Percutaneous Fixation Technique Research Articles

Functional Outcome Analysis of Triplane and Tillaux Fractures After Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Fixation

There are limited data regarding the outcomes of triplane and tillaux fractures. The purpose of our study was to provide a long-term follow-up analysis of the functional outcomes as they relate to articular displacement using validated outcome tools. A retrospective chart and radiographic review was performed to identify the age, the sex, the treatment method, complications, the fracture type, and articular displacement. Most patients underwent closed reduction with percutaneous fixation. We used 2 validated outcome measures, namely the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score and the Marx Activity Scale, to assess functional results at a minimum of 2 years from the time of injury. We identified 78 patients between 2000 and 2009 who underwent computed tomographic scan evaluation of either a triplane (n=58) or a tillaux fracture (n=20). Triplane fractures occurred at a significantly younger age than tillaux fractures for both men and women (P=0.01). Women were found to suffer transitional fractures at a younger age than men (P<0.001). Patients with residual articular displacement of up to 2.4 mm after definitive treatment did not have worse functional outcomes compared with those who had an anatomic reduction on any of the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Score subscales and the Marx Activity Scale. Similarly, there was no correlation between the magnitude of residual gap or step-off with functional outcome when the gap and step-off are <2.5 mm. Patients with longer-term follow-up (>4 y) did not have deterioration of function compared with those with a follow-up of 2 to 4 years. Tillaux and triplane fractures have good medium-term outcomes after reduction and fixation. Using primarily closed reduction and percutaneous fixation techniques, patients with a residual displacement of <2.5 mm after treatment have a uniformly good result. Functional results do not deteriorate at longer-term follow-up (4 to 10 y) as long as adequate reduction has been achieved. Percutaneous fixation yielded uniformly good results on all scales. Therapeutic level III.

Fractures of the pelvic ring

Traumatic disruptions of the pelvic ring are high energy life threatening injuries. Management represents a significant challenge, particularly in the acute setting in the presence of severe haemorrhage.Initial management is focused on preserving life by controlling haemorrhage and associated injuries. Advances in prehospital care, surgery, interventional radiology and the introduction of treatment algorithms to streamline decision making have improved patient survival.As more patients with unstable pelvic injuries survive, the poor results associated with nonoperative management and increasing patient expectations of outcome are making surgical management of these fractures increasingly common. The aim of operative fracture fixation is to correct deformity and restore function. The advent of percutaneous fixation techniques has reduced the morbidity previously associated with large operative exposures and internal fixation.

Technique for reduction and percutaneous fixation of U- and H-shaped sacral fractures

We describe an early reduction and percutaneous fixation technique for isolated sacral fractures. Strong manual traction combined with manual counter-traction on the torso is used to disimpact the fracture. Transcondylar traction is then applied bilaterally and two ilio-sacral screws are inserted percutaneously on each side. Open reduction and fixation, with sacral laminectomy in patients with neurological abnormalities, remains the reference standard. Early reduction and percutaneous fixation ensures restoration of the pelvic parameters while minimising soft-tissue damage and the risk of infection. Decompression procedures can be performed either during the same surgical procedure after changing the installation or after a few days. These complex fractures warrant patient referral to specialised reference centres.

Percutaneous fixation of anterior column acetabular fracture in a renal transplant recipient.

Renal transplantation, performed per million population, ranges from 30 to 60 in developed countries. The transplanted kidney is generally placed in iliac fossa; therefore the treatment procedure of the pelvic trauma in these patients should be selected carefully. The gold standard technique for the treatment of displaced acetabulum fractures is open reduction and internal fixation. Our patient had received a living-related-donor renal transplant due to chronic renal failure. In the second year of transplantation, she had been injured in a motor-vehicle accident, and radiographs showed a right acetabular anterior column fracture and left pubic rami fractures. The patient was treated with percutaneous fixation techniques and at one year of postoperative period there was no evidence of degenerative signs and the clinical outcome was good. Beside having the advantage of avoiding dissection through the iliac fossa by the standard ilioinguinal approach, percutaneous techniques, with shorter surgical time, decreasing soft tissue disruption, and the potential for early discharge from hospital might be ideal for a renal transplant recipient carrying a higher risk of infection. Percutaneous fixation of selected acetabular fractures in a renal transplant recipient would presumably have the potential to decrease the morbidity associated with traditional open surgical procedures.

