Oligotrophic Nonunions Research Articles

Efficacy and safety of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) combined with autologous bone for the treatment of long bone nonunion: A report of a prospective case series

IntroductionRecombinant human Bone morphogenetic proteins have been used for the treatment of nonunions with promising results. We have been investigating both experimentally and clinically the efficacy of the rhBMP-2 with the macro / micro-porous hydroxyapatite carrier granules on the potency on the reconstruction of long bone defect. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of this specific rhBMP-2 with HA carrier granules mixed with autologous cancellous bone in patients with nonunion and bone defect resulted from the fracture related infection. Materials and MethodsThis was a retrospective review of a prospective cohort at a university hospital. Patients diagnosed with nonunion under the definition of the United States Food and Drug Administration with bone defect after long bone fractures were enrolled from January 2020 to February 2021. We included patients with atrophic and oligotrophic nonunion, and hypertrophic nonunion with malalignment that needed to be corrected. The other patient group was consisted of segmental bone defect resulted from FRI. The maximum amount of rhBMP-2 allowed in this clinical study was 6 mg and was added to autologous bone at a 1:1 ratio. Autologous bone was added to the mixture if the volume of mixed graft was insufficient to fill the bone defect. Patients were followed 3, 6, and 12 months post-operatively. Each visit, a radiograph was taken for assessment. Visual analog scale (VAS), questionnaire for quality of life (SF-12 physical component summary [PCS], mental component summary [MCS]), and weight-bearing status were collected for functional outcome assessment. Drug safety was assessed by examining BMP-2 antibodies. ResultsOf the 24 enrolled patients (mean age: 57 years), 15 (62.5 %), 2 (8.33 %), and 7 (29.17 %) presented atrophic nonunion, hypertrophic nonunion with deformity, and bone defect after fracture related infection, respectively. Thirteen patients had nonunion in the femur, 9 in the tibia, and 1 in the humerus and radius. The average amount of harvested autologous bone was 9.25 g and 4.96 mg of rhBMP-2. All 24 patients achieved union after 1-year follow up. The union rate was 95.83 % and 100 % at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. Preoperative SF-12 PCS (mean: 34.71) improved at 6 and 12 months postoperatively, respectively. Preoperative SF-12 MCS (mean: 42.89) improved 12 months postoperatively (49.13, p = 0.0338). Change of VAS was statistically significant 3 months postoperatively (p = 0.0012). No adverse effects or development of BMP-2 antibodies were observed. ConclusionBMP-2 combined with autogenous bone resulted in excellent radiographical and functional outcomes in a relatively small prospective series of patients with nonunion and bone defect, without adverse effects. Further investigations are necessary to support our finding and optimize treatment strategies in nonunion patients.

The Impact of Injury of the Tibial Nutrient Artery Canal on Type of Nonunion of Tibial Shaft Fractures: A Retrospective Computed Tomography Study

Blood supply is vital for sound callus formation. The tibial nutrient artery (TNA) is the main diaphyseal artery nurturing the tibial shaft. The objective is to investigate the impact of TNA canal (TNAC) injury on the development of atrophic, oligotrophic, and hypertrophic nonunion in patients with tibial shaft fractures. Between January 2010 and December 2020, patients with a nonunion of a tibial shaft fracture were retrospectively included. Two readers independently evaluated the integrity of the TNAC and classified nonunion type. A multinomial regression model was utilized to evaluate if a TNAC injury has an impact on the type of nonunion. From an initial set of 385 patients with the diagnosis of a nonunion of the lower leg, a total of 60 patients could be finally included in the study. Most patients were males (78%), diabetic (95%), smokers (73%), and had an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 2 (72%). TNAC injury was noted in 24 patients (40%): an iatrogenic TNAC injury was observed in 13 (22%) patients, a traumatic TNAC injury in 11 (18%) patients. Most patients had a hypertrophic nonunion (29 patients (48%)), followed by an oligotrophic nonunion (24 patients (40%)) and lastly an atrophic nonunion (seven patients (11%)). The multinomial regression model showed that there was no impact of TNAC injury on the development of a specific type of non-union (p=0.798 for oligotrophic vs. atrophic nonunion; p=0.943 for hypertrophic vs. atrophic nonunion). Furthermore, patients were about four times more likely to develop an oligotrophic/hypertrophic nonunion rather than atrophic one (odds ratio 3.75 and 4.25, respectively), regardless of the presence of a TNAC injury. In the evaluated patient cohort with tibial shaft fractures, we could not find a statistically significant association between TNAC injury and type of nonunion. However, patients were almost four times more likely to develop oligotrophic or hypertrophic nonunion rather than an atrophic one although common risk factors for impaired (micro)vascular blood supply were highly prevalent in the study group. Multicenter studies with a larger number of atrophic nonunions are warranted to further evaluate this result.

Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound Treatment for Non-unions of Long Bone Fractures in a Scottish District General Hospital.

Despite advances in treatment, the management of fracture non-union remains a challenging and complex problem in orthopaedics. Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS)treatment has been shown to be an effective, non-invasive, affordable treatment option. This treatment was evaluated in a Scottish district hospital over a nine-year period, which included the COVID-19 pandemic. This submission describes a case series at Dr Gray's Hospital in Scotland, 18 patients in whom fracture non-union was treated using LIPUS. An overall healing rate of 94% was achieved. Exogen™ (Bioventus LLC, NC, USA) proved to be most successful in oligotrophic non-union. No observed patient demographic appeared predictive of outcome. LIPUS treatment failed in one case. No significant adverse effects of LIPUS were detected. LIPUS represents a useful, cost-effective potential alternative to revision surgery. LIPUS may therefore be the preferred treatment when surgical intervention and face-to-face interactions are to be minimised, as during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Illizarov Surgery in Nonunion of the Shaft of Tibia Fracture: Treatment Procedure and Functional Outcome among Patients Attending in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Non-unions of the Tibia fracture is basically an orthopedic critical condition when the level of acute inferior wall NTF habitually depends on the infarct associated artery patients having surgery depression. Non- unions of the tibia, predominantly found in the distal third of the bone, are comparatively common in most clinical cases. Methods: This study was a hospital based, retrospective, descriptive study, which was conducted at the department of Orthopedics in NITOR, Bangladesh. This study was conducted during the period of May 2021- June 2022. The total sample size for this study was 52. Result: Most of the respondents 18(34.6%) were aged from 21-30 years and followed by 7(13.5%) were <20 years, 14(26.9%) were 31-40 years, 10(19.2%) were 41-50 years and 3(5.8%) were >50 years. Most of the respondents 35(67%) were male where only 17(33%) were female. 31(60%) cases found with right sided nonunion and 21(40%) cases with left sided nonunion. Atrophic nonunion was found in 19(36.5%) cases, hypertrophic nonunion in most 27(51.9%) cases and the rest 6(11.5%) had oligotrophic nonunion. A1 type of nonunion was seen in 19(36.5%) cases and followed by A2.2 in most 27(51.9%) cases, B2 in 4(7.7%) cases and B3 in 2(3.8%) cases. 30(57.7%) cases showed excellent outcome whereas 18(34.6%) cases had good outcome, 3(5.8%) cases showed fair outcome and only 1(1.9%) case had poor outcome. Conclusion: Ilizarov external fixator is best suitable for treating infected non-union of tibia for its steady mechanical environment, conveyance bone, correct defects, and allow weight bearing during the treatment course.

Is Atrophic Nonunion a Misnomer - A Hospital-based Prospective Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective The present study was conducted to estimate histologically the proportion of avascularity of fracture ends in case of nonunion of long bones. Methods A total of 15 cases of established quiescent nonunion were operated according to the standard protocol and the fracture ends were evaluated histologically. The biopsied tissue was briefly fixed with formalin, embedded with paraffin (FFPE), and 5-micron sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin according to standard protocols. Immunohistochemistry with anti-CD31 antibody (JC70A clone, DBS) was performed manually using standard protocols. Results All cases of quiescent nonunion were included; radiologically, 2 cases were oligotrophic, and 13 cases were of atrophic nonunion. A total of 20% of the patients were females, 40% were in the age group between 31and 40 years old, and, radiologically, all cases were of atrophic nonunion. All cases showed positivity for CD-31 on immunohistochemistry. The blood vessel density was category I in 13.33% of the cases and category II in 86.67% of the cases. Four cases presented with mild inflammation and two presented with moderate inflammation. The average vessel count was 10 per high power field in the age groups between 20 and 30, 31 and 40, and 41and 50 years old. The age group between 61 and 70 years old showed an average vessel count of 4 per high power field. The difference in the vessel counts of oligotrophic and atrophic nonunion was not significant. No correlation was observed in the density of vessel count and duration of nonunion Conclusion The nomenclature for the classification of nonunion into atrophic, oligotrophic, and hypertrophic needs revision. Our findings do not support that atrophic and oligotrophic nonunion are histologically different.

