Nail Insertion Research Articles

Focus on interlocking intramedullary nailing without fluoroscopy in resource-limited settings: strategies, outcomes, and outlook.

Closed static interlocking nailing with c-arm guidance is the standard procedure for the treatment of closed diaphyseal fractures. In low-income settings, it is still very difficult to carry out such procedures because of few or absent image intensifiers (c-arm) despite the necessity. Authors provide a review of the literature on interlocking intramedullary nailing without fluoroscopy in resource-limited settings, followed by strategies, outcomes, and outlook. A comprehensive search of the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed with the help of a biomedical information specialist. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. We identified 15 series of interlocking intramedullary nailing without fluoroscopy in resource-limited settings. All papers focused on the care for long bones (humerus, femur, tibia). All studies discussed the quality of the nailing operative procedure. The entry point was described in five series; the nail insertion in the proximal and distal medullary canal was good in all studies. The distal locking was missed between 0 and 27%. Intraoperative strategies depend on the type of bone affected, the opening of the fracture site, the fracture line, and the availability of a functional orthopaedic table. Three techniques to insert the nail in the proximal and distal fracture fragment with reduction of the fracture site are described. Insertion of distal screws is possible by using ancillary devices. Outcomes are comparable to those of the series using c-arm guidance. In low-income countries, it can been proposed as an alternative to the gold standard in resources constraints settings. In high-income setting this technique can help to reduce exposure of X-ray. There is a need to improve equipment in low-income countries hospitals to make trauma surgery with c-arm a gold standard with a minimal exposure to radiation.

Influence de la taille du canal fémoral proximal sur la réduction des fractures intertrochantériennes avec clou céphalomédullaire

BackgroundMalalignment is the most important risk factor for fixation failure after intertrochanteric fracture treated with a cephalomedullay nail (CMN). Malalignment continues to occur despite advances in surgical techniques. HypothesisWe hypothesized that small femur canal size causes intra-operative reduction loss during cephalomedullary nail insertion. MethodsA retrospective study was performed from 2014 to 2017. Patients with acute intertrochanteric fracture implanted with the same sized CMN (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA, diameter: 10mm, length: 170mm, degree 130) were included. Evaluated radiographic parameters included femoral canal size, corrected neck-shaft angle, and calcar reduction. ResultsThe study totally included and analyzed the data from 108 patients. Patients with smaller femoral canal size tended to have increased calcar distance according to Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis (r(106)=−0.805, p<0.001). Patients with calcar malreduction had higher corrected neck-shaft angle postoperatively. This observed correction tended to be lost during follow up. ConclusionsSmall femoral canal size resulted in poorer reduction quality. Reduction loss during nail insertion may be due to the whole proximal fragment instead of the superolateral femoral neck. Reaming the isthmus before nail insertion or choosing a smaller sized CMN is indicated in this patient population to prevent intra- or postoperative loss of reduction. Level of evidenceIII; retrospective study.

Study on Percutaneous Intramedullary Nailing In Adult Diaphyseal Humeral Fractures

Objective: The objective of this research was to evaluate close fixation techniques for fractures of humerus via percutaneous intramedullary nailing.&#x0D; Methodology: This was a prospective study, carried out in Suleman Roshan Medical College Tando Adam Pakistan from January 2019 to January 2020. About 60 patients with humeral shaft fractures were made part of this study with a follow-up period of about 1 to 2 years. The inclusion criteria were humeral fractures that were of less than 7 days prior to surgery, the displacement of fracture &gt;20° in sagittal as well as coronal plane, and the distance measuring &gt;2cm between the two fragments. All patients were treated via the closed fixation technique. Multiple nails that were slender as well as flexible (3-5) were used in the close fixation technique including rush nails (45 patients) and ender nails (15 patients). All the patients within their follow-up periods were evaluated for ROM, pain, or any kind of deformity, and all the patients were assessed radiographically to check the process of bone union.&#x0D; Results: The outcome was analyzed before implant i.e at six months and after the implant was removed. About 86% patients (n= 52) revealed satisfactory outcomes at six months. About 5 patients revealed non-union or delayed union that was healed after 2nd surgery of bone grafting in 3 patients and injections associated with bone marrow in 2 patients. Stiffening of the shoulder was found to be a frequent complication that decreased significantly when the position of nail insertion was changed during the research.&#x0D; Conclusion: The technique of intramedullary nailing displayed many benefits including minimum tissue stress, a quick surgery time, decreased period of hospital stay, and rapid bone union.

