Screw Plate Research Articles

How can we reduce the ischemic time for forearm replantation? Tips to simplify the bone fixation

PurposeIschemic time is a key factor in satisfactory functional results after forearm replantation. In this study, we provide a detailed description of our surgical technique, the temporary screw plate fixation technique, which aims to reduce ischemic time.MethodsFrom June 2007 to June 2017, we performed a retrospective study of 20 patients who underwent forearm replantation. Eighteen cases involved male patients, and their mean age was 46 years. The mechanism of injury was roller injuries in 5 cases, power saw injuries in 3 cases, traffic accident in 7 cases, rope injuries in 2 cases, machinery injuries in 2 cases, and crushing injuries by rebar beam in 1 case.ResultsA total of 20 replantation patients survived. According to injury level, there were 3 cases of the proximal type, 11 cases of the middle type, and 6 cases of the distal type. The average time to revascularization was 331 min. The total operation time was, on average, 5.73 h. In the rest of the 18 cases, the temporary screw plate fixation technique was performed, and the average time required for bone shortening and plate fixation was 38.3 min.ConclusionsTo reduce ischemic time, we need a plan that progressively reduces time at each stage. Among our tips, temporary screw plate fixation can reduce the initial bone surgical operation to < 40 min, does not have many complications, and can be used as definitive surgery. This method for bone fixation should be considered as a strategy to actively reduce operation time during forearm replantation.Level of evidenceRetrospective study, Level III.

Comparison of percutaneous compression plate to parallel screws in the treatment of nondisplaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients: a prospective, randomized study.

The optimal internal fixation for non-displaced femoral neck fractures remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the clinical results of the percutaneous compression plate (PCCP) with parallel screws (PS) in treating femoral neck fractures in elderly patients. A total of 218 patients who underwent internal fixation were randomized to receive either a percutaneous compression plate (PCCP group) or parallel screws (PS group) using a computerized random sequence generator which was used to assign the order of randomization. Patients were assessed by the operating time, intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin level drop, postoperative hospital stay, the time to full weight-bearing, reduction quality, fracture healing time, Harris hip score, and postoperative complications. There was no significant difference between PCCP and PS groups regarding operative time, intraoperative blood loss, hemoglobin level drop, postoperative hospital stays, reduction quality, and Harris hip score (p > 0.05). The time to full weight-bearing and the fracture healing time in the PCCP group were shorter than those in the PS group (p < 0.05). The overall complication rates were slightly lower in the PCCP compared to the PS patients, but there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). However, the implant failure rate was significantly higher in the PS group compared to the PCCP group (p < 0.05). The present study suggests that the PCCP is superior to the parallel screws fixation in the treatment of non-displaced elderly femoral neck fractures in terms of earlier full weight-bearing, shorter fracture healing time, and lower implant failure rate. Therefore, it may be a better therapeutic strategy for non-displaced femoral neck fractures in elderly patients.

Distal Tibiofibular Malreduction in Ankle Fractures Received Fibula Plate and Syndesmotic Screw Fixation.

The aim of the study was to examine the effect of the position of the plate and syndesmotic screw on postoperative tibiofibular joint malreductions in cases where the syndesmotic screw is inserted through the hole of the anatomically locked lateral distal fibula plate. Thirty patients (13 female and 17 male patients) with postoperative computed tomographic scans were examined retrospectively. Patient information (eg, tibiofibular congruence measured from postoperative computed tomographic scans, the anterior and posterior tibiofibular distance at axial sections, the presence and orientation of fibular rotation, the presence of tibiofibular intraarticular piece, the angle between the syndesmotic screw and incisural line, the placement of the plate, and the localization of the screw on the fibula in axial images) was recorded. Those with fibular internal rotation had a lower syndesmotic screw-incisural line angle (SIA) (P = .001).There was a very strong negative significant correlation between the tibiofibular angle and SIA (rho, -0.780; P = .001). The median tibiofibular angle was found to be higher in cases with the fibula plate placed anteriorly (P = .009).The median SIA was found to be lower in cases with the fibula plate placed anteriorly (P = .004).The rate of placement of syndesmotic screw in the anterior third of the fibula was found to be high in cases with the fibula plate placed anteriorly (P = .049). In ankle fractures treated with insertion of a syndesmotic screw through the plate, the orientation of the syndesmotic screw in the axial plane and the position of the plate may be associated with the incidence of postoperative syndesmosis malreduction.

