Intramedullary Fixation Research Articles

Biomechanical comparisons of F.E.R.I. techniques with different type of intramedullary screws fixation for Jones fractures.

Introduction: Jones fractures frequently fail to unite, and adequate fixation stability is crucial. This study aimed to elucidate the biomechanical stability of various intramedullary screw fixation constructs. Methods: Jones fracture model over the proximal 5th metatarsal of artificial bone was created in all specimens. Six groups were divided based on varied screw constructs with different screw lengths, either 30 or 40mm, including cannulated screws-C30 and C40 groups, one high-resistance suture combined with intramedullary cannulated screws (F.E.R.I. technique)-CF30 and CF40 groups, and second-generation headless compression screws (SG-HCS) -HL30 and HL40 groups. Mechanical testing was conducted sequentially, and the maximal force (N) and stiffness (N/mm) of all constructs were recorded. Results: The maximal force (N) at 1.0mm downward displacement in C30, C40, CF30, CF40, HL30, and HL40 groups were 0.56 ± 0.02, 0.49 ± 0.02, 0.65 ± 0.02, 0.49 ± 0.01, 0.68 ± 0.02, and 0.73 ± 0.02, respectively, and the stiffness (N/mm) in subgroups were 0.49 ± 0.01, 0.43 ± 0.01, 0.67 ± 0.01, 0.42 ± 0.01, 0.61 ± 0.01, and 0.58 ± 0.02, respectively. SG-HCS subgroups exhibited greater maximal force and stiffness than conventional cannulated screws. Screws of 30mm in length demonstrated better stability than all 40mm-length screws in each subgroup. In C30 fixation, the stiffness and maximum force endured increased by 1.16 and 1.12 times, respectively, compared with the C40 fixation method. There were no significant differences between CF30 and SG-HCS groups. Only the F.E.R.I technique combined with the 4.5mm cannulated screw of 30mm in length increased the biomechanical stability for Jones fractures. Discussion: These biomechanical findings help clinicians decide on better screw fixation options for greater stability in Jones fractures, especially when large-diameter screws are limited in use. However, this biomechanical testing of intramedullary screw fixation on Jones fracture model lacks clinical validation and no comparisons to extramedullary plate fixations. Moving forward, additional clinical and biomechanical research is necessary to validate our findings.

Intramedullary Kirschner Wire Fixation for Metatarsal Fractures: A Comprehensive Review of Treatment Outcomes.

Metatarsal fractures pose significant challenges in orthopedic practice, necessitating effective treatment methods to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This comprehensive review focuses on intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation as a promising intervention for metatarsal fractures. Beginning with an overview of metatarsal fractures and the imperative for effective treatments, the review delves into intramedullary fixation's definition, historical background, advantages, and disadvantages. Indications for its use in metatarsal fractures are discussed, providing a foundation for understanding its application. The surgical technique section outlines critical aspects, including patient selection criteria and preoperative planning. Before presenting a detailed step-by-step procedure for intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation, anesthesia considerations are explored. Emphasizing precision, fluoroscopic guidance, and meticulous postoperative care, this section provides insights for surgeons and healthcare practitioners. Considerations for rehabilitation follow, addressing postoperative care, expected recovery timelines, and physical therapy recommendations. Early mobilization, weight-bearing guidelines, and a structured rehabilitation program play pivotal roles in recovery. In the conclusion, key findings are summarized, highlighting the efficacy of intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation, its advantages, and recommendations for clinical practice. Additionally, areas for future research are identified, guiding further exploration and refinement of this surgical approach. This review is valuable for clinicians, researchers, and healthcare practitioners involved in metatarsal fracture management, contributing to the evolution of treatment strategies and improving patient care.

The study of outcome in fractures of proximal third of tibia in adults treated by expert tibia nail

