Intramedullary Nailing Of Tibia Research Articles

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.

Intramedullary nailing of coated and uncoated nails in infected tibial pseudarthrosis : Results of aretrospective examination of 56patients

In surgery for sepsis it is a well-established principle that no internal osteosynthetic material should be implanted in cases of chronic osteomyelitis. Therefore, the surgical treatment with intramedullary nails is so far used only rarely in cases of chronic osteomyelitis. This study analyzed whether the implantation of tibial intramedullary nails is an effective treatment for chronic osteomyelitis and how high is the rate of reinfection. A retrospective analysis of patients with an infected pseudarthrosis of the tibia in whom agentamycin-coated nail (ETN) or an uncoated tibial intramedullary nail (UCN) was implanted between December 2011 and December 2019 was carried out. The preoperative, perioperative and postoperative results were evaluated. During the study period 29 patients received a UCN and 27 patients received an ETN. Of the patients 95% (n = 53) had been previously unsuccessfully treated with external fixation. Postoperative complications occurred in 45% of the patients and more often in the ETN group (48% vs.41%). Reexacerbation of the infection occurred in 20 patients and more frequently in the UCN group (38% vs. 33%). The nonunion already showed abony consolidation at the time of the exacerbation in 10patients (50%). At the end of the follow-up aconsolidation was present in 48patients (86%), more frequently in the UCN group (90% vs.78%). Of the patients 50 (89%) reached full weight bearing without any differences between the groups. Despite arelatively high arate of postoperative complications the risk of reinfection was acceptable with good functional and radiological results. The main general advantages of nailing are without doubt the high primary stability, the implantation with preservation of the soft tissue and the improved wearing comfort for patients.

Nonunion of the distal one-fourth of the tibia treated by retrograde tibial intramedullary nail.

To evaluate the effectiveness of retrograde tibial intramedullary nail (RTN) in addressing nonunion in the distal one-fourth of the tibia. This retrospective study included consecutive patients who were treated with RTN for nonunion in the distal one-fourth of the tibia between December 2020 and August 2023. Data regarding age, sex, injury mechanism, fracture type, initial fixation method, nonunion duration and type, risk factors, surgical duration, hospital stay, time to bone union, ankle function at final follow-up, and any complications were extracted from hospital records and analysed. Five patients in total were included, with previous treatments comprising locking plates and/or external fixation. The mean duration of RTN surgery was 94.0 ± 13.7 min, and mean duration of hospital stay was 9.8 ± 1.9 days. Patients were monitored for 10-18 months post RTN, achieving complete bone healing within a mean of 4.8 months. At the latest follow-up, the mean American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 84.4 ± 6.8 (range, 77-95). No complications, such as infection, reoperation, implant issues, rotational deformity, or shortening were reported. RTN emerges as a dependable, minimally invasive, and safe treatment modality for managing nonunion in the distal one-fourth of the tibia.

Reconstruction of bone defects around the ankle with retrograde gentamicin-coated tibial intramedullary nail (ETN PROtect™) for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis: a case series.

The objective of this study was to describe the use of retrograde gentamicin-coated tibial intramedullary nail (ETN PROtect™) in patients with tibial defects who required a tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTC). Consecutive series case review of seven men treated with TTC using retrograde PROtect™ between January 2018 and December 2023. The main outcomes evaluated were fracture union, complications, and the health-related quality of life using the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L). The mean age was 45.3 8.0years. Six patients had a clinical history of chronic osteomyelitis, and one case underwent TTC for congenital pseudoarthrosis. Fracture union was achieved in 5 of 7 patients between 4 and 11months after surgery. Three patients developed complications; two patients had fistulas, and one had persistent pain. At the end of the follow-up, a median of 70 points (interquartile range: 60 to 90) on the EQ-5D-3L was reported. No complications directly attributed to the use of the PROtect™ were reported. TTC with retrograde PROtect™ is a prophylactic treatment option in patients with tibial defects treated with external fixation requiring a tibiotalar and subtalar arthrodesis. This novel use of PROtect™ allows simultaneous fixation of the tibiotalocalcaneal joint and protection of the regenerated bone, facilitating earlier rehabilitation in patients at high risk for postoperative infections.

