Lower Rates Of Nonunion Research Articles

Radiographic Outcomes of Isolated Subtalar Joint Arthrodesis With Varying Fixation Technique

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2> Subtalar joint (STJ) arthrodesis is a well-established and accepted surgical procedure utilized for the treatment of various hindfoot conditions including primary or posttraumatic subtalar osteoarthritis, hindfoot valgus deformity, hindfoot varus deformity, complex acute calcaneal fracture, symptomatic residual congenital deformity, tarsal coalition, and other conditions causing pain and deformity about the hindfoot. Union rates associated with isolated subtalar joint arthrodesis are generally thought to be favorable, though reports have varied significantly, with non-union rates ranging from 0 to 46%. Various fixation constructs have been recommended for STJ arthrodesis. The purpose of this study was to compare radiographic union in a 2-screw fixation technique to a 3-screw fixation technique for patients undergoing primary isolated STJ arthrodesis. To this end, we retrospectively reviewed 54 patients; 26 in the 2-screw group and 28 in the 3-screw group. We found the median time to radiographic union to be 9 weeks for the 2-screw cohort and 7 weeks for the 3-screw cohort. Additionally, we found that the 2-screw fixation cohort had a radiographic non-union rate of 26.9% while the 3-screw cohort had no non-unions. We conclude that the use of a 3-screw construct for isolated STJ arthrodesis has a lower non-union rate and time to union when compared to the traditional 2-screw construct and should be considered as a fixation option for STJ arthrodesis.

Surgical enhancement of fracture healing - operative vs. nonoperative treatment.

Although the success story of surgical fracture treatment led to a tremendous improvement of treatment outcome for certain fractures such as femur or tibia shaft fractures, the overall benefit of surgical versus conservative treatment remains controversial for several types of fractures. For this sake, we carried out a narrative review of high-level of evidence studies comparing treatment outcomes in fractures with controversial debates on the value of surgical therapy in clavicle, proximal humerus, olecranon, ankle, calcaneus and Jones fractures. We identified eight studies (Level-I and -2) with functional and quality of life outcomes in these fractures. Only in Jones fractures of the fifth metatarsal bone, bone healing and functional outcomes were significantly better after surgical compared to conservative treatment. In terms of patient-related quality of life, surgical treatment was not found to be superior compared to conservative treatment in all the above-mentioned fractures. In many trials, lower nonunion rates after surgical treatment were offset by complications due to the surgical procedure. Nonunion after conservative treatment often seemed to have only limited impact on functional results. However, the comparability of studies was limited due to age-differences between patients. Therefore, we emphasize the need for further investigations to determine which patient-related factors favor a conservative treatment approach and for whom surgery is the best option.

Immediate Weight Bearing of Plated Both-Bone Forearm Fractures Using Eight Cortices Proximal and Distal to the Fracture in the Polytrauma Patient Is Safe.

Rehabilitation of trauma patients is facilitated by surgical stabilization permitting weight bearing (WB) of the fractured extremity. Both-bone forearm fracture (BBFx) plate osteosynthesis is an accepted technique with high union and low complication rates; yet, postoperative WB protocols have not been adequately investigated. There exists concern for increased complications in plated BBFx fractures for patients prescribed immediate WB. We hypothesized that immediate WB of surgically treated BBFxs results in acceptable rates of complications. Patients presenting to a Level-1 trauma center from 2007 to 2016 with a BBFx were identified retrospectively. Patients were skeletally mature, surgically treated with prescribed immediate WB protocol, and followed for 6 months or to fracture union. Collected data included demographics, fracture characteristics, associated injuries, and WB protocols for all extremities. Complications recorded included nonunion, hardware failure, and infection. Standard statistical comparisons were used to evaluate the risk of complication in polytrauma patients with modified lower extremity WB protocols (polytrauma group) and patients with no lower extremity WB restrictions (isolated group). Two hundred thirteen patients were included with 75 (35%) females and 138 (65%) males. Mean age was 40 years and mean follow-up was 46 weeks. There were 142 (67%) patients in the poly-trauma and 71 (33%) patients in the isolated groups. In the poly-trauma group 21 (10%) patients had bilateral lower extremity WB restrictions. There were 11 (6%) complications noted: 2 non-unions, 4 hardware failures, and 5 infections. Demographics did not vary between the two groups. There was no difference in complications in the isolated (5.7%) versus poly-trauma groups (5.0%) (P = 0.75). Immediate WB rehabilitation after BBFx plate osteosynthesis seems to be safe and associated with low nonunion and complication rates. Our results demonstrate that polytrauma patients using ambulatory aids for lower extremity injuries can immediately WB without increased risk compared with isolated BBFx patients.