Autogenous iliac crest bone grafting for tibial nonunions revisited: does approach matter?

Tibial nonunion remains a considerable burden for patients and the surgeons who treat them. In recent years, alternatives to autogenous grafts for the treatment of tibial nonunions have been sought. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of autogenous iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) in the treatment of tibial shaft nonunions. Sixty-nine patients were identified who underwent ICBG for repair of atrophic or oligotrophic tibial nonunion and had complete data with at least one year of follow-up (mean 27.9months). Surgical treatments consisted of revision/supplemental fixation ± ICBG. Surgical approaches for graft placement were either posterolateral (PL), anterolateral (AL), or direct medial (DM). Healing status, time to union, postoperative pain, and functional outcomes were assessed. Bony union was achieved by 97.1% (67/69) of patients at a mean time of 7.8 ± 3.2months postoperatively. There was no significant difference in mean time to union between the three surgical approach groups: (PL (44.9%) = 7.3months, AL (20.3%) = 9.2months, DM (34.8%) = 7.6months; p = 0.22). Intraoperative cultures obtained at the time of nonunion surgery were positive in 27.5% of patients (19/69). Positive cultures were associated with need for secondary surgery as 8/19 patients (42.1%) with positive cultures required re-operation. Two out of four patients that developed iliac donor site hematomas/infections requiring washout had positive intraoperative cultures as well. There was no difference in final SMFA among the three surgical approach groups. Autogenous ICBG remains the gold standard in the management of persistent tibial nonunions regardless of surgical approach. There is a small risk for complication at the iliac crest donor site. Given the high union rate, autogenous iliac crest bone grafting for tibial nonunion remains the gold standard for this difficult condition. Level III.

Exchange Nailing for Aseptic Nonunion of the Femoral Shaft after Intramedullary Nailing

Purpose Although exchange nailing is a standard method of treating femoral shaft nonunion, various rates of healing, ranging from 72% to 100%, have been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of exchange nailing in femoral shaft nonunion. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 30 cases of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion after intramedullary nailing. The mean postsurgical period of nonunion was 66.8 weeks. A nail at least 2 mm larger in diameter was selected to replace the previous nail after reaming. Distal fixation was performed using at least two interlocking screws. The success of the procedure was determined by the finding of union on simple radiographs. Possible reasons for failure were analyzed, including the location of nonunion, the type of nonunion, and the number of screws used for distal fixation. Results Of the 30 cases, 27 achieved primary healing with the technique of exchange nailing. The average time to achieve union was 23.1 weeks (range, 13.7–36.9 weeks). The three failures involved nonunion at the isthmic level (three of 15 cases), not at the infraisthmic level (zero of 15 cases). Of eight cases of oligotrophic nonunion, two (25%) failed to heal, and of 22 cases of hypertrophic nonunion, one (4.5%) failed to heal. Of 11 cases involving two screws at the distal fixation, two (18.2%) failed to heal, and of 19 cases involving three or more screws, one (5.3%) failed to heal. None of these findings was statistically significant. Conclusions Exchange nailing may enable successful healing in cases of aseptic nonunion of the femoral shaft. Although nonunion at the isthmic level, oligotrophic nonunion, and weaker distal fixation seemed to be associated with a higher chance of failure, further study is needed to confirm those findings. Keywords: Femoral shaft nonunion; Exchange nailing; Risk factors; Distal interlocking

The treatment of nonunion of femoral shaft fractures after intramedullarynaildynamizationwith temporary compression using external fixator followed by relocking of the internal intramedullary nail