Preoperative CT Scans Prior to Distal Tibial Intramedullary Nailing Do not Change Treatment Decisions or Surgical Outcomes.

Distal tibia shaft fractures have a high association with posterior malleolar fractures (PMFs); hence, a preoperative ankle CT scan is commonly obtained. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a CT scan for distal third tibia shaft fractures is associated with differences in recognition of a posterior malleolus fracture (PMF), treatment of an identified PMF, outcomes, and postoperative complications. We retrospectively reviewed cases of adult patients with distal third tibia shaft fractures treated with an intramedullary nail between 2018 and 2020. Patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether they received a preoperative ankle CT scan. Outcomes included surgical time, the rate of missed PMFs or postoperative PMF displacement, the treatment of the PMFs, postoperative weight-bearing restrictions, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 (PROMIS Global-10) scores, and unplanned revision surgeries. 124 patients (age 45 ± 18 years; 39.5% female) with distal third tibia shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing and with minimum 6 months of follow-up were reviewed. 26 patients received preoperative CT scans, and 98 patients did not have CT scans. The rate of detected PMF was 69.2% (N = 18) in patients with CT and 55.1% (N = 54) in patients without CT (P = 0.19). No significant differences were observed in all outcomes between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). 3 PMFs not visible on radiographs were identified on CT, and they did not require fixation and did not displace. PMFs that were greater than one-third of the joint surface were more likely to have a preoperative CT (P < 0.01). Preoperative CT scans for distal third tibia shaft fractures may be useful in characterizing large PMFs; however, this knowledge does not translate into shorter surgical time, increased fixation rates, decreased unplanned revision surgery, or improved patient-reported outcomes. Discovery of PMFs did not always lead to fixation, and PMFs without fixation did not become further displaced.

Retrospectİve Comparison Of Talon Or Conventional Locking Nailing For Tibial Shaft Fractures

Objective: Tibial shaft fractures are common orthopedic injuries that present challenges in treatment selection. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to compare the clinical outcomes of tibial shaft fractures treated with Talon and conventional locking nails. Methods: Ninety-four patients who underwent tibial intramedullary nailing between 2019-2021 were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups based on the type of distal locking used: Group 1 received conventional screw locking, and Group 2 received Talon locking. Patient age, gender, trauma mechanism, fracture type, and surgery data were analyzed. The complications and bone union processes during follow-up were evaluated and compared between the two nail designs. Results: The age and gender of the patients included in the study were statistically similar in both groups. Furthermore, the Talon group demonstrated significantly shorter union times (p &lt; 0.001*). According to the OTA classification, there was a preference for screw-locking systems in more complex fractures (p = 0.017). Conclusion: The results of this retrospective study suggest that Talon locking nails may offer advantages over conventional screw locking, especially in younger patients, resulting in earlier bone union. Further research is needed to investigate Talon nails' biomechanical stability and suitability for specific fracture types.

Superior accuracy in knee double level osteotomy using a novel hybrid fixation technique compared to conventional double plating.