This study aims to evaluate the clinical, functional outcome and complications of fracture proximal third of tibia treated with expert tibia nail in terms of radiological union, functional outcomes by short form -36 (SF-36) score, Johner and Wruhs criteria, visual analogue score and patient satisfaction score. Twenty-five patients with fracture proximal third of tibia treated with expert tibia nail in SNMC and HSK hospital and research centre, Bagalkot were enrolled in this study. The radiological union was assessed by plain radiograph and functional outcome by SF-36 score, Johner and Wruhs criteria, visual analogue score and patient satisfaction score. The radiological union was achieved in all the patients between 14 to 26 weeks duration (mean of 19.6±2.82 weeks). The mean SF-36 score was 84.9±4.06 and the mean visual analogue score was 2±1.78 at the 22nd week of follow-up. Results based on Johner and Wruhs criteria, 17 patients had excellent, 6 had good, 1 had fair and 1 had poor results. The average patient satisfaction score was 8.88 out of 10. There were 8 cases of post-operative knee pain, 5 cases of infection, 2 cases of malunion, 1 case of shortening and 1 case of the delayed union in our study. Intramedullary fixation with expert tibia nail for fracture proximal third tibia is a safe and less invasive technique. The radiological union was achieved in all the cases. This technique ensures excellent functional outcomes and a low incidence of complications.

Outcome of Early Retrograde Closed Intramedullary Fixation of Fracture Shaft of Femur by Titanium Elastic Nail in Children

Background: Paediatric femoral shaft fractures are common in orthopaedic practice and can be managed using various modalities, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The Titanium Elastic Nailing System has emerged as a promising treatment option, offering potential advantages over traditional methods. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the functional and radiological outcomes and operative complications of paediatric femoral shaft fractures treated with the Titanium Elastic Nailing System. Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted from July 2020 to July 2021. Thirty children aged 6-14 years (mean age 11.32 ±3.76) were selected using purposive sampling and strict inclusion/exclusion criteria. Patients were followed up for at least 24 weeks at four-week intervals, and outcomes were assessed using Flynn's TEN scoring criteria. Results: All 30 patients completed the study. Radiological union was achieved in 80.0% of cases within 7-10 weeks, with 90.0% of patients able to bear full weight by the 12th week. Minor complications occurred in 20.0% of cases, while no major complications were reported. 80.0% of cases had excellent outcomes, 20.0% were satisfactory, and no poor outcomes were observed. Conclusion: The Titanium Elastic Nailing System is an excellent method for treating paediatric femoral shaft fractures, demonstrating high rates of radiological union and functional recovery with a low incidence of complications.

Comparative study of minimally invasive titanium elastic nail and steel plate on the treatment of fracture of tibiofibular fracture in adults

To compare the clinical outcomes of using elastic intramedullary nail and plate to fix fibular fracture. The 60 patients with tibiofibular fractures admitted from January 2015 to December 2022 were divided into two groups:intramedullary nail group and plate group, 30 cases each, intramedullary nail group was treated with elastic intramedullary nail fixation group, plate group was treated with steel plate and screw fixation group. Intramedullary nail group, there were 18 males and 12 females, aged from 22 to 75 years old with an average of (39.4±9.8) years old, including 24 cases of traffic accidents injury, 6 cases of falling injury, 23 cases of closed fractures, 7 cases of open fractures. Steel plate group, there were 15 males and 15 females, aged from 24 to 78 years old with an average of (38.6±10.2) years old. The 22 cases were injured by traffic accident, 8 cases were injured by falling. The 24 cases were closed fractures and 6 cases were open fractures. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hind foot scores, clinical healing time of fibula and the incidence of wound complications were compared between the two groups. The patients in both groups were followed up for 6 to 21 months, with an average of (14.0±2.8) months. Compared with plate group, intramedullary nail group had shorter operative time, less bleeding, shorter clinical healing time of fibula, and lower infection rate of incision, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There were 2 cases of delayed healing in intramedullary nail group, 1 case of nonunion in plate group, and 2 cases of delayed healing in plate group, and there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). In the last follow-up, according to the AOFAS scoring standard, the ankle function in intramedullary nail group was excellent in 17 cases, good in 12 cases, fair in 1 case, with an average of (88.33±4.57) points, while in plate group, excellent in 16 cases, good in 10 cases, fair in 4 cases, with an average of (87.00±4.14) points;There was no statistical difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Elastic intramedullary nail has the advantages of short operation time, less intraoperative bleeding, short fracture healing time and less incision complications in the treatment of fibular fracture, which is worthy of clinical application.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Pelvic Fractures with Titanium Elastic Nailing: An Innovative Technology.