Management of closed tibial plateau fractures with percutaneous cancellous screw fixation

Background: Tibial plateau fractures, intra-articular in nature and caused by high-velocity trauma, constitute approximately 1% of all fractures. Primary goal in the management of proximal tibial articular fracture aims for a stable, congruous, pain-free, mobile joint. Objective: To study the technique, results, and complications of percutaneous cancellous screw fixation for tibial plateau fractures. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three men and seven women aged 18-65 years (mean = 36.8 years) underwent closed reduction and percutaneous screw fixation for closed tibial plateau fractures with <5 mm depression. According to the Schatzker classification, patients were grouped as type I (n = 18), type II (n = 4), type III (n = 0), type IV (n = 8), type V (n = 2), and type VI (n = 1). Closed reduction was achieved by manual ligamentotaxis technique under image intensifier control and fixed percutaneously with two cancellous screws (6.5 mm) with or without washers in a parallel fashion. Results: Functional outcome was evaluated using the Mason Hohl evaluation system. A total score of 19-24 was considered as excellent, 13-18 as good, 7-12 as fair, and <6 as poor. Outcomes were excellent in 10 patients, good in 15, fair in 4, and poor in 1 patient. Patients were allowed partial weight bearing with walker after 1 month and full weight bearing after radiological union in approximately 3-4 months. The mean period of hospital stay was 5 (range 2-15) days. All the fractures united radiologically after a mean of 3 (range 2.5- 5) months. Patients were evaluated at a mean of 3 years after injury. No patient had any complication like infection, wound dehiscence, or hardware problem. Conclusion: Percutaneous cancellous screw fixation for closed tibial plateau fractures is minimally invasive. It reduces hospital stay and cost, enables early mobilization with minimal instrumentation, and achieves satisfactory outcomes.

Prise en charge au stade aigu de la fracture combinée atlas/axis par vissage percutané triple chez le sujet âgé

Patients with combined C1-2 fractures were often treated by posterior arthrodesis. However, elderly patients with multiple injuries (such as brain injury), the large surgical trauma of posterior arthrodesis will increase the risk of perioperative mortality. A minimally invasive technique may be better for them, and decrease the risk of perioperative mortality. Seven patients with combined C1-2 fractures underwent percutaneous anterior odontoid screw and anterior C1-2 transarticular screws (percutaneous triple anterior screws fixation). The surgical technique of percutaneous triple anterior screws fixation is described. The operation performed on all patients successfully without technical difficulties, and no intra-operative surgery-related complications such as vertebral artery, nerve injury and soft tissue complications occurred. No pullout, loosening, or breakage of internal screws was observed. C1/2 stable was found in all cases and radiographic union achieved in all odontoid fractures. Using the appropriate instruments allied to intra-operative image-intensification, we suggest that percutaneous triple anterior screw fixation is reliable, effective and minimally invasive procedure for elderly and brain injured patients suffering of combined atlas–axis fractures. Level IV. Retrospective study.

Management of acute combination atlas–axis fractures with percutaneous triple anterior screw fixation in elderly patients

Patients with combined C1-2 fractures were often treated by posterior arthrodesis. However, elderly patients with multiple injuries (such as brain injury), the large surgical trauma of posterior arthrodesis will increase the risk of perioperative mortality. A minimally invasive technique may be better for them, and decrease the risk of perioperative mortality. Seven patients with combined C1-2 fractures underwent percutaneous anterior odontoid screw and anterior C1-2 transarticular screws (percutaneous triple anterior screws fixation). The surgical technique of percutaneous triple anterior screws fixation is described. The operation performed on all patients successfully without technical difficulties, and no intra-operative surgery-related complications such as vertebral artery, nerve injury and soft tissue complications occurred. No pullout, loosening, or breakage of internal screws was observed. C1/2 stable was found in all cases and radiographic union achieved in all odontoid fractures. Using the appropriate instruments allied to intra-operative image-intensification, we suggest that percutaneous triple anterior screw fixation is reliable, effective and minimally invasive procedure for elderly and brain injured patients suffering of combined atlas-axis fractures. Level IV. Retrospective study.

A model of tissue differentiation and bone remodelling in fractured vertebrae treated with minimally invasive percutaneous fixation

In spite of the consolidated clinical use of minimally invasive percutaneous fixation techniques, little is reported in the literature providing a mechanobiological explanation for how the design of fixation devices can affect the healing process within fractured vertebrae. The aim of this study was to develop a multi-scale mechano-regulation model capable of predicting how the patterns of tissue differentiation within a vertebral fracture change in the presence or in the absence of fixation devices and how the dimensions of the device, and the materials it is made from (Ti-6Al-4V alloy and cobalt chrome alloy) can affect the outcome of the healing process. The macro-scale model simulates the spinal segment L3-L4-L5, including the fractured body of the L4 vertebra, while the micro-scale model represents a fractured portion of cancellous bone. The macro-scale model also includes a minimally invasive percutaneous fixation device. The model predicts that fixation devices significantly shorten healing times. Increasing values of the rod diameter D and decreasing values of its radius of curvature R lead to shorter durations of the healing period. Manufacturing the rods in cobalt chrome alloy is also predicted to reduce slightly the healing period by providing greater mechanical stability within the fracture callus.

