Distal Metaphyseal Fractures Research Articles

Cast immobilization in bayonet position versus reduction and pin fixation of overriding distal metaphyseal radius fractures in children under ten years of age: a case control study.

PurposeCompletely displaced distal radius fractures in children have been traditionally reduced and immobilized with a cast or pin fixed. Cast immobilization leaving the fracture displaced in the bayonet position has been recently suggested as a non-invasive and effective treatment alternative. This is a pilot comparative study between reduction and no reduction.MethodsWe assessed subjective, functional and radiographic outcome after a minimum 2.5-year follow-up in 12 children under ten years of age who had sustained a completely displaced metaphyseal radius fracture, which had been immobilized leaving the fracture in an overriding position (shortening 3 mm to 9 mm). A total of 12 age-matched patients, whose similar fractures were reduced and pin fixed, were chosen for controls. ResultsAt follow-up none of the 24 patients had visible forearm deformity and the maximal angulation in radiographs was 5° Forearm and wrist movement was restored (< 10° of discrepancy) in all 24 patients. Grip strength ratio was normal in all but three surgically treated patients. All patients had returned to their previous activities. One operatively treated boy who was re-operated on reported of pain (visual analogue scale 2).ConclusionThe results of this study do not demonstrate the superiority of reduction and pin fixation over cast immobilization in the bayonet position of closed overriding distal metaphyseal radius fractures in children under ten years with normal neurovascular findings.Level of evidenceIII

FAST- Fixator Assisted Submuscular plating Technique-A simplified technique of submuscular plating in paediatric femur fractures.

The surgical management of paediatric femur fractures has evolved over the last few decades. Intramedullary stabilization with titanium elastic nail (TENS) is the preferred surgical management for length stable and mid diaphyseal femur fractures in children between 5-11 years of age. However, TENS is not preferred in length unstable fractures and in proximal or distal metaphyseal femur fractures due to higher incidence of angulation and shortening at fracture site. In such scenarios, submuscular plating has come up as an alternative surgical treatment modality which avoids these complications and provide good functional outcome. Many authors have suggested different surgical variations in techniques of submuscular plating for paediatric femur fracture. We have devised a technique of submuscular plating with help of external fixator (FAST) in paediatric femur fractures which minimises the surgical time and simplifies the procedure.

Does Simultaneous Fixation of Both Distal Radius and Distal Ulnar Fractures Improve Outcomes? A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Introduction: Distal metaphyseal ulnar fractures are often found in conjunction with distal radius fractures. However, there is no consensus on optimal management. The purpose of this study was to determine whether simultaneous fixation of both distal radius and distal ulnar fractures would improve outcomes. Materials and Methods: Patients treated for distal radial fractures over a 4-year period at our trauma center were identified, and their medical records were analyzed. Twenty-three patients met the inclusion criteria for this study. All radius fractures were fixed using a volar locking plate. Fourteen ulnar fractures were treated with surgical fixation, and nine were treated conservatively. Data were collected on patient demographics, mechanism of injury, whether it was a closed or open fracture, Gustilo classification, AO/OTA classification, immobilization period, follow-up period, and type of treatment. Physical findings comprising the active range of motion and grip strength and radiological findings, including the ulnar variance compared to the healthy side and bone union, were evaluated. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in the quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, but the arc of dorsi-palmar flexion was more restricted in the operative group than in the conservative group. Other results were not significantly different between the two groups. Discussion: Fixation of distal metaphyseal ulnar fractures can be challenging, and several studies have shown the validity of conservative treatments. This supports the view that if the distal radius fracture is anatomically and rigidly fixed, distal metaphyseal ulnar fractures can be successfully managed conservatively. Conclusion: Our results did not show any merit in the simultaneous fixation of both distal radius and distal ulnar fractures. Thus, needless surgery should be avoided.

