Extra-articular Fractures Research Articles

Functional Outcome of Extra-Articular Distal Tibia Fracture Treated with Tibia Interlocking Nail: A Case Series

Background: Intramedullary interlocking nailing has emerged as one of the suitable management options for distal tibia fractures as it allows mechanical compression on weight-bearing, which stimulates bone healing. We studied 40 cases of extra-articular distal tibia fracture treated by intramedullary nailing. Methods: We retrospectively studied 40 patients of both sexes above the age of 18 years with closed fractures and grade 1, 2, and 3A compound fractures treated at SVP Hospital, Ahmedabad, India. Clinically, the fracture was considered to be united when the patient was completely pain-free. Patients were followed up at monthly intervals till union. At each follow-up, patients were assessed both clinically and radiographically, and details were recorded based on proforma. Results: The evaluation of the result was done using American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) criteria. Thirty-three patients had excellent functional results, five had good functional results, and Two had fair functional results. In this study, 38 (95%) patients had radiological union within 24 weeks. Two patients had union after 28 weeks. Conclusion: Intramedullary nailing is a minimally invasive procedure that preserves the soft tissue and the fracture hematoma. It maintains the length, alignment, and rotation and allows micromotion at the fracture site on weight-bearing, which stimulates callus formation. It has a good functional outcome with gratifying results when used in extra-articular distal tibia fractures.

Effect of tibial rotation on knee and ankle function in patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis treatment

To investigate the effect of tibial rotation on knee and ankle function in the patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) treatment. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures who underwent MIPO between January 2021 and December 2022. There were 20 males and 25 females, aged from 19 to 68 years (mean, 43.6 years). The causes of fractures included falling from heights in 11 cases, traffic accidents in 15 cases, bruising by a heavy object in 7 cases, and falling in 12 cases. The time from injury to hospitalization was 1-6 hours (mean, 3.7 hours). There were 28 cases of simple tibial fractures and 17 cases of tibial fractures combined with ipsilateral fibular fractures; 9 cases of open fractures and 36 cases of closed fractures. According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, the distal tibial fractures were classified as type 43A1 in 12 cases, type 43A2 in 17 cases, and type 43A3 in 16 cases. During follow-up, the Lower Limb Function Score (LEFS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS) were used to evaluate the lower limb, ankle, and knee joint functions, respectively. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee and ankle joints was measured. The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess the quality of life of the patients. The fracture healing was observed by anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the ankle joint. The bilateral tibial rotation angles were measured on CT and the differences between the affected and healthy sides were caculated. The difference ≥10° was judged as tibial malrotation. According to whether there was tibial malrotation, the patients were allocated into a normal group and a malrotation group for efficacy comparison. The incisions of all patients healed by first intention without any early complications. All patients were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 18.6 months). Imaging re-examination showed that all fractures healed, with a healing time of 9-14 weeks (mean, 11.2 weeks). At last follow-up, the LEFS score was 60-68 (mean, 62.3); the AOFAS score was 89-97 (mean, 92.6); the KOOS score was 158-164 (mean, 161.3). The ROM of ankle was 40.0°-45.0° (mean, 42.8°) in flexion and 10.5°-22.0° (mean, 17.7°) in extension; the ROM of knee was 130.0°-135.0° (mean, 132.6°) in flexion and -8.8°- -5.0° (mean, -7.1°) in extension. The SF-36 score was 89-93 (mean, 90.7). The absolute value of difference of tibial rotation angle was 2.6°-17.3° (mean, 8.9°) in 45 patients, and the malrotation was observed in 15 patients (33.3%), including 10 cases of internal rotation and 5 cases of external rotation. There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in the proportion of patients with fibular fractures before operation between the malrotation group and the normal group, as well as in the AOFAS score, KOOS score, LEFS score, SF-36 score, and ROMs of knee and ankle joints at last follow-up. The incidence of tibial malrotation after MIPO treatment for extra-articular distal tibial fractures is relatively high, but it has no significant effect on knee and ankle functions. However, careful manipulation and precise evaluation should be performed during operation to avoid the occurrence of malrotation.

Comparison of retrograde and antegrade tibial intramedullary nail in the treatment of extra-articular distal tibial fractures.

