Method For Reduction Of Fractures Research Articles

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Compared with Circular Fixator Application for Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures

Standard open reduction and internal fixation techniques have been successful in restoring osseous alignment for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures; however, surgical morbidity, especially soft-tissue infection and wound necrosis, has been reported frequently. For this reason, several investigators have proposed minimally invasive methods of fracture reduction followed by circular external fixation as an alternative approach. To our knowledge, there has been no direct comparison of the two operative approaches. We performed a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial in which standard open reduction and internal fixation with medial and lateral plates was compared with percutaneous and/or limited open fixation and application of a circular fixator for displaced bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker types V and VI and Orthopaedic Trauma Association types C1, C2, and C3). Eighty-three fractures in eighty-two patients were randomized to operative treatment (forty-three fractures were randomized to circular external fixation and forty to open reduction and internal fixation). Follow-up consisted of obtaining a history, physical examination, and radiographs; completion of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) General Health Survey; and recording of complication and reoperation rates. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic variables, mechanism of injury, or fracture severity and/or displacement. However, patients in the circular fixator group had less intraoperative blood loss than those in the open reduction and internal fixation group (213 mL and 544 mL, respectively; p = 0.006) and spent less time in the hospital (9.9 days and 23.4 days, respectively; p = 0.024). The quality of osseous reduction was similar in the groups. There was a trend for patients in the circular fixator group to have superior early outcome in terms of HSS scores at six months (p = 0.064) and the ability to return to preinjury activities at six months (p = 0.031) and twelve months (p = 0.024). These outcomes were not significantly different at two years. There was no difference in total arc of knee motion, and the WOMAC scores at two years after the injury were not significantly different between the groups with regard to the pain (p = 0.923), stiffness (p = 0.604), or function (p = 0.827) categories. The SF-36 scores at two years after the injury were significantly decreased compared with the controls for both groups (p = 0.001 for the circular fixator group and p = 0.014 for the open reduction and internal fixation group), although there was less impairment in the circular fixator group in the bodily pain category (a score of 46) compared with the open reduction and internal fixation group (a score of 35) (p = 0.041). Seven (18%) of the forty patients in the open reduction and internal fixation group had a deep infection. The number of unplanned repeat surgical interventions, and their severity, was greater in the open reduction and internal fixation group (thirty-seven procedures) compared with the circular fixator group (sixteen procedures) (p = 0.001). Both techniques provide a satisfactory quality of fracture reduction. Because percutaneous reduction and application of a circular fixator results in a shorter hospital stay, a marginally faster return of function, and similar clinical outcomes and because the number and severity of complications is much higher with open reduction and internal fixation, we believe that circular external fixation is an attractive option for these difficult-to-treat fractures. Regardless of treatment method, patients with this injury have substantial residual limb-specific and general health deficits at two years of follow-up.

Percutaneous Temporal Wiring Method for Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of a Distal Tibial Fracture

Reduction of distal tibial fractures-especially fractures that include an oblique or spiral fracture component-during operative treatment with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is not always easy. Unexpected and unacceptable displacement can sometimes be seen after plate fixation. We designed an effective fracture reduction method involving a percutaneous temporal wiring technique for the reduction of distal tibial fractures, including fractures that contain oblique or spiral fracture components, during the minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis procedure. Our method can consistently accomplish satisfactory reduction of these fractures and easily maintain reduced fractures, fix the plate, reduce the level of radiation exposure during the operation.

Percutaneous Temporal Wiring Method for Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis of Distal Femoral Fractures

The surgical reduction of distal femoral fractures with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is difficult and the maintenance of the reduction can involve high exposures to radiation. We designed an effective fracture reduction method involving a percutaneous temporal wiring technique for the reduction of distal femoral fractures with oblique or spiral fracture components during surgery with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. Our method consistently reduced these fractures satisfactorily. The maintenance of reduction and plate fixation were easy with our method and the radiation exposure during the operation was reduced.

Manipulation of Pediatric Supracondylar Fractures of Humerus in Prone Position Under General Anesthesia

Displaced pediatric supracondylar fractures are usually treated with manipulation and fixation with Kirschner wires. The procedure is commonly performed with the patient in supine position. Reducing and stabilizing the fracture with the patient in supine position are associated with various risks and technical difficulties. We describe a technique of manipulative reduction and fixation of pediatric supracondylar fractures by positioning the patient prone. We have used this technique in 455 patients and prefer it to the commonly described method of fracture reduction and stabilization with the patient supine. Positioning the patient prone simplifies the reduction and provides adequate exposure to insert Kirschner wires safely from both medial and lateral aspects. Positioning the C-arm is easily achieved, and good radiographs are obtained without disturbing the reduced fracture. Level III.