Objective To introduce the technique we invented to treat hypertrophic and oligotrophic nonunion of femoral shaft fracture after dynamization of intramedullary nail (IMN) and to report its preliminary results. Methods The data of 2 cases with hypertrophic nonunions of femoral shaft fracture and 1 case with oligotrophic nonunion following IMN dynamization who had been treated by the technique from March 2006 to July 2017 in Beijing Jishuitan hospital were retrospectively studied. There were 2 females and 1 male, aged 50, 66 and 24 years old. 2 parallel half pins were inserted from anterior to posterior at the trochanteric and condylar zones of the femur for antegrade intramedullary nailing patients, and from lateral to medial sides for retrograde intramedullary nailing patient respectively, then the pins were connected with monolateral limb reconstruction fixator. The fracture nonunion site was compressed by the fixator up to 10-15 mm. The holes at the end of intramedullary nail where their screws were removed for dynamization were locked again with 2 locking screws, and then the frame was removed. The patients are allowed to start their rehabilitation and fully bear their body weight 1 day after the operation. Results The three patients were followed up for 25, 22, and 7 months after the surgery, respectively. The X-ray films showed the fracture healed at 7 months in two case, and at 12 months in one. One patient got her nail removed 25 months after the operation, feeling good 37 months after the removal. Conclusion This technique is an option to manage the hypertrophic and oligotrophic fracture nonunion of the femur after dynamization of IMN. It is mini-invasive to the nonunion site, easy to practice and allows early rehabilitation. Key words: Femoral fractures; Fractures, ununited; Fracture fixation, intramedullary; External fixators

A Multicentric, Open-Label, Randomized, Comparative Clinical Trial of Two Different Doses of Expanded hBM-MSCs Plus Biomaterial versus Iliac Crest Autograft, for Bone Healing in Nonunions after Long Bone Fractures: Study Protocol.

ORTHOUNION is a multicentre, open, comparative, three-arm, randomized clinical trial (EudraCT number 2015-000431-32) to compare the efficacy, at one and two years, of autologous human bone marrow-derived expanded mesenchymal stromal cell (hBM-MSC) treatments versus iliac crest autograft (ICA) to enhance bone healing in patients with diaphyseal and/or metaphysodiaphyseal fracture (femur, tibia, and humerus) status of atrophic or oligotrophic nonunion (more than 9 months after the acute fracture, including recalcitrant cases after failed treatments). The primary objective is to determine if the treatment with hBM-MSCs combined with biomaterial is superior to ICA in obtaining bone healing. If confirmed, a secondary objective is set to determine if the dose of 100 × 106 hBM-MSCs is noninferior to that of 200 × 106 hBM-MSCs. The participants (n = 108) will be randomly assigned to either the experimental low dose (n = 36), the experimental high dose (n = 36), or the comparator arm (n = 36) using a central randomization service. The trial will be conducted in 20 clinical centres in Spain, France, Germany, and Italy under the same clinical protocol. The confirmation of superiority for the proposed ATMP in nonunions may foster the future of bone regenerative medicine in this indication. On the contrary, absence of superiority may underline its limitations in clinical use.

Accordion technique combined with minimally invasive percutaneous decortication for the treatment of bone non-union

BackgroundA variety of approaches have been used to treat oligotrophic or atrophic non-union. Conventional methods are often associated with great operative trauma, increased blood loss, a risk of re-infection, higher medical costs, and complications at the donor site. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of the accordion technique combined with Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Decortication (MIPD) for these types of bone non-union. MethodsFrom January 2010 to December 2015, 20 patients with long bone aseptic non-unions of the lower extremities without bone defects who were treated with the accordion technique combined with MIPD. The limb-length discrepancy (LLD) was less than 2cm in all patients. None of the patients received autogenous bone grafts during follow-up. All surgeries were performed by the same surgeon, and the modified Application of methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria were used to evaluate the operative effectiveness. ResultsA total of 20 patients were included in this study, and 1 patient was lost during follow-up. Fifteen of these patients presented with oligotrophic non-unions, and 5 patients presented with atrophic non-unions. The average follow-up period in these patients was 12.1 months (range: 8–42 months). The alternative compression and distraction procedure was repeated 1–3 times. Blood loss was 30 to 250ml during surgery. Ultimately, bone union was achieved in 19 patients and failed in 1 patient. The fractures healed within 4–8 months (average time: 5.9 months), and fracture healing was considered excellent in 19 patients and poor in 1 patient. Postoperative function was evaluated as excellent in 9 patients, good in 6 patients, fair in 4 patients, and poor in 1 patient. ConclusionThe accordion technique combined with MIPD, which is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that does not require autologous bone grafting, resulted in a high bone union rate and good postoperative function.

