Plate Removal Research Articles

Comparable results of Superior vs Antero-inferior plating for the treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. A comparative study

BackgroundClavicle fractures represent up to 10 % of all fractures, affecting mainly a young population. Open reduction and internal plate fixation provide good results, but evidence on the best plate positioning is still unclear. Aim of this retrospective study was to compare superior and antero-inferior plating positioning in the surgical treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Materials and Methods104 patients aged > 18 years, treated surgically with plate fixation (51 superior, 53 antero-inferior) for a midshaft clavicle fracture from January 2010 to April 2021 were included. At the time of the visit, mean follow-up time was 6.6 ± 2.6 years. Shoulder function was evaluated with the use of Constant–Murley Score (CMS) and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score. Return to sport, aesthetic satisfaction, operative time, radiological outcomes, rate of implant removal, and overall patient satisfaction were documented as well. ResultsMean CMS was 94.1 ± 10.0 points in the superior plating group and 93.4 ± 11.6 points in the antero-inferior plating group. DASH score: 4.6 ± 11.0 superior, 5.1 ± 10.5 antero-inferior. Return to sport: 8.2 ± 2.9 superior, 8.2 ± 3.0 antero-inferior. Aesthetic satisfaction: 8.9 ± 1.6 superior, 8.8 ± 2.1 antero-inferior. Overall satisfaction: 9.1 ± 1.5 superior, 8.9 ± 1.7 antero-inferior. The comparison between groups showed no statistically significant differences (p = n.s.) for all outcome measures. Operative time: 101.6 ± 27.3 min superior, 113.0 ± 31.6 min antero-inferior (p = 0.05). Radiological follow-up documented one non-union and one mal-union in the antero-inferior plating group. Overall, 63 patients underwent plate removal: 58.8 % in the superior plating group and 62.3 % in the antero-inferior plating group (p = n.s.). Main reason for plate removal was pain/discomfort. ConclusionsBoth superior and antero-inferior plating provided excellent clinical, functional, and radiological results for the treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures, without significant differences between groups. The superior plating group showed a statistically shorter operative time. High rate of re-interventions with implant removal was documented in both groups. Level of Evidence: III

Ingrown Toenails: A Survey Among Dermatologists on Current Treatments.

To date, there is no formal consensus on how to treat ingrown toenails. Despite the risk of causing irreparable damage to the nail, highly invasive procedures are still common. Less-invasive, matrix-directed techniques with shorter downtime and high cure rates exist, but, perhaps because of a lack of awareness, appear not to have been universally adopted. The authors' study sought to generate data on common practices in the treatment of ingrown toenails. The authors developed and conducted an online survey to ask dermatologists/dermatosurgeons how they would proceed in 9 different cases of ingrown toenails based on photographs. The authors received 154 replies. Nonsurgical interventions, including advice on nail care/foot baths/ointments/wraps/padding, were always the most frequently chosen option. Removal of the lateral nail plate followed by chemical partial matricectomy (phenolization) was the most or second-most frequently chosen surgical intervention. The answers were highly heterogeneous, and there was no unanimity based on morphology alone. Except for a preference for nonsurgical interventions, the authors could not identify any clear treatment standards. The heterogeneity of treatment approaches suggests the need for a guideline.

Risk factors for postoperative facial nerve injury in retromandibular-approach surgery: A retrospective study including CT measurements of maxillofacial bone structure

The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify risks of postoperative facial nerve injury (FNI) in mandibular condylar fractures. A total of 59 consecutive cases of condyle fracture or plate removal with a retromandibular transparotid approach (RMTA) were divided into FNI and non-FNI groups that were evaluated for associations with age, sex, laterality, fracture type, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and maxillofacial bone height and width diameters on computed tomography (CT).FNI occurred in 11 of 59 patients (18.64%), all of them female (p = 0.0011). Other statistically significant factors on univariate analysis for FNI included a short height (156.95 ± 8.16 cm vs. 164.29 ± 9.89 cm, p = 0.04), low weight (46.08 ± 8.03 kg vs. 58.94 ± 11.79 kg, p = 0.003), low BMI (18.64 ± 2.63 kg/m2 21.68 ± 3.02 kg/m2, p = 0.007), short condylion–anterior fracture distance (19.34 ± 3.15 mm vs. 22.26 ± 3.96 mm, p = 0.04) and short condylion–posterior fracture distance (20.12 ± 3.98 mm vs. 25.45 ± 5.02 mm, p = 0.009).Our retrospective study suggested that FNI with RMTA surgery occurs particularly in female patients and may occur more frequently in patients who are short, lean or have high condyle fractures.

