Dual Plate Fixation Research Articles

Treatment of Schatzker Type V and VI Tibial Plateau Fractures Using a Midline Longitudinal Incision and Dual Plating

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of the treatment of Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures using a midline longitudinal incision and dual-plate fixation.Materials and MethodsTen patients with Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures treated with a midline longitudinal incision and dual plating were analyzed. The patients were followed for a minimum of one year. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using range of motion, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Knee Society Score. Radiological outcomes were evaluated using the bony union time, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA).ResultsThe mean VAS score was 2.2 points, and the mean Knee Society function score was 85 points at the final follow-up. The mean flexion contracture was 2.5° and the mean further flexion was 125°. It took an average of 4 months until bony union occurred. The mean MPTA and PPTA were 90.5° and 4.4°, respectively. There was one case of delayed wound healing, but no other complications were observed.ConclusionsThe treatment of Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures with a midline longitudinal incision and dual-plate fixation resulted in satisfactory clinical and radiological outcomes. This can be an option when treating Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures.

Clinical analysis of comminuted fractures of the distal humerus treated with dual-plate based on anatomical characteristics

Objective To evaluate the rationale and clinical outcomes of dual-plate fixation for treatment of comminuted fractures of the distal humerus based on its anatomical characteristics.Methods Sixteen cases of comminuted fractures of the distal humerus were treated with dual-plate fixation via an olecranonectomy approach.According to AO classification there were 6 cases of type C2.1 fractures,3 cases of type C2.2,5 cases of type C3.1 and 2 cases of type C3.2.Results All cases were follow-up for 15 to 25 months (average 18.5 months).The results were assessed using the Cassebaum scoring system and graded as excellent in 5 cases,good in 8 cases,and fair in 3 cases.The satisfactory rate of elbow function was 81.3％.Conclusion Dualplate fixation can reliably fix the medial and lateral columns of the distal humerus to maintain stability and restore satisfactory elbow function. Key words: Humeral fractures; Fracture fixation,internal; Dual plate

Functional outcome of Schatzker type V and VI tibial plateau fractures treated with dual plates

Background:Dual plate fixation in comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures remains controversial. Open reduction and internal fixation, specifically through compromised soft tissues, has historically been associated with major wound complications. Alternate methods of treatment have been described, each with its own merits and demerits. We performed a retrospective study to evaluate the functional outcome of lateral and medial plate fixation of Schatzker type V and VI fractures through an anterolateral approach, and a medial minimally invasive approach or a posteromedial approach.Materials and Methods:We treated 46 tibial plateau fractures Schatzker type V and VI with lateral and medial plates through an anterolateral approach and a medial minimal invasive approach over an 8 years period. Six patients were lost to followup. Radiographs in two planes were taken in all cases. Immediate postoperative radiographs were assessed for quality of reduction and fixation. The functional outcome was evaluated according to the Oxford Knee Score criteria on followup.Results:Forty patients (33 men and 7 women) who completed the followup were included in the study. There were 20 Schatzker type V fractures and 20 Schatzker type VI fractures. The mean duration of followup was 4 years (range 1-8 years). All patients had a satisfactory articular reduction defined as ≤2 mm step-off or gap as assessed on followup. All patients had a good coronal and sagittal plane alignment, and articular width as assessed on supine X-rays of the knee in the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views. The functional outcome, as assessed by the Oxford Knee Score, was excellent in 30 patients and good in 10 patients. All patients returned to their pre-injury level of activity and employment. There were no instances of deep infection.Conclusions:Dual plate fixation of severe bicondylar tibial plateau fractures is an excellent treatment option as it provides rigid fixation and allows early knee mobilization. Careful soft tissue handling and employing minimal invasive techniques minimizes soft tissue complications.