Minimally invasive treatment has become the most popular and effective treatment for pelvic fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of a new technique, titanium elastic nailing (TEN), for the minimally invasive treatment of pelvic fractures. Twenty-four patients with pelvic fractures were referred to us between January 2020 to January 2022, including sixteen males and 8 females. Pelvic fractures were temporarily fixed by pelvic fixation belt accompanied by traction from the lower limb bone. Anterior pelvic ring injuries (superior ramus of pubis) and ilium fractures were treated with closed reduction and intramedullary fixation with minimally invasive TEN. Intraoperative C-arm, including pelvic anteroposterior, pelvic outlet, inlet and ilium oblique views, and O-arm fluoroscopy (intraoperative CT) were employed to assess fractures reduction and determine the location of the elastic titanium nail within the bone channel. By adopting closed reduction and minimally invasive incision techniques, pelvic fractures could be safely fixed by placing an elastic titanium nail in the osseous medullary cavity channels of the pelvis. Postoperative investigation indicated that the wounds of all patients were healed in the first stage without any occurrence of complications, such as injuries to the nerves, blood vessels, and important tissue structures. Patients are essential quickly after the operation and could perform the functional exercise in the early stages of the recovery. TEN can be used for minimally invasive treatment of pelvic fractures. This novel technique has no obvious complications and is worthwhile in clinical practice.

IS THERE A ROLE FOR ANTIBIOTIC SUPPRESSION IN THE MANAGEMENT OF FRACTURE-RELATED INFECTION FOLLOWING INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING?

IntroductionThe management of fracture-related infection has undergone radical progress following the development of international guidelines. However, there is limited consideration to the realities of healthcare in low-resource environments due to a lack of available evidence in the literature from these settings. Initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture union is frequently used in low- and middle-income countries despite the lack of published clinical evidence to support its practice. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes following initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture union in the management of fracture-related infection.Materials &amp; MethodsA retrospective review of consecutive patients treated with initial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture healing followed by definitive eradication surgery to manage fracture-related infections following intramedullary fixation was performed. Indications for this approach were; a soft tissue envelope not requiring reconstructive surgery, radiographic evidence of stable fixation with adequate alignment, and progression towards fracture union.ResultsThis approach was associated with successful treatment in 51/55 (93%) patients. Fracture union was achieved in 52/55 (95%) patients with antimicrobial suppression alone. Remission of infection was achieved in 54/55 (98%) patients following definitive infection eradication surgery. Following antibiotic suppression, 6/46 (13%) pathogens isolated from intra-operative samples demonstrated multi-drug resistance.ConclusionsInitial antimicrobial suppression to support fracture healing followed by definitive infection eradication surgery was associated with successful treatment in 93% of patients. The likelihood of remission of infection increases when eradication surgery is performed in a healed bone. This approach was not associated with an increased risk of developing multi-drug-resistant infections compared to contemporary bone infection cohorts in the published literature.

Treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture in elderly by folding top technique combined with right-angle pliers prying and pulling under G-arm X-ray fluoroscopy

To explore the effectiveness of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture in the elderly by treating with folding top technique and right-angle pliers prying and pulling under G-arm X-ray fluoroscopy. The clinical data of 74 elderly patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture admitted between February 2016 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 38 cases were treated with folding top technique combined with right-angle pliers prying and pulling under G-arm X-ray fluoroscopy and intramedullary nailing fixation (study group), and 36 cases were treated with limited open reduction combined with other reduction methods and intramedullary nailing fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups, such as age, gender, cause of injury, affected side and classification of fractures, complicated medical diseases, and time from injury to operation ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, fracture reduction time, fracture healing time, and complications of the two groups were recorded and compared. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated by Baumgaertner et al. and Chang et al. fracture reduction standards. Patients in both groups were followed up 10-14 months, with an average of 12 months. The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in the study group were significantly less than those in the control group ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference in hospital stay between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 2 days after operation, according to the fracture reduction standards of Baumgaertner et al. and CHANG Shimin et al., the quality of fracture reduction in the study group was better than that in the control group, and the fracture reduction time in the study group was shorter than that in the control group, with significant differences ( P<0.05). After operation, the fractures of the two groups all healed, and there was no significant difference in healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no complication such as incision infection, internal fixation failure, deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs, intramedullary nail breakage, spiral blade cutting, or hip varus in the two groups, except for 2 cases of coxa vara in the control group. For the irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture, using folding top technique combined with right-angle pliers prying and pulling under G-arm X-ray fluoroscopy can obviously shorten the operation time, reduce the intraoperative blood loss, and improve the quality of fracture reduction.

The effect of distal locking mode on postoperative mechanical complications in intertrochanteric fractures: a retrospective cohort study of five hundred andseven patients.