ANALYSIS OF HARDWARE REMOVAL IN MAXILLOFACIAL TRAUMA: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A MILITARY HOSPITAL IN SANA'A, YEMEN

Background and objective: Dental trauma is a significant problem for total dental health in terms of expenses, frequency, and age (young patients). Collaboration between various professionals, including oral surgeons, maxillofacial surgeons, dentists, orthodontists, and periodontists, frequently results in the treatment process. Surgical treatment may entail placing plates for fractures and shattered bones for long or permanent periods, and may require their removal for many reasons. Therefore, this study sought to ascertain the reasons for plate removal in individuals referred to the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Military Hospital in Sana'a, Yemen during a period of 3 years. Method: The study included 57 Yemeni patients who visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Military Hospital in Sana’a during the period 2021-2023. Cases of hardware removal were extracted from the medical records to include sex, age, medical history, accident history, type of fracture, primary complaint, period from the date of the first operation, approach to the operation, tooth in the fracture line, and extracted tooth. Results: Gunshot injuries (40.4%) and explosive injuries (31.6%) were the most common causes of maxillofacial fractures. Mandibular fractures (68.4%) were the most frequent, followed by orbital and zygomatic fractures (12.3% each). The main reason for hardware removal was infections (29.8%), followed by patient preference (22.8%) and visible exposed hardware (15.8%). Mini-plates (68.4%) were the most commonly removed hardware, and the extra-oral approach (56.1%) was the most frequently used for removal. There was a significant association between orbital fractures and the incidence of positive discharge, as well as between reconstructive plates and the incidence of positive discharge. Longer plate usage, exceeding 24 months, increased the probability of positive discharge. Tooth involvement and extraction were minimal. Conclusion: Gunshot and explosive injuries were the main causes of maxillofacial fractures, while infections, patient preferences, visible exposed devices, and pain and discomfort were the main reasons for removal of devices. Mandibular fractures were the most common and orbital fractures carry a higher risk of infection, while small plates have shown lower rates of infection. Prolonged panel use beyond 24 months increased the probability of positive discharge. Peer Review History: Received: 25 October 2023; Revised: 18 November; Accepted: 24 December, Available online: 15 January 2024 Academic Editor: Dr. Gehan Fawzy Abdel Raoof Kandeel, Pharmacognosy Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, 12622, Giza, Egypt, gehankandeel9@yahoo.com Received file: Reviewer's Comments: Average Peer review marks at initial stage: 6.0/10 Average Peer review marks at publication stage: 7.0/10 Reviewers: Dr. George Zhu, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, sansan4240732@163.com Dr. Hasniza Zaman Huri, University of Malaya Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur, hasnizazh@ummc.edu.my

Management of Traumatic Bone Defects in Tibial Plateau Fractures with Antibiotic-Impregnated Biodegradable Calcium Sulfate Beads: A Prospective Clinical Trial

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess adverse events and resorption of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate beads used as a nonstructural void filler in tibia plateau fractures. This device may be more adaptable to a specific bacterium than vancomycin powder as it allows the mixtures of specific bactericidal antibiotics to treat bacterium with specific sensitivities. Design: A multicenter, non-randomized, uncontrolled prospective cohort study. Setting: Five level 1 trauma centers. Participants: Thirty adults with an acute closed tibia plateau fracture, OTA 41B and 41C fractures, requiring operative fixation. Intervention: After fracture fixation, the subchondral bone void was filled with the study device. Main Outcome Measures: Local wound reaction to the device was assessed and resorption of the calcium sulfate was measured on serial x-rays. Follow-up assessments occurred at six weeks, three months, six months and one year, with a CT scan performed at six months to determine resorption of the device. Results: Thirteen male and 17 female participants were recruited with a mean age of 53.3 ± 12.8 years. The median age was 55 years with a range of 29 to 78 years of age. Two participants reported serous drainage: one resolved without treatment, the other was diagnosed as a deep infection and required plate removal and oral antibiotics. There were no local or systemic allergic reactions. Resorption of the material averaged 70% by three months, 87% at six months, and 100% at one year. Conclusions: This device performed as anticipated and completely resorbed without any unexpected adverse events. It allowed for personalizing antibiotic choice with better reported elutional characteristics than vancomycin powder over two weeks and six weeks. Surgical site drainage was low, and 97% union rate was achieved. This is a safe surgical augment for local release of a chosen antibiotic into a contained subchondral defect in a periarticular fracture.