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of retrograde and antegrade intramedullary tibial nails (RTN and ATN) in managing extra-articular distal tibial fractures, addressing current controversies in surgical approaches. A retrospective analysis included 56 patients treated between December 2019 and August 2022 with either RTN (n = 23) or ATN (n = 33). Data on baseline characteristics, operative specifics, fluoroscopy usage, hospitalization duration, fracture healing times, time to full weight-bearing, distal tibial alignment, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores at final follow-up, and complications were evaluated and compared. Baseline characteristics were generally comparable and no significant differences except for fracture line lengths (RTN: 6.1 ± 1.9cm vs. ATN: 7.8 ± 1.6cm) were observed. Follow-up ranged from 12 to 20 months. No significant differences were observed in operative duration, hospital stays, coronal angulation of the distal tibial joint surface, or AOFAS scores at final follow-up. Intraoperative fluoroscopy was more frequent in the ATN group (9.5 ± 1.5) compared to RTN (8.3 ± 1.1) (P = 0.001). RTN showed shorter healing times (9.6 ± 1.2 weeks) and quicker return to full weight-bearing (12.9 ± 1.3 weeks) than ATN (10.6 ± 1.2 weeks and 13.9 ± 1.7 weeks, respectively). RTN complications included one delayed union, one superficial infection, and two ankle pain, while ATN complications comprised one delayed union, one superficial infection, seven anterior knee pain, and one malalignment. Despite higher complication rates with ATN, the differences were not statistically significant. For the treatment of extra-articular distal tibial fractures, both RTN and ATN are effective approaches. RTN may offer benefits such as reduced fluoroscopy use, accelerated healing, and earlier return to full weight-bearing compared to ATN.

Intrafocal Pinning in Distal Extraarticular Radius Fracture: A Retrospective Study Based on Patient Age

Background: Percutaneous intrafocal pinning is one of the many surgical options for extraarticular distal radius fracture with minimal comminution. This study aims to describe the role and indications of intrafocal pinning. Methods: This monocentric, retrospective study included 49 patients who underwent intrafocal pinning for distal radius fractures in 2013 in our French hand surgery department. All the patients underwent posteroanterior and lateral x-ray on days 2 and 45 to measure radial inclination, distal radioulnar index, and volar tilt. Results: The mean age of the patients was 45.4 years, with women representing approximately 61.2% of the sample (n = 30). The patients were divided into three groups: group A (17–50 y), 26 patients; group B (50–70 y), 15 patients; and group C (>70 y), eight patients. We documented on x-ray images, 21 secondary displacements, including seven in group C. There were three displacements (all in group C) and one surgical revision within 15 days for a previous displacement. The distal radioulnar index increased in all three groups. Conclusions: The percutaneous intrafocal pinning fixation technique exposes a high risk of complications, especially for those older than 50 years, for whom this technique should be avoided. Overall, due to the frequency of secondary displacements encountered, our first-line treatment favors plate osteosynthesis for all patients. Pinning fixation should only be considered with caution in younger patients if plate osteosynthesis is not possible, but it requires a strict 6-week immobilization. The fracture morphology must also be considered.

Clinical and radiological outcome of proximal third tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing

Introduction. Extra articular proximal tibia fractures represent about 5-11% of all tibia fractures, and usually exhibit complex fracture patterns with moderate to severe soft tissue damage and deforming forces. No fracture arose more controversy regarding the best method of treatment, common methods of fixation of proximal tibia fractures with intramedullary nailing and minimally invasive plating widely in these fractures. The open reduction or minimally invasive plating of these fractures is widely used plates do not provide axial and varus stability and nail being load sharing device can provide both axial and varus stability, while the nail being a load sharing device can provide both axial and varus stability with minimal soft tissue handling. However, the nailing of extraarticular proximal tibia fractures is associated with malunion. This current study aims to analyse the outcome of proximal third fractures treated with nailing. Material and methods. Thirty consecutive patients with fracture of the proximal third of the tibia shaft underwent nailing and were followed for up to 2 years. The clinical and radiological outcome of these cases and the complications encountered were analysed according to modified Klemm and Borner scoring system. Results. Our study comprised of patients in the age group 19-80 years, average being 40.5 years. Average time of partial weight bearing in the present study was 7.9 weeks (range 6-18 weeks). The average time for full weight bearing was 13 weeks (range 10-24 weeks). The mean time for radiological union was 24.6 weeks (range 20-32 weeks). Fourteen had excellent result, 10 patients had good, 4 patients had fair results and 2 patients had poor results according to Klemm and Borner functional criteria. Conclusions. Intramedullary nailing of proximal third tibia fractures when used with proper reduction technique using reduction clamps, k-wires, poller screws or unicortical plating in semi extended position for nailing is an effective, stable and successful method of treatment for proximal third fractures of tibia.