The optimal choice of distal locking modes remains a subject due to limited available data, and therefore, this study aims to investigate the relationship between distal locking mode and postoperative mechanical complications in an intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) population who underwent closed reduction and intramedullary fixation with a PFNA-II. Patients aged 65years or older who underwent surgery with PFNA-II fixation in a university teaching hospital between January 2020 and December 2021 were potentially eligible. Based on the distal locking mode, patients were classified into static, dynamic, and limited dynamic groups, among which the differences were tested using univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine whether the distal locking mode was independently associated with the risk of postoperative oneyear mechanical complications, adjusting for covariates and potential confounders. Subgroup analyses were performed to evaluate the robustness of the findings. Among 507 eligible patients, 33 (6.5%) developed postoperative mechanical complications. In the univariate analysis, sex (P = 0.007), fracture type (P = 0.020), LAT Parker ratio (P = 0.023), and lateral femoral (P = 0.003) wall showed that the differences were significant. Compared to the static group, the limited dynamic group and the dynamic group showed higher odds of postoperative mechanical complications (OR = 3.314, 95% CI: 1.215-9.041; and OR = 3.652, 95% CI: 1.451-9.191, respectively). These associations were robust across a series of analyses, including adjusting for confounders and subgroup analyses. Using a distal non-static locking mode significantly increases the risk of postoperative mechanical complications, and static locking could be a preferable option when treating an intertrochanteric fracture.

Screw Position Following Percutaneous Versus Mini-Open Intramedullary Retrograde Screw Fixation of Metacarpal Fractures.

Metacarpal fracture fixation using the retrograde intramedullary screw technique can be performed through two different approaches. The mini-open approach requires greater soft tissue dissection but allows for direct visualization of the metacarpal head compared with the percutaneous approach. Our aim was to determine which approach resulted in optimal screw position. Eighty-one consecutive patients that underwent intramedullary screw fixation for metacarpal fractures from 2016 to 2021 were identified. Patients were treated by 4 fellowship-trained orthopedic hand surgeons who employed the mini-open or percutaneous approach. Postoperative radiographs were reviewed for screw position. A total of 81 patients (41 mini-open, 40 percutaneous) were included in this study. There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, sex, hand dominance, or affected digit. Postoperative screw position at first postoperative visit was not significantly different between the two groups on anteroposterior or lateral radiographs. Postoperative screw position is not significantly different between the mini-open and percutaneous approaches for intramedullary screw fixation of metacarpal fractures. Level III, therapeutic.

Comparison of Clinical Effects of Intramedullary Nail Internal Fixation and Traditional Steel Plate Internal Fixation in the Treatment of Zhang-Hou Fracture

&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Objective: &amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;The objective of this study was to analyse and compare of the clinical effects of two surgical methods in the treatment of Zhang-Hou fracture; &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Method&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: A total of 34 patients with Zhang-Hou fracture diagnosed in our hospital from 2020.08 to 2022.06 were reviewed. Among them, 17 patients were treated with tibial intramedullary nail internal fixation and 17 patients with traditional steel plate internal fixation. The blood loss, operation time, fracture healing time, excellent rate of affected limb function and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Result&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and fracture healing time were shorter in the intramedullary nail group, and the excellent rate of limb function in the intramedullary nail group was higher than that in the plate group 6 months after operation, but there was no significant difference between the two groups 12 months after operation. All the patients in the intramedullary nail group hadn’t serious complications after operation. Among the 17 patients in the plate group, 1 patient had wound infection and 1 patient had delayed fracture healing. &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;: In the clinical treatment of Zhang-Hou fracture, tibial intramedullary nail internal fixation not only has the advantages of short operation time, less trauma and quick recovery after operation, but also has better functional recovery of the affected limb and less postoperative complications. However, clinicians&amp;apos; learning curve of tibial intramedullary nail internal fixation is relatively long.

Children’s orthopaedics

The April 2024 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup360 looks at: Ultrasonography or radiography for suspected paediatric distal forearm fractures?; Implant density in scoliosis: an important variable?; Gait after paediatric femoral shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nail fixation: a longitudinal prospective study; The opioid dilemma: navigating pain management for children’s bone fractures; 12- to 20-year follow-up of Dega acetabuloplasty in patients with developmental dysplasia of the hip; Physeal fractures of the distal ulna: incidence and risk factors for premature growth arrest; Analysis of growth after transphyseal anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in children; Management of lateral condyle humeral fracture associated with elbow dislocation in children: a retrospective international multicentre cohort study.