Open Reduction of Pediatric Femur Fracture: A Technical Trick

Open Reduction of Pediatric Femur Fracture: A Technical Trick

Comparison of Lapidus procedure fixation methods for hallux valgus: a 10-year retrospective analysis

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the type of Lapidus fixation method used in Leeds Teaching Trust Hospital that produces the best post-operative radiographical measurements. Methods: Thirty-five patients who underwent the Lapidus procedure were reviewed. Pre-operative and post-operative X-rays were measured to obtain angles; hallux valgus angle (HVA), first intermetatarsal angle (IMA), distal metatarsal articulate angle (DMA), meary angle (MA), and metatarsal declination angle (MDA). The fixation groups compared were dorso-medial plate vs dorsal plate vs medial plate and plate-single screw versus plate-crossed screw. The change in angle (Δ-angles) between pre-operative and post-operative were measured and the groups were compared. The fixation method that resulted in the largest Δ-angles and is statistically significant will be regarded as a superior fixation type within that group. Results: Groups with plate-single screw fixation showed a statistically significant (p&lt;0.05) larger change in distal metatarsal articulate angle compared to plate-crossed screw fixation. Dorso-medial plate showed largest Δ-angles in the plate group although none were statistically significant. Conclusions: Fixation systems with single-screw result in better radiographical measurements compared to crossed-screws, significantly with the distal metatarsal articular angle. Dorso-medial plates result in better radiographical measurements followed by dorsal plate and then medial plate. However, these findings need validation with a randomized controlled trial before being generalized.

Prediction of fracture nonunion leading to secondary surgery in patients with distal femur fractures.

Several previously identified patient-, injury-, and treatment-related factors are associated with the development of nonunion in distal femur fractures. However, the predictive value of these factors is not well defined. We aimed to assess the predictive ability of previously identified risk factors in the development of nonunion leading to secondary surgery in distal femur fractures. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with traumatic distal femur fracture treated with lateral locking plate between 2009 and 2018. The patients who underwent secondary surgery due to fracture healing problem or plate failure were considered having nonunion. Background knowledge of risk factors of distal femur fracture nonunion based on previous literature was used to form an initial set of variables. A logistic regression model was used with previously identified patient- and injury-related variables (age, sex, BMI, diabetes, smoking, periprosthetic fracture, open fracture, trauma energy, fracture zone length, fracture comminution, medial side comminution) in the first analysis and with treatment-related variables (different surgeon-controlled factors, e.g. plate length, screw placement, and proximal fixation) in the second analysis to predict the nonunion leading to secondary surgery in distal femur fractures. We were able to include 299 fractures in 291 patients. Altogether, 31/299 fractures (10%) developed nonunion. In the first analysis, pseudo-R2 was 0.27 and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.81. BMI was the most important variable in the prediction. In the second analysis, pseudo-R2 was 0.06 and AUC was 0.67. Plate length was the most important variable in the prediction. The model including patient- and injury-related factors had moderate fit and predictive ability in the prediction of distal femur fracture nonunion leading to secondary surgery. BMI was the most important variable in prediction of nonunion. Surgeon-controlled factors had a minor role in prediction of nonunion.