Soong Classification Using Radiographs Only Moderately Correlates With Distal Radius Plate Position on Computed Tomography

Background: The Soong classification grades the prominence of volar locking plates used to treat distal radius fractures in relation to the volar rim. The basis of the classification scheme is that increasing plate prominence over the volar rim and distal radius watershed zone is associated with increased likelihood of flexor tendon irritation and need for plate removal. However, recent studies report mixed results on the predictive value of the Soong classification for these outcomes. We hypothesized that the decreased predictive accuracy of Soong classification is due to misclassification between Soong grades secondary to a suboptimal correlation between the Soong classification on radiographs (XRs) and computed tomography (CT). Methods: Fifty volarly displaced distal radius fractures treated with a volar locking plate in the international and publicly available ICUC database were reviewed. All cases with a postoperative XR and CT were included. Soong classification of the volar locking plate in relation to the volar ulnar rim was determined on both XR and CT by 2 independent, fellowship-trained hand surgeons using CT imaging as the gold standard. The distribution of Soong grades on XR and CT was compared using Pearson’s χ2 test, and correlation was calculated using the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC). A multi-class confusion matrix was used to calculate each grade’s positive predictive value (PPV). Results: We found an MCC of 0.65, indicating only moderate correlation between the 2 modalities. Per individual Soong grade, the PPV was the highest for grade 2 (0.96), with lower PPVs for grade 0 (0.63) and grade 1 (0.60). Conclusions: The distribution of Soong grades was significantly different when using XR versus CT ( P < .001). Level of Evidence: Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, diagnostic, level 2b

Standardized reduction and palmar plating of dorsally displaced distal radius fractures for safe and atraumatic reconstruction of the anatomy of the radius

Standardization of palmar plate osteosynthesis in order to consequently achieve physiologic anatomy of the distal radius end. Unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures or fractures that should be treated functionally. Severe intraarticular joint depression that cannot be reduced with either apalmar or arthroscopic assisted approach. Patient in supine position with the forearm supinated on arm table. Radiopalmar incision along the radial border of the flexor carpi radialis tendon. Detachment of the pronator quadratus muscle from radial to ulnar. Gross reduction with eventual correction of adorsal or radial shift. Placement of the angular stable plate and preliminary fixation with anonangular stable cortical screw in the long hole at the radius shaft. Fluoroscopic control of axial alignment in the anteroposterior view and of correct distal position of the plate in the lateral view under reduction condition. Placement of one or two angular stable screws at the shaft. Under subtle reduction with flexion, ulnar deviation and axial traction placement of two K‑wires via the holes at the distal edge of the plate. These wires mostly keep reduction maintained while reduction maneuver can be paused. Fluoroscopic control in two planes. Replacement of the wires by distal angular stable screws with the help of the wires as an orientation. In case of insufficient reduction, reduction maneuver can be repeated while the first angular stable screw is locked. Final fluoroscopic control in two planes and ulnar deviation, eventually also in tangential view and clinical testing for stability of the distal radioulnar joint. Wound closure only by skin suture. Application of asterile dressing and apalmar cast. Arm consequently in upright position and active and complete movement of fingers. Palmar below-elbow cast for 2weeks, then movement of wrist without exertion. After regular radiographic control 4-5weeks postoperatively, increase of axial load to normal and, if needed, physiotherapy. Clinical control for irritation of tendons by plate or screws after 1year and eventual plate removal.

Physeal Migration During Knee-guided Growth With Tension Band Plates: Influence of Implant Position.