The Outcomes of Isolated Tibiocalcaneal Arthrodesis: A Systematic Review.

Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis (TCA) can be achieved by internal fixation (intramedullary nail or plate), external fixation, or a combination. Evidence for the optimal approach is limited. This systematic review examines the outcomes of these different approaches to guide surgical management. A MEDLINE and Oxford SOLO search was performed using "tibiocalcaneal," "ankle," "fusion OR arthrodesis." The primary outcome was union. Secondary outcomes included rates of postoperative complications, weightbearing status, rates of revision surgery, and PROMs. We included any studies with follow-up greater than 6 months that contained our primary outcome and at least 1 secondary outcome. The initial search yielded 164 articles, of which 9 studies totaling 53 cases met the criteria. The majority of articles were excluded because they were nonsurgical studies, or were not about isolated TCA but were for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis, more complex reconstructions (eg, Charcot), case reports, and/or did not include the predetermined outcome measures.TCA union rate was 86.2% following external fixation, 82.4% for intramedullary nail fixation, and 83.3% for plate fixation. One patient underwent a hybrid of external and internal fixation, and the outcome was nonunion. The rate of complications following TCA was 69.8%. There is limited evidence on the best operative approach for isolated tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis. Both external and internal fixation methods had comparable union rates. External fixation had frequent complications and a more challenging postoperative protocol. Novel techniques such as 3D-printed cages and talus replacement may become a promising alternative but require further investigation.

Comparative Analysis of Complication Rates in Tibial Shaft Fractures: Intramedullary Nail vs. Ilizarov External Fixation Method.

Background: The external fixation (EF) Ilizarov method, shown to offer efficacy and relative safety, has unique biomechanical properties. Intramedullary nail fixation (IMN) is an advantageous alternative, offering biomechanical stability and a minimally invasive procedure. The aim of this study was to assess outcomes in patients undergoing tibia fracture fixation, comparing the Ilizarov EF and IMN methods in an early phase of IMN implementation in Serbia. Methods: This was a retrospective study including patients with radiologically confirmed closed and open (Gustilo and Anderson type I) tibial diaphysis fractures treated at the Institute for Orthopedic Surgery "Banjica'' from January 2013 to June 2017. The following demographic and clinical data were retrieved: age, sex, chronic disease diagnoses, length of hospital stay, surgical wait times, surgery length, type of anesthesia used, fracture, prophylaxis, mechanism of injury, postsurgical complications, time to recovery, and pain reduction. Pain intensity was measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), a self-reported scale ranging from 0 to 100 mm. Results: A total of 58 IMN patients were compared to 74 patients who underwent Ilizarov EF. Study groups differed in time to recovery (p < 0.001), length of hospitalization (p = 0.007), pain intensity at the fracture site (p < 0.001), and frequency of general anesthesia in favor of intramedullary fixation (p < 0.001). A shorter surgery time (p < 0.001) and less antibiotic use (p < 0.001) were observed when EF was used. Additionally, we identified that the intramedullary fixation was a significant predictor of pain intensity. Conclusions: The IMN method offers faster recovery and reduced pain intensity in comparison to EF, while the length of surgery predicted the occurrence of any complication.

Modified elastic intramedullary nail internal fixation for distal tibial metaphyseal junction fracture.

To investigate the application of modified elastic intramedullary nail and the outcomes between modified elastic stable intramedullary nailing and traditional elastic stable intramedullary nailing in children with distal tibial metaphyseal junction fracture. A retrospective study was conducted. From January 2018 to January 2021, a total of 36 children with distal tibial metaphyseal junction fracture were treated in our hospital. All of them were treated with closed reduction and elastic stable intramedullary nailing internal fixation. A total of 18 children were treated by modified elastic stable intramedullary nailing and 18 children were treated by traditional elastic stable intramedullary nailing. Postoperative imaging, clinical efficacy, and complications were analyzed. The mean follow-up time was 20 (15-36) months in modified group and 22 (16-33) months in traditional group. There were no complications such as infection, loss of reduction, and unequal length of lower limbs in modified group while loss of reduction occurred in two cases in traditional group. In these two cases of loss of reduction, we preformed manual reduction and replacement of long leg casts, and there was no loss of reduction, and the patient achieved a good prognosis. In the last follow-up, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society score was used. In modified group, excellent outcome achieved in 17 cases, good outcome achieved in 1 case, and satisfactory therapeutic effect was achieved. In traditional elastic stable intramedullary nailing group, excellent outcome achieved in 14 cases, and good outcome achieved in 4 cases. There was no statistical difference in the scores between the two groups. It was concluded that modified elastic stable intramedullary nailing fixation is a safe and effective treatment.