Outcomes of intramedullary steinmann pin fixation for concurrent fibula fracture in comminuted tibia shaft or distal metaphyseal tibia fractures

Background: Fracture of the tibia shaft accounts for 17% of lower extremity fractures, with concurrent fibula fracture in about 78% of these cases. Intramedullary fixation for fibula fractures can restore fibula alignment and thus facilitate fracture reduction, especially in cases with comminuted shaft or distal metaphyseal tibia fractures. Methods: Patients who had internal fixation of comminuted tibia shaft or distal metaphyseal tibia fracture and a concurrent fibular fracture treated with intramedullary Steinman pin fixation were included in this study. Patients' demographic data and fracture patterns were analyzed retrospectively. Postoperative X-rays were used for fracture union evaluation and alignment analysis. Results: Nine males and one female were included in the present study. Tibia fractures were classified as four OTA42 and as six OTA43, including one type I, two type II, one type IIIA, and three type IIIB open fractures. Intramedullary nail and locking plate were used as definitive fixation in four and six cases, respectively. Complications required additional surgeries including wound debridement for one patient, bone graft for three patients, and revision surgery from a broken plate to an intramedullary nail for one patient. A total of 14 fibula fractures were identified in ten patients due to four segmental fractures. Eight were Weber type C, one was Weber type B, and five were midshaft fractures. The mean duration of fibula fracture healing according to radiographs was 6.9 months. Conclusions: This study suggests that intramedullary Steinmann pin fixation for concurrent fibula fracture is a critical procedure when dealing with comminuted shaft or distal metaphyseal tibia fractures.

Treatment of Distal Forearm Fractures in Children.

Distal forearm is the most common fracture location in the growing skeleton. The aim of this article is to describe the current practice of these fractures. Case series accompanied by experts' opinion. Most of these injuries are benign incomplete distal metaphyseal torus fractures best treated with a dorsal below elbow splint for 2-3 weeks with no follow-up. Completely displaced metaphyseal fractures in prepubertal children can be either immobilized in bayonet position after axial alignment or fixed with K-wires after reduction. Complete fractures of distal metaphysis in adolescents should heal in near anatomic alignment because remodeling is uncertain. We advocate reduction of most greenstick and complete fractures at the distal metaphyseal diaphyseal junction and radiographic follow-up to monitor fracture alignment. Physeal fractures in adolescents and intra-articular fractures in children of all ages should be anatomically reduced. We perform most of our osteosyntheses with K-wires.

Treatment of metaphysial distal radius fractures in children by Sauve Kapandji’s intrafocal reduction method and K-wiring- A retrospective analysis

Fractures of distal radius in metaphyseal region in paediatric age are one of most common orthopaedic injuries in the paediatric emergency department.1,2 The distal radius is considered as most common fracture site in the forearm fractures, accounting for 20–30%.3, 4 The presence of epiphysis, adjacent to the fracture, poses challenge in managing these fractures by conservative or operative means. There are concerns about the maintenance of reduction in conservative treatment, ability of the bone to completely remodel after malunion, especially fractures in children over the age of 10 years. In this study, the distal radius paediatric metaphyseal fractures, which were grossly displaced and/ or angulated were treated using Sauve Kapandji's reduction maneuver and were fixed with two parallel or cross smooth K wires. This mode of treatment gave satisfactory correction of fracture and maintainance of reduction till the union time. Grossly displaced fractures, children over 10 years, inadequately reduced fractures, the results found to be less than satisfactory. Sauve Kapandji's method of intra focal reduction gives excellent reduction, maintainance of reduction and also predictable and reproducible results in terms of function and cosmesis. Here we are retrospectively studying 20 consecutively treated patients of distal third metaphysial fractures of radius by using Sauve Kapandji’s method of intrafocal reduction and fixation with K wiring at Belagavi Institute of Medical Sciences between Jan 2017 to Dec 2017. Keywords: Distal radius, Metaphysial, Sauve-Kapandji’s method, Deformity.