Comparison of Isolated Screw to Plate and Screw Fixation for Tarsometatarsal Arthrodesis Including Clinical Outcome Predictors.

The common treatment for end-stage tarsometatarsal (TMT) arthritis is an arthrodesis of the affected joints. This study was performed to examine the clinical and radiographic outcome after TMT arthrodesis and to identify risk factors for postoperative complications. A total of 101 patients with tarsometatarsal arthritis of at least 2 joints were retrospectively examined. Data were acquired using clinical and radiographic examination, pedobarographic analysis, and standardized questionnaires, including the European Foot and Ankle Society Score, the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score, a pain numeric rating scale (NRS), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey, and the University of California at Los Angeles Activity (UCLA) Score. The fixation technique, any complications, and revision surgery were recorded. All scores improved significantly, except for the UCLA Score. The mean pain NRS score was significantly reduced from 7.7 preoperative to 3.0 postoperative (P < .05). The overall nonunion rate was 12.6%. Compared with 2 crossed-screw fixation, locking plate plus compression screw fixation was associated with a decreased nonunion rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.165, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.032-0.854; P = .017). A body mass index >27 was significantly associated with a higher nonunion rate and wound healing problems (OR 12.05, 95% CI 1.430-101.468; P = .006; OR 5.03, 95% CI 1.273-19.871; P = .013). The overall reoperation rate was 25.2%. TMT arthrodesis of the medial and central column resulted in significant improvement in foot function and pain. A major complication was nonunion. Locking plate plus compression screw fixation was associated with a lower nonunion rate. Level III, comparative series.

A Systematic Review of Radiolunate and Radioscapholunate Arthrodesis

PurposeThe aims of this systematic review were to examine the use of radiolunate (RL) or radioscapholunate (RSL) arthrodesis as surgical management for patients with advanced radiocarpal arthritis that failed conservative management and to assess postoperative outcomes.MethodsWe reviewed articles from PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science from inception through December 2019. We identified complete manuscripts written in English reporting on RL or RSL arthrodesis for treatment of wrist pathology that included the primary outcomes (pain or grip strength) and at least 2 secondary outcomes (range of motion, patient-reported outcomes, or nonunion). Data pooling was used to calculate weighted averages.ResultsWe identified 2,252 articles and selected 13 for inclusion. Across all studies, RSL arthrodesis was performed for 180 patients (49% female; 45 years old) and RL for 94 (87% female; 50 years old). Both procedures exhibited improvements in pain score and grip strength. Both cohorts demonstrated postoperative changes in flexion-extension arc, flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, supination, and pronation after data pooling. The nonunion rate for RSL was 15% versus 2% for RL, whereas the rate of progression to total wrist arthrodesis for RSL and RL was 4% and 0%, respectively.ConclusionsBoth RL and RSL arthrodesis can be successfully used to manage debilitating radiocarpal arthritis by affording patients with pain reduction. Each has its own benefits, in which RSL arthrodesis provides a total arc of motion within the functional demands of most activities of daily living, and RL arthrodesis has low rates of nonunion and progression to total wrist arthrodesis. Further research is needed to compare the 2 surgeries directly and prospectively in comparable patient groups.Type of study/level of evidenceTherapeutic III.

Which is superior in the treatment of AO Type 42A tibial shaft fracture? A comparison of talon intramedullary nailing and conventional locked intramedullary nailing.