Association of dorsal malunion in distal radius fractures with wrist osteoarthritis: Alterations of bone density and stress-distribution patterns in relation to deformation angles

Distal radius fractures (DRFs) with dorsal malunion increase the risk of osteoarthritis (OA), although the cause of post-DRF OA is yet to be elucidated. To clarify the abnormal effects of a post-DRF dorsal radius deformity, we evaluated the bone density (BD) and stress-distribution patterns of the articular surface in dorsally malunited DRFs. In 36 cases of dorsally malunited DRFs following extra-articular fractures, we generated three-dimensional computerized models of the malunited distal radius from computed tomography data and extracted the subchondral bones of the radiocarpal joint (RCJ) and distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). Both BD and stress distribution in the subchondral bones were quantitatively evaluated by comparing the affected and normal sides. Correlations of alterations in high-BD distribution and deformation angles were analyzed. The center of high-BD distribution from the center of the RCJ in the volar(-)-dorsal(+) direction was dorsal (0.56±0.72mm) on the affected side compared with the normal side (-0.15±0.63mm) [95% CI: 0.43, 1.00, P<0.0001]. The maximum stress distribution was also dorsal on the affected side (2.34±3.52mm) compared with the normal side (-2.49±1.62mm) [95% CI: 0.89, 1.79, P<0.0001]. The alterations in BD and stress distribution correlated with the dorsiflexion and radial deviation angles. In the DRUJ, there was no significant difference in BD between the affected and normal sides. In dorsally malunited DRFs, the alignment change of the RCJ resulted in high BD-concentration areas and stress distribution on the dorsal side of the radius, which may constitute a precursor for OA.

TO COMPARE THE OUTCOME OF FRACTURES OF DISTAL END OF RADIUS TREATED CONSERVATIVELY WITH IMMOBILIZATION IN PALMARFLEXION AND DORSIFLEXION

Fractures of the distal end radius represent one-sixth of all fractures of the human skeleton1 treated in emergency department. Closed reduction and cast immobilization has been the mainstay of treatment of these fractures. Restoration and maintenance of anatomy correlates well with function.5Distal radius fractures are easy to reduce closed when the fractures are recent and the hematoma has not yet organized. All stable distal radial fractures can be treated with closed manipulation and below elbow cast with wrist in slight dorsiflexion. The crux to restoration of normal anatomy and best hand function lies with selectively flexing the dorsally displaced fracture fragment without flexing the carpals. According to the John Charley,10,12 colle’s fracture should be treated in palmar flexion and ulnar deviation as dorsal periosteal hinge provides stability. Traditionally extra-articular fracture of the distal end of radius were classically treated by closed reduction, cast immobilization in palmar flexion and ulnar deviation. But few studies have showed, higher chance of redisplacement with this conventional position. Ajay Gupta11 reported on treatment of colle’s fracture comparing immobilization of the wrist in palmar flexion, neutral position and dorsiflexion. He concluded that immobilization of the wrist in dorsiflexion appears to provide better maintenance of reduction. Fractures immobilized with the wrist in dorsiflexion showed the lower incidence of redisplacement, especially of dorsal tilt and had the best early functional results.In the past, very few studies have compared the results depending on the position of immobilization. Thus we decided to compare the outcome of fracture of the lower end of radius immobilsed in traditional palmar flexion and ulnar deviation and dorsiflexion.

Is the occurrence of extra-articular calcaneal fractures of the joint depression type related to osteoporosis and aging?