This study aimed to compare two different double-level knee osteotomy (DLO) fixation techniques. The primary outcome reported the radiological coronal plane correction and its accuracy. The secondary outcomes reported the correction outliers, the clinical outcomes, the 5-year postoperative satisfaction and the complications. A retrospective review of a single surgeon osteotomy database identified 52 cases of DLO between 2011 and 2019, of which 24 cases met the inclusion criteria. Patients were categorised into two groups: the nail-plate (NP) group fixed with a magnetic extendable intramedullary tibial nail and femoral conventional plate, and the double-plate (DP) group fixed with conventional plates (tibia and femur). Radiographic parameters were recorded, including the mechanical femorotibial angle (mFTA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), mechanical lateral distal femoral angle (mLDFA), joint line convergence angle (JLCA) and weight-bearing line ratio (Mikulicz %). Surgical accuracy was calculated as the difference between the achieved and the planned correction. Outliers were defined as those with a greater than 10% difference from the planned correction. Simple knee value scores and visual analogue scale for pain were recorded preoperatively and postoperatively at 2 and 5 years. Five-year patient satisfaction was recorded. A total of 24 patients were included: the NP group (n = 12) and the DP group (n = 12). Significant coronal plane corrections were achieved in the NP group for the mean mFTA (preoperative 167.9° ± 3.4° to postoperative 182.1° ± 1.4°), the mean MPTA (preoperative 83.5° ± 2.9° to postoperative 91.3° ± 2.8°) and the mean mLDFA (preoperative 89.8° ± 3.4° to postoperative 85.9° ± 4.4°). Similarly, significant coronal plane corrections were achieved in the DP group for the mean mFTA (preoperative 168.6° ± 4.4° to postoperative 182.2° ± 2°), the mean MPTA (preoperative 84.2° ± 2° to postoperative 88.3° ± 4.1°) and the mean mLDFA (preoperative 90.7° ± 2.9° to postoperative 83.9° ± 1.7°) (all p < 0.05). The mean correction accuracy was higher for the NP versus DP group at 3.4 ± 3.4% versus 7.1 ± 3.9% (intergroup p < 0.05). There were no outliers in the NP group versus two outliers (overcorrected) (16.7%) in the DP group. Significant clinical improvement was reported in both groups at 2 and 5 years postoperatively (all p < 0.05). Superior correction accuracy and no outliers were achieved in hybrid fixation double-level knee osteotomy compared to the conventional double-plating technique. The magnetic extendable nail offers the advantage of fine-tuning the correction postoperatively and could be a potential research template for future designs of postoperative correction implants. Level III, retrospective cohort study.

Comparison of effectiveness of tibial intramedullary nailing fixation via suprapatellar approach and medial parapatellar approach in treatment of multiple tibial fractures

To compare the effectiveness of intramedullary nailing fixation via suprapatellar approach and medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures. The clinical data of 43 patients with multiple tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nailing fixation between July 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 23 patients treated with suprapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group A) and 20 patients with medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared. The VAS score and ROM of the knee joint were analyzed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, and the incidence of postoperative complications was observed; knee function was evaluated by Lysholm score at last follow-up. The operations were successfully completed in both groups, and there was no complication such as nerve and blood vessel injury during operation, and all incisions healed by first intention. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency between the two groups ( P>0.05), but the incision length in group B was significantly longer than that in group A ( P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-30 months, with an average of 21.1 months. The VAS score decreased and ROM increased gradually in both groups with time after operation, showing significant differences between different time points ( P<0.05). The VAS score of group B was significantly lower than that of group A at 4 and 8 weeks after operation ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS score and ROM between the two groups at other time points ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no complication such as internal fixator loosening, breakage, and loss of fracture reduction. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score in group B was significantly better than that in group A ( P<0.05). Both the suprapatellar approach and the medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position can achieve satisfactory results in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures. The medial parapatellar approach has lower symptoms of early knee pain and better long-term function.

Circular frame versus reamed intramedullary tibial nail in the treatment of grade III open tibial diaphyseal fractures.