Ridge plates versus transbuccal plates in the management of mandibular angle fractures; a prospective randomised trial

Aim: To assess whether there is a difference between the postoperative infection rate, occlusion and anatomical reduction of fractures of the angle of the mandible treated by an osteosynthesis plate positioned on the external oblique ridge via an intraoral approach or on the lateral aspect of the mandible via a transbucaal approach. Study design: A prospective randomised trial. Ethics committee approval was obtained and 350 consecutive patients, who provided consent, were entered into the trial over a period of 2½ years. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's Exact Test and Pearson Chi-Square Test. Results: Infection resulted in plate removal in 13% of patients. Fractured angles of the mandible treated via a transbuccal approach experienced significantly less infection ( P < 0.000). Smoking is related to increased risk of postoperative infection ( P < 0.00). Analysis was also made of oral hygiene, degree of fracture displacement, delay between incident and operative procedure, method of fracture reduction, alcohol consumption and postoperative occlusion. Conclusion: Fractures of the angle of the mandible should managed with an osteosynthesis plate placed on the lateral aspect of the mandible via a transbuccal approach.

OPEN REDUCTION AND INTERNAL FIXATION COMPARED WITH CIRCULAR FIXATOR APPLICATION FOR BICONDYLAR TIBIAL PLATEAU FRACTURES

Background: Standard open reduction and internal fixation techniques have been successful in restoring osseous alignment for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures; however, surgical morbidity, especially soft-tissue infection and wound necrosis, has been reported frequently. For this reason, several investigators have proposed minimally invasive methods of fracture reduction followed by circular external fixation as an alternative approach. To our knowledge, there has been no direct comparison of the two operative approaches. Methods: We performed a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial in which standard open reduction and internal fixation with medial and lateral plates was compared with percutaneous and/or limited open fixation and application of a circular fixator for displaced bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker types V and VI and Orthopaedic Trauma Association types C1, C2, and C3). Eighty-three fractures in eighty-two patients were randomized to operative treatment (forty-three fractures were randomized to circular external fixation and forty to open reduction and internal fixation). Follow-up consisted of obtaining a history, physical examination, and radiographs; completion of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) General Health Survey; and recording of complication and reoperation rates. Results: There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic variables, mechanism of injury, or fracture severity and/or displacement. However, patients in the circular fixator group had less intraoperative blood loss than those in the open reduction and internal fixation group (213 mL and 544 mL, respectively; p = 0.006) and spent less time in the hospital (9.9 days and 23.4 days, respectively; p = 0.024). The quality of osseous reduction was similar in the groups. There was a trend for patients in the circular fixator group to have superior early outcome in terms of HSS scores at six months (p = 0.064) and the ability to return to preinjury activities at six months (p = 0.031) and twelve months (p = 0.024). These outcomes were not significantly different at two years. There was no difference in total arc of knee motion, and the WOMAC scores at two years after the injury were not significantly different between the groups with regard to the pain (p = 0.923), stiffness (p = 0.604), or function (p = 0.827) categories. The SF-36 scores at two years after the injury were significantly decreased compared with the controls for both groups (p = 0.001 for the circular fixator group and p = 0.014 for the open reduction and internal fixation group), although there was less impairment in the circular fixator group in the bodily pain category (a score of 46) compared with the open reduction and internal fixation group (a score of 35) (p = 0.041). Seven (18%) of the forty patients in the open reduction and internal fixation group had a deep infection. The number of unplanned repeat surgical interventions, and their severity, was greater in the open reduction and internal fixation group (thirty-seven procedures) compared with the circular fixator group (sixteen procedures) (p = 0.001). Conclusions: Both techniques provide a satisfactory quality of fracture reduction. Because percutaneous reduction and application of a circular fixator results in a shorter hospital stay, a marginally faster return of function, and similar clinical outcomes and because the number and severity of complications is much higher with open reduction and internal fixation, we believe that circular external fixation is an attractive option for these difficult-to-treat fractures. Regardless of treatment method, patients with this injury have substantial residual limb-specific and general health deficits at two years of follow-up. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Open Reduction and Internal Fixation Compared with Circular Fixator Application for Bicondylar Tibial Plateau Fractures