The authors experienced several cases of extra-articular calcaneal fracture accompanied by joint depression involving the entire posterior facet without joint involvement. This type of fracture and its characteristics and treatment outcomes have not been previously reported. The study was performed to analyze the characteristics of extra-articular calcaneal fractures of the joint depression type and their postoperative clinical and radiographic results and complications. Between February 2013 and March 2021, 23 extra-articular calcaneal fractures of the joint depression type were consecutively treated by a single surgeon. Relationships between fracture characteristics and patient demographics were assessed. Clinical results were quantified using visual analog scale, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale, and Foot Function Index, radiographic results were evaluated using Böhler's angles, and calcaneal widths were determined using calcaneal axial and lateral radiographs obtained preoperatively and at last follow-up. Twenty (87%) of the 23 cases occurred in women, and the mean age of all patients was 65.8 years (43-90). The three men were older than 65. Five (21.7%) patients had osteopenia, and 12 (52.2%) had osteoporosis. Bone mineral density testing could not be performed in the other six patients. Clinical and radiographic results were significantly improved after surgery. Extra-articular calcaneal fractures of the joint depression type are much more common in women and occur at an older age than calcaneal fractures commonly occur. These fractures are also more common in patients with a low bone mineral density. Level IV.

Extra-articular proximal tibia fracture fixation with locked plating versus intramedullary nailing: A meta-analysis

ObjectivesThis study compared outcomes of locked plating (LP) versus intramedullary nailing (IMN) techniques for treatment of extra-articular proximal-third tibia fractures. MethodsData Sources: PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE Study SelectionStudies were included if they compared LP and IMN fixation for proximal one third tibial shaft fractures without articular extension or with simple articular extension into the tibial plateau. Minimum 1 year of clinical and radiographic follow up was used. Data ExtractionOutcomes assessed included operative duration, postoperative knee range of motion (ROM), union outcomes (time to union, nonunion, malunion, delayed union), and incidence of postoperative complications (superficial and deep infection, secondary surgical intervention, compartment syndrome). Data SynthesisSeparate random-effects meta-analyses were conducted for each outcome. For categorical data, relative risks were used whereas the standardized mean difference was used for continuous variables, with corresponding 95 % confidence intervals. Results7 studies were included reporting the outcomes of 319 patients treated with LP and 300 treated with IMN. IMN fixation had significantly shorter time to union (p = 0.049) and lower risk for superficial infection (p = 0.028). However, LP conferred a significantly lower risk for malunion (p = 0.017) and postoperative compartment syndrome (p = 0.018). ConclusionIMN demonstrated significantly shorter time to union and lower risk of superficial infection when treating extra-articular proximal tibia fractures, while LP fixation demonstrated significantly lower risk for malunion and postoperative compartment syndrome. Although successful results can be achieved with good technique in LP and IMN fixation, a significant complication profile exists with these fractures regardless of construct choice. Level of EvidenceTherapeutic Level III

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation versus Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis in Management of Distal Tibia Extra-Articular Fracture (Mini Thesis)

Abstract Background Extra-articular distal tibia fracture is one of the difficult fractures to treat and the optimal treatment remains controversial, however plates seem to be the obvious choice for treating this type of fractures. The mechanism on how to achieve the balance between anatomic reduction and indirect reduction as well as direct and indirect healing remains unclear. Thus, the key point is whether to use ORIF or MIPO in treating fractures. Aim of the Work to provide a complete overview of the optimal plating technique for distal tibia fractures by evaluating and comparing the clinical and functional outcomes of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) vs Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for treating extra- articular distal tibial fractures. Outcomes of interest include operation time, time to union, non-union, mal-union, infection, secondary operations, and functional outcomes (AOFAS score). Patients and Methods From August 2020 to August 2021, a prospective randomized study was conducted at the department of orthopedic surgery of Ain-shams University Hospital including 36 patients to compare MIPO vs. ORIF in fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures. The patients were allotted to the MIPO or ORIF group with the flip of a coin. Results Regarding complications rate, no cases developed infection in MIPO technique. On the other hand, the ORIF technique had an infection incidence of 16.6% overall, with two cases (11.11 %) developing superficial infection and one case (5.56 %) developing deep infection. There was no significant difference in the incidence of mal-union between both techniques with no cases of non-union in both groups. The MIPO group had only one case of sagittal plane malunion (5.56%), compared with no cases in the ORIF group. There was no significant difference between both groups in secondary operations rate, with one case in each group. Conclusion Both MIPO and ORIF have similar therapeutic efficacy regarding the functional outcome and can be used safely in distal tibial extra-articular fractures. Although MIPO is advantageous over ORIF with earlier weight-bearing, earlier union, and clinical lower incidence of infection, it has delayed operation time.