Evaluation of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis of distal femoral fracture by mini-open technique with femoral distractor and traction table: a prospective review of 26 cases

&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; Different methods exist for fracture reduction and submuscular plating in distal femur intra-articular and metaphyseal extra-articular fractures. Apart from knee flexion, femoral distractor and traction table are commonly used for alignment of fractures in minimally invasive techniques.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; 26 distal femoral fractures (all closed fractures) were operated (14 cases in traction table, 12 cases in femoral distractor). Partial articular/unicondylar fractures were excluded from our study. Mean patient age was 42 years (range 18 to 60 years). Evaluation was done by knee society score (KSS).&lt;strong&gt;&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Mean time of radiological union was 23.2 weeks (range 20-28 weeks). 23 fractures united uneventfully, one patient had wound infection, and 2 cases had non-union with implant failure. Debridement in infected implant and re-fixation with long plate and bone grafting were done for fracture union in these two cases. According to KSS, excellent outcome were seen in 6 patients, 10 had good, 8 had fair and 2 had poor outcome.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; Distraction by traction table or femoral distractor helps us to reduce the fracture by overcoming the pull of gastrocnemius in 2 week old fracture correcting hyperextension/recurvatum deformity. This method can be used as viable alternative in minimally invasive plating causing less chance of infection preserving maximal joint movement.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt; &lt;/p&gt;

Plate vs. nail for extra-articular distal tibia fractures: How should we personalize surgical treatment? A meta-analysis of 1332 patients

BackgroundTreatment for distal diaphyseal or metaphyseal tibia fractures is challenging and the optimal surgical strategy remains a matter of debate. The purpose of this study was to compare plate fixation with nailing in terms of operation time, non-union, time-to-union, mal-union, infection, subsequent re-interventions and functional outcomes (quality of life scores, knee- and ankle scores). MethodsA search was performed in PubMed/Embase/CINAHL/CENTRAL for all study designs comparing plate fixation with intramedullary nailing (IMN). Data were pooled using RevMan and presented as odds ratios (OR), risk difference (RD), weighted mean difference (WMD) or weighted standardized mean difference (WSMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). All analyzes were stratified for study design. ResultsA total of 15 studies with 1332 patients were analyzed, including ten RCTs (n = 873) and five observational studies (n = 459). IMN leads to a shorter time-to-union (WMD: 0.4 months, 95%CI 0.1 – 0.7), shorter time-to-full-weightbearing (WMD: 0.6 months, 95%CI 0.4 – 0.8) and shorter operation duration (WMD: 15.5 min, 95%CI 9.3 – 21.7). Plating leads to a lower risk for mal-union (RD: -10%, OR: 0.4, 95%CI 0.3 – 0.6), but higher risk for infection (RD: 8%, OR: 2.4, 95%CI 1.5 – 3.8). No differences were detected with regard to non-union (RD: 1%, OR: 0.7, 95%CI 0.3 – 1.7), subsequent re-interventions (RD: 4%, OR: 1.3, 95%CI 0.8 – 1.9) and functional outcomes (WSMD: -0.4, 95%CI -0.9 – 0.1). The effect estimates of RCTs and observational studies were equal for all outcomes except for time to union and mal-union. ConclusionSatisfactory results can be obtained with both plate fixation and nailing for distal extra-articular tibia fractures. However, nailing is associated with higher rates of mal-union and anterior knee pain while plate fixation results in an increased risk of infection. This study provides a guideline towards a personalized approach and facilitates shared decision-making in surgical treatment of distal extra-articular tibia fractures. The definitive treatment should be case-based and aligned to patient-specific needs in order to minimize the risk of complications.

Displaced distal femur metaphyseal fractures: clinical and radiographic outcome in children aged 6–16 years treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing

Fractures of the distal femur metaphysis (DFM) are rare. The main objective of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of displaced DFM fractures in children treated by elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). We retrospectively reviewed 24 DFM fractures, including five pathological fractures secondary to non-ossifying fibroma (mean age, 10.9 years; range, 6-16) who underwent surgical treatment by ESIN. The patients were followed radiographically and clinically on a regular basis. Sixteen boys and eight girls were included in the study. Radiographically, all fractures healed, but five healed with complications. Most of the DFM fractures were transverse (n = 18, 75%), and all patients but two (91.7%) underwent closed reduction and stabilization of the fracture. All the patients were pain-free at their last follow-up. All regained full normal activities, although five patients developed a postoperative complication (20.8%). At the last follow-up visit, all fractures achieved union including the two cases of nonunion; moreover, none of the patients showed any signs of growth arrest or disturbances in radiological and clinical assessment. On the ESIN outcome measure scale, 12/24 patients (50%) had excellent results, 11/24 (45.8%) had good-satisfactory results and 1/24 (4.2%) had poor results. Fracture of the DFM can be challenging due to the relatively short length of the distal fragment, the proximity of the growth plate and the tendency of the distal fragment to displace. Following the surgical principles and understanding the anatomical constraints of the distal femur help to obtain satisfactory clinical and radiological results.