Comparison of the anatomic risk for vertebral artery injury associated with percutaneous atlantoaxial anterior and posterior transarticular screws

As a minimally invasive spine surgery, percutaneous atlantoaxial fixation techniques using anterior transarticular screw (ATS) and posterior transarticular screw (PTS) have promising clinical results. However, transarticular screw fixation is technically demanding and carries a potential risk of iatrogenic vertebral artery (VA) injury. There were no available data comparing the anatomic risk of VA injury associated with these screws. To evaluate the trajectories of percutaneous atlantoaxial ATS and PTS through three-dimensional (3D) computerized tomography. To compare the anatomic risk of VA injury between percutaneous ATS andPTS. Sixty patients ranged in age from 19 to 75 years (mean, 45.08 years) and included 35 men and 25 women. Image measurement of C2 isthmus height and C2 isthmus width and the distance between the medial-most superior articular facet to the medial-most edge of the VA groove of the C2 (D). Sixty consecutive patients (in total) with lower cervical lesions were evaluated through 3D images reconstructed by a rapid 3D system. The maximum possible diameters of the percutaneous atlantoaxial ATS and PTS trajectories were compared and examined. Mean, range, and standard deviations for each type of screw, for left and right trajectories, and for men and women were calculated from 120 percutaneous atlantoaxial ATS and PTS measurements through SPSS. The maximum mean diameter differed significantly between the trajectories of 120 percutaneous atlantoaxial ATS and PTS. For screw trajectories ≤3.5 mm in diameter, 19.2% of the PTS trajectories were judged as risky, whereas all the anterior ones were judged as safe. From an anatomic perspective, percutaneous ATS fixation poses less anatomic risk of VA injury than percutaneous PTS fixation. As an alternative surgical therapy for atlantoaxial subluxation, percutaneous ATS fixation may play a more important role in the future.

ANTEROGRADE PERCUTANEOUS TREATMENT OF LESSER METATARSAL FRACTURES: TECHNICAL DESCRIPTION AND CLINICAL RESULTS

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the results obtained using the anterograde percutaneous fixation technique for treating shaft and neck fractures of the lesser metatarsals. Methods: We prospectively evaluated 14 patients between 2003 and 2008, taking into consideration the topography of the fracture, trauma mechanism, associated comorbidities and AOFAS score for the forefoot. Results: The anatomical region most affected was the metatarsal neck (79%). Involvement of multiple metatarsals (53%) was more common than isolated fractures (47%). Low-energy trauma (79%) was more frequent than high-energy trauma (21%). Female patients with diabetes had the worst postoperative functional results. There were no postoperative complications relating to the type of treatment instituted. Conclusion: The surgical technique presented was efficient for treating fractures of the lesser metatarsals, with a lower complication rate than shown by other established techniques in the literature.

METHODS AND TECHNIQUES OF PERCUTANEOUS EXTERNAL FIXATION IN PELVIC FRACTURES

The authors make a review and present their experience with the use of percutaneous external fixation techniques in pelvic fractures: (1) Transiliac placement (classic method – through the wings of the iliac bone, behind anterior superior iliac spine); (2) Sub-Iliac Crest technique (beneath and along the length of iliac crests); (3) Supra-acetabular Method (Frontal, antero-inferior). They review as well different variants of half-pin placement techniques and analyze the final results of external pelvic fixation study including 65 patients for 10-year period. The authors recommend more frequently usage of anteroinferior technique (supra-acetabular). According to them, this method exceeds the other techniques by many criteria.