Correlation between lag screw route and the ideal insertion point of the intramedullary nail

Understanding the morphology of the superior aspect of the proximal femur is critical for treating femoral fracture. We assessed the correlation among the ideal insertion point of the femoral nail, femur head-neck axis, and native anteversion. One hundred patients with normal femurs were included in this study. Computed tomography (CT) images of the proximal femur superior aspect and amount of native anteversion were acquired. Generalised Procrustes analysis showed the morphological characteristics of the superior proximal femur according to native anteversion amount. Morphological characteristics were represented by 4 parameters; the correlation between parameters and native anteversion was investigated using CT data. The passing point of the line from the proximal femoral canal parallel to the native anteversion at the greater trochanter was located more posteriorly (mean 35.6%); the passing point of native anteversion was posterior in the femoral neck and head, although the line of the head-neck centre passed more anteriorly at the greater trochanter (mean 67.5%). This posterior translation was significantly associated with native anteversion amount. Morphometric geometric analysis showed that the lag screw could not pass head-neck centre from the nail inserted into proximal femoral canal. Anterior insertion of the nail was needed for positioning the lag screw centre.

The influence of proximal femur canal size on reduction of intertrochanteric fracture with cephalomedullary nail

BackgroundMalalignment is the most important risk factor for fixation failure after intertrochanteric fracture treated with a cephalomedullay nail (CMN). Malalignment continues to occur despite advances in surgical techniques. HypothesisWe hypothesized that small femur canal size causes intra-operative reduction loss during cephalomedullary nail insertion. MethodsA retrospective study was performed from 2014 to 2017. Patients with acute intertrochanteric fracture implanted with the same sized CMN (Stryker, Mahwah, NJ, USA, diameter: 10mm, length: 170mm, degree 130) were included. Evaluated radiographic parameters included femoral canal size, corrected neck-shaft angle, and calcar reduction. ResultsThe study totally included and analyzed the data from 108 patients. Patients with smaller femoral canal size tended to have increased calcar distance according to Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis (r(106)=−0.805, p<0.001). Patients with calcar mal-reduction had higher corrected neck-shaft angle post-operatively. This observed correction tended to be lost during follow up. ConclusionsSmall femoral canal size resulted in poorer reduction quality. Reduction loss during nail insertion may be due to the whole proximal fragment instead of the superolateral femoral neck. Reaming the isthmus before nail insertion or choosing a smaller sized CMN is indicated in this patient population to prevent intra- or post-operative loss of reduction. Level of evidenceIII; retrospective study.

STUDY OF PROXIMAL FEMORAL NAILING IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SUBTROCHANTERIC FRACTURES OF FEMUR

Background:The proximal femoral nail (PFN) used as an intramedullary device for the treatment of fractures. Objectives: Study was taken to analyse the union of the subtrochanteric fracture, internally xed with PFN. Materials and Methods: Study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, DMCH, Laheriasarai, Bihar from June 2019 to November 2019. Individuals with acute subtrochanteric femur fractures &gt;18 years were included in the study. The patient was positioned supine on the fracture table under spinal or epidural or general anesthesia as the condition of the patient permitted. Pre-operatively one dose of antibiotic was also administered. The fracture was reduced by longitudinal traction on fracture table and the limb was placed in neutral or slight adduction to facilitate nail insertion through the greater trochanter ; P &lt;0.05 was considered statistically signicant. Results: At the end of ve months, all except three patients could mobilise independently; statistically there was signicant difference (P&lt;0.05). Based on Harris Hip score obtained 3 patients outcome was excellent, 18 patients were good and 4 patients had fair outcome. Conclusion: Minimal exposure, better stability and early mobilization are the advantages with PFN. Fractures united in all cases and postoperative functional outcome was satisfactory. PFN could be a preferred implant of choice in treating subtrochanteric fractures especially in elderly.