Study of surgical management of distal 1/3rd extra articular tibia fracture with locking compression plate a prospective study

Study of surgical management of distal 1/3rd extra articular tibia fracture with locking compression plate a prospective study

Functional outcome of locking anatomical plate in extra articular fracture of distal humerus

Functional outcome of locking anatomical plate in extra articular fracture of distal humerus

Ultrasound-guided Reduction of Colle's fracture does not assist in Achieving Better Radiographic Indices - Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Ultrasound-guided manipulation and reduction (M&R) of the distal radius fractures (DRF) is believed to improve radiographic indices due to real-time feedback of fracture alignment. The objective of this trial was to compare volar tilt, radial inclination, and radial height on radiographs between Ultrasound guided and conventional (landmark-guided) M&R. A total of 79 distal radius extraarticular fractures in adults were randomised to Ultrasound guided and conventional (landmark-guided) M&R. The radiograph parameters described above were compared before and after M&R in both groups. Except for volar tilt (P=0.05 difference in difference), there was no difference in both the groups on radiograph parameters i.e. radial inclination and radial height. We estimated a reduction in the incidence of malreduction by 49% (Risk ratio 0.51) and an absolute risk reduction of 22% through USG-guided reduction. We evaluated a number needed to treat 4 through USG-directed M&R of DRF to prevent one unacceptable reduction. There were 9 (22%) and 18 (46%) (P=0.70) unacceptable reductions in USG-guided and landmark-guided M&R. Adding USG guidance to conventional landmark-based closed reduction methods is not beneficial for the accuracy of fracture reduction in Colle's fracture. However, improved volar tilt in sonographic-directed M&R needs further studies to determine the clinical significance.

The Functional Outcome of Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation-2 (PFNA-2) in Peritrochanteric Fractures of the Femur.

Introduction Peritrochanteric fractures are defined as extra-articular fractures involving the trochanter and frequent extension into the subtrochanteric region. These fractures exhibit a bimodal distribution in terms of age. These fractures commonly happen in young individuals who experience high-energy trauma, often in combination with other injuries. In contrast, elderly individuals with osteopenia are more prone to fractures caused by low-energy trauma. Methods This study is a prospective investigation that was carried out over 30 months. The study focused on peritrochanteric fractures that were treated using proximal femoral nail antirotation-2 (PFNA-2) as a fixation device. A range of criteria were examined and documented, encompassing the mean duration of surgical procedures, blood loss, the duration of hospitalization, mobility, and any potential post-operative problems. Subsequent assessments were conducted at fixed intervals of two weeks, six weeks, three months, six months, and two years. The functional outcome analysis for all patients involved the utilization of the modified Harris hip score (HHS). Results The study involved 60 cases of peritrochanteric fractures. The average age was 56 years.The most common mode of trauma was trivial fall/slip (46.66%), followed by road traffic accidents (RTA) (31.66%) and falls from height (21.66%). The average operating time was 53.03±5.66 minutes. The average modified Harris hip score was 84.78 with 26.66% excellent,70% good, and 3.33% fair results. Complications included superficial wound infection (5%), knee stiffness (11.66%), hip pain (8.33%), and shortening (1.66%). Conclusion PFNA-2 is a safe and easy implant option for treating peritrochanteric fractures as it preserves periosteal covering, minimizes blood loss, has a short operative time, and helps in early mobilization. PFNA-2 provides excellent outcomes in patients with peritrochanteric fractures with minimum complication rates compared to all other open methods and is highly recommendable.

The Lateral Para-Patellar Approach for Intramedullary Tibia Nailing in Distal Tibia Extra-articular Fractures: A Prospective Cohort Study.