How are peri-implant fractures below short versus long cephalomedullary nails different?

Cephalomedullary nails are a commonly used implant for the treatment of many pertrochanteric femur fractures and are available in short and long configurations. There is no consensus on ideal nail length. Relative advantages can be ascribed to short and long intramedullary nails, yet both implant styles share the potentially devastating complication of peri-implant fracture. Determining the clinical sequelae after fractures below nails of different lengths would provide valuable information for surgeons choosing between short or long nails. Thus, the purpose of the study was to compare injury patterns and treatment outcomes following peri-implant fractures below short or long cephalomedullary nails. This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study that identified 33 patients referred for treatment of peri-implant fractures below short and long cephalomedullary nails (n = 19 short, n = 14 long). We compared fracture pattern, treatment strategy, complications, and outcomes between these two groups. Short nails were associated with more diaphyseal fractures (odds ratio [OR] 13.75, CI 2.2-57.9, p 0.002), which were treated more commonly with revision intramedullary nailing (OR, infinity; p 0.01), while long nails were associated with distal metaphyseal fractures (OR 13.75, CI 2.2-57.9, p 0.002), which were treated with plate and screw fixation (p 0.002). After peri-implant fracture, there were no differences in blood loss, operative time, weight bearing status, or complication rates based on the length of the initial nail. In patients treated with revision nailing, there was greater estimated blood loss (EBL, median 300cc, interquartile range [IQR] 250-1200 vs median 200cc, IQR 100-300, p 0.03), blood product utilization and complication rates (OR 11.1, CI 1.1-135.7, p 0.03), but a trend toward unrestricted post-operative weight-bearing compared to patients treated with plate and screw constructs. Understanding fracture patterns and patient outcomes after fractures below nails of different lengths will help surgeons make more informed implant choices when treating intertrochanteric hip fractures. Revision to a long nail for the treatment of fractures at the tip of a short nail may be associated with increased patient morbidity.

Use of a dynamic axial external fixator combined with internal cross pins for metacarpal fracture treatment in calves

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using dynamic axial external fixator combined with cross pins in the treatment of distal metacarpal fractures in calves. The results of distal metaphyseal metacarpal fractures treated with this method in six calves (four females, two males) were examined. The ages of the patients were 17.16 ± 13.22 and their weight was 52 ± 9.48. The calves were born by pulling during labor and they could not stand up after birth. The clinical and radiological examinations found a distal metaphyseal metacarpal fracture. Dynamic axial external fixator with cross pin support was applied to all patients in the operative treatment. The patients' foot postures, stepping, walking and running were found to be smooth and adequate in the postoperative examination. Therefore, cross-pin supported dynamic axial external fixation was found to be a strong enough, well-tolerated and easy-to-apply technique which can be used especially in the treatment of open and infected metacarpal fractures.

Prevention of secondary displacement and reoperation of distal metaphyseal forearm fractures in children