Treatment of Periprosthetic Joint Infection in Total Knee Arthroplasty with a Temporary Intramedullary Nail: Is a Long or Short Nail Better?

To our knowledge, no studies have compared postoperative outcomes between patients who received a temporary short or long intramedullary (IM) nail in the setting of infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare short-term outcomes for patients who underwent long or short IM nail insertion for treatment of periprosthetic knee infection. Specifically, we compared: (1) success rates; (2) patient reported/functional outcomes; and (3) complications between patients implanted with a short or a long IM nail following PJI of the knee. A retrospective chart review was performed for patients who underwent two-stage exchange arthroplasty with a temporary long or short IM nail between November 2010 and June 2018 at our institution (n = 67). Continuous and categorical variables were assessed using t-test/Mann-Whitney U test and chi-squared test, respectively. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the effect of IM nail length on success rate while adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and race. A total of 36 patients underwent temporary treatment with a long IM nail, while 31 patients received a short IM nail. There were no differences in success rate for reimplanted patients treated with long and short IM nails (odds ratio 0.992; p = 0.847). Fewer patients with a long IM nail went on to reimplantation (52.8 vs. 83.9%; p = 0.007). There was no difference in satisfaction (7.86 vs. 7.68; p = 0.515), pain scores (3.39 vs. 4.45 points; p = 0.126), or Knee Society score outcome scores (150.61 vs. 166.26 points; p = 0.117) between long or short IM nail patients. Following reimplantation, there was no difference in the number of patients who became reinfected (15.8 vs. 11.5%; p = 0.679) or went on to amputation (0 vs. 7.7%; p = 0.210). Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is a rare but serious postoperative complication following TKA. Our findings suggest that the use of long and short IM nails during two-stage exchange can have equal utility in PJI patients with severe bone defects.

Does Retrograde Femoral Nailing through a Normal Physis Impair Growth? An Experimental Porcine Model.

Materials and methodsThe study was carried out using an experimental porcine model. Eleven juvenile female porcines were randomized for insertion of a retrograde femoral nail in one limb. The other limb acted as a control. The animals were housed for 8 weeks before the nail was removed and housed for 8 additional weeks, that is, 16 weeks in total. Growth was assessed by interphyseal distance on 3D magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) after 16 weeks and the operated limb was compared to the non-operated limb. Histomorphometric analysis of the physeal canal was performed.ResultsNo difference in longitudinal growth was observed when comparing the operated femur to the non-operated femur using MRI after 16 weeks. No osseous tissue crossing the physis was observed on MRI or histology. The empty canal in the physis after nail removal was filled with fibrous tissue 16 weeks after primary surgery.ConclusionGrowth was not impaired and no bone bridges were seen on MRI or histology 16 weeks after insertion and later removal of the retrograde femoral nail.Clinical significanceThe insertion of a retrograde intramedullary femoral nail centrally through the physis and later removal might be safe, however, long-term follow-up is needed.Aim and objectiveThe insertion of an intramedullary nail may be beneficial in certain cases of leg length discrepancy (LLD) in children. However, it is unknown if the physeal injury due to the surgery may cause bone bridge formation and thereby growth arrest after removal. This study aimed to assess longitudinal interphyseal growth 16 weeks after insertion and later removal of a retrograde femoral nail passing through the physis. Moreover, to analyse the tissue forming in the empty physeal canal after removal of the nail.How to cite this articleAbood AA, Rahbek O, Olesen ML, et al. Does Retrograde Femoral Nailing through a Normal Physis Impair Growth? An Experimental Porcine Model. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2021;16(1):8–13.