Comparison of Percutaneous Screw Fixation and Calcium Sulfate Cement Grafting Versus Open Treatment of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures

The conventional treatment for displaced intraarticular fractures of the calcaneus (DIACF), with open reduction and internal plate fixation (ORIF), carries the risk of wound infection and delayed recovery. Alternatively percutaneous fixation techniques offer the possibility of equivalent outcomes in with a reduction in soft tissue complications. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the outcome of percutaneous reduction (PR), screw fixation, and calcium sulphate cement (CSC) grafting in the treatment of DIACF. Ninety patients were randomly assigned to PR and CSC grafting or ORIF between January 2006 and August 2008. The blood loss, Böhler's angle, calcaneal width, length, height and articular congruity of the posterior facet, wound complication, range of joint motion were compared, function scores such as American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score (AOFAS) and Maryland foot score (MFS) were measured. The quality of reduction was not significantly different between the two groups. There were significant differences favoring PR in blood loss (p < 0.01), range of joint motion (p < 0.01), AOFAS (p < 0.01) and MFS (p < 0.01) between the two groups. Postop infection was 12% ORIF and 3% PC (p = 0.23). Earlier weightbearing in the PR group did not result in a greater frequency of redisplacement than in the OR group. Our results indicate that compared with ORIF, the percutaneous reduction, fixation and CSC grafting for treatment of DIACF might allow accelerated weightbearing activity, reduce joint stiffness and improve the patients' satisfaction.

Optimization of Volar Percutaneous Screw Fixation for Scaphoid Waist Fractures Using Traction, Positioning, Imaging, and an Angiocatheter Guide

Percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced or reducible scaphoid fractures has become more popular as techniques and implants have improved. Many authors have advocated for the dorsal approach, citing difficulties with adequate screw placement from the volar approach. We have developed a straightforward and reproducible technique for volar percutaneous scaphoid screw fixation that mitigates most of the drawbacks of the approach. The wrist is held in extension and ulnar deviation with traction through the thumb. A 14-gauge angiocatheter needle is then used to localize the starting point and as a cannula for the guide wire. Specific fluoroscopic views help to confirm optimal guide wire placement.

Minimal-invasive Stabilisierung einer bilateralen Sakrumfraktur mit lumbopelviner Dissoziation

This case report describes our technique of percutaneous sacroiliac screw fixation of a bilateral sacral fracture with spinopelvic dissociation. It is based on the description of an iliosacroiliac bony corridor delimited by the following landmarks: the sacral ala in a superior-anterior direction, the first sacral foramen on both sides in an inferior-posterior direction, and the sacral channel posteriorly. The described operating method, which uses a 6.5-mm parallel drill sleeve, allows the safe and strictly transversal positioning of a 7.3-mm screw on each side with the threads interlocking. It provides a separate and fracture-adapted compression of the screws. The interlocking SI screw threads increase the pull-out strength. Operating time and radiation dose can be reduced significantly by this method.

Image guided percutaneous trans-pedicular screw fixation of the thoracic spine. A clinical evaluation

We report our preliminary experience with a minimally invasive image guided percutaneous trans-pedicular fixation technique of the thoracic spine in patients with significant co-morbidity. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of the presented operative technique as well as to detect potential drawbacks. A navigated percutaneous application of trans-pedicular screws was performed in 14 patients with radiological validated instability of the thoracic spine and significant medical co-morbidity. Due to poor bone quality, vertebroplasty of the affected levels had to be performed in nine patients. The levels involved were (T9-12) in ten patients, the middle (T5-8) in two patients and the upper thoracic (T1-4) segments in two others. VAS scores for local back pain were used to assess clinical outcome. A total of 56 screws were inserted. There was no additional morbidity associated with the procedure. Post-operative CT scans and plain X-rays were obtained in all patients. In 2 (3.5%) medial penetration of the pedicle border occurred without neurological sequelae for the patient. Reduction of VAS scores regarding back pain during the first post-operative week was noted. Follow up ranged between 6 months and 12 months. Navigated percutaneous trans-pedicular fixation of the thoracic spine is feasible and can be performed safely in patients where open surgery is of significant risk. Pre-operative planning is essential in order to avoid intra-operative complications with the instrumentation system.

Percutaneous internal fixation using sacroiliac screw in dorsal position for treatment of pelvic posterior ring injuries.