Physeal migration during guided growth with tension band plates (TBPs) has been poorly described. The positioning factors associated with this phenomenon and its clinical implications are unknown. Our aim is to determine the influence of implant position on the risk of physeal migration during knee-guided growth with TBP. Retrospective study of 491 patients who underwent temporary hemi or epiphysiodesis with TBP around the knee between 2007 and 2019. We identified 29 patients who presented physeal migration during follow-up. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and the following measures were obtained from the immediate postoperative radiographs: epiphyseal screw base-physis distance/epiphyseal screw tip-physis distance, interscrew angle, epiphyseal screw-physis angle(ES-PHa)/metaphyseal screw-physis angle, plate-physis angle, epiphyseal screw-plate angle/metaphyseal screw-plate angle, and epiphyseal screw-physis length ratio. Using follow-up radiographs, the type of physeal migration of the epiphyseal screw (touch, occupy, or traverse) and the status of the physis after implant removal (unaltered, physeal bar, and skeletal maturity) were also recorded. A descriptive analysis of the cases and a case-control comparison of imaging studies were performed. The median patient age at intervention was 12.2 years (interquartile range: 11.3 to 14.1), and 76% were males. A statistically significant difference between cases and controls was obtained for epiphyseal screw base-physis distance (3.7 vs 6.3; P = 0.029), epiphyseal screw tip-physis distance (3.6 vs 7.85; P = 0.002), ES-PHa (-0.1 vs 7.45; P = 0.007), and plate-physis angle (85.45 vs 88.60; P = 0.012). In a categorical analysis, a significant difference was found for the ES-PHa categories ( P = 0.002) and for the ES-PHa/metaphyseal screw-physis angle categorical pair ( P = 0.018). In 16, 17, and 12 cases the physis was touched, occupied, or traversed, respectively, although we found no physeal alterations after plate removal. In our study, physeal migration of TBP is not an uncommon phenomenon, although no physeal abnormalities were detected. Convergent placement of the epiphyseal screw with the base or tip close to the physis should be avoided as this position is associated with a higher risk of physeal migration. Level III-case-control study.

Coverage of Palmar Mini Plates with Flexor Pulleys in the Treatment of Dorsal Fracture-Subluxation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint.

Introduction: Dorsal fracture dislocations (DFD) of the proximal interphalangeal joint (PIPJ) are challenging fractures. A palmar surgical approach and plate fixation has a high complication rate, including flexor contractions, reduction of range of motion (ROM) and secondary need for plate removal. Methods: We use the flexor tendon pulleys to cover the mini plate with the assumption that it may reduce the adhesion between the mini plates and the tendons and reduce postoperative complications. We present the outcomes of using this technique in eight patients. Results: All patients had an excellent outcome at a mean follow-up of 17 months, and none required removal of the implants. Conclusions: This study presents a surgical technique that may potentially reduce the high complication rate found after ORIF for treatment of DFD of the PIPJ. Therefore, improving the clinical outcomes after this type of surgery. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).

The necessity of removal of third molars involved in mandibular fractures: A retrospective study

This retrospective analysis aimed to investigate the necessity of removing the wisdom tooth in cases of angle fractures of the mandible. The study retrieved 595 mandible fractures from January 2006 to December 2021 through the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry System, of which 303 involved a fracture through the angle of the mandible, including the wisdom tooth socket. Of these, 203 (66.9%) underwent open reduction and internal fixation with retention of the third molar. The authors found that only four (2%) patients returned for the removal of plates and the retained third molar during the follow-up period. Therefore, the authors concluded that wisdom teeth removal should remain an exception during open reduction and internal fixation of mandibular angle fractures unless they hinder fracture reduction, pose a potential infection risk, or interfere with occlusal stability.

Reasons for Removal of Miniplates Used in Fixation of Maxillofacial Bone Fractures: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Maxillofacial fractures are a prevalent occurrence, and the widespread use of miniplates to stabilize and secure these fractures during surgery is common. However, the post-surgical fate of these miniplates remains a subject of contention among surgeons. Some advocate for their removal, while others suggest leaving them in place. This study aims to perform an extensive meta-analysis of pertinent studies to ascertain the destiny of miniplates employed in maxillofacial surgery and discuss the consequences of either their extraction or retention. To execute this meta-analysis, a search was conducted across number of databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Embase, and Scopus. Keywords such as “titanium miniplates”, “screws”, “maxillofacial surgery”, “complications”, and “removal” were utilized to identify pertinent studies. The search was constrained to studies published between 1989 and 2022. The analysis encompassed only studies reporting outcomes related to miniplates in maxillofacial surgery, including complication rates and removal frequencies. Eleven studies conformed to the inclusion criteria and were incorporated into the meta-analysis, encompassing a total of 2240 patients, ten of which were retrospectives and one prospective, with the largest study involving 434 patients. The overall complication rate was determined to be 13.3%. The most prevalent reasons for miniplate removal included patient preference, tooth extraction, and infections. The average time span for miniplate removal was 10.7 months, with the most prolonged reported duration being 24 years. These findings imply that immediate removal might not be imperative in the majority of instances. In conclusion, our meta-analysis underscores the necessity of removing miniplates in cases where hardware leads to a variety of complications and physical discomfort. Principal factors driving plate removal included patient requests, tooth extractions, and infections. Ordinarily, plate removal took place within the span of 6 to 12 months, with the mandible being the most frequent site for removal. These findings accentuate the significance of extended monitoring to assess the trajectory of miniplates in maxillofacial surgery and provide valuable insights for future clinical decisions. To validate these conclusions and gain deeper insights into the factors influencing plate removal in maxillofacial surgery, further research with larger participant cohorts and standardized outcome reporting is imperative.