The treatment of extra-articular distal tibiafractures is still a subject of debate and frequently necessitates surgical treatment, and intramedullary nailing (IMN) offers a minimally invasive approach with excellent results. Important factors in these procedures are positioning, operative duration, and radiation exposure. This study details the semi-extended lateral para-patellar approach for IMN of distal tibia extra-articular fractures and documents our findings regarding operative time, intra-operative radiation exposure, residual anterior knee pain, knee functional and radiological outcomes at six months follow-up. We reviewed the cases of 60 patients who underwent IMNfor distal tibia extra-articular fractures from May 2022 to March 2024, employing an extra-articular lateral para-patellar approach in the semi-extended position. Patients were evaluated clinically and radio-graphically for a minimum follow-up period of six months. Data collected included duration of surgery, intraoperative radiation exposure, and knee functional scorefor all patients. Assessment of fracture healing, residual deformities, residual anterior knee pain, and range of motion of the treated knee compared to the contralateral knee was done at a six-monthfollow-up. The average surgery duration was 54 ± 5 minutes, with intraoperative imaging averaging 48 exposures. The average time to union was 16 ± 3 weeks. Six months post-surgery, the mean Knee Society Score was 86.4 ± 3.5 (out of 100). At the six months follow-up, all patients exhibited clinical and radiographic healing, with only two cases showing mal-alignment (angular deformity <10 degrees).All patients regained a comparable range of motion in their knees. The semi-extended lateral para-patellar approachfor nailing of distal tibiaextra-articular fracturesenhances reduction, simplifies nail insertion,reduces both fluoroscopy and operative time, minimizes anterior knee pain and improves knee functional outcomes at six months follow-up.

Ankle impingement after extra-articular open fracture of the leg: Full arthroscopic treatment in the supine position

ObjectiveExtra-articular open fractures of the leg often result from high energy trauma. After healing, a painful ankle impingement may occur. In the event of anterior and posterior impingements, arthroscopic treatment may require two surgical positions. We propose an operative strategy to treat anterior and posterior ankle impingement after extra-articular open fracture of the leg. Our hypothesis is that this strategy is simple, effective and with a low risk of complication. Material and methodAnterior ankle impingements were treated by anterior arthroscopy in supine position; anterior and posterior impingements were treated by anterior and posterior arthroscopy in supine position; anterior and posterior impingements associated with retraction of gastrocnemius muscles were treated with anterior arthroscopy in supine position followed by posterior arthroscopy in prone position, and an open tendon lengthening of the calcaneal tendon in the same position. The anterior and posterior arthroscopic release was tested in the cadaver laboratory. Then, the surgical strategy was applied to our patients in our clinical practice. After, we analysed retrospectively the results of the strategy in the first patients treated for a painful ankle impingement after extra-articular open fracture of the leg. The data retrieved were the importance of pain (VAS), the presence of clinical instability, ankle mobility, gastrocnemius retraction and the AOFAS functional score and the post-operative complications. Then, these data were compared before the surgery and at last follow-up. ResultsFrom the cadaver laboratory, anterior and posterior arthroscopic release was possible in all cases without changing position. From our clinical practice, we included 5 patients (3 women and 2 men, mean age 43 years) suffering from an ankle impingement after extra-articular open fracture of the leg (2 patients with isolated anterior impingement, 1 patient with anterior and posterior impingement, and 2 patients with anterior and posterior impingement plus a gastrocnemius retraction). All post-operative parameters (pain, range of motion and AOFAS score) at mean follow-up of 53 months were improved. No post-operative complication was reported. ConclusionWe propose a surgical strategy adapted to the different clinical presentations of ankle impingement after extra-articular open fracture of the leg.

Current Concepts in Management of Distal Femur Fractures

Recent studies report the overall incidence of distal femur fractures as 8.7/100,000/year. This incidence is expected to rise with high energy motor vehicle collisions and elderly osteoporotic fractures in native and prosthetic knees keep increasing. These fractures are more common in males in the younger age spectrum while females predominate for elderly osteoporotic fractures. Surgical treatment is recommended for these fractures to maintain articular congruity, enable early joint motion and assisted ambulation. Over the last two decades, development of minimally invasive and quadriceps sparing surgical approaches, availability of angle stable implants have helped achieve predictable healing and early return to function in these patients. Currently, laterally positioned locked plate is the implant of choice across all fracture patterns. Retrograde with capital implantation of intramedullary nails with provision for multiplanar distal locking is preferred for extra-articular and partial articular fractures. Even with these advancements, nonunion after distal femur fracture fixation can be as high as 19%. Further recent research has helped us understand the biomechanical limitations and healing problems with lateral locked plate fixation and intramedullary nails. This has lead to development of more robust constructs such as nail-plate and double plate constructs aiming for improved construct strength and to minimise failures. Early results with these combination constructs have shown promise in high risk situations such as fractures with extensive metaphyseal fragmentation, osteoporosis and periprosthetic fractures. These constructs however, run the risk of being over stiff and can inhibit healing if not kept balanced. The ideal stiffness that is needed for fracture healing is not clearly known and current research in this domain has lead to the development of smart implants which are expected to evolve and may help improve clinical results in future.