This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of conventional locked intramedullary nailing (IMN) and talon IMN in AO Type 42A tibial fractures. A total of 93 patients with AO Type 42A fracture were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups: Those treated with conventional IMN (Group 1), and those treated with talon distal locked nailing (Group 2). The patients were statistically compared in terms of age, sex, mechanism of injury, follow-up time, time to union, smoking status, presence of open fracture, presence of concomitant fibula fracture, development of malunion and nonunion, and the number of intraoperative fluoros-copy shots captured. All patients were evaluated with American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Tegner Lysholm scores for clinical outcomes. A total of 93 patients (68 men and 35 women) participated in the study. Group 1 consisted of 35 (71.4%) men and 14 (28.6%) women, a total of 49 patients, while Group 2 consisted of 33 (75%) men and 11 (25%) women, a total of 44 patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, sex, mechanism of injury, follow-up times, smoking status, concomitant fibula fracture, presence of malunion, and presence of open fracture (p>0.05). However, there were significant differences between both groups in terms of time to union, nonunion rate, and the number of fluoroscopy shots captured (p<0.05). American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society and Tegner Lysholm score were analyzed and compared, no statistically differences were found (p=0.786 and p=0.764). Although talon IMN reduces radiation exposure, locked conventional IMN has lower nonunion rates and achieves union faster.

Intramedullary versus extramedullary fixation in the treatment of subtrochanteric femur fractures: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of intramedullary fixation with the extramedullary fixation in the surgical management of subtrochanteric fractures by analyzing relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and retrospective cohort studies (RCSs). The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang database, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) were searched from their inception till June 29, 2020. Two reviewers extracted the data, including operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy time, length of stay, union time, nonunion rate, infection rate, implant failure rate, reoperation rate, Harris hip score, and mortality rate. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa quality assessment scale were used to evaluate the methodological quality of RCTs and RCSs, respectively. Statistical heterogeneity was quantitatively evaluated with the I2 statistic. There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, average length of stay in hospital, infection rate, implant failure rate, Harris hip scores, and mortality rate. Intramedullary nail could achieve shorter union time (MD=-1.77, 95% CI -3.40~-0.14, p=0.03), lower nonunion rate (RR=0.36, 95%CI 0.14~0.97, p=0.04), and reoperation rate (RR=0.46, 95% CI 0.24~0.89, p=0.02) than extramedullary fixations. The subgroup analysis indicated that intramedullary nail was superior than extramedullary fixations in operation time, reoperation rate, and Harris hip scores in the ≥60-year subgroup. However, the intraoperative blood loss in intramedullary nail group was significantly higher than that of extramedullary fixation group in the <60-year subgroup. The results of this study have revealed that intramedullary fixation can confer shorter union time, lower nonunion, and reoperation rates compared with extramedullary fixations. Therefore, intramedullary fixation should be considered as the first selection for the treatment of patients with subtrochanteric fractures. Level II, Therapeutic study.

Systematic review on the outcomes of poller screw augmentation in intramedullary nailing of long bone fracture.

Various technical tips have been described on the placement of poller screws during intramedullary (IM) nailing; however studies reporting outcomes are limited. Overall there is no consistent conclusion about whether intramedullary nailing alone, or intramedullary nails augmented with poller screws is more advantageous.We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases. Seventy-five records were identified, of which 13 met our inclusion criteria. In a systematic review we asked: (1) What is the proportion of nonunions with poller screw usage? (2) What is the proportion of malalignment, infection and secondary surgical procedures with poller screw usage? The overall outcome proportion across the studies was computed using the inverse variance method for pooling.Thirteen studies with a total of 371 participants and 376 fractures were included. Mean follow-up time was 21.1 months. Mean age of included patients was 40.0 years. Seven studies had heterogenous populations of nonunions and acute fractures. Four studies included only acute fractures and two studies examined nonunions only.The results of the present systematic review show a low complication rate of IM nailing augmented with poller screws in terms of nonunion (4%, CI: 0.03–0.07), coronal plane malunion (5%, CI: 0.03–0.08), deep (5%, CI: 0.03–0.11) and superficial (6%, CI: 0.03–0.11) infections, and secondary procedures (8%, CI: 0.04–0.18).When compared with the existing literature our review suggests intramedullary nailing with poller screws has lower rates of nonunion and coronal malalignment when compared with nailing alone. Prospective randomized control trial is necessary to fully determine outcome benefits.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2020;5:189-203. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.5.190040