Grade III open tibial diaphyseal fractures are challenging to treat and controversy exists on whether to treat them with an intramedullary nail (IMN) or a circular frame (CF). This study aims to compare outcomes for intramedullary nail and circular frame in the treatment of open tibial diaphyseal fractures. Retrospective study at a major trauma center of all patients admitted with a grade III open tibial diaphyseal fracture between January 2016 and January 2022. The primary outcome measures were major complications: non-union, malunion, refracture, DBI and amputation. Secondary outcome measures were time to union and reoperation rates. Fifty-five patients were included in the study, 32 patients in CF group and 23 patients in IMN group. There were no significant differences in the baseline demographics of patients in both groups. Major complications were recorded in 13 limbs (54%) in IMN group and in 18 limbs (56%) in CF group which were not statistically significant (p = 0.797). Deep bone infection rates were noted in 4 (12.5%) in the CF group, compared to 1 (4%) in IMN group; however, the result was not statistically significant (p = 0.240). Amputation rates as a result of infected non-unions were seen in 1 limb (4%) in IMN group and 2 limbs (6%) in CF group (p = 0.99). Median time to union was significantly shorter in IMN group at 30weeks compared to 30weeks for CF group (p = 0.04). IMN should be the treatment of choice in the treatment of grade III open tibial diaphyseal fracture, but CF should be considered for delayed treatment and in patients with bone loss.

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.

Infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve lesion following tibial nailing: it is possible to avoid it?

Iatrogenic injury to the infrapatellar branches of saphenous nerve is a common complication following tibial nailing. This lesion seems to be directly related to the surgical approach adopted for nail insertion. The aim of the present study was to systematically review the current literature in order to assess the eventual superiority of one surgical approach for tibial nailing over the others in limiting the neurological impairment related to infrapatellar branch injury. The available literature was systematically screened searching papers dealing with iatrogenic injury to the infrapatellar branch of saphenous nerve after intramedullary tibial nailing. The terms "Saphenous" and "Infrapatellar branch" were used in combination with "intramedullary nailing" and "tibial fractures", supplying no limits regarding the publication year. Only publications in English were considered. Case reports, technical notes, instructional course, literature reviews, biomechanical and/ or in vitro studies were all excluded. Coleman methodological score was performed in all the retained articles. Four articles matched the inclusion criteria. There were one original article and three retrospective study. Hypoesthesia and a larger extension of the area of sensory-loss were more frequently observed after vertical incision approach in three out of four articles. A trend towards a lower rate of iatrogenic nerve damage using a transverse incision was found in the remaining one, without any statistical significance. In order to avoid infrapatellar nerve lesion, horizontal or oblique incisions or percutaneous approaches should be favored, although in some cases a longitudinal incision is required. Limited-extension incisions could minimize the risk and the incidence of this complication.

Intramedullary tibial nailing: percutaneous suprapatellar approach with the knee in semi-extended position and the EstreMO nail. The Italian contribution

Intramedullary tibial nailing: percutaneous suprapatellar approach with the knee in semi-extended position and the EstreMO nail. The Italian contribution

Proximal Tibia Fracture Through Suture Augmentation Sites Following ACL/MCL Repairs: A Case Report.

A 35-year-old man sustained a proximal tibia fracture from a low-energy mechanism 1 year after anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament repairs with suture augmentation (SA). The fracture propagated through both tibial SA anchor sites. Following intramedullary tibial nailing, he returned to his prior level of function. While complications of SA for ligamentous procedures are rare, these techniques are being implemented more frequently and the full complication profile is yet to be determined. Our report documents a new complication and potential risk factors that surgeons should consider when performing SA for multiligament knee surgery in active individuals.

Suprapatellar tibial nailing: intraoperative arthroscopic evaluation and results at a minimum of 12 months follow-up.

To arthroscopically evaluate the intra-articular structures before and after placement of an intramedullary tibial nail using the suprapatellar approach and to assess the 1-year results. All patients with a tibial fracture that underwent intramedullary tibial nailing using the suprapatellar approach with a minimal follow-up of 12 months were included. Diagnostic intraoperative knee arthroscopy was performed before and immediately after insertion of the IMN. A radiological and clinical evaluation and VAS score of the patients was collected postoperatively. In total, 36 patients were included. The mean follow-up period was 14.9 ± 4.9 months. The mean age of the patients was 45.5 ± 18.8 years. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score at 12 months was 1.0 ± 1.5. The complication rate was 19.4% and the reoperation rate was 16.7%. Union of the fractures was achieved in 33 patients (91.6%) after primary surgery after a mean of 6.1 ± 1.8 months. A change in the patellofemoral cartilage after insertion of the nail was seen in 1 patient. The suprapatellar procedure for tibia fractures resulted in excellent VAS scores and union rates at 1-year follow up, with a complication of articular damage to the PF joint in 2.8%.