Relative contribution of the nail and plate to a nail-plate construct for comminuted distal femoral fractures.

The purpose of this study was to assess the biomechanical contributions of the nail and the plate individually to a complete nail-plate construct in the setting of comminuted distal femur fractures. For this biomechanical study, comminuted extra-articular distal femur fractures were created in 24 synthetic osteoporotic femur models. These were then split into three groups: the nail-only group, the plate-only group, and the nail-plate group. After fixation, each specimen underwent sequential axial and torsional loading, and axial and torsional stiffness were calculated and compared. The addition of a nail to a plate-only construct increased axial stiffness by 19.7% and torsional stiffness by 59.4%. The plate-only group and nail-plate group both demonstrated significantly greater axial and torsional stiffness than the nail-only group at all levels of axial and torsional load. (p < 0.001) At 1000 and 2000 N of cyclic loading, the nail-plate group demonstrated significantly greater axial stiffness than the plate-only group (p ≤ 0.018). The nail-plate group demonstrated greater torsional stiffness than the plate-only groups at all levels of torsional loading (p < 0.001). In osteoporotic comminuted distal femur fracture models, most of the axial stiffness in a nail-plate construct comes from the plate. While the combination of the two constructs is not fully additive, the plate contributes the majority of the axial and torsional stiffness in a nail-plate construct. The supplementation of the plate with a nail primarily helps to increase resistance to rotational forces. Level of Evidence: III.

Metacarpal Fracture Fixation with Intramedullary Screws.

Background: Intramedullary screws (IMS) have become a viable option for metacarpal fracture fixation. To further appraise their utility, this study assessed clinical and patient-reported short- and medium-term outcomes of IMS fixation for extra-articular metacarpal fractures. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed in a series of 32 patients (with a total of 37 fractures) who underwent metacarpal fracture fixation over a 42-month period between January 2020 and July 2023. Results: Mean time for return to work was 39.8 days; mean time for return to full function was 88.4 days; total active motion was 250.7° (range: 204.9-270.9); Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 2.3 (range: 0-22.7); mean visual analogue pain score was 0.9 out of 10 (range: 0-6) and a single complication was observed. Conclusions: The use of IMS in metacarpal fracture fixation is a practicable surgical option. IMS fixations yields a satisfactory duration for return to function, good postoperative range of movement, modest pain scores and low rates of complications. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

Distinct patterns of fracture propagation in distal radial fractures and the relationship to the ulnar head

BackgroundThe aim was to assess the direction of distal radius fractures and their relationship to the ulnar head. MethodsWe reviewed the 160 wrist radiographs. The fracture line was measured on the postero-anterior and lateral radiographs relative to the long axis of the forearm and the relationship to the ulnar head. FindingsPA radiographs: the fracture line ran distal ulnar to proximal radial (ulnar to radial) in 11%, transverse in 74% and distal radial to proximal ulnar (radial to ulnar) in 16%. Lateral radiographs: the fracture line ran distal volar to proximal dorsal in 88%, transverse in two 1% and dorsal to volar in 11%. Radial shift (7.5%) only occurred with ulnar to radial or transverse fractures.The ulnar to radial fracture line started at the proximal end of the ulnar head/distal radio-ulnar joint in 88%. The radial to ulnar fracture line started ended a mean of 2.5 mm proximal to the distal radio-ulnar joint (p < 0.01). The transverse fracture line started at the base of the distal radio-ulnar joint in 53% and proximally in 47%. InterpretationThere are two distinct coronal patterns: radial to ulnar ending c. 2 mm proximal to the distal radio-ulnar joint; ulnar to radial starting at the proximal distal radio-ulnar joint. There may be third pattern - transverse fractures; these may be variants of the above. Sagittally the main direction is volar to dorsal but 11% are obverse.This is the first description of distinct fracture patterns in extra-articular distal radius fractures. In addition the fracture patterns appear to correlate with different directions of force transmission which fit with our understanding of falling and the relatively uncontrolled impact of the wrist/hand with the ground.These patterns of fracture propagation help understand how the biomechanics of wrist fractures and may enable prediction of collapse.