fracture with DRUJ involvement. There were 3 cases of a type I fracture, 4 of type II and 3 of type III. The open reduction and internal fixation using tension band wiring were performed in 10 of these cases. After the operation, the wrist was placed in a cast for six weeks before active movement was allowed. The clinical results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 2 and poor in 1. In conclusion, tension band wiring surgery is recommended for treating an isolated distal ulnar with unreduced displaced fractures, in a comminuted fracture that cannot be maintained by a closed reduction and when there is the potential encroachment of fracture fragments in the DRUJ.

小児とう骨遠位端骨折変形に対する手術経験

We present 16 distal radius fractures in children requiring surgical correction more than 2 weeks after injury. The angulation just before the operation ranged from 22 to 40 degrees in lateral view x-rays. Cases with epiphyseal plate injury (4 cases) showed a tendency to become dislocated within 3 weeks after injury. Colles type fractures (7 cases) included 3 cases of complete dislocation at initial x-ray, and 5 cases of isolated radius fracture. Distal shaft fractures (5 cases) showed the tendency to increase angulation with a relative longer interval from injury to surgical correction. Some cases showed limitation of forearm rotation.If surgical correction is planned, surgery should be performed within 4 weeks after fracture due to easier resection of the callus.

Pseudarthroses after distal radius fractures. What is the role of the distal radioulnar joint?

Non-union following distal radial fracture is extremely rare. Therefore, the patterns are not completely understood. Recently, it was suggested that an associated distal ulna shaft fracture increases the risk to develop a non-union for comminuted fractures of the distal radius. The purpose of this study was to review our 15 cases with this condition to investigate the role of an associated distal ulna shaft fracture and/or an associated lesion of the distal radioulnar joint. The second goal was to evaluate the success of the surgical treatment in relation to the extent of the metaphyseal subchondral bone supporting the articular surface distal to the site of the non-union. We reviewed our 15 cases which were operated on for non-union of the distal radius since 1992. In all cases, the radiographs could be reviewed. Twelve patients could actually be re-examined. The investigated criteria were: initial, pre- and postoperative X-ray findings, other medical conditions, range of motion, grip strength, and pain relief. Clinical outcome was evaluated using the DASH-questionnaire. According to the AO classification system, there were two type A3 and 13 type C3 fractures. There were seven associated distal ulna fractures. The distal radioulnar joint was involved in twelve cases. The other medical conditions in the patients with non-union after distal radial fracture included allergy, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, peripheral neuropathy, and bronchial asthma. Four patients were tobacco smokers. Only one patient was initially treated non-operatively. In all cases, the distal radius was restored preserving wrist motion. Bony union was achieved in 14 cases. The range of motion has improved in all planes. Grip strength increased but still remained over 50% below the level of the opposite side. Postoperatively, the majority of patients was pain free. In four cases, complications were seen postoperatively. Three of these patients had less than 6 mm of metaphyseal subchondral bone beneath the articular surface. Three of the four patients were tobacco smokers. Inadequate treatment of a comminuted distal radial fracture associated with a special local situation--such as an additional distal ulna shaft fracture and/or an associated lesion of the distal radioulnar joint--combined with a general medical condition, adversely affects fracture healing, increasing the risk for non-union. From the review of the records of these 15 cases, we recommend that non-union with more than 5 mm of subchondral bone supporting the articular surface distal to the non-union site undergo reconstruction of the radius. Non-union with less than 5 mm subchondral bone supporting the articular surface requires an individual decision. A good bone stock and stable fixation allows for reconstruction of the radius, otherwise wrist fusion is a useful salvage procedure.

Preparation and properties of flame retardant acrylate rubber : Yin, Hong, Jiao, Shuke, Li, Xiaoyu, Xia, Yuzheng, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, China in Hecheng Xiangjiao Gongye/China synthetic rubber industry, vol. 23, issue 2, 2000

Intramedullary nails are considered the gold standard for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures. Thereby, the screw-bone interface is considered the weakest link. For biomechanical evaluation of osteosyntheses synthetic bones are often used to overcome the disadvantages of human specimens. However, commercially available synthetic bones cannot adequately mimic the local mechanical properties of human bone. Thus, the aim of this study was to develop and evaluate novel cortical bone surrogate materials that mimic human tibial shafts in the screw-loosening mechanisms of intramedullary nails.Bone surrogates, based on two different polyurethanes, were developed and shaped as simple tubes with varying cortical thicknesses to simulate the diaphyseal cortex of human tibiae. Fresh frozen human tibiae and commercially available synthetic bones with similar cortical thickness were used as references. All specimens were treated with a nail dummy and bicortical locking screws to simulate treatment of a distal tibia shaft fracture. The nail-bone construct was loaded in a combined axial-torsional-sinusoidal loading protocol to simulate the physiological load during human gait. The loads to failure as well as the number of load cycles were evaluated. Furthermore, the cut-through length of the screws was analysed by additional micro computed -tomography images of the tested specimens.The failure load of custom made synthetic bone tubes with 6 mm cortical thickness (3242 ± 136 N) was in accordance with the failure load of human samples (3300 ± 307 N, p = 0.418) with a similar cortical thickness of 4.9 ± 1.4 mm. Commercially available synthetic bones with similar cortical thickness of 4.5 ± 0.7 mm were significantly stronger (4575 ± 795 N, p = 0.008). Oval-shaped migration patterns were “cut” into the cortices by the screws due to the cyclical loading. The cut-through length of the self-developed synthetic bones with 6 mm cortices (0.8 ± 0.6 mm, p = 0.516) matched the cut-through of the human tibiae (0.7 ± 0.6 mm). The cut-through of commercially available epoxy-based synthetic bones deviated from the human reference (0.2 ± 0.1 mm, p < 0.001).The results of this study indicate that the novel bone surrogates realistically mimic the failure and screw migration behaviour in human tibiae. Thus, they offer a new possibility to serve as substrate for biomechanical testing. The use of commercially available surrogates is discouraged for biomechanical testing as there is a risk of drawing incorrect conclusions.

The evolution of femoral shaft plating technique.

There has been an evolution in the AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation plating technique during the past 3 decades that includes the use of longer plates and fewer plate screws, fewer lag screws outside the plate, fewer unicortical screws at the plate periphery, and greater use of the 95 degrees blade plate to achieve balanced fixation of proximal and distal shaft fractures. These changes reflect an evolving technique of plate osteosynthesis that emphasizes indirect reduction techniques, biologic internal fixation, and improved biomechanics. Outcome data suggest that there has been an improvement with time that is reflected by shorter time to union, a decrease in the frequency of implant failures, delayed unions, nonunions, malunions, number of reoperations, and in overall rate of failure. The best predictor of success was the length of plate by logistic regression analysis. With the evolution of plating techniques and a greater emphasis on biology of fracture healing, the incidence of complications and failures has decreased after femoral shaft plating. Plate osteosynthesis of the femoral shaft is particularly advantageous in many situations and can be quite successful (87% success rate in Group III).

Treatment of isolated distal ulnar shaft fractures with below-elbow plaster cast. A prospective study.

In a prospective study 52 patients with an isolated fracture of the distal ulna were treated with a below-elbow plaster cast. The histories of 46 patients were reviewed after a mean follow-up of 3.5 years (ranging from 10 months to 7 years). Forty-three fractures united. There were two non-unions. One fracture displaced while in the plaster, so that there was no longer any bone contact between the fragments. The fracture was consequently treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The type of fracture, the initial displacement (all fractures had bone contact) or the initial angulation (maximum 10 deg) was not found to influence the final clinical results. Below-elbow plaster cast appeared to produce satisfactory results in 89% of the patients.