BackgroundMetaphyseal distal forearm fractures are common in paediatric patients and treating these fractures by reduction and cast immobilization alone is under debate, since secondary displacement is a frequent complication that often warrants re-intervention. This study was conducted to invest the incidence of secondary displacement and re-intervention for non-displaced and displaced fractures, with or without fixation. Material and methodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted analysing all consecutive paediatric patients under the age of 16 with distal metaphyseal forearm fractures throughout a 2-year period. Data were recorded on radiographic characteristics, OTC/AO-classification, type of treatment, reduction technique, surgical interventions and removal of hardware and complications. Results200 Patients with displaced metaphyseal forearm fractures were included of which 139 were primarily treated in the emergency room, the other 61 patients were primarily treated in the operating room. 83% Of the patients had a satisfactory reduction in the emergency room and 94% of these patients were treated successfully with casting alone. A total of 84 patients were treated in the operating room of whom 30% underwent reduction and K-wire fixation, and 70% underwent reduction and casting only. 47% Of the patients treated with closed reduction without K-wire fixation in the operating room suffered from secondary displacement, of which 80% needed re-intervention. ConclusionMetaphyseal forearm fractures can be treated with a very high success rate by closed reduction and casting alone in the emergency room. Reduction and casting of displaced metaphyseal forearm fractures in children that needed treatment in the operating room however, resulted in unacceptable high rate of secondary displacement and commonly required re-intervention. Those patients should therefore be treated by reduction and K-wire fixation.

Fixation of distal tibia fracture through plating, nailing, and nailing with Poller screws: A comparative biomechanical-based experimental and numerical investigation.

The goal of this study was to investigate two commonly used methods of fixation of distal metaphyseal tibia fractures, plating and nailing as well as the less frequently employed nailing with Poller screws, from a biomechanical perspective. Despite numerous studies, the best method to repair fractures of tibia the remains up for of debate. This study includes an in vitro experimental phase on human cadaveric tibias followed by a finite element analysis. In the experimental phase, under partial weight-bearing axial loading, the axial stiffness of the bone-implant construct and interfragmentary movements for each of the fixation methods, bone-plate, bone-nail, and bone-nail-Poller screw, were measured and compared with each other. Shear interfragmentary movement and stress distribution in the bone-implant construct for the three mentioned fixation methods were also determined from FE models and compared with each other. Results of in vitro experiments, i.e., the exertion of axial loading on the tibia-plate, tibia-nail, and tibia-nail-Poller screw, showed that utilization of tibia-nail and tibia-nail-Poller screw led to a stiffer bone-implant construct, and consequently, lower interfragmentary movement, compared to the tibia-plate construct (p values for tibia-nail and tibia-nail-Poller screw, and for both axial stiffness and interfragmentary movement, compared to those of tibia-plate construct, were less than 0.05). Numerical analyses showed that nailing produced less undesirable shear interfragmentary movement, compared to the plating, and application of a Poller screw decreased the shear movements, compared to tibia-nail. Furthermore, using the finite element analysis, maximum von Mises stress of adding a screw in tibia-nail, tibia-plate, and tibia-nail-Poller screw, was found to be: 51.5, 78.6, and 60.5 MPa, respectively. The results of this study suggested that from a biomechanical standpoint, nailing both with and without a Poller screw is superior to plating for the treatment of distal tibia fractures.

The use of trans-medullary support screws in proximal and distal metaphyseal fractures of tibia

The use of trans-medullary support screws in proximal and distal metaphyseal fractures of tibia

Lateral mini plate and Kirschner wire assisted fixation for the treatment of distal humeral metaphyseal junction fracture in children

To explore the operative method and clinical effect of lateral mini plate and Kirschner wire in the treatment of distal humeral metaphysis junction fracture in children. From January 2015 to December 2018, 21 cases of distal humeral diaphyseal metaphyseal junction fracture were analyzed retrospectively, including 12 males and 9 females, aged 2 to 10 years with an average age of 4.5 years, and the time from injury to operation was 6 hours to 7 days. The imaging data showed that the fracture line was located at the junction of the distal humerus and metaphysis. There were 10 oblique fractures, 8 transverse fractures and 3 comminuted fractures. The operation methods were open reduction, lateral mini plate and Kirschner wire assisted internal fixation, and the improved Flynn elbow joint scoring standard was used to evaluate the clinical effect. All the 21 children were followed up for 8 to 24 months, with an average of 13 months. The healing time was 6 to 8 weeks, with an average of 7.2 weeks. There were no complications such as fracture displacement, cubitus varus and ulnar nerve injury. According to the improved Flynn elbow joint scoring standard, 19 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good. The treatment of distal humeral metaphyseal junction fracture in children is different from that of supracondylar fracture of humerus.