Management of a humeral shaft non-union after a Gustilo III C fracture

A 25-year-old man was admitted to our Department with an open humeral shaft fracture (Gustilo III C); two large wounds were noticed with ulnar artery and median nerve completely dissected. Initial primary treatment included irrigation, debridement and fracture stabilization with a monolateral external fixator followed by vascular and nerve repair and wound closure. At 6 months follow up the patient was able to use his arm without any painful stimuli and a CT scan showed the presence of postero-medial callus formation. Consequently, the external fixator was removed and the patient was discharged to physiotherapy. After 7 months, the patient presented with severe pain and functional impairment with no history of trauma. X rays showed recent re-fracture on a background of oligotrophic nonunion. Revision surgery included debridement of the non-union bone edges, reaming of the medullary canal and insertion of a humeral nail. Six months later osseous healing was noted with complete restoration of shoulder and elbow movement and partial recovery of the median nerve.

Incidence of donor site morbidity following harvesting from iliac crest or RIA graft

IntroductionClinical management of non-union of long bone fractures and segmental bone defect is a challenge for orthopaedic surgeons. The use of autologous bone graft (ABG) is always considered the gold standard treatment. Traditional techniques for harvesting ABG from iliac crest usually involve several complications, particularly at the donor site. The Reamer–Irrigator–Aspirator (RIA) is an intramedullary reaming system that generates a large volume of cancellous bone material in a single-step reaming process; this bone material can be collected and potentially used as an ABG source. Our interest is to compare the complications associated with the standard technique of harvesting from iliac crest with those of the innovative RIA harvesting device. Materials and methodsA database of 70 patients with long bone non-unions was studied. The patients were divided into two groups according to the surgical harvesting technique used: RIA system ABG (35 patients) and iliac crest ABG (35 patients). ResultsAt the 12-month follow-up, pain at the donor site was reported in no patients in the RIA system ABG group and five of 35 patients (14.28%) in the iliac crest ABG group. Local infections at the donor site were found in no patients in the RIA system ABG group compared with five patients (14.28%) in the iliac crest ABG group. There were no fractures in the RIA system ABG group and one case (2.85%) of anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) dislocation in the iliac crest ABG group. No systemic infections were detected in either group. DiscussionWe analysed the scientific literature on the use of RIA technique to collect ABG for use in patients with anthropic–oligotrophic non-unions, with a focus on the complications associated with this technique. ConclusionRIA bone graft for the treatment of non-unions and segmental bone defect of long bones seems to be a safe and efficient procedure with low donor site morbidity.

Comparison of Radiographic Appearance and Bone Scintigraphy in Fracture Nonunions

Many surgeons assess the biological activity of fracture nonunions by the presence or absence of callus on radiographs. However, the assessment of biological activity by radiographic appearance alone is controversial. Bone scintigraphy reflects blood flow and new bone formation; therefore, it is useful in assessing such biological activity in nonunion cases. This retrospective study compared radiographs with Tc-99m bone scintigraphy in 48 patients with uninfected nonunions. Positive uptake was observed in all cases. The uptake patterns were classified into 4 types: type 1, intense, uniform uptake; type 2A, a definite photon-deficient cleft between 2 areas of intense uptake; type 2B, a photon-deficient area other than type 2A; and type 3, an intermediate pattern with uneven, distributed uptake. The percentage of type 1 with intense uptake does not decrease with time, and type 2 does not increase. When uptake was compared in patients with a nonunion and a united fracture, higher uptake in nonunion was seen in 46% and lower uptake was seen in 27%. All cases of hypertrophic and more than half of oligotrophic nonunions were type 1. Type 2 was seen in 17% of oligotrophic, 67% of comminuted, 100% of defect, and 57% of atrophic nonunions. Poor callus visualization may not preclude biological activity. Long duration from injury may not equate to declines in biological activity. Comparing uptake in nonunions and united fractures in the same patient may help to assess biological activity. The photon-deficient area is helpful to assess the necessity of bone graft or other osteogenic supplementation.