ACUMED self-orientated elbow plate instruments for type C distal humeral fractures in adults

Objective To investigate effects of ACUMED self-orientated elbow plate system in treatment of comminuted distal humeral fractures (type C) in adults.Methods Thirty-two adult cases of comminuted distal humeral fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation with parallel dual plates from May 2009 to October 2010 were enrolled in the study.There were 17 males and 15 females,at average age of 60 years (range,21-85 years).All cases were subjected to closed fractures,involving left side in 15 cases and right side in 17.Besides,two cases had associated ulnar nerve injury.According to AO classification,there were 12 cases of type C1,12 of type C2 and eight of type C3 fractures.The time from injury to operation averaged 5.6 days.Distal humeri were exposed through posterior median incision of elbow and V shape osteotomy of olecroanon.Muscular contractile and relaxant functional exercise was taken within 24 hours postoperatively.Clinical results were assessed based on Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and X-ray films.Results X-ray films showed that all cases obtained primary bone healing in the follow-up (mean 12 months).Three cases of type C3 fractures had heterotopic ossification.All cases had no complications like infections or implant loosening postoperatively.Range of motion in elbow flexion and extension averaged 85° (range,8°-140°).MEPS was average 90 points (range,60-100 points),including excellent outcomes in 13 cases,good in 15,fair in one and poor in three,with excellence rate of 88％.Conclusion ACUMED parallel dual plate fixation technique based on stability theory of arch structure achieves solid fixation of adult comminuted distal humeral fractures,successfully reconstructs bone structure of distal humeri,and effectively restores elbow joint function in response to early rehabilitation exercise. Key words: Humeral fractures; Elbow joint; Internal fixators

Internal Fixation of Diaphyseal Fractures of the Forearm

To compare open reduction and internal fixation using dual plating to a hybrid fixation construct with intramedullary nailing of the ulna and plate fixation of the radius in both-bone forearm fractures. Retrospective comparison study. Level I trauma center. A total of 56 skeletally mature individuals treated surgically for acute both-bone forearm fractures between July 2005 and December 2009. Monteggia, Galeazzi, and pathologic fractures, patients treated with external fixation and patients with traumatic brain injuries were excluded. Twenty-seven patients were treated with dual plate fixation, and 29 patients were treated using a hybrid fixation construct. Time to union, range of motion as assessed using a Grace and Eversmann score, and presence of complications. There was no significant difference in either time to union or Grace and Eversmann scores between the 2 groups. There was 1 nonunion in each of the 2 groups. Nine overall complications, outside nonunions, were reported: 5 in the dual plating group and 4 in the hybrid fixation group. Hybrid fixation, using open reduction and internal fixation with a plate-and-screw construct on the radius and closed--or minimally open--reduction and interlocked intramedullary fixation of the ulna, is an acceptable method for treating both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in skeletally mature patients. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Controversies in the management of intra-articular fractures of distal humerus in adults

Background:The surgical approach, type of olecranon osteotomy, method of stabilization of osteotomy, type of fracture stabilization, orthogonal vs parallel plate fixation, need for transposition of ulnar nerve, place for primary total elbow replacement, and type of rehabilitation schedule after surgical fracture treatment are the controversial issues in the treatment of complex intra-articular distal humerus fractures (C2 and C3) in adults. Severe comminution, bone loss, and osteoporosis at the site of distal articular fractures of humerus often lead to unsatisfactory results due to inadequate fixation. We hereby report the outcome of a series of intracondylar fractures of the humerus treated by open reduction and internal fixation and discuss the controversies in light of published literature.Materials and Methods:One hundred and eighty-four patients of intra-articular fractures of distal humerus (C2 and C3) were operated by posterior transolecranon approach between January 1980 and December 2008. Initially, in the first part Chevron intra-articular osteotomy (n=108) was performed out of which 94 have been published in another publication. In later second part (1993 onward), extra-articular olecranon osteotomy (n=76) was routinely performed. Both columns were stably fixed by orthogonal methods; (n=174) however, during the last 2 years, in 10 patients with severe comminution with bone loss, stabilization was achieved by parallel plating. The osteotomy was routinely stabilized by tension band wiring with two parallel K-wires introduced up to the anterior ulnar cortex. The results were evaluated by the staging system of Caja et al. at a minimum follow-up of 2 years.Results:In the first part of the study (n=94), there was delayed union in 4% (n=4), with the fracture taking more than 20 weeks for union. There was delayed union of ulnar osteotomy (n=3) and failure of one tension band wiring, requiring revision. Some loss of motion was seen in 20% of cases and these patients did not achieve full flexion and extension. However, all these patients had useful range of function, with 20°–110° of flexion and full pronation-supination. As per the staging system of Caja et al., the results were in the range of excellent to good in 72% cases (n=67), fair in 19% (n=18), and poor in 9% patients (n=9). In the second part of study (n=90) dual plate fixation of both columns by orthogonal methods (n=80) and parallel plate fixation in 10 patients was performed. The results were excellent to good in 78 patients (86%).Conclusions:The high rate of union can be achieved in complex intra-articular fractures of distal humerus if the proper principles of stable fracture fixation are followed, i.e., a posterior transolecranon approach and dual fixation of both columns and restoration of the continuity of articular surface. The stability achieved by this technique permits institution of early intensive physiotherapy to restore elbow function.