Outcome of Titanium Elastic Nailing System in Diaphyseal Femoral Fractures of Children in the Age Group of 4-12 years

Background: Femoral shaft fractures are the most common major pediatric injuries treated by orthopedic surgeons. Management of femoral diaphyseal fracture in the age group of 4-12 years is controversial. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of intramedullary fixation of femoral shaft fractures by using Titanium Elastic Nailing System (TENS). Methodology: Twenty-six (26) children in the range of 4-12 years with recent (&lt;3 days) femoral shaft fracture (24 closed, 02 Grade-I compound) were stabilized with Titanium Elastic Nail (TEN), between January 2019 and June 2022 in Eastern Medical College Hospital, Cumilla and Cumilla Trauma Centre. The diameter of the individual nail was selected as per Flynn’s formula and the results were evaluated by Flynn’s criteria. All patients were followed radiologically as well as clinically until fractures healed and for any complications. Results: Among the twenty-six (26) cases 18 were boys and 8 were girls. Twenty-three (23) cases were managed by closed reduction while three (3) cases required open reduction. The time duration of surgery ranged 20-45 minutes. The hospital stay ranged between 5 to 8 days (mean 6.5 days). The mean duration of follow-up was 21 months (range: 3 - 39 months). All fractures were radiologically united at 8-12 weeks (mean 10 weeks) and full weight bearing was possible in a meantime of 9.5 weeks. According to Flynn’s criteria, excellent results were found in 24 (92.3%) cases and satisfactory in 2 (7.7%) cases. Limb lengthening was noticed in 6 cases and rotational mal alignment was seen in 1 case. Conclusion: Intramedullary fixation with Titanium Elastic Nail may be the preferred method for the treatment of femoral fractures in children aged 4-12 years. As it is a safe, minimally invasive, surgeon-friendly technique and shows very good functional and cosmetic results. Eastern Med Coll J. July 2023; 8 (2): 1-6

Clinical observation of different intramedullary fixation methods for the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture

To explore clinical efficacy of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation(PFNA),InterTan and proximal femoral bionic intramedullary nail (PFBN) in treating femoral intertrochanteric fracture. Clinical data of 120 patients with intertrochanteric fracture who were underwent closed reduction intramedullary nail-internal fixation from January 2020 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. According to methods of internal fixation,patients were divided into 3 groups. There were 25 patients in PFBN group,including 16 females and 9 males,aged from 69 to 79 years old with an average of (73.67±5.16) years old. There were 55 patients in PFNA group,including 38 females and 17 males,aged from 68 to 80 years old with an average of (74.23±5.57) years old. There were 40 patients in InterTan group,including 26 females and 14 males,aged from 68 to 79 years old with an average of (73.45±5.34) years old. Operative time,intraoperative blood loss,incision length,hospital stay,weight-bearing time,fracture healing time and complications among 3 groups were compared,and clinical effect was evaluated by Harris score of hip function before operation,1,6 and 12 months after opertaion,respectively. Patients among 3 groups were successfully completed operation and were followed up for more than 12 months. There were no significant difference in hospital stay,operative time,intraoperative blood loss and incision length among 3 groups (P>0.05). Weight bearing time of PFBN group (7.98±1.34) d and InterTan group (8.22±0.46) d were earlier than that of PFNA group (10.27±0.66) d(P<0.01). Fracture healing time of PFBN group (10.14±2.33) weeks and InterTan group (11.87±2.48) weeks were earlier than that of PFNA group (13.68±2.36) weeks (P<0.01). One month after operation,Harris score in PFBN group (70.52±5.34) and InterTan group (69.81±6.17) was higher than that of PFNA group (51.46±5.36),and there was no significant difference between PFBN group and InterTan group (P>0.05). There were no significant difference in Harris scores among 3 groups before operation,6 and 12 months after opertaion(P>0.05). Cases of complication of InterTan group and PFNA group were lower than that of PFNA group (P<0.05). PFBN and InterTan for the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture have advantages of faster fracture healing,earlier weight-bearing time and fewer postoperative complications than traditional PFNA,but three operations could achieve higher effective rates without significant difference in long-term results.