Revision with plates of humeral nonunions secondary to failed intramedullary nailing.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the results achieved after revision with plates of humeral nonunions secondary to failed intramedullary nailing. We retrospectively evaluated 32 patients with humeral nonunions secondary to failed intramedullary nailing, treated by internal fixation with plates between 1998 and 2012. Nonunions were diaphyseal in 19 cases, they were located in the proximal humeral metaphysis in nine cases, and in the distal humeral metaphysis in four cases. There were 11 atrophic nonunions and 21 oligotrophic nonunions. Initial treatment was performed with static locked nails in 12 cases, nails with expansive locking systems in 11 cases, and using thin elastic nails in nine cases. The nails were placed antegrade in 18 cases and retrograde in 14 cases. Time between initial surgery and revision surgery averaged 14.5 months. In seven diaphyseal nonunions, the intramedullary nail was left in-situ. Bone graft was added in 25 cases. Follow-up averaged 35 months. Union was achieved in all cases, after an average of 3.8 months. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at last follow-up averaged 14 points, and Constant's score averaged 82 points. The analogue scale of pain averaged 0.8 points. Out of seven patients with radial nerve compromise, six recovered completely and one needed tendon transfers. Revision with plates after failed intramedullary humeral nailing achieved union and good predictable objective and subjective results in all cases. Adequate implant selection and meticulous surgical technique are necessary to achieve successful osteosynthesis and bony union.

Ilizarov External Fixation Without Removal of Plate or Screws

Patients with hypertrophic and oligotrophic nonunion of the femoral diaphysis associated with plate failure can be treated by Ilizarov external fixation without plate removal. Advantages of this technique include a lack of damage to the blood supply and simultaneous deformity correction.

Die Korrektur von posttraumatischen Fehlstellungspseudarthrosen der Tibia mit dem Taylor Spatial Frame

Correction of severe tibial deformity due to a non-union of the tibia is best achieved by a slow gradual correction which allows the compromised tissue to adapt. The Taylor spatial frame (TSF) is a hexapod-based ring fixator that allows a simultaneous gradual correction of a multiplanar deformity through a virtual hinge. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the application of the TSF and the clinical outcomes of ten patients with a non-union of the tibia. Ten patients with either a hypertrophic or atrophic non-union of the tibia were treated between 2003 and 2006 with the TSF. The mean age of these patients was 43 years (range: 12-73). There were 5 hypertrophic and 5 atrophic non-unions. Five of the ten fractures were initially open. The mean preoperative magnitude of the angulation deformity was 21.9 degrees (range: 5-44). In nine patients, the correction was performed in a closed manner; one patient had hardware removed prior to the frame application. In all ten patients, the deformities were corrected. The average duration of time that the frame was worn was 158.5 days (range: 89-300). The mean time for gradual correction was 23.1 days (range: 5-43) with an average correction speed of 1.3 mm/day (range: 0.5-2). No additional bone stimulation was performed. In terms of complications, one patient had a residual valgus deformity of 5 degrees , one a pin tract infection, and one a stress fracture next to a pin hole. In patients with either a hypertrophic or oligotrophic non-union of the tibia and severe deformity, the TSF is a powerful tool to correct the deformity in a closed manner which preserves the remaining viability of the non-union.

Persistent Bilateral Amaurosis in a Child Caused by Damage to the Calcarine Cortex and the Claustrum in Contralateral Hemispheres After a Closed Head Injury