Optimal fracture site compression of trochanteric region fracture managed with proximal femoral nailing at the time of surgery: Analysis of clinico-radiological and functional outcome

Objectives: Proximal Femoral Nail (PFN) with dual cephalic screw configuration is now widely used for management of trochanteric region fracture. Good fracture reduction and intraoperative achievement of optimal fracture site compression are very important surgical steps of proximal femoral nailing. There is very limited information available in literature regarding trochanteric region fracture site compression while fixation by PFN with dual cephalic screws (lag and anti-rotation screws). We are practicing a technique of intraoperative compression of fracture site by alternate tightening of lag and anti-rotation screws of PFN. Aim of this study is to evaluate the clinico-radiological and functional outcome of trochanteric region fracture management by PFN with intraoperative adequate fracture site compression achieved by this method. Materials and Methods: Total 47 patients, who underwent PFN fixation for trochanteric region fractures during September 2017 to October 2019 with 12 months follow up period, were included in this prospective study. Fractures were classified according to the AO/OTA system; the most common fracture type 31A2 (n = 28), followed by 31A1 (n = 18) and 31A3 (n = 1). At the time of PFN fixation, fracture site compression was performed by combination of two surgical steps - 1) by giving firm manual pressure towards medial direction with the help of PFN Jig after nail insertion into medullary canal, maintaining this pressure till fixation of both lag and anti-rotation screws and 2) alternate tightening of the anti-rotation and lag screws till final sitting of both screws was achieved. Clinical and radiological parameters including quality of reduction, tip-apex distance (TAD), lateral slide of lag screw, length of both cephalic screws as well as complications were measured. Functional outcome was assessed using Harris Hip Score (HHS). Results: Good reduction was achieved in 89.4% cases. Mean TAD AP (anteroposterior) was 11.6 mm, mean TAD LAT (lateral) was 11.1 mm and mean TAD Total was 22.7 mm. Overall mean lateral slide was 3.2 mm and it was more in unstable 31A2fracture. The HHS at 12 months postoperatively was excellent in 20 (42.6%), good in 16 (34.0%), fair in 5 (10.6%), and poor in 6 patients (12.8%). Conclusion: Intraoperative fracture site compression achieved by alternate tightening of the anti-rotation and lag screws of PFN shows excellent to good results in the management of trochanteric region fractures and a low incidence of complications.

Surgical management of compound fracture tibia using an unreamed interlocking intramedullary nail

Background and Objectives: Tibial fractures are one of the most common long bone fractures with increasing number of motor vehicle accidents. Complications like compartment syndrome, neurovascular injuries, malunion are common. Reaming before insertion of nail disrupts the medullary blood supply. Infection rate with reaming is high because the foreign bodies, dust, etc are pushed deeper into the tissues with reaming. Thus considering all these factors, the unreamed intramedullary nail can be used for the management of compound fractures of tibia. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics, Adichunchangiri Institute of Medical Sciences, B G Nagara, Mandya district after obtaining ethical clearance. This study was conducted on 20 patients involving both male and female. Study was conducted for a period of 18 months from December 2018 to June 2020. Cases were followed up with 4 visits.Results: Compound fractures of the tibia treated by unreamed interlocking intra medullary nail gave excellent results measured by surgical outcome and patient satisfaction. This technique boasts lower rates of complications in comparison with other treatment modalities. Interpretation & Conclusion: Unreamed interlocking nailing is a lucrative option in management of compound and segmental tibial fractures. It promotes early union. Also it has low risk of infection. Early mobilisation can be advocated. It helps early return to activities.

Can intraoperative ultrasound visualize the closed reduction and elastic intramedullary nail fixation processes of double forearm fractures in children?

To evaluate the feasibility of utilizing ultrasonography to monitor the fracture reduction and elastic intramedullary nail fixation processes in treating children with double forearm fractures. A retrospective analysis of 30 children with double forearm fractures treated at our hospital between January 2016 and July 2018. The children were aged 3 to 10 years. All patients were treated with closed reduction and internal fixation with elastic intramedullary nails using intraoperative ultrasound monitoring and intermittent radiographic imaging. The closed reduction and fixation were successful in all patients. The operation times ranged from 16 to 30 minutes, averaging 21 minutes. No neurovascular injuries occurred during closed reduction and nail insertion. Moreover, closed reduction was successful in the first attempt in 86.7% of patients. All patient outcomes were optimal, lacking serious complications during follow-ups. Intraoperative ultrasound monitoring can clearly show the shape and changes in fracture ends, distal growth plates, and surrounding soft tissues, and fracture reduction and passage of elastic nail processes at fracture ends during closed reduction; therefore, visualizing closed reductions can be achieved. The combination of intraoperative ultrasound and radiographic imaging can ensure operative effects and significantly reduce radiation exposure for both doctors and patients. An adequately powered prospective randomized trial is required to confirm our findings.