Standard open reduction and internal fixation techniques have been successful in restoring osseous alignment for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures; however, surgical morbidity, especially soft-tissue infection and wound necrosis, has been reported frequently. For this reason, several investigators have proposed minimally invasive methods of fracture reduction followed by circular external fixation as an alternative approach. To our knowledge, there has been no direct comparison of the two operative approaches. We performed a multicenter, prospective, randomized clinical trial in which standard open reduction and internal fixation with medial and lateral plates was compared with percutaneous and/or limited open fixation and application of a circular fixator for displaced bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker types V and VI and Orthopaedic Trauma Association types C1, C2, and C3). Eighty-three fractures in eighty-two patients were randomized to operative treatment (forty-three fractures were randomized to circular external fixation and forty to open reduction and internal fixation). Follow-up consisted of obtaining a history, physical examination, and radiographs; completion of the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and the Short Form-36 (SF-36) General Health Survey; and recording of complication and reoperation rates. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of demographic variables, mechanism of injury, or fracture severity and/or displacement. However, patients in the circular fixator group had less intraoperative blood loss than those in the open reduction and internal fixation group (213 mL and 544 mL, respectively; p=0.006) and spent less time in the hospital (9.9 days and 23.4 days, respectively; p=0.024). The quality of osseous reduction was similar in the groups. There was a trend for patients in the circular fixator group to have superior early outcome in terms of HSS scores at six months (p=0.064) and the ability to return to preinjury activities at six months (p=0.031) and twelve months (p=0.024). These outcomes were not significantly different at two years. There was no difference in total arc of knee motion, and the WOMAC scores at two years after the injury were not significantly different between the groups with regard to the pain (p=0.923), stiffness (p=0.604), or function (p=0.827) categories. The SF-36 scores at two years after the injury were significantly decreased compared with the controls for both groups (p=0.001 for the circular fixator group and p=0.014 for the open reduction and internal fixation group), although there was less impairment in the circular fixator group in the bodily pain category (a score of 46) compared with the open reduction and internal fixation group (a score of 35) (p=0.041). Seven (18%) of the forty patients in the open reduction and internal fixation group had a deep infection. The number of unplanned repeat surgical interventions, and their severity, was greater in the open reduction and internal fixation group (thirty-seven procedures) compared with the circular fixator group (sixteen procedures) (p=0.001). Both techniques provide a satisfactory quality of fracture reduction. Because percutaneous reduction and application of a circular fixator results in a shorter hospital stay, a marginally faster return of function, and similar clinical outcomes and because the number and severity of complications is much higher with open reduction and internal fixation, we believe that circular external fixation is an attractive option for these difficult-to-treat fractures. Regardless of treatment method, patients with this injury have substantial residual limb-specific and general health deficits at two years of follow-up.

Reduction and Pinning of Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fractures in the Prone Position

Supracondylar humerus fractures are common pediatric injuries; the preferred treatment for displaced fractures is closed reduction and percutaneous pin fixation. We present a technique for closed reduction and pinning using prone-patient positioning. Prone positioning facilitates fracture reduction and safe pin placement while avoiding elbow hyperflexion. We prefer this technique to the commonly described method of fracture reduction and pinning with the patient supine.

The Pediatric Mandible: II. Management of Traumatic Injury or Fracture

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Describe the changing epidemiology of mandibular fractures in children and adolescents. 2. Discuss the appropriate use of internal fixation in the treatment of pediatric mandibular fractures. 3. Describe the difficulties posed by the deciduous dentition in the use of interdental wiring. 4. Understand reasons why techniques specific to adult fractures may not be applicable to the growing mandible. 5. Understand the etiology and epidemiology of pediatric mandibular fractures. 6. Understand the reasons for conservative (closed) versus aggressive (open) treatment of mandibular injury. Fractures of the pediatric mandible are complicated by the anatomic complexity of the developing mandible, particularly by the presence of tooth buds and the eruption of deciduous and permanent teeth. Traditional methods of fracture reduction and fixation employed in adults have little applicability in the pediatric population. The authors describe the surgical techniques that have been used at their institution and those that can be used safely in the pediatric setting. In most cases, "conservative" management is the preferred option, especially in the treatment of condylar fractures. In cases requiring surgical intervention, interdental wiring, drop wires in combination with circummandibular wires, and acrylic splints are suited well to specific phases of dental maturation. Open reduction and internal fixation using monocortical screws and microplates or resorbable plates and screws are acceptable techniques in the pediatric patient, but they require special safeguards. Algorithms are presented to simplify management of these complicated injuries.

Current concepts in fracture reduction

SummaryFracture management includes preoperative planning, implant selection, fracture reduction, implant application, and postoperative patient management. Fracture reduction can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. Time honoured principles, of gradual progressive traction and counter-traction, to anatomically restore the bone contour are still effective methods of fracture reduction (2). However, new concepts have emerged that incorporate: balanced anaesthesia techniques, image guided minimally invasive implant placement, bone alignment (rather than anatomical reconstruction) for comminuted fractures, and additional methods of achieving mechanical leverage (1, 3, 4, 16). The purpose of this paper is to discuss the decision making process for selecting fracture reduction techniques; and to describe those techniques for achieving and maintaining reduction for specific fractures.