Outcome of tibial diaphyseal fracture fixation with Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) nail

Introductions: Fractures of diaphyseal region of the tibial bone are amongst the most commonly seen extremity injuries in the developing countries. The surgical implant generation network (SIGN) intramedullary (IM) nail was designed for the treatment of long bone fractures in the developing nations. &#x0D; Methods: From March 2008 to December 2018, a total of 104 patients with 104 tibial diaphyseal fractures were treated with SIGN IM nail. The follow-up visits were arranged at 6, 12, 24 weeks and one-year post operatively. During follow-up visits, the signs of fracture union clinically as well as radiologically and the presence of complications any were recorded and analyzed. &#x0D; Results: The mean age of the patients was 32.81 (16 – 65) years, male 74 (71.2%) and female 30 (28.8%). Majority of the patients 70 (67.3%) had fractures after road traffic accidents. The mean time of surgery was 13.58 (1 – 463) days. Six (5.8%) patients had delayed union and no non-union was detected. We had 10 cases (9.6%) of mal-alignment but were on acceptable range. &#x0D; Conclusions: In the developing country like Nepal, the SIGN nail is an effective surgical implant for the management of the tibial diaphyseal fractures with good result of fracture union and low rates of nonunion, mal-alignment and manageable complications.

Intramedullary Nailing and Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Plate Osteosynthesis in Treatment of Displaced Clavicular Mid-shaft Fractures: A Prospective Study.

To compare the difference between MIPO and IMN methods in the treatment of displaced clavicular mid-shaft fractures. A total 163 patients were consecutively enrolled and randomly divided into the MIPO group or the IMN group. Clinical characteristics and outcomes including age, gender, causes of fractures, and AO/OTA type as well as hospitalization time, healing time, and postoperative complications were analyzed. Constant-Murley scores and DASH scores were used for assessment of shoulder joint and upper extremity function, respectively. In this study, 82 cases received MIPO and 81 cases received IMN. The mean operation time, mean bleeding volume, mean hospitalization time, and mean healing time showed no significant difference between the MIPO and IMN groups. At 3 months after surgery, Constant-Murley scores were significantly higher and DASH scores were significantly lower in the MIPO group than the IMN group. No significant difference was observed for both indexes at 6 months. The fracture nonunion rate was significantly lower in the MIPO group. No significant difference was found in other complications. Both methods were effective for the treatment of displaced clavicular mid-shaft fractures. However, the MIPO method might be better for recovery of shoulder and upper extremity function in the short term and might have a lower nonunion rate.

Exchange nailing versus augmentative plating in the treatment of femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nailing: a meta-analysis.

With advances in the treatment of femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nailing, the optimal option remains controversial. This study aimed to quantitatively investigate outcomes in a comparison of exchange nailing and augmentative plating for femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nailing.The EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane library and Clinical databases were systematically searched dating from their inception to March 2018. All retrospective controlled and prospective trials evaluating exchange nailing and augmentative plating for the treatment of femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nailing were identified. Two investigators extracted all related data independently and we used the review manager software to perform the meta-analysis.Three studies with a total of 232 patients were eligible for data extraction in our study. The meta-analysis indicated that the augmentative plating group had a lower nonunion rate, shorter time to union, less intra-operative blood loss, and shorter operative time than the exchange nailing group. While for the infection rate, there was no significant difference between augmentative plating and exchange nailing group.The available evidence has shown that augmentative plating is superior to exchange nailing for femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nailing.Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2019;4:513-518. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.4.180054

Prospective comparative study of functional outcome of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures treated by locking plating versus minimally invasive titanium elastic nail fixation