Retrograde entry portal for cephalomedullary nailing in difficult subtrochanteric fractures.

An entry point medial to the tip of the greater trochanter is considered optimal for antegrade femur nailing. The deforming forces in a subtrochanteric fracture often make it difficult to establish a perfect entry point during antegrade cephalomedullary nailing. To overcome this problem, we report a simple technique of making a retrograde entry portal for select difficult subtrochanteric fractures. The technique was used in 12 subtrochanteric fractures. Our indications were morbid obesity, revision nailing and atypical fractures. The technique involves creating a nail entry portal through the fracture from distal to proximal taking advantage of the abducted proximal fragment. Fracture reduction and nail insertion then proceeds in a standard manner. Additional reaming of the thick endosteal lateral cortex through the fracture was performed in atypical fractures. Satisfactory fracture reduction was achieved in all patients and 11 out of the 12 fractures united in the series. 1 patient developed an infected nonunion and was considered failure of treatment. The retrograde entry portal is a valuable alternative method that can be considered in nailing of difficult subtrochanteric fractures to establish an ideal entry point and nail trajectory.

Distal femoral fine wire traction assisted retrograde nailing of the femur.

Here we describe the surgical technique for using distal femoral fine wire traction during retrograde femoral nailing and present case examples. This technique allows for hands-free distraction across the fracture site to restore length and alignment, while not interfering with the preparation and insertion of the retrograde femoral nail. Distal femoral fine wire traction is a useful adjunctive technique to restore length and effect an indirect reduction in femur fractures being stabilized with a retrograde nail.

Diaphyseal Femur Fracture in Paediatric Age group: Outcome with fixation by Elastic Nailing System

Background: Diaphyseal femur fracture in paediatric age group account for 1.6% of all paediatric fractures. Fracture fixation by elastic nail provides three point fixation. This study aims to assess the outcome of diaphyseal femur fracture in paediatric age group from 5 to 15 years treated with titanium elastic nailing system.Methods: Thirty six patients with diaphyseal femur fracture were treated with titanium elastic nailing system from November 2018 to August 2020 was analyzed prospectively. All the patients were followed up for six months for the study. Final outcome was evaluated at six months.Results: The mean time of fracture union was 9.12 weeks. Two patients had limb lengthening of 6 mm and 8 mm respectively. One patient had 1 cm of shortening and 8 degree of varus angulation and 9 patients had bursitis over nail insertion site. According to Flynn grading 26 cases have excellent results (72.22%) and 10 cases have satisfactory results (27.78%).Conclusion: Diaphyseal femur fracture can be treated with elastic nailing system with early mobilization and good functional outcomes.Keywords: Diaphyseal femur fracture, Elastic nail, Fracture union, Titanium elastic nailing system

Typical air kerma area product values for trauma orthopaedic surgical procedures.

BackgroundThe aim of study was to establish the typical radiation quantity values for the most common trauma orthopaedic surgical procedures and to compare them with reference values of equivalent procedures performed in other institutions. In addition, we assess the impact of image intensifier and flat panel detector technology used for fluoroscopically guidance on patient exposure.Materials and methodsFive most frequently performed fluoroscopically guided trauma orthopaedic procedures in University Medical Centre Ljubljana were analysed. Data on 199 cases over a 6 months period from December 2016 to June 2017 were gathered retrospectively. Study covered 40 dynamic hip screw fixations (DHS), 23 proximal femoral nail insertions (PFN), 20 proximal humeral nail insertions (PHN), 77 partial hip endoprosthesis implantations (PEP) and 39 percutaneous posterior spine fixations (PPS). The median and average along with the first and third quartile values of air kerma area product (KAP) for each procedure type were calculated as well as median and average value of fluoroscopy screening time.ResultsTypical KAP value for dynamic hip screw fixation was set at 0.52 Gycm2; for proximal femoral nail insertion at 0.53 Gycm2 and for proximal humeral nail insertion at 0.26 Gycm2. For implantation of partial endoprosthesis typical KAP value utilizing flat panel technology was set at 0.08 Gycm2 and at 0.21 Gycm2 when the image intensifier technology was used. Typical KAP value for percutaneous posterior spine fixation was set at 1.26 Gycm2, using flat panel technology and at 3.98 Gycm2 using image intensifier technology.ConclusionsEstablished typical KAP levels of surgical orthopaedic procedures in traumatology will serve as a valuable tool for further radiation exposure optimization.