Objective To explore the feasibility, operative procedure and the result for the tech-nique of sacroiliac percutaneous screws fixation in dorsal position for treatment of pelvic posterior ring in-juries. Methods From October 2004 to October 2007, 14 patients with the pelvic posterior ring injuries were treated with width 7.2 mm sacroiliac cannulated screws fixation under monitoring of C-arm, which in-cluded 7 males and 7 females, with the mean age of 41.6 years (range, 28-75 years). According to the Tile classification, there were 4 cases for type B, 10 for type C. During the operation, the patients were kept on domal position. The inserting point was the intersection point of anterior 2 cm of superior iliac spine and posterior axillary line, or the posterior-middle 1/3 point of the line between anterior superior iliac spine and posterior superior iliac spine. The screw inclined anterior 20°～30°, 5°～15° toward foot. The pelvic preceding ring injuries and the other bone joint damages were dealt with at the same time. After the operation, screen the X-ray polished section of the pelvic A-P position and the lumbar vertebrae lateral position, and scan pelvic posterior ring by CT, watch the screw entering position in S1 centrum. Results All 14 patients were available at follow up with mean duration of 16 months (range, 6-36 months). All cases attained bone union in 3 months. Fifteen hollow titanium screws inserted into 14 patients. There were no nerve injuries and breakage or loosening of the screws, and no pelvic deformities and pain of sacroiliac. According to Majeed e-valuation, the excellent and good rate was 92.9%. Conclusion To use two ways to decide position on per-cutaneous internal fixation using sacroiliac screw in dorsal position for treatment of pelvic posterior ring in-juries is safe, convenient and feasible. Key words: Pelvis; Fractures; Fracture fixation, internal

Comparison with Number and Position of Percutaneous Iliosacral Screws as Treatment of Unstable Pelvic Fracture

Purpose: A closed reduction of the posterior arch and percutaneous fixation with S1 and S2 iliosacral (IS) screw was performed on an unstable pelvis fracture with a disruption of the sacroiliac complex. The radiological and clinical results were analyzed according the number of screws and their position. Materials and Methods: Of 31 cases with an unstable pelvis fracture involving the sacral complex, classified as Tile type C (AO/OTA), 16 and 15 cases were treated with one S1 screw fixation and two screws fixation into S1 and S2, respectively, using a percutaneous fixation technique. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months and the radiological and clinical outcomes were analyzed statistically using the Majeed score and SF-36. Results: Five cases of screw displacement occurred in the one screw fixation group. On the other hand, there was no screw displacement in the two screws fixation group after a mean follow-up of 40.2 months. In the case of a narrow safe zone (iliac cortical density, ICD), it is impossible to fix with two S1 screws. However, in these patients, good clinical results were achieved with S1 and S2 were achieved with S1 and S2 screw without complications. Conclusion: The technique of two screws fixation is an efficient and reliable method for reducing and fixing the unstable pelvic ring disruptions. Additional S2 screw fixation is recommended for patients with a narrow ICD.

The Current Status of Locked Plating: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Locked plate technology has evolved in an effort to overcome the limitations associated with conventional plating methods, primarily for improving fixation in osteopenic bone. The development of screw torque and plate-bone interface friction is unnecessary with locked plate designs, significantly decreasing the amount of soft tissue dissection required for implantation, preserving the periosteal blood supply, and facilitating the use of minimally invasive percutaneous bridging fixation techniques. The locked plate is a fixed-angle device because angular motion does not occur at the plate screw interface. The use of locked plate technology allows the orthopaedic surgeon to manage fractures with indirect reduction techniques while providing stable fracture fixation. The secure 'feel' of locked plates, ease of application, and the low incidence of complications noted in early clinical reports have contributed to the proliferation of this technology. Along with reports of clinical successes, as the use of fixed angle/locked plates has increased, clinical failures are being noticed. This review will focus on the biomechanics of locked plate technology, appropriate indications for its use, laboratory and clinical comparisons to conventional plating techniques, and potential mechanisms of locked plate failure that have been observed.

Technique for Percutaneous Fixation of Displaced and Nondisplaced Acute Scaphoid Fractures and Select Nonunions

Percutaneous surgical intervention for scaphoid fractures and some nonunions is increasingly common. There is a considerable learning curve for these procedures. Here we review basic and advanced techniques for volar and dorsal fixation of acute nondisplaced and displaced fractures as well as nonunions with minimal resorption and no humpback deformity.

Retrospective Comparison of Percutaneous Fixation and Volar Internal Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures

A change in the practice of a single surgeon provided an opportunity for retrospective comparison of comparable cohorts treated with percutaneous fixation (17 patients) or a volar plate and screws (23 patients) an average of 30 months after surgery. The final evaluation was performed according to the Gartland and Werley and Mayo rating systems and the DASH questionnaire. There were no significant differences on the average scores for the percutaneous and volar plating groups, respectively: Gartland and Werley, 4 vs 5; Mayo, 82 vs 83; and DASH score 13 for both cohorts. Motion, grip, and radiographical parameters were likewise comparable. Volar internal plate and screw fixation can achieve results comparable to percutaneous fixation techniques in the treatment of fractures of the distal radius.