Talon cannulated compression device as an alternative in the fixation of acetabulum posterior column fractures: A biomechanical study

To compare the amount of displacement and rigidity at the fracture line under static & dynamic axial loading and torsional stress of conventional cannulated screw (CS), plate screw fixation including inter-fragmentary screw (PL), and talon cannulated compression device or talon screw in other words (TS) in posterior column fracture models.Synthetic hemipelvis bone models presenting a posterior column fracture were used in this study. Group PL, CS, and TS were created with ten bone models prepared for each group for dynamic and static loading tests and another ten for torsional tests. Rigidity and displacement amounts before and after loading were measured at the reference points AL, BL, and CL, located at the acetabulum's top, middle, and bottom, respectively. Torsional tests for each group were used to calculate torsional rigidity and maximum torque values.In dynamic axial loading tests, Group CS showed more displacement than PL at the BL point (p = 0,032) and Group TS at AL (p = 0,032) and CL (p = 0,004) points. In static axial loading tests, Group CS significantly displaced more than TS at AL and CL points (p = 0,05 and p = 0,014, respectively). Group PL and Group TS exhibited similar behavior in dynamic, static axial loading tests and torsional rigidity. The maximum torque that Group PL could withstand was statistically significantly higher than the other two groups (p <0,001).Talon cannulated screws had promising results in posterior column fractures of the acetabulum, which may decline the need for open surgery for stable fixation.

Combined Plate and Long Screw Fixation of Transverse Condylar Head Fractures.

We describe a method of fixing transverse condylar head fractures using a combination of a plate and long screw fixation. In the technical procedure, a 4-hole mini-plate was placed on the lateral side of the condylar head and the condylar stump after the fracture reduction. The first hole was drilled in the lateral side of the condylar head, and one 9mm mini-screw was inserted, a second hole drilled from the lateral side of the condyle stump through the medial pole of the condylar head and a 16mm screw was inserted in an oblique direction from inferior to superior, then 2 more 9mm mini-screws were inserted just below the long one to complete the procedure. This technique showed excellent results in both short and long-term stability of and healing of the fracture. Furthermore, it is more standardized, reproducible, and less technically demanding.

The development, incidence and treatment trends of trochanteric fractures in Germany: a cohort study

BackgroundHip fractures are a major public health problem worldwide and can lead to disability, increased mortality, and reduced quality of life. We aim to provide a nationwide epidemiological analysis of trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures and their respective surgical treatments.MethodsData were retrieved from the national database of the German Department of the Interior. ICD-10-GM and OPS data from the period of 2006 to 2020 were analysed and all patients with trochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures as their main diagnosis, who were treated in a German hospital, were included. Patients were grouped by age and gender and linear regression was performed where suitable to calculate statistically significant correlations between variables and incidences.Results985,104 pertrochanteric fractures and 178,810 subtrochanteric fractures were reported during the analysed period. We calculated a mean incidence of 80.08 ± 6.34 for pertrochanteric and 14.53 ± 1.50 for subtrochanteric fractures per million inhabitants. In both fracture types, a distinct dependence of incidence on age can be determined. Incidence rates equally rise in both sexes through the age groups with an increase of about 288-fold from those under the age of 60 to those over the age of 90 in pertrochanteric fractures, and about 123-fold in subtrochanteric fractures. Intramedullary nailing was the most common kind of treatment for both fracture types with augmentative cerclages on the rise throughout the whole period. Plate and dynamic compression screws were decreasing in frequency over the analysed period in both fractures.ConclusionsWe provided incidence data on per- and subtrochanteric fractures and their treatment. We calculated an economic impact of approximately 1.563 billion € per year in Germany. With regards to recent literature on costs of treatment and our findings regarding the implementation and utilization of different treatment methods, we conclude that the reinforcement of nationwide prevention programs is a relevant step in lessening the economic burden. We welcome the increased utilisation of intramedullary nailing as many studies show beneficiary outcomes and cost effectiveness in most of the included fracture types.