Resource Utilization for Patients With Distal Radius Fractures in a Pediatric Emergency Department

Improvement of clinician understanding of acceptable deformity in pediatric distal radius fractures is needed. To assess how often children younger than 10 years undergo a potentially unnecessary closed reduction using procedural sedation in the emergency department for distal radial metaphyseal fracture and the associated cost implications for these reduction procedures. This retrospective cross-sectional study included 258 consecutive children younger than 10 years who presented to a single, level I, pediatric emergency department and who had a distal radius fracture with or without ulna involvement between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2017. Reductions were deemed to be potentially unnecessary if the coronal and sagittal plane angulation of the radius bone measured less than 20° and shortening measured less than 1 cm on initial injury radiographs. Use of procedural sedation or transfer status to another facility was noted if present. Statistical analysis was performed from April 2019 to June 2019. Potentially unnecessary reduction was the primary outcome. Radiographic findings were measured to determine reduction necessity. Additional variables measured were age, sex, time in the emergency department, transfer status, required reduction procedure, use of sedation, and cost associated with care. Of the 258 participants studied, 156 (60%) were male, with a mean (SD) age of 6.7 (2.3) years. Among 142 patients (55%) who underwent closed reduction with procedural sedation in the emergency department, 38 (27%) procedures were determined to be potentially unnecessary. Review of Common Procedural Terminology charges revealed an approximately $7000 difference between the stated cost of a reduction procedure in the emergency department vs a cast application in an outpatient orthopedic clinic for distal radial metaphyseal fractures. The mean (SD) maximal angulation in either plane for fractures that underwent appropriate reduction was 30.6° (10.3°) compared with 13.9° (4.5°) for those unnecessarily reduced (P < .001). Patients who were transfers from other facilities were more than twice as likely to undergo a potentially unnecessary reduction (odds ratio, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1-5.0; P = .03). The findings suggest that improved awareness of these acceptable deformities in young children may be associated with limiting the number of children requiring reduction with sedation, improving emergency department efficiency, and substantially reducing health care costs.

A Comparative Study of Distal Tibia Metaphyseal Fractures in a Series of 50 Patients: Intramedullary Nailing (IMN) Vs Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO)

Introduction: Multiple treatment modalities have been described for distal tibia metaphyseal fractures but there is no consensus regarding optimal treatment. The purpose of this study was to compare the management of these fractures by intramedullary nailing (IMN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) technique by assessing the functional and radiological outcomes and complications. Methods: 50 patients having distal tibia fractures were studied and divided into two equal groups of IMN and MIPO with a follow-up period of one year. Functional assessment was done using SF-36, LEFS and VAS scores; radiological assessment was done by evaluating the union type and radiological deformity, and complications in both procedures were studied. Various fracture patterns were also considered. Results: SF-36 showed no statistical significance with regard to treatment mode and fracture type. LEFS score reduced with increase in complexity of fracture and also indicated that both IMN and MIPO groups regained comparable functional capacity after a year. IMN cases (96%) showed better chances of primary union than MIPO cases (72%), after a year. Varus was found in 16% and valgus in 20% of plating cases. AO Type fractures 43 A1 and 43 A2 were preferably treated with nailing whereas 43 A3, with plating. Conclusion: While union time is shorter for IMN cases, there is a greater occurrence of deformity in MIPO patients. We concluded that both the techniques can provide a similar return of functional capabilities but as the complexity of the fracture increases, nail becomes difficult to use than a plate. Keywords: IMN; Distal tibia metaphyseal; MIPO; Distal third tibia fractures.

Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) in treatment of distal meta-physeal fractures of tibia: A study on Complications

‘Biological’ internal fixation avoids the need for precise reduction, especially of the intermediate fragments, and takes advantage of indirect reduction. This principle applies equally to locked nailing, bridge plating, and internal fixator-like devices. Indirect reduction aims only to align the fragments. It avoids exposure of the bone thus reducing the surgical trauma. Flexible fixation is advocated to induce formation of callus and is achieved by using wide bridging of the area of the fracture. The patients were followed up at intervals of three weeks for up to 6-10 months to assess the radiological union. After the 1st follow up of 4 weeks patient is allowed to partially bear weight. The fracture was designated as united, when there was periosteal bridging callus at the fracture site at least in three cortices in the antero-posterior and lateral views. Trabeculations extending across the fracture site was also taken into consideration. Partial and full weight bearing were allowed. Two of the patients developed superficial skin infections, which were treated with daily dressings and appropriate antibiotics according to the culture and sensitivity reports. All the infections subsided on the above said treatment. We had 1 patient with ankle stiffness. Probably due to the lack of compliance to the advised physiotherapy at home after discharge of the patient. Ankle stiffness ranged from restriction of ankle movement from 20-40%.

The functional and radiological outcome of minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) in treatment of distal meta-physeal fractures of tibia

Numerous improvements and developments across all medical specialties took place, at the same time advances in the field of fracture fixation also occurred. Thus improving the outcome for function and quality of life of patients with fractures. While the healing progress of bone fractures clearly benefitted by the method of plate and screw fixation construct, a new application of plate fixation started Introduction of the locking compression plate was a revolution in the evolution of management of fractures where prolonged bed rest is avoided and return to work is satisfactorily helpful. Local examination of the injured extremity revealed swelling, deformity and loss of function. Palpation revealed abnormal mobility and crepitus at the fracture site. Distal neurovascular status was assessed by the posterior tibial artery and dorsalispedis artery pulsations, capillary filling, local temperature, pallor and paraesthesia. The closed reduction not only helps in achieving reduction in difficult situations, but also in rapid union, because it facilitates preservation of the blood supply to the fragment and helps to achieve near normal anatomical reduction of the fracture.

3D printed navigation template-guided minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis for distal femoral fracture: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo evaluate functional and radiological outcomes in distal femoral fracture patients (distal femoral shaft fractures or metaphyseal fractures) receiving indirect reduction and internal fixation with the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) assisted by 3D printing navigation templates. MethodsThis retrospective study included all adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent MIPPO for distal femoral fracture (AO32/33) at PLA 960 Hospital, Jinan, China between January 1, 2013 and December 31, 2016. 3D printed navigation templates were used to assist surgery. Functional assessment was performed using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and the Functional Knee Society Score (FKSS). Postoperative deformity was assessed with 3D-CT reconstruction using contralateral (non-fracture) side as the reference. ResultsA total of 54 patients underwent MIPPO for distal femoral fracture during the review period (34 and 20 for conventional and template-guided MIPPO, respectively). At 10–14 months, the KSS score was 160.6 ± 18.1 and 167.5 ± 17.2 in the conventional and template-guided MIPPO groups, respectively (p = 0.18). The FKSS was 77.6 ± 9.4 in the conventional MIPPO group vs. 81.0 ± 8.5 in the template-guided MIPPO group (p = 0.15). Femoral length difference was smaller in template-guided MIPPO group (3.31 ± 1.53 vs. 9.50 ± 4.49 mm in the control; p < 0.01). Template-guided MIPPO group also had smaller anatomic lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) difference (1.57° ± 0.72° vs. 3.89° ± 1.72° in the control; p < 0.01), anatomic posterior distal femoral angle (aPDFA) difference (1.95° ± 0.78° vs. 5.04° ± 1.78°; p < 0.01), and anteversion angle difference (2.52° ± 1.00° vs. 8.23° ± 4.07°; p < 0.01). The rate of length discrepancy (>20 mm), coronal angulation deformity (aLDFA difference >5°), sagittal angulation deformity (aPDFA difference >10°), and rotational malalignment (anteversion angle >10°) was 5.9%, 20.5%, 2.9%, and 32.4% in the control group. No patients in the template-guided MIPPO group had deformity of any type. ConclusionsMIPPO assisted by 3D printing navigation templates could practically improve surgical accuracy and eliminate postoperative rotational deformity in patients with distal femoral fractures.