Imaging risk factors for predicting postoperative complications of intramedullary nailing for tibial fracture

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to analyze the ratio of fracture site diameter to tibial isthmus diameter (TFI ratio) as a predictor of postoperative complications, including malunion and delayed union, after tibial intramedullary nailing for middle and lower tibial fractures.MethodsData were collected from all adult patients older than 20 years of age who underwent tibial intramedullary nailing for middle and lower tibial fractures between January 2015 and January 2023 and were followed up for at least 1 year. Diabetes history, smoking history, fracture type, injury mechanism, surgical method, surgical approach, diameter of the medullary cavity at the fracture site, and diameter of the tibial isthmus were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the variables affecting the occurrence of complications. The TFI ratio was used to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the parameters, and ROC curves were generated to establish TFI ratio thresholds for predicting complications.ResultsA total of 123 patients with middle and lower tibial fractures were treated with intramedullary nails. The mean age of the patients was 43.72 years (range, 21–81 years); 89 were males, and 34 were females. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that fracture type, open reduction surgery, superior patellar approach, and TFI ratio were significantly correlated with postoperative complications after intramedullary nailing of a tibial fracture. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the TFI ratio was an independent risk factor for complications (P = 0.001*). By using the TFI ratio as a predictor of complications, an ROC curve was generated to establish a threshold. The ROC curve showed that a TFI ratio ≥ 1.31 had a sensitivity of 0.89, a specificity of 0.71, and an area under the ROC curve of 0.82 for predicting complications.ConclusionsThe results of this study suggest that a wider intramedullary diameter and a shorter fixed length at the fracture site are associated with a higher incidence of complications after tibial intramedullary nailing. The TFI ratio may be used as a reliable parameter for predicting complications after such surgery. In patients with a high TFI ratio (≥ 1.31), additional reduction and fixation techniques may be needed to obtain and maintain fracture reduction.

Incidence and Risk Factors of Heterotopic Ossification in the Knee After Reamed Tibial Nailing.

Heterotopic ossification (HO) in the knee after tibial intramedullary nailing (IMN) has yet to be thoroughly investigated. Our aim was to assess frequency and associated factors for HO in the knee after tibial IMN. This is a retrospective review at a single level 1 urban trauma center of 213 patients who underwent reamed tibial IMN. Plain radiographs were reviewed postoperatively and on final follow-up (≥6 weeks). Chart review was performed for surgical approach (suprapatellar versus infrapatellar), demographics, injury characteristics, and clinical follow-up. The primary outcome was frequency of HO. HO on final follow-up (mean: 41.43 weeks) was recorded in 15% cases. Postsurgical retroinfrapatellar reaming debris (odds ratio [OR], 4.73), Injury Severity Score (OR, 1.05), intensive care unit admission (OR, 2.89), chest injury (OR, 3.4), and ipsilateral retrograde femoral IMN (OR, 5.08) showed a notable association with HO development. No association was observed in HO formation between surgical approach, knee pain, or range-of-motion deficits. Radiographic evidence of HO in the knee after reamed tibial IMN is not uncommon and is associated with retained reaming debris, Injury Severity Score, chest injury, intensive care unit admission, and ipsilateral retrograde femoral nailing. No differences were noted in HO formation between approaches. HO was not associated with knee pain or range-of-motion deficits.