Nonunion after primary treatment of tibia fractures with external fixation

The authors retrospectively reviewed 207 fractures of tibial diaphysis, treated primarily with external fixation without bone grafting. Forty-two fractures (20.3%) resulted in nonunion and required reoperation. Parameters analyzed for their significance for nonunion included, soft tissue damage, energy of injury, method of fracture reduction, type of external fixation frame, supplemental interfragmentary screw fixation, dynamization at the fracture site, and postoperative infection. Nonunion rate was found to be significantly higher in type II and III open fractures, high-energy fractures, fractures treated by external fixation using a bilateral frame, and fractures treated with supplemental interfragmentary screw fixation. Multivariate analysis showed that type II and III open fracture, high-energy injury, and supplemental interfragmentary screw fixation were the main risk factors for nonunion.

Repair of zygomaticomalar complex fractures. The Swiss method.

The zygomaticomalar complex fracture, also known as the trimalar, tripod, or tetrapod fracture, is a fracture commonly encountered by facial plastic surgeons. Failure to correctly reduce these fractures can lead to facial asymmetry, trismus, diplopia, enophthalmos, and parasthesias. Approaches to the zygomaticomalar complex have been well documented in the literature and include the transconjunctival lateral canthotomy, subciliary blepharoplasty, brow, gingivobuccal, and coronal incisions, or some combination thereof. Fracture fixation is accomplished by the internal placement of miniplates and microplates across properly reduced fracture lines to resist torsional rotation and masticatory distraction. The method of fracture reduction and fixation employed at the University Hospital of Bern, Switzerland, shares much with previously published and accepted methods of medial and lateral buttress reconstruction, but it introduces several original concepts in an attempt to maximize functional and aesthetic outcomes.

Subcondylar fracture of the mandible: An endoscopic-assisted technique

The treatment of displaced mandibular subcondylar fractures has been controversial. Nonsurgical management with maxillomandibular fixation rarely achieves fracture reduction. Functional adaptation to the altered condylar mechanics is the mainstay of conservative treatment. However, the persistent shortened ramus height and malreduced condyle leaves a structurally disadvantaged mandible with increased risk of oromasticatory dysfunction, unappealing loss of aesthetic chin projection, and deviant jaw motion with potential for late internal derangement of the contralateral temporomandibular joint. Open fracture repair has been advocated as a reliable method of anatomically restoring condylar position and mandibular height. However, established methods of open surgical repair have not been popular because of the risk of facial nerve transection, external facial scarring, impaired fracture visualization, difficult dissection, and fixation. Using endoscopic visual enhancement with an intraoral method of fracture reduction and rigid fixation, the disadvantages traditionally associated with open subcondylar fracture repair have been minimized. More importantly, anatomic fracture reduction with restoration of normal condylar mechanics and immediate jaw motion can be reliably achieved with most adult extracapsular noncomminuted subcondylar fractures. Premorbid oromasticatory function,esthetic chin projection, and dynamic jaw motion can be achieved within minimal risks. Endoscopic subcondylar fracture repair has been efficacious at functional, aesthetic, and radiographic restoration of the mandible without postoperative maxillomandibular fixation.

Injury classification and surgical approach in hip dislocations and fractures

During the last few decades, traumatic injuries of the hip joint have significantly increased in number, and traffic accidents have also increased. Depending on the speed, direction of the forces and the position of the femur at the moment of impact, different patterns of injury occur. Basically, they are classified as hip dislocations, dislocation fractures and acetabular fractures. These injuries have in common a high rate of concomitant lesions. Several classification systems have been developed for these injuries. Commonly, Stewart and Milford's or Levin's classification is used for dislocations and dislocation fractures. For acetabular fractures, Judet and Letournel's classification and its newer version developed by Helfet (AO classification) are generally accepted. Fractures of the femoral head, though included in these classifications, are typically described by separate classifications like the one presented in 1957 by Pipkin. The multitude of injuries occurring in the hip joint requires vast knowledge of various operative approaches. No single approach exists that would permit the treatment of all injuries in an ideal fashion. Approaches are either considered limited (Kocher-Langenbeck, ilioinguinal iliofemoral) when they permit access only to a restricted segment of the joint, or extended (extended iliofemoral, Maryland, Ruedi) when they allow all-round visualization of the hip joint. The choice of the best approach for an individual patient depends on the type of injury and also on patient variables like age, preexisting disease, and concomitant injuries. The decision is further influenced by the timing of surgery, the kind of fracture stabilization intended and by complications typically seen with certain approaches. The indication for extended procedures is only seen in patients with complex injury patterns involving both the anterior and the posterior column or in delayed cases undergoing surgery more than 3 weeks after trauma. Extended approaches permit excellent visualization of the fracture, but the extent of the soft tissue trauma is reflected in a high rate of postoperative complications. After a phase in which extended procedures were favored, recently a trend towards more limited approaches can be recognized because of their lower complication rate. This is facilitated by modern fracture-reduction methods using indirect techniques.

An easy method for reduction of fractures treated by external fixation

An easy method for reduction of fractures treated by external fixation

Simple method for reduction of fractures of zygoma.

Simple method for reduction of fractures of zygoma.