Introduction: The clavicle is the most commonly fractured bone, which accounts for 5–10% of all fractures. More than half of these fractures are displaced.Traditionally clavicle fractures are treated non-operatively. But recent studies show higher rates of nonunion upto 15% and unsatisfactory functional outcomes despite fracture union with conservative management. Operative management of these fractures had better outcomes and a lower rate of nonunion and symptomatic mal union when compared with non-operative treatment.Commonly either plating or nailing is done for middle third clavicle fractures. It is imperative to know the complications and outcomes with both these procedures.Aim: The aim of our study is comparative analysis of outcome of Displaced middle third clavicle fractures in patients treated with plate osteosynthesis and intramedullary tens nail.Materials and Methods: This is a comparative study undertaken in the department of Orthopaedics, Meenakshi Medical College and research institute, Enathur from01/ 09/2017 to 31/08/2018. Within the period of study, 40 patients with displaced middle third clavicle fractures were operated alternatively with Plating and nailing (titanium elastic nail). We had 20 patients who were operated with Locking plate (20 Precontoured Clavicle Plate) and 20 Patients who were operated with nailing (titanium elastic nail). Outcome measures Like Blood loss, operative time, wound size, union rate and union time and Complications like infection, Nonunion, implant irritation and shortening Were compared between the two groups. Functional outcome was based on Quick DASH score.Results: The mean blood loss in plating group was 89 ml and nailing Group was 35.5ml (p

Management of Midshaft Clavicle Fractures in Adults.

Fractures of the clavicle are common injuries that occur across all age groups but are most frequently seen in the young, active patient population. Among the different types of clavicle fractures, those occurring in the middle third of the clavicular shaft are the most common. Historically, most of these fractures were treated by closed means even when notable displacement was present. Recently, there has been a renewed interest in assessing the best treatment option for these patients. Although nonsurgical treatment is a reliable method for treating many of these fractures, more recent data suggest that fractures with notable displacement (>2 cm of shortening or >100% displacement) and/or comminution have better short-term outcomes and lower rates of nonunion with surgical management. Current surgical options include superior plating, anterior-inferior plating, dual plating, and intramedullary nail fixation.

Low risk of nonunion with lateral locked plating of distal femoral fractures—A retrospective study of 191 consecutive patients

IntroductionThe reported rate of nonunion of distal femoral fractures varies in the literature. Several risk factors for nonunion following lateral locked plating (LLP) have been described. We aimed to study the rate of nonunion, and risk factors thereof, in a Swedish population where fragility fractures are common. A secondary aim was to study risk factors for reoperation for any cause. Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the hospital files and radiographs of all adult patients admitted to our institution with a distal femoral fracture, from 2004 through 2013. In cases treated with LLP, medical comorbidities, fracture characteristics and implant characteristics were analysed as potential risk factors for nonunion, defined as any surgical intervention to improve healing. ResultsThere were 8 cases (4%, 95%CI: 1.8–8.1%) of nonunion in 191 fractures treated with LLP. Patients with nonunion were younger: 62 vs. 81 years (p = 0.009) and more commonly had open fractures: 38% vs. 9% (p = 0.034). No patient 80 years or older had a surgical intervention for nonunion. Lower age was independently associated with reoperation for any cause, but not for nonunion. DiscussionThe low rate of nonunion in this study is probably due to the fact that we present data from a complete cohort from a geographic catchment area. Referral centres with a high proportion of young patients with high-energy injuries, may be better suited for studies on risk factors for nonunion, due to higher statistical power. However, results from such institutions may not be generalizable to the more common low-energy fractures.

PRIMARY UNREAMED NAILING IN GRADE I, II AND IIIA OPEN FRACTURES OF THE TIBIA SHAFT: A PROSPECTIVE STUDY OF THE OUTCOMES IN 80 PATIENTS

Introduction. To evaluate the incidences of union, nonunion and infection in the treatment of open tibial shaft fractures of Gustilo–Anderson types I, and IIIA treated with primary unreamed solid intramedullary locked nail (UTN). Materials and Methods. It is a prospective study of 80 open tibial shaft fractures. According to the AO classification, 36 patients (44%) were of type A, 29 (36%) were of type B and 15 (18%) were of type C. According to the Gustilo–Anderson classification, 31 patients (38.7%) were of grade I, 24 (30%) were of grade II and 25 (31%) were of grade IIIA. For the definitive stabilization of the fracture was used a UTN. Results. Bone healing was achieved in 98.4% of the cases, with a mean time of 24.2 weeks, ranging from 14 weeks to 110 weeks. Union without infection was seen in 70 patients (87%) and nonunion was seen in five patients (6%). Deep infection was seen in three patients (3.7%) and malunion was seen in two patients (2.5%). Conclusion. The treatment of open tibial shaft fractures with unreamed solid intramedullary locked nail allows high rates of bone healing and low rates of nonunion and deep infection, and if the presence of infection is excluded, then the results of unreamed nailing and reamed nailing are the same.