Orthopaedic Surgery in the Metaverse: Current Data on Virtual-Reality Based Training

BACKGROUND: Immersive, realistic, and low-risk training has long been ideal for skill-based disciplines such as surgery. Recent advances in virtual reality technology have led to development of surgical training software with the goal to provide experience without risk. The aim of this review is to summarize the current data for virtual reality-based orthopaedic surgery training to evaluate how beneficial the technology may become in educational circumstances. METHODS: A literature review was completed analyzing eight randomized controlled trials completed between 2019 to 2022 to evaluate the effect of virtual reality on orthopaedic surgery education for medical students and residents. Each trial included groups of learners that were trained on a specific procedure with standard methods (“control”) or virtual reality software (“VR group”). Subjects were then evaluated on completion of procedures with real-life models. Procedures included total hip arthroplasty (n=2), tibial intramedullary nail (n=2), slipped capital femoral epiphysis pinning (n=2), and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (n=2). The primary metrics assessed were time to complete procedure and objective assessment scores. Secondarily survey results were evaluated regarding subjects’ perceived utility of virtual reality in orthopaedic surgery training. RESULTS: 168 subjects (medical students n=68, residents n=100) were included across the 8 different trials. All trials included at least one objective assessment and it was found that overall, the VR group performed 19.9% better than control group on average (19.875 ± 18.324, 95% CI). Seven of the trials reported time to complete procedure, in which it was found that overall VR group completed the procedures 12% faster than control group on average (12 ± 10.988, 95% CI). Subjective measures showed that over 70% of subjects found the VR learning to be at least “helpful” or “useful”. CONCLUSION: Early studies of the emerging field of virtual reality in surgical training are promising. When looking at objective measures and time to complete procedures, VR trained learners perform as well, if not better, than standard method learners. Inclusion of virtual reality-based practice in medical school curricula and residency training may lead to less surgical errors, increased knowledge of procedures, and more efficient learning in real-life scenarios. This potential impact extends beyond well-resourced institutions, as VR technology can provide a cost-effective and accessible alternative for surgical training in low-income and low-resource areas of the world, democratizing access to high-quality medical education. Continued research on translation into clinical practice is warranted, with the potential to bridge educational disparities and improve surgical outcomes on a global scale.

Outcome Following Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Diaphyseal Fractures: Suprapatellar Nail Insertion Results in Superior Radiographic Parameters But No Difference in Mid-Term Function.

The primary aim of this study was to compare the radiographic parameters (nail insertion-point accuracy [NIPA] and fracture malalignment) of patients who had undergone tibial intramedullary nailing via the suprapatellar (SP) and infrapatellar (IP) approaches. The secondary aims were to compare clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between these approaches. All adult patients with an acute tibial diaphyseal fracture who underwent intramedullary nailing at a single level-I trauma center over a 4-year period (2017 to 2020) were retrospectively identified. The nailing approach (SP or IP) was at the treating surgeon's discretion. Intraoperative and immediate postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess NIPA (mean distance from the optimal insertion point) and malalignment (≥5°). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to evaluate the rates of malunion, nonunion, and other postoperative complications. The Oxford and Lysholm Knee Scores (OKS and LKS) and patient satisfaction (0 = completely dissatisfied, 100 = completely satisfied) were obtained via a postal survey at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively. The cohort consisted of 219 consecutive patients (mean age, 48 years [range, 16 to 90 years], 51% [112] male). There were 61 patients (27.9%) in the SP group and 158 (72.1%) in the IP group. The groups did not differ in baseline demographic or injury-related variables. SP nailing was associated with superior coronal NIPA (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] for IP versus SP, 1.17 to 3.60 mm) and sagittal NIPA (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.97 mm) and with a reduced rate of malalignment (3% [2 of 61] versus 11% [18 of 158] for IP; p = 0.030). PROs were available for 118 of 211 patients (56%; 32 of 58 in the SP group and 86 of 153 in the IP group) at a mean of 3 years (range, 1.2 to 6.5 years). There was no difference between the SP and IP groups in mean OKS (36.5 versus 39.6; p = 0.246), LKS (71.2 versus 73.5; p = 0.696), or satisfaction scores (81.4 versus 79.9; p = 0.725). Compared with IP nailing, SP nailing of tibial shaft fractures was associated with superior NIPA and a reduced rate of intraoperative malalignment but not of malunion at healing. However, the superior NIPA may not be clinically important. Furthermore, there were no differences in PROs at mid-term follow-up. Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Is there a trend towards semi-extended knee positioning during intramedullary tibial nailing in Latin America? A survey among 990 orthopaedic surgeons