Distal Humeral Fractures in Adults

Distal humeral fractures in adults are relatively uncommon injuries that require operative intervention in the majority of cases. Dual plate fixation, with placement of a separate strong plate on each column and orientation of the plates either at 90° or 180° to each other, is indicated for all adult fractures involving both columns of the distal part of the humerus. Acute total elbow arthroplasty is the preferred treatment for elderly patients with a displaced, comminuted, intra-articular distal humeral fracture that is not amenable to stable internal fixation. Displaced coronal shear fractures of the distal humeral articular surface require operative fixation, most typically via a lateral approach.

Surgical treatment of AO type C distal humeral fractures: Internal fixation with a Y-shaped reconstruction (Lambda) plate

Although surgical repair is considered the standard treatment for intraarticular distal humeral fractures, most investigators have assessed its results using dual-plate fixation in 2 planes. The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of these complex fractures using Y-shaped reconstruction plates. We identified 17 patients who had operative treatment for Arbeitsgemeinschaft Für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type 1, 3-C fractures using a Y-shaped Lambda plate (Zimmer, Warsaw, IN). Patients were recalled for follow-up that included recording of a complete history, physical examination, radiographic evaluation, and completion of a limb-specific questionnaire. The mean duration of follow-up was 37.3 months. The average loss of extension was 13 degrees , and the average arc of flexion-extension was 112 degrees . As determined by the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, 6 were graded excellent; 8, good; 3, fair; and none, poor. Surgical repair of intraarticular distal humeral fractures by open reduction and internal fixation with a Lambda plate is an effective procedure that allows for stable osteosynthesis without loss of reduction or fixation as a basis for good functional outcome.

Biomechanical Analysis of Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fixation: How Does Lateral Locking Plate Fixation Compare to Dual Plate Fixation?

This study is designed to test the comparative strength of lateral-only locked plating to medial and lateral nonlocked plating in a cadaveric model of a bicondylar proximal tibial plateau fracture. Ten matched pairs of human cadaveric proximal tibia specimens were used for biomechanical testing. Cyclic loading using a materials testing device simulated initial range of motion and load bearing following surgical repair. Subsidence of the medial and the lateral condyles was measured following 10,000 cycles from 100N to 1,000N; the maximum load to failure on the medial condyle for both plate constructs was also measured. On the lateral side, dual plating (DP) allowed an average of 0.68 +/- 0.14 mm of subsidence, compared with 1.03 +/- 0.27 mm for the fixed-angle plate (FAP) (P = 0.077). On the medial side, DP allowed an average of 0.78 +/- 0.15 mm of subsidence, compared with 1.51 +/- 0.32 mm for the FAP (P = 0.045). No significant difference was found in the maximal load to medial condyle fixation failure between either plating construct (P = 0.204). The results of this study demonstrate that dual-plate fixation allows less subsidence in this bicondylar tibial plateau cadaveric model when compared to isolated locked lateral plates. This may raise concerns about the widespread use of isolated lateral locked plate constructs in bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Percutaneous Pinning for Surgical Neck Fracture: Method of Choice—Opposes

This is a broad statement and there is no doubt that in selected proximal humerus fractures percutaneous pinning is superior to plate fixation. However, unstable two- and three-part fractures in young patients may require plate fixation for reliable union. Comminuted higher energy injuries do well with dual-plate fixation. Older patients with four-part fractures are still best treated with hemiarthroplasty with tuberosity osteosynthesis. Percutaneous pinning, while being minimally invasive, is not without complications. Complications, including pin tract infections and subsequent septic arthritis from migration of septic pins, have been reported. In addition, pin migration has been associated with potentially life-threatening complications due to the close proximity to neurovascular structures and the thoracic cavity. Loss of position of fracture fragments in the first several weeks of treatment is not uncommon with pin fixation. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) may be necessary to obtain anatomic reduction and secure fracture fixation. Recent changes in the approach to plate fixation with lateral based incisions and variable angle locking screw fixation have improved ORIF outcomes.