Is local anesthesia or general anesthesia preferable for plate removal after clavicle fracture surgery under general anesthesia? A comparative study using a patient questionnaire

IntroductionBecause we have a limited number of surgeries performed under general anesthesia, implant removal after plate fixation for clavicular fracture is often performed under local anesthesia. However, it is unclear whether local anesthesia or general anesthesia is preferred. Therefore, we conducted a questionnaire survey of patients who had undergone implant removal surgery under local or general anesthesia after clavicle fracture surgery to assess their impressions of each procedure and which anesthesia they would prefer if they were to undergo plate removal in the future. Materials and methodsA questionnaire survey was conducted on 239 patients. Fifty-six patients who had undergone plate fixation of a clavicle fracture in whom plate removal was conducted under local anesthesia in a university hospital, and one hundred and eighty-three patients in whom plate removal was conducted under general anesthesia in a general hospital. All participants had undergone plate fixation for clavicle fractures under general anesthesia. The participants were asked to complete a questionnaire including a question on which method of anesthesia they would prefer should they have to undergo similar surgery in the future. ResultsThe patients of both groups responded that they would prefer the same method of anesthesia as before to be used (87.1 % of the patients who underwent plate removal under local anesthesia, 78.9 % of the patients underwent plate removal under general anesthesia), with no significant difference between the groups (p > 0.33). ConclusionsPatients who underwent surgery under local anesthesia preferred local anesthesia if they were to undergo it next, even though most of them felt some pain. Though surgeons tend to focus only on the patient's distress during surgery, they also find that patients are often dissatisfied during the perioperative period, including bed rest and urinary catheters. Although clavicle plate removal may be performed under general anesthesia in many cases, it may be worth considering plate removal under local anesthesia to use general anesthesia surgery effectively, which is limited due to financial problems and facilities. Plate removal under local anesthesia was just as acceptable as general anesthesia for the patients.

Biomechanical Performance of Total Wrist Arthrodesis Plates With and Without Arthrodesis of the Carpometacarpal Joint.

It is unknown whether total wrist arthrodesis (TWA) should be performed with or without arthrodesis of the carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ). The aim of this study is to compare CMCJ-spanning TWA plates using 3D printed wrist arthrodesis model with and without arthrodesis of the CMCJ. Total wrist arthrodesis plates mounted to 3D printed models were tested under a 4-N bending load at 4 Hz for 50 000 cycles, increased by 15% every 10 000 cycles until failure. Plates with arthrodesis CMCJ were stiffer and failed at a significantly greater load and number of cycles than plates mounted to models without CMCJ arthrodesis. The Synthes stainless steel locking TWA plate performed better than the Trimed plate applied to the model without CMCJ arthrodesis and the Acumed plate applied to the model with CMCJ arthrodesis. Based on these findings, we recommend arthrodesis of the CMCJ in TWA. Incorporation of the CMCJ in TWA may protect against plate failure. If arthrodesis of the CMCJ is not performed, plate removal should be considered before breakage occurs. IV.

Risk Factors of Proximal Screw Breakage of Locking Plate (ZPLP®) after MIPO for Distal Femur Fractures -Analysis of Patients with Plate Removal after Bony Union.

Locking a compression plate is a more favorable surgical technique than intramedullary nailing in the treatment of distal femur fractures. This study analyzed the risk factors of proximal screw breakage retrospectively, which was confirmed in the patients with plate removal after bony union. A total of 140 patients who were fixed by MIPO using ZPLP from 2009 to 2019 were identified. A total of 42 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included. The screw breakage group (12 patients) and the non-breakage group (30 patients) were compared. Approximately 12 (28.6%) of 42 plate-removal patients showed proximal screw breakage. The breakage of proximal screws developed at the junction of the screw head and neck. The number of broken proximal screws averaged 1.4 (1~4). The breakage of the proximal screw even after the bony union is more frequent in older patients (p = 0.023), the dominant side (p = 0.025), the use of the cortical screw as the proximal uppermost screw (p = 0.039), and the higher plate-screw density (p = 0.048). Advanced age, dominant side, use of the cortical screw as the uppermost screw, and higher plate-screw density were related to proximal screw breakage. When the plate is removed after bony union or delayed union is shown in these situations, the possibility of proximal screw breakage should be kept in mind.