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the Latin American orthopaedic trauma surgeons preference regarding knee positioning and entry portals for IM nailing and identify the reasons of these preferences. MethodsUsing the AO Trauma database, 22.285 surveys were distributed by email to Latin American orthopaedic surgeons. Demographic data and practice patterns, especially regarding knee positioning and approach for tibial nailing, were then evaluated and statistically treated. Resultsamongst one thousand five hundred fourteen responses, 990 orthopaedic surgeons (4.4% of response rate) fully responded to the survey. Transpatellar tendon approach (613 / 61.9%,) with the knee in flexion (518 / 52.3%) on a radiolucent table remains the standard practice for intramedullary tibial nailing. Even for proximal and distal tibial nailing, the transpatellar tendon approach (455 / 46%) with the knee in flexion (562 / 56.8%) hold on the most used method. Only 55 (9.36%) orthopaedic surgeons reported that they have migrated to the supra-patellar tibial nailing in the recent years. The main reasons for a low rate of migration were lack of knowledge about the technique and unavailability of specific gigs and cartilage protectors for a safe suprapatellar nailing. ConclusionEven with the potential benefits of the semi-extended knee positioning for tibial nailing, the Latin American orthopaedic community remains using the transpatellar tendon approach with the knee in flexion as the standard technique. Lack of surgical training for suprapatellar and parapatellar approaches with the knee in semi-extension, added by the unavailability of suprapatellar jigs and soft outer protection sleeves contribute to counter the trend towards the semi-extended techniques.

Retrograde tibial intramedullary nail versus minimally invasive locking plate for extra-articular distal tibial fractures: A comparative and retrospective study

BackgroundThe fractures of distal tibia represent common lower limb injuries, frequently accompanied by significant soft tissue damage. The optimal surgical approach for these fractures remains a considerable debate. This study was to perform a comparative analysis of retrograde intramedullary tibial nails (RTN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for extra-articular distal tibial fractures. Patients and methodsBetween December 2019 and December 2021, a retrospective review was conducted on 48 patients who sustained extra-articular distal tibial fractures. Patients underwent either RTN or MIPO procedures. Operative duration, intraoperative fluoroscopy exposure, time to union, duration until full weight-bearing, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and related complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. ResultsNo statistically differences were observed in operative duration, time to union, angulation of the distal tibial coronal plane, or AOFAS scores between RTN and MIPO groups. However, the RTN group had a higher average number of intraoperative fluoroscopy images (8.2 ± 2.3) compared to the MIPO group (4.1 ± 2.0). The RTN group demonstrated shorter average hospital stays (7.1 ± 1.4 days) and a quicker return to full weight-bearing (9.9 ± 1.3 weeks), which were significantly superior to the MIPO group (9.0 ± 2.0 days and 11.5 ± 1.5 weeks, respectively). In terms of complications, the RTN group had one case of superficial infection, whereas the MIPO group exhibited two cases of delayed union and nonunion, one instance of implant failure, two occurrences of deep infection, and an additional three cases of superficial infection. The complications rate was remarkably higher in the MIPO group. ConclusionBoth RTN and MIPO are effective treatment options for extra-articular distal tibial fractures. However, RTN may offer superior outcomes in terms of reduced hospital stay duration, faster return to full weight-bearing capacity, and a lower rate of complications.