Hip fracture treatment and complications after surgery

Falls are one of the most important geriatric syndromes due to their high frequency, often without fatal consequences, but they do tend to affect the person's health and quality of life. The purpose of this review is to mention to most used options of treatment and the most common complication that occurred after the treatment. Whether physical or psychological complications. The average age is 82 years in women and 79 years in men; the largest number of causes occur during the day and at home, which is why more than 40% of the population has suffered a previous fracture. Most fractures are the result of trips or falls, but there are 5% who do not report previous traumatic episodes. The most common types of fracture according to the AO/OTA classification correspond to type 31-A1 and 31-A2 which are considered stable, likewise it is mentioned that the scope of treatment commonly used is intramedullary nailing and sliding screw plate, being the second one the preferred one. The risk factors associated with this complication were age, sex, and ASA score. In another way, the surgical complications included hematoma/healing, mechanical disorder, complications, infections, Necrosis, pseudoarthrosis, and malposition Healing and had the same risk factors associated plus the time it took to perform the surgery.

Pediatrik Ön kol Kırıklarının Cerrahi Tedavisinde TEN (Titanyum Elastik Çivi) ile Plak Vida Tespitinin karşılaştırılması

Background/Aims: In pediatric forearm fractures, the choice of surgical technique and fixation method can be challenging. Surgically treated pediatric patients younger than 14 years with Titanium Elastic Nails (TEN) or Plate Screw Fixation(PSF) were compared clinically, in cost, and in terms of postoperative outcomes.&#x0D; Method: In the retrospective case-control study, pediatric forearm fractures operated on at a level I trauma center between 2017 and 2022 were examined. Surgically treated forearm fractures in pediatric patients under 14 years of age were included in this study group.&#x0D; Results: A mean age of 10.83 +- 3.28 years was found among the 109 patients. The PSF group (12.87+-2.76 years) was 3.17 (95% CI 2.02 - 4.33) years older than the TEN group (9.7+-3 years) (p

Biomechanical design optimization of distal femur locked plates: A review.

Clinical findings, manufacturer instructions, and surgeon's preferences often dictate the implantation of distal femur locked plates (DFLPs), but healing problems and implant failures still persist. Also, most biomechanical researchers compare a particular DFLP configuration to implants like plates and nails. However, this begs the question: Is this specific DFLP configuration biomechanically optimal to encourage early callus formation, reduce bone and implant failure, and minimize bone "stress shielding"? Consequently, it is crucial to optimize, or characterize, the biomechanical performance (stiffness, strength, fracture micro-motion, bone stress, plate stress) of DFLPs influenced by plate variables (geometry, position, material) and screw variables (distribution, size, number, angle, material). Thus, this article reviews 20 years of biomechanical design optimization studies on DFLPs. As such, Google Scholar and PubMed websites were searched for articles in English published since 2000 using the terms "distal femur plates" or "supracondylar femur plates" plus "biomechanics/biomechanical" and "locked/locking," followed by searching article reference lists. Key numerical outcomes and common trends were identified, such as: (a) plate cross-sectional area moment of inertia can be enlarged to lower plate stress at the fracture; (b) plate material has a larger influence on plate stress than plate thickness, buttress screws, and inserts for empty plate holes; (c) screw distribution has a major influence on fracture micro-motion, etc. Recommendations for future work and clinical implications are then provided, such as: (a) simultaneously optimizing fracture micro-motion for early healing, reducing bone and implant stresses to prevent re-injury, lowering "stress shielding" to avoid bone resorption, and ensuring adequate fatigue life; (b) examining alternate non-metallic materials for plates and screws; (c) assessing the influence of condylar screw number, distribution, and angulation, etc. This information can benefit biomedical engineers in designing or evaluating DFLPs, as well as orthopedic surgeons in choosing the best DFLPs for their patients.