Patient-specific 3D-printed mini-versus reconstruction plates for free flap fixation at the mandible: Retrospective study of clinical outcomes and complication rates

This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes and complication rates of patient-specific 3D-printed mini- and reconstruction plates for free flap fixation in mandibular reconstruction.A retrospective monocentric study was carried out between April 2017 and December 2021 to analyze patients undergoing immediate mandibular reconstruction using fibula free flaps and osteosynthesis using patient-specific 3D-printed implants.Eighty-three patients with a mean age of 63.6 years were included. The mean follow-up period was 18.5 months. Patient-specific 3D-printed plates were designed as reconstruction plates (38 patients), miniplates (21 patients) or a combination of reconstruction- and miniplates (24 patients). With miniplates, plate removal was performed significantly more often via an intraoral approach (p < 0.001) and in an outpatient setting (p = 0.002). Univariate analysis showed a higher fistula rate with reconstruction plates (p = 0.037). Multivariate analysis showed no significant differences in complications. Case–control matching demonstrated significantly lower rates of fistula (p = 0.017) and non-union (p = 0.029) in the combined group.This retrospective study shows a tendency towards reduced complication rates with patient-specific 3D-printed miniplates in comparison to patient-specific 3D-printed reconstruction plates for immediate mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flaps.

Is ulnar shortening osteotomy or the wafer procedure better for ulnar impaction syndrome?: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Wrist pain on the ulnar side is often caused by ulnar impaction syndrome (UIS). Idiopathic UIS requires surgical treatment when conservative treatment fails. The 2 main surgical procedures used are the wafer procedure and ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) of the metaphysis or diaphysis. This review aimed to analyze comparative studies of the 2 procedures in UIS to determine clinical outcomes and complications. One prospective and 5 retrospective comparison trials were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The primary outcomes were treatment effectiveness; pain visual analog scale (VAS), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, Mayo wrist, and Darrow scores. The incidence of postoperative complications formed the secondary outcome. The selected studies included 107 patients who underwent the wafer procedure (G1) and 117 patients who underwent USO (G2). The wafer procedure had the benefits of less postoperative immobilization and an early return to work. However, there were no significant differences in the postoperative pain improvement and functional scores. All 6 studies reported high total complication rates and reoperation with USO. The most frequent complication was implant-related discomfort or irritation; subsequent plate removal was the most common reason for a secondary operation. There was no difference in pain improvement or the postoperative functional score between the groups. Nevertheless, postoperative complications were the major pitfalls of USO. As the specialized shortening system advances further, a high-level study will be necessary to determine the surgical option in UIS.

Medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy with microfracture in treatment of varus medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis: clinical outcomes and second-look arthroscopic results.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical outcomes of medial opening high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) combined with arthroscopic microfracture in the treatment of varus medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis and to assess cartilage regeneration using second-look arthroscopy. Methods: This study involved 86 patients (86 knees) who underwent MOWHTO and microfracture from August 2016 to August 2020, including 15 men and 71 women with an average age of 55.3 ± 7.6years (range, 42-71years). The patients underwent a second-look arthroscopy to evaluate the status of cartilage regeneration at the time of plate removal, an average of 2years after the initial osteotomy. Clinical and radiological examinations were performed preoperatively and at the final follow-up visit. The radiologic evaluation included the weight-bearing line ratio (WBL ratio), mechanical femorotibial angle (FTA), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), posterior tibial slope angle (PTS) and Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society score (KSS) and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) scores. Arthroscopic findings were assessed by macroscopic evaluation of cartilage repair according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system. Results: The mean KSS and IKDC scores significantly improved at the final follow-up compared to the scores obtained preoperatively (p < 0.05). At the time of plate removal, a second-look arthroscopic examination showed that the ICRS grade of the medial femoral condyle was as follows: grade I -11 cases, grade II -56, grade III-12, and grade IV-7, and cartilage regeneration was seen in 85% of knees (73/86). The ICRS grade of medial tibial plateau was grade I-12 cases, grade II-44, grade III-22, and grade IV-8, and cartilage regeneration was seen in 63% of knees (54/86). Significant differences were observed between cartilage regeneration and clinical outcomes (p < 0.05). Clinical results were better in the good cartilage regeneration group (grades I and II) than were in the poor cartilage regeneration group (grades III and IV). Conclusion: MOWHTO combined with arthroscopic microfracture can effectively improve clinical outcomes in the treatment of varus medial compartmental knee osteoarthritis. Cartilage regeneration can be promoted by correcting varus deformities, which affect clinical outcomes.