Evaluation and treatment of metastases to the humerus.

The humerus is the second most common long bone site of metastatic disease, and the proximal third and diaphysis are frequent sites. Purely lytic disease and cortical bone destruction increase the risk of fracture more than 50%. For most patients, external beam irradiation is effective as a means of pain control and halting bone destruction. Fractures of the head or surgical neck can be treated with standard endoprostheses, whereas extensive proximal bone destruction is treated with custom proximal humeral replacements. Impending and complete diaphyseal fractures can be treated effectively with either intramedullary nail fixation or plate fixation. Rigid fixation, which can be achieved with dual plate fixation, is optimal because patients can begin immediate unrestricted activities using the upper extremity. Methylmethacrylate is an effective adjuvant for filling defects and for augmenting the fixation of intramedullary nails and screws. Postoperative external beam irradiation is necessary to prevent progressive bone destruction and subsequent loss of fixation.

Functional outcome of AO type C distal humeral fractures

Purpose: To review the functional outcome of AO type C distal humeral fractures (bicondylar fractures) managed with dual orthogonal plate fixation. Method: Twenty-three patients were reviewed retrospectively at a mean of 45.1 months. Patient-rated outcomes (Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand [DASH], Patient Rated Ulnar Nerve Evaluation [PRUNE], American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Elbow form [ASES-e], and Short Form-36 [SF-36]), clinical, radiographic, and objective evaluations were used to assess outcomes. Results: Almost 40% of patients required a third plate for adequate fixation. Patients identified minimal subjective deficits (10%) with a mean satisfaction of 93%. The arc of motion was decreased in the flexion-extension plane (122° relative to 138°, p < .01), whereas strength was lower for both elbow flexion-extension and forearm rotation (p < .05). The overall complication rate was 48%, however, most were minor and resolved without further surgery. No ulnar neuropathies were identified at follow-up after routine ulnar nerve transposition. Conclusions: Outcomes of AO type C distal humeral fractures were good with dual orthogonal plating, ulnar nerve transposition, and early motion. Additional plating may be required with distal fracture patterns or osteopenic bone. (J Hand Surg 2003;28A:294-308. Copyright © 2003 by the American Society for Surgery of the Hand.)

Management of distal humerus fractures in adults.

From January 1992 to May 1997, 46 distal humeral fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Among these, 30 were intra-articular, which were managed by the transolecranal approach, routine ulnar nerve transposition, 3.5-mm dual-plate fixation and early active mobilisation. We encountered 2% non-union, 2.2% fixation failure, 11.1% nerve complications, 28.2% overall heterotopic ossification and 11.1% poor range-of-motion rates.

Intraarticular Fractures of the Distal Humerus

In a 12-year period, 104 patients with intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus received surgical treatment. Based on the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, there were 40 monocondylar fractures, 46 bicondylar fractures, and 18 fractures of the ulnar epicondyle with the fragment dislocated in the elbow joint. In children almost all fixations were done with Kirschner wires. The adult fractures were stabilized according to the recommendations of the AO/ASIF, i.e., monocondylar fractures by screws and/or single-plate fixation and bicondylar fractures by screws and dual-plate fixation, preferably with reconstruction plates. Comminuted fractures required an additional osteotomy of the olecranon. Except for children, the essential feature of postoperative management was early functional treatment by continuous passive motion. Eighty-eight patients (84.6%) were followed with an average follow-up time of 4.4 years. The results were evaluated for range of motion, pain, working capacity, neural and vascular impairment, valgus/varus deformity, and subjective judgment. The long-term outcome of almost 81% good and very good results suggests that operative treatment can be valuable when indications, anatomic surgical reconstruction, and postoperative care are performed correctly.