X-RAY ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFICIENCY OF HYBRID STABLE-ELASTIC FIXATION UNSTABLE ANKLE FRACTURES

The level of complications after treatment of patients with bone fractures stays high 22–60 %. Understanding ankle-foot joint biomechanics is critical for choosing trendy methods hybrid fixation or the traditional fixation of the fibula plate and positional screw for distal syndesmosis. Objective. To analyze the effectiveness of surgical treatment of patients with unstable trans- and suprasyndesmosis fractures with hybrid stable-elastic fixation (HSEF) in comparison with the traditional method of fixation with a bone plate with a positioning screw according to X-ray morphometric parameters. Methods. 82 patients with unstable trans- and suprasyndesmotic fractures of the fibula. The main (I group) of the study consisted of 18 (21,95 %) patients with an average age of (41,6 ± 15,5) years who operated with hybrid stable-elastic fixation, and the control (II group) — 64 (78.05 %) patients with an average age of (52,4 ± 15,7) years, who operated with a bone plate with a positioning screw. Results. The TTA was 0.63 times lower than in patients after traditional fixation. For type C fractures in patients after HSEF, the value of TTA was also 0.78 times (p = 0.0005). Conclusions. The analysis of X-ray morphometric parameters of the angle of inclination of the talus bone and the talus-tibia angle confirms the advantage of hybrid stable-elastic fixation in trans- or supra-syndesmotic fractures of the fibula with damage to the distal inter-tibial syndesmosis. According to the value of the index of the angle of inclination of the talus in patients after hybrid stable-elastic fixation, lower risks of ankle-foot joint instability in the p/o period were found than in patients after traditional osteosynthesis. Median values of the talus-tibia angle indicated a tendency to shorten the fibula in patients after traditional osteosynthesis.

Development and clinical application of a new reduction device for the treatment of tibial plateau fracture under arthroscopic monitoring

To develop a reduction device for the arthroscopy-assisted treatment of tibial plateau fracture and explore its clinical efficacy. From May 2018 to September 2019, 21 patients with tibial plateau fracture were treated, including 17 males and 4 females. Their ages ranged from 18 to 55 years old with an average of (38.6±8.7) years old. There were 5 cases of Schatzker typeⅡand 16 cases of Schatzker type Ⅲ. The self-designed reductor combined with arthroscope was used for auxiliary reduction and fixation(minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis). The efficacy was analyzed by observing the operation time, blood loss, fracture healing time and knee function(HSS and IKDC scoring criteria). All the 21 patients were followed up for 8 to 24 with an average of(14.0±3.1) months. The operative time ranged from 70 to 95 min with an average of(81.7±7.6)min, incision length ranged from 4 to 7 cm with an average of(5.3±0.9) cm, intraoperative blood loss ranged from 20 to 50 ml with an average of(35.3±5.2) ml, postoperative weight-bearing time ranged from 30 to 50 d with an average of(35.1±9.2) d, fracture healing time ranged from 65 to 90 d with an average of(75.0±4.4) d, and complications were 0 cases, respectively. The fracture was well healed and no screw plate fracture was observed. The knee function scores of HSS and IKDC 18 months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation(P<0.05). The custom-made reduction tool for the arthroscopic management of tibial plateau fracture is reasonable in design and simple in operation. The specific reduction tool could effectively reduce the fracture, and shorten the fixation time with minimally invasive procedure.

Modes of failure following locking plate fixation of the distal radius: a thematic analysis of 517 fractures.

Anterior locking plate fixation of the distal radius is a common procedure with reliable results. Failure of fixation is sometimes seen. The aim of the present study was to identify the reasons for failure. In total, 517 cases met the study inclusion criteria. Of them, 23 cases had failure of fixation (4.4%). Failure analysis generated qualitative data. Subsequent thematic analysis identified the primary mode of failure and contributing factors. Primary modes were identified as failure to support all key fracture fragments (n = 20), wrong choice of implant (n = 1), failure of union (n = 1) and poor bone quality (n = 1). Contributing factors were errors in plate positioning, fracture reduction, implant selection and screw configuration, as well as fracture pattern complexity and poor bone quality. Most failed fixations had a primary mode and two or three contributing factors. Overall anterior plating is reliable with a low rate of surgical failure. Knowledge of failure modes will aid operative planning and prevent failure.Level of evidence: V.