Osteomalacia: a forgotten diagnosis of multiple bone fractures.

We present a case of a 53-year-old female patient with chronic anemia, with no other significant medical history and on no regular medications. The patient was brought to the accident and emergency department following found on the floor of her home after having tripped over a mat and henceforth being unable to mobilize and complaining of pain in her bilateral hip and her right leg. X-rays confirmed bilateral neck of femur fractures and fracture of the distal end of the tibia and fibula. The bones were extremely gracile and osteoporotic. Investigations demonstrated raised parathyroid hormone levels (199 pg/mL, normal range (nr) 15-72), with low vitamin D (7 ng/mL, nr 50-100) and adjusted calcium (1.87 mmol/L, nr 2.2-2.6) levels. We have eliminated the diagnosis of myeloma. Calcium and vitamin D were replaced prior to the insertion of bilateral femoral nails.

Orthopedic implant design from concept to final tested product: A design surgeon's experience

Background: Orthopedic surgeons are invariably faced with situations where contemporary surgical techniques and implants are not satisfactory for a specific clinical scenario. One such scenario frequently arises around the lack of implant choice for intramedullary fixation of radius and ulna fractures. We will describe our experience designing and testing a new radius and ulna nail, inclusive of protecting the underlying intellectual property. Design Process: Phase 1: Identifying a need: Current intramedullary forearm devices have abandoned the ability to place interlocking screws at the nondriving end and are therefore not length stable. As current nails only come in 20 mm length increments, this may pose challenges in attaining accurate anatomical length restoration. Phase 2: Concept: (1) Anatomically designed in terms of length, diameter, and radius of curvature. (2) Nail inventory that has the optimal choice of implants to manage the majority of forearm injuries. (3) Locking system at the nondriving end that is easily targeted and has an acceptable radiation exposure for freehand locking. Phase 3: Anatomical study: Multiplanar reconstruction of upper limb computer tomography angiography scans were used to analyze the forearm osteology of 98 individuals. Primary measurements included the lengths of both radius and ulna shafts, the minimum canal diameter size, the proximal shaft angle of the ulna, and the radius of curvature of the radius. The size of the proximal ulna and distal radius were also measured for design parameters of the nondriving end of the nail. Phase 4A: Prototype design: To improve the usability of these nails, the design priorities were set as: (1) Locking hole design. (2) Jig and instrument design for insertion and removal. (3) Pressure release during insertion. Phase 4B: Prototype testing: Prototype testing consisted of nail insertion into human cadaver forearm bones using the initial prototype and instruments. The design aspects of the implant such as the locking holes with X-ray-assisted screw insertion or the radius of curvature were also evaluated. Mechanical testing will also be done.

NURD 2.0: Prediction of tibial nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation at any time within 3 months after injury.

Introduction Nonunion after fixation of long bones negatively impacts outcomes and requires additional surgery. The ability to predict likelihood of nonunion after tibial shaft fracture would be helpful to clinicians and patients. The goal of this work was to combine three previous models of tibial shaft nonunion at different time points into one overall model that incorporates time as a continuous variable. Methods We conducted a retrospective review at a Level I academic trauma center. The study cohort consisted of patients with tibial shaft fractures treated with nail insertion from 2007 through 2014, excluding patients who did not have contact between bone ends, those who had planned bone grafting for acute bone defects, and those who lacked adequate follow-up. Three previous models were combined: 382 patients at time 0, 323 at 6 weeks, and 240 at 12 weeks. The primary outcome variable was surgery for nonunion. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses determined which of 42 clinical and radiographic variables were significantly associated with nonunion. Predictive power was evaluated using area under the curve (AUC). Results The original nonunion risk determination (NURD) score was significantly improved through addition of 6- and 12-week radiographic union scores for tibial fractures, infection and complications, smoking status, and need for flaps. Overall, over the course of 12 weeks, the NURD-based model produced an AUC of 0.87 at initial time of fixation that improved to >0.9 at 6 and 12 weeks. Data were used to bin patients into five clinically important risk strata (p < 0.001). Patients in the lowest risk strata had 0% probability of nonunion (0 of 97 patients); in the second lowest risk strata, 4% (three of 73 patients); and in the highest risk strata, 48% (38 of 80 patients). Conclusions We created a NURD 2.0 score that predicts nonunion at various time points during the first 3 months after fracture. The new model is a notable improvement over previous models. A computerized version allows surgeons and patients to use the score when making treatment decisions regarding need for nonunion surgery.