Comparison of Fusion Rates/Complications Between Different Types of Thumb Metacarpophalangeal Fusion Techniques.

Thumb metacarpophalangeal (MP) fusion is generally successful; however, complications have been reported to occur in 0% to 30% of cases, whereas nonunion rates vary by method but, overall, are reported to occur in 0% to 15% of cases. Many fixation techniques have been described, but there is no consensus on the optimal fusion technique. Our goal was to compare complication and union rates of different thumb MP arthrodesis techniques. We performed a retrospective review of patients who underwent primary thumb MP fusion between 2000 and 2022. Patients who underwent revision fusion, fusion for infection, or amputation were excluded. Fusions of MP joints of other fingers were also excluded. Data collection consisted of demographic data, complications, time to fusion, rate of delayed union and rate of nonunion. Five different fusion constructs were evaluated during our study period: staples, Kirschner wires (K-wires), cerclage, K-wires with cerclage, and intramedullary screw. Forty-seven patients underwent fusion with staples, 16 with K-wires, 14 with cerclage, 9 with K-wires and cerclage, and 6 with an intramedullary screw. The individual complication and nonunion rates differed significantly among the groups with the intramedullary screw group having a statistically higher rate of nonunion (P = .004). Furthermore, smoking, diabetes, and being overweight were associated with nonunions. Union rates were significantly lower in patients treated with an intramedullary screw and those who are smokers, diabetics, and/or overweight. Caution should be exercised when using intramedullary screw fixation for MP fusion, especially in patients with these comorbidities.

Clinical effect analysis of different treatment schemes for children with ulnar and radial double fractures.

The objective of the study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of three different treatment methods for pediatric ulnar and radial double fractures. 120 children with ulnar and radial double fractures were included in the study. According to the different treatment plans, children were divided into three groups: manual reduction, splint external fixation, double elastic intramedullary fixation, and double plate fixation. Surgical indicators, radiological results, clinical efficacy, and complications were evaluated and compared among the groups. The average hospital stay and operation time were significantly longer in the double plate internal fixation group compared to the other two groups. The double elastic intramedullary nailing group showed a higher fracture healing rate at 3 months compared to the other groups. There were no significant differences in clinical efficacy among the three groups. Complications were observed in all groups but did not show significant statistical differences. Double elastic intramedullary nailing fixation demonstrated favorable outcomes in terms of surgical indicators and fracture healing rates for pediatric ulnar and radial double fractures.

A prospective study on treatment of Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures with interlocking intramedullary nail fixation system

To explore the effectiveness of interlocking intramedullary nail fixation system for Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures by comparing with open surgery. Forty patients (40 feet) with Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures, who were admitted between May 2020 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria, were included in the study. They were randomly allocated into control group and minimally invasive group using a random number table method, with 20 cases in each group. The patients were treated with the interlocking intramedullary nail fixation system in the minimally invasive group and with steel plate internal fixation via a lateral L-shaped incision in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in terms of gender, age, fracture classification and side, cause of injury, time from injury to admission, and preoperative width, length, height, Böhler angle, and Gissane angle of the calcaneus. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, fracture healing time, incidence of complications, as well as pre- and post-operative imaging indicators (Böhler angle, Gissane angle, width, height, and length of the calcaneus) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of foot were recorded and compared between the two groups. The incision length, operation time, and hospital stay of the minimally invasive group were significantly shorter than those of the control group, and the intraoperative blood loss significantly reduced ( P<0.05). All patients of the two groups were followed up, with the follow-up time of 8-12 months (mean, 10.2 months) in the minimally invasive group and 8-12 months (mean, 10.4 months) in the control group. No complication occurred in the minimally invasive group after operation. One case of incision epidermal necrosis and 1 case of traumatic arthritis occurred in the control group after operation. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the AOFAS score was significantly higher in the minimally invasive group than in the control group ( P<0.05). Imaging examination showed that the calcaneal fractures of the two groups healed, and there was no significant difference in healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with preoperative conditions, the Böhler angle and Gissane angle of the calcaneus in the two groups significantly increased, the width narrowed, and the height and length increased at 3 days after operation and the last follow-up, with significant differences ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 3 days after operation and last follow-up ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point ( P>0.05). The interlocking intramedullary nail fixation system in treatment of Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures has the advantages of minimal trauma, shortened hospital stay, reliable fracture reduction and fixation, and satisfactory foot function recovery.