The Effects of the Use of Single-Screw Plates (Univertebral Screw Plates) versus Double-Screw Plates (Bivertebral Screw Plates) on Fusion After One-Level or Two-Level Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion

In this study, we aimed to retrospectively analyze the effects of the use of univertebral screw plates (USPs) and bivertebral screw plates (BSPs) on fusion in patients who underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Forty-two patients who were treated with USPs or BSPs after 1-level or 2-level ACDF and had a minimum follow-up period of 2 years were included in the study. Fusion and the global cervical lordosis angle were evaluated using direct radiographs and computed tomography images of the patients. The clinical outcomes were assessed using the Neck Disability Index and visual analog scale. Seventeen patients were treated using USPs and 25 patients using BSPs. Fusion was achieved in all patients who underwent BSP fixation (1-level ACDF, 15 patients; 2-level ACDF, 10 patients) and 16 of the 17 patients who underwent USP fixation (1-level ACDF, 11 patients; 2-level ACDF, 6 patients). The plate of the patient with fixation failure had to be removed because it was symptomatic. A statistically significant improvement was observed in the immediate postoperative period and at the last follow-up in terms of global cervical lordosis angle, visual analog scale score, and Neck Disability Index ofallpatients who underwent 1-level or 2-level ACDF surgery (P < 0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Although USPs are less costly and easier to implant, the effect of USPs and BSPs on fusion and clinical outcomes is similar. Thus, surgeons may prefer to use USPs after 1-level or 2-level ACDF.

Locking plate fixation versus intramedullary nail fixation for the treatment of multifragmentary proximal humerus fractures (OTA/AO type 11C): a preliminary comparison of clinical efficacy

BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of locking plate and intramedullary nail fixations in the treatment of patients with OTA/AO type 11C proximal humerus fractures.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with OTA/AO type 11C1.1 and 11C3.1 proximal humerus fractures who underwent surgery at our institution from June 2012 to June 2017. Perioperative indicators, postoperative morphological parameters of the proximal humerus, and Constant–Murley scores were evaluated and compared.ResultsSixty-eight patients with OTA/AO type 11C1.1 and 11C3.1 proximal humerus fractures were enrolled in this study. Overall, 35 patients underwent open reduction and plate screw internal fixation, and 33 patients underwent limited open reduction and locking of the proximal humerus with intramedullary nail internal fixation. The total cohort had a mean follow-up duration of 17.8 months. The mean operation time of the locking plate group was significantly longer than that of the intramedullary nail group (P < 0.05), while the mean bleeding volume was significantly higher in the locking plate group than that in the intramedullary nail group (P < 0.05). The initial neck–shaft angles, final neck–shaft angles, forward flexion ranges, or Constant–Murley scores did not show significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05). Complications, including screw penetrations, acromion impingement syndrome, infection, and aseptic necrosis of the humeral head, occurred in 8 patients (8/35, 22.8%) in the locking plate group and 5 patients in the intramedullary nail group (5/33, 15.1%; including malunion and acromion impingement syndrome), with no significant difference between the groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionsSimilar satisfactory functional results can be achieved with locking plates and intramedullary nailing for OTA/AO type 11C1.1 and 11C3.1 proximal humerus fractures, with no significant difference in the number of complications between these two techniques. However, intramedullary nailing has advantages over locking plates for OTA/AO type 11C1.1 and 11C3.1 proximal humerus fractures in terms of operation time and bleeding volume.

Failure of humeral shaft fixation: construct characteristics.