Porous Titanium Wedges are an Alternative in Lateral Column Lengthening for Adult Acquired Flatfoot Deformity

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Lateral column lengthening (LCL) is a common procedure for reconstruction of stage II flexible adult acquired flatfoot deformity (AAFD). The recent development of porous titanium wedges for this procedure provides an alternative to allograft and autograft. The purpose of this study was to report radiographic and clinical outcomes achieved with porous titanium wedges in LCL. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 34 feet in 30 patients with AAFD that received porous titanium wedges for LCL from January 2011 – October 2014. Deformity correction was assessed using both radiographic and clinical parameters. Radiographic correction was assessed using the lateral talo-first metatarsal angle, the talonavicular uncoverage percentage, and the first metatarsocuneiform height. The hindfoot valgus angle was also obtained. Results: Patients were followed from a minimum of six months up to 48 months (mean 16.1 months). Patients underwent concomitant procedures including medial displacement calcaneal osteotomy (94.1%), flexor digitorum longus transfer (70.6%), posterior tibial tendon tenolysis (64.7%), gastrocnemius recession (20.6%), and cotton osteotomy (4.9%). Postoperative radiographs demonstrated significant correction in all three radiographic criteria as well as the hindfoot valgus angle compared to their preoperative measurements. There were no cases of nonunion, no wedge migration, no infections, and no patients required removal of hardware. The most common complication was calcaneocuboid joint pain (14.7%). Conclusion: AAFD is a problem with various treatment modalities. Porous titanium wedges in LCL can achieve good radiographic and clinical correction of AAFD with a low rate of nonunion and other complications.

Does candidate for plate fixation selection improve the functional outcome after midshaft clavicle fracture? A systematic review of 1348 patients.

The hypothesis of this study was that patient selection for midshaft clavicle fracture (open reduction internal fixation with plate versus conservative) would give better functional outcome than random treatment allocation. We performed a systematic literature search for primary studies providing functional score and non-union rate after conservative or surgical management of midshaft clavicle fractures. Six randomized controlled trial and 19 non-randomized controlled trial studies encompassing a total of 1348 patients were included. Patients treated with surgical management were found to have statistically superior Constant scores in non-randomized controlled trials than in randomized controlled trials (94.76 ± 6.4 versus 92.49 ± 6.2; p < 0.0001). For conservative treatment, randomized controlled trials were found to have significantly better functional outcome. The prevalence of non-union (6.1%) did not show significant statistical difference between non-randomized controlled trial and randomized controlled trial studies. The functional outcome after surgical management was significantly higher than after conservative management in both randomized controlled trial and non-randomized controlled trial groups. The non-union rate after surgery (1.1% for both non-randomized controlled trial and randomized controlled trial) was significantly lower than following conservative treatment (9.9% non-randomized controlled trial versus 15.1% randomized controlled trial). This review shows that patient selection for surgery may influence functional outcome after midshaft clavicle fracture. Our results also confirm that plate fixation provides better functional outcome and lower non-union rate.

Segmental Tibia Fractures: An Analysis of Complication and Healing Rates.