Biomechanical Consequences of Nail Insertion Point and Anterior Cortical Perforation for Antegrade Femoral Nailing.

This biomechanical study assessed the influence of changing antegrade cephalomedullary nail insertion point from anterior to neutral to posterior locations relative to the tip of the greater trochanter with or without anterior cortical perforation in the distal femur. Artificial osteoporotic femurs and cephalomedullary nails were used to create 5 test groups each with 8 specimens: intact femur without a nail or perforation, anterior nail insertion point without perforation, neutral nail insertion point without perforation, posterior nail insertion point without perforation, and posterior nail insertion point with perforation. Nondestructive biomechanical tests were done at 250 N in axial, coronal 3-point bending, sagittal 3-point bending, and torsional loading in order to measure overall stiffness and bone stress. The intact femur group vs. all femur/nail groups had lower stiffness in all loading modes (p ≤ 0.018), as well as higher bone stress in the proximal femur (p ≤ 0.027) but not in the distal femur above the perforation (p = 0.096). Compared to each other, femur/nail groups only showed differences in sagittal 3-point bending stiffness for anterior and neutral vs. posterior nail insertion points without (p ≤ 0.025) and with perforation (p ≤ 0.047). Although it did not achieve statistical significance (p ≥ 0.096), moving the nail insertion point from anterior to neutral to posterior to posterior with perforation did gradually increase bone stress by 45% (proximal femur) and 46% (distal femur). No femur or hardware failures occurred. Moving the nail insertion point and the presence of a perforation had little effect on stiffness, but the increased bone stress may be important as a predictor of fracture. Based on current bone stress results, surgeons should use anterior or neutral nail insertion points to reduce the risk of anterior cortical perforation.

DETERMINATION OF THE EFFICACY OF SUPRAPATELLAR APPROACH FOR INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING OF PROXIMAL TIBIAL FRACTURES

Summary. The topicality of the research is predetermined by the high frequency of adverse functional results after PTF (proximal tibial fractures) treatment, like deforming osteoarthritis, contractures, knee joint instability developing fairly often in the distant period and occurring in 5.8% to 28% of cases; disability rate up to 5.9-9.1%. The mater of a traditional approach to an intramedullary nail insertion point versus the suprapatellar one for FPRTB intramedullary nailing is still under discussion. Objective: To specify the efficacy of suprapatellar approach for IM nailing in patients with PTF. Materials and methods: prospective and retrospective analysis of the efficiency of 30 PTF patients’ treatment at the clinic of the State Institution “ITO NAMN of Ukraine” and at the traumatology department of KNMP “Globinskaya CRН” within 2016-2017, using both suprapatellar and traditional accesses. Their outcomes have been evaluated after their fractures consolidation (1 year after the start of the treatment) according to the Neer-Grantham-Shelton scale. Results. The IM nailing from the suprapatellar access has shown itself to be the most efficient method for proximal tibial fractures management. The share of excellent results reached 60%, demonstrating statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.01) from those of patients cured from a traditional access; there were only 20% of satisfactory results. No poor results were reported. Practical importance: the study proves the expediency of suprapatellar access in IM nailing of PTF and the need for wider implementation of the method within the territory of Ukraine. Conclusions. Considering the low injury rate and ensuring potentially better bone fragments reposition, the suprapatellar access in IM nailing is the most efficient method for PTF management.