Fixation failure following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of humeral shaft fractures can be a challenging complication. We aimed to identify the modes of failure and characteristics of failed fixation constructs. We queried our institutional database for patients > 18years old with fixation failure after ORIF with single plate and screw constructs of humeral shaft fractures from 2006 to 2017. Demographics, fracture characteristics, fixation construct design and mode of failure were recorded. Twenty-three failures were identified. Mean age was 55.9years (SD 19.2years) with 15 (65%) women. Twelve patients (52%) had midshaft fractures; the remainder had distal-third shaft (8 pts, 35%) or proximal-third shaft (3 pts, 13%) fractures. Midshaft fractures were most commonly fixed through an anterolateral approach with plates and all non-locking screws (83%), while distal-third shaft fractures were fixed with a combination of locking and non-locking screws from a posterior approach. Distal-third shaft fractures failed by plate breakage (63%) or screw pullout (38%) and all midshaft failures occurred by screw pullout proximal (92%) or distal (8%) to the fracture. Resultant varus deformity occurred in 20 (87%) fractures. Screw pullout in midshaft fractures suggests that fixation to bone was insufficient or biomechanically disadvantageous. Varus moments contribute significantly to the failure of humeral shaft fracture ORIF. Plate breakage in distal fractures suggests high concentrations of stress over a narrow working length of constructs with inadequate plate strength. Recognizing how these constructs fail can aid proper implant selection and application for humeral shaft fracture. Treatment level IV.

The modified occipital condyle screw: A quantitative anatomic study investigating the feasibility of a novel instrumented fixation technique for craniocervical fusion.

Prospective human anatomical study. Occipitocervical fusion with occipital plate or condyle screws has shown higher failure rates in those with skeletal dysplasia. The modified occipital condyle screw connects the occipital condyle to the pars basilaris of the occipital bone that may achieve fortified bony purchase and serve as a more rigid fixation point. We evaluate anatomical feasibility of a novel cranial fixation technique designed to decrease risk of pseudarthrosis. Occipital condyles were analyzed morphologically using multiplanar three-dimensional reconstructed, ultra-thin section computed tomography. The following parameters were obtained: occipital condyle length, maximal cross section, location of hypoglossal canal, axial and sagittal orientation of the long axis, occipital condyle pedicle (OCP) diameter, maximal length of OCP screw, and entry point. Forty patients with total of 80 occipital condyles were analyzed and the following measurements were obtained: occipital condyle length 24.1 mm (20.5-27.7, standard deviation [SD]: 2.2); condyle maximum axial cross-section 12.6 mm (9-15.8, SD: 1.9); length of OCP screw 38.9 mm (29.3-44, SD: 5.7); diameter of OCP 3.4 mm (3.2-3.6, SD: 0.2); clearance below hypoglossal canal 4.5 mm (3.4-7, SD: 1.1); and distance of screw entry point from condylar foramen 2 mm (range 0-4, SD 1.6). The modified occipital condyle screw connects the condyle with the clivus through the pars basilaris and represents a safe and technically feasible approach to achieve craniocervical fusion in skeletally mature individuals. This cephalad anchor point serves as an alternate fixation point of the occipitocervical junction with increased strength of construct and decreased risk of hardware failure or pseudarthrosis given cortical bone purchase and longer screw instrumentation.

Practice Variation in Proximal Phalangeal Fracture Management.

Background: Practice variation may indicate a lack of evidence to guide management. This study investigated the preferences of operative management of proximal phalangeal fractures in Australian hand surgeons, as well as factors that may account for variations. Methods: An electronic survey of all members of the Australian Hand Surgery Society was performed. Surgeon demographic factors and surgical preferences were investigated. Three common proximal phalangeal fracture configurations were presented as cases. Potential predictors of management were explored. Results: A total of 51.9% of active hand surgeons responded. Orthopaedic surgeons were more comfortable with lateral plating and intramedullary screw fixation, while plastic surgeons preferred Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation. Junior surgeons were more likely to believe that intramedullary screw fixation produced superior results. 53.0% of surgeons in a tertiary environment believed that adequate hand therapy was key (compared to 17.0% of clinicians in a secondary hospital). Conclusions: There is significant practice variation and a lack of standards in the management of a common clinical problem, as well as a lack of consensus on the evidence underpinning common fixation methods. Further research is needed. Level of Evidence: Level IV (Therapeutic).