To determine the most commonly associated injuries, complications, and healing rates of patients sustaining segmental tibial shaft fractures. Retrospective review. Two Level I trauma centers. A total of 108 patients with segmental tibial shaft fractures were identified between 2005 and 2013. None. Demographics, injury characteristics, treatments, and complications. Categories were evaluated and analyzed based on frequency of occurrence. Time to union was assessed based on serial radiographs. A total of 108 patients met the inclusion criteria. All fractures were OTA/AO type 42C2. Seventy-three patients (68%) sustained open fractures. There were 34 patients (31%) who had compartment syndrome. The median Injury Severity Score was 27 (range 4-75). Ninety-five patients underwent reamed intramedullary nailing of the tibia, 4 underwent open reduction internal fixation, and 2 patients were definitively treated with external fixation. The median length of hospital stay was 11 days (range 3-48). Outcome data (time to union/delayed union/malunion) was available for 101 patients. The median time to union was 26 weeks (range 14-48). The delayed union rate was 40% (40/101) and the nonunion rate was 10% (10/101). Segmental tibial shaft fractures are often associated with severe polytrauma and are most often open fractures. Reamed intramedullary nailing after appropriate resuscitative and stabilization methods can result in excellent alignment and union in these fractures, with low nonunion and infection rates at 1 year. Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

One year after proximal or distal periprosthetic fracture of the femur -two conditions with divergent outcomes?

IntroductionArthroplasty of the hip and knee is 1 of the 20 most frequent operations in Germany. Periprosthetic fracture is one of the most feared complications following primary or revision arthroplasty. Present publication aims to analyse differences between patients with periprosthetic fracture around total knee arthroplasty (PFTKA) and patients with periprosthetic fracture around total hip arthroplasty (PFTHA) concerning demographics, clinical course, complications and return to pre-fracture mobility. MethodsProspective single-centre observation study of periprosthetic femoral fractures with stable implants. Present subgroup analysis includes patients with PFTKA and PFTHA. All patients were treated with polyaxial angular stable plates using two standardized techniques: a minimally invasive percutaneous distal insertion technique and a mini-open technique. Data collection included implant- and operation-related information as well as demographics, clinical course, complications and return to pre-fracture mobility. Data were collected during a 12-month follow-up. ResultsWe were able to analyse the data of 73 patients. The PFTKA group had 37 patients with a mean age of 76 ± 10 years; 88% were female. After 1 year, 3 patients in this cohort had died; 68% of survivors had reached their pre-fracture mobility; 22% had undergone operative revisions for various reasons. The PFTHA cohort included 36 patients with a mean age of 80 ± 13 years, 72% were female. After 1 year, 9 patients had died in this cohort, 42% of survivors had reached their pre-fracture mobility. Non-operative complications occurred for 16% in the PFTKA group and 64% in the PFTHA group (p < 0.001). 11% had undergone operative revisions for various reasons, among them, two cases of nonunion but no primary infection. ConclusionOn average, compared to the PFTHA patients, PFTKA patients were younger, underwent significantly lower rates of non-operative complications, had a tendency towards lower mortality, and returned to pre-fracture mobility at higher rates, although they tended to have more revisions when compared to treatment for PFTHA. Overall, when periprosthetic fractures of the femur were treated using polyaxial locking plate osteosynthesis, patients showed very low rates of nonunion and no primary infection.

Smoking and obesity influence the risk of nonunion in lateral opening wedge, closing wedge and torsional distal femoral osteotomies.

Lateral distal femoral osteotomies (DFO) have recently been performed more frequently. In addition to realignment for varus and valgus deformity, the indication was extended with the introduction of torsional osteotomies in patellofemoral instability. The purpose of this study was to assess the general and technical risk factors for nonunion in lateral opening, closing and torsional DFO. A total of 150 lateral DFO [98 opening wedge (LOWDFO) and 52 closing wedge (LCWDFO)] were analyzed in regard to potential risk factors for nonunion until plate removal. Nonunion was defined as failure of osseous consolidation according to clinical and radiological evaluation. In LOWDFO, the nonunion rate was 2%, in LCWDFO the rate was higher with 9.6%. Nicotine abuse (p = 0.009) and a higher body mass index (p = 0.003) were significant risk factors. Patient's age and gender, the wedge height, hinge fractures, monoplanar versus biplanar osteotomy as well as additional torsional osteotomies were not significant in regard of nonunion. Lateral DFO have a low rate of complications and nonunion. Smoking and obesity were significantly associated with the risk of nonunion. Hinge fractures, monoplanar technique or complete bone cuts of the opposite hinge in torsional osteotomies did not negatively influence the nonunion rate in DFO. Level IV.