Use of Locking Plates Fixed with Cortical Screws for Pelvic Fracture Repair in 20 Cats.

The aim of this study is to describe the use of String of Pearls (SOP) plates for the surgical management of feline pelvic fractures, including surgical technique, proposed indications, complications, and outcomes in a cohort of cats. This study is a single-center retrospective clinical case series. Medical records (2015-2019) of cats presenting for pelvic fractures (n = 33) were reviewed. Type of fracture, preoperative and postoperative imaging, and complications were retrospectively retrieved. Owners were contacted via questionnaire for medium- and long-term follow-up. A total of 20 cats met the inclusion criteria. Minor intraoperative complications were encountered in three patients. One patient suffered a major intraoperative complication. Five major complications were encountered postoperatively. These included two greater trochanter osteotomy fixation implant removal and three SOP plate removal. Full function was recovered in all patients according to the owners' assessment. The use of SOP plates in feline pelvic fractures appears to yield a consistently good outcome with a very low incidence of canal narrowing and screw loosening. SOP plates are easy to contour and to apply along the entire pelvic length.

Clinical characteristics of patients with the hardware failure after surgical stabilization of rib fractures in Korea: a case series.

Surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) is widely used in patients with flail chests, and several studies have reported the efficacy of SSRF even in multiple rib fractures. However, few reports have discussed the hardware failure (HF) of implanted plates. We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of patients with HF after SSRF and further investigate the related factors. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of patients who underwent SSRF for multiple rib fractures at a level I trauma center in Korea between January 2014 and January 2021. We defined HF as the unintentional loosening of screws, dislocation, or breakage of the implanted plates. The baseline characteristics, surgical outcomes, and types of HF were assessed. During the study period, 728 patients underwent SSRF, of whom 80 (10.9%) were diagnosed with HF. The mean age of HF patients was 56.5±13.6 years, and 66 (82.5%) were men. There were 59 cases (73.8%) of screw loosening, 21 (26.3%) of plate breakage, 17 (21.3%) of screw migration, and seven (8.8%) of plate dislocation. Nine patients (11.3%) experienced wound infection, and 35 patients (43.8%) experienced chronic pain. A total of 21 patients (26.3%) underwent reoperation for plate removal. The patients in the reoperation group were significantly younger, had fewer fractures and plates, underwent costal fixation, and had a longer follow-up. There were no significant differences in subjective chest symptoms or lung capacity. HF after SSRF occurred in 10.9% of the cases, and screw loosening was the most common. Further longitudinal studies are needed to identify risk factors for SSRF failure.

Clinical evaluation of treatment with hook plate in patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation

Objectives: Treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocations vary. In this study, we aim to examine the functional results of patients who underwent hook plate fixation due to dislocation of acromioclavicular joint. Methods: We retrospectively observed 21 patients who had been treated with hook plate due to dislocation of acromioclavicular joint. At follow up, Constant-Murley scoring system was performed for shoulder function evaluation, while radiological results were performed by X-ray. Results: Seventeen of these patients were male and four were female. Eleven of these patients had Rockwood type 5 joint dislocation and ten had Rockwood type 3 joint dislocation. The mean age was 36.7 ± 13.37 years (range: 19-61 years). The mean follow-up period was 27.3 ± 19.3 months (range: 10-59). Constant-Murley shoulder scoring was excellent in 18 patients (93.6) and good (82.5) in 3 patients. While one patient had wound site infection and one patient had plate broken, no one had any neurological damage. Except for the failed implants, plate removal was not performed because the patients did not have plate-related complaints. At follow-up, it was observed that the acromioclavicular joint was in the reduced position on direct radiographs. Conclusions: We observed good clinical and functional results for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation with hook plate treatment. The hook plate method is a safe and effective method in the acute treatment of type 3-5 injuries according to the Rockwood classification.