Completely round nails, in contrast to conventional locked nails with surface grooves, for postoperative endosteal revascularization may increase the nail rigidity and decrease the manufacture cost. Both-ends-threaded screws with higher fatigue strength require smaller nail holes and can further increase the mechanical strength of the nails.In this study, both-ends-threaded locking screws were used to treat 68 tibial fractures, including 56 acute fractures in 54 patients and 12 nonunions in 12 patients. There were 41 men and 25 women with a mean age of 39.6 years, and the average follow-up was 24 months. For acute fractures, there were 11 type I, 9 type II, 5 type IIIA, and 3 type IIIB open fractures. Acute fractures were treated with closed nailing. Five hypertrophic nonunions were treated with closed exchanged nailing, and seven oligotrophic nonunions were treated with open nailing and iliac bone grafting.With a single nailing procedure, 53 acute fractures and all nonunions achieved union with mean times of 17.4 weeks and 18.4 weeks, respectively. Three patients underwent exchange nailing and bone grafting and had eventual fracture union. Three fractures with compartment syndrome were treated with fasciotomy. Deep infection occurred in two open fractures but was successfully treated. Nail breakage occurred in one distal fracture and screw backout occurred in another, but fracture union was not affected. Recovery of joint motion was essentially normal in patients without knee or ankle injury.This study showed that completely round nails with both-ends-threaded locking screws could effectively treat tibial fractures. Completely round nails have the advantages of high mechanical strength and low manufacturing cost.

Biomechanical Strategies for Managing Atrophic and Oligotrophic Nonunions

An individualized plan of care is critical for managing the patient with fracture nonunion. Optimizing the host and the local biomechanical milieu are key elements for treatment success. Mindful preoperative planning is paramount. Atrophic and oligotrophic variants frequently require both mechanical stability and biologic supplementation. Deformity correction is integral in the algorithm.

Treatment of the Femoral Shaft Nonunion Occurred after Intramedullary Nailing

Purpose: To evaluate of efficacy of the treatment options for a femoral shaft nonunion occurring after intramedullary nailing. Material and Methods: Thirty-one patients with nonunion of a femoral shaft fracture, who had been treated with interlocking intramedullary nailing from January 1996 to December 2000, were examined. Twenty-six had oligotrophic nonunion and five were hypervascular. Forty-five procedures were performed for 31 nonunions; bone grafting for 14, exchange nailing for 13, plate augmentation and bone grafting for 14 and dynamization for 4 cases. Results: The success rate after a single procedure was only 58%. The four dynamization cases failed to unite. Seven of the 13 (54%) nonunion cases treated with nail exchange healed satisfactorily. All cases treated with plate augmentation and bone grafting achieved successful union. The mean period from fracture to union was 20 months. Conclusion: Exchange nailing is not always a reliable procedure for treating nonunion of a femoral shaft fracture. Plate augmentation and bone grafting were found to be a successful mode of therapy for the femoral shaft nonunion without complications.

Plate augmentation leaving the nail in situ and bone grafting for non-union of femoral shaft fractures. Answer to Dr. Trikha and Dr. Varshney

We thank Dr. Trikha and Dr. Varshney for their great interest and thoughtful comments on our article. The interlocking intramedullary nail reduces fracture motion, but it does not abolish the fracture motion completely. Fracture healing can be achieved by the formation of peripheral callus, since considerable motion is present at the fracture site. However, If there is too much motion in comminuted fractures and fractures in the distal dia-metaphyseal junction of the femur, the mechanical strength will be unpredictable, with some cases of non-union. As they assert, it may be difficult to draw objective criteria to determine continuous motion at the fracture preoperatively. According to the classification by Weber and Brunner [2], the type of non-union was hypertrophic in one case and oligotrophic in 14 cases. In addition, there was visible motion at the fracture site at operation before the plate fixation. However, the motion disappeared after the plate augmentation. Thus, we believed that the most important factor of the non-union was the instability at the fracture site. A non-union was defined as persistent pain at the fracture site, which was combined with the absence of progressive healing on three consecutive radiographs taken at one month interval or as failure to unite at six months after surgery. Autogenous bone grafting is advisable in all cases of atrophic non-union and in certain cases of oligotrophic non-union. However, the value of bone grafting for non-union has been disputed. Pihlajamaki et al [1] reported that classifying non-unions into atrophic and hypertrophic was not applicable to consolidation failures after intramedullary nailing. This is why an autogenous cancellous graft was performed at the non-union site to treat the bony defect and to increase the rate of healing. We believe that reamed exchange nailing is still the optimal treatment for non-union following intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures, but plate augmentation and bone grafting, leaving the nail in situ, can be effective in those cases in which stability is lacking only with an interlocking nail, such as non-union of a comminuted fracture in the mid-shaft of the femur or fractures in the distal dia-metaphyseal junction of the femur. Sincerely, Yong-soo Choi, Ki-soo Kim