Radial Shaft Research Articles

Treatment of atrophic nonunion via autogenous ilium grafting assisted by vertical fixation of double plates: A case series of patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of the treatment of atrophic nonunion using structural autogenous ilium bone grafting in combination with vertical fixation of double plates.MethodsThis retrospective study analysed the clinical data from consecutive patients with atrophic nonunion who underwent autogenous ilium grafting in combination with double-plate vertical fixation. The injury type and the bone affected by nonunion, the duration of nonunion and the outcomes following surgery were recorded for all patients.ResultsThe study enrolled 43 patients with atrophic nonunion of the upper and lower limbs: 17 patients with tibial nonunion, 21 with femoral nonunion, four with humeral nonunion and one with radial shaft nonunion. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 14.5 months (range, 8–28 months). A total of 43 of 43 patients (100%) achieved a healed nonunion fracture without the occurrence of complications such as infection, fracture of internal fixation or pain in the harvesting site. Comprehensive postoperative assessments of bone healing and function were observed to be good and/or excellent in all 43 patients.ConclusionStructural autogenous ilium grafting used in combination with double-plate vertical fixation can provide a stable structural environment for near optimal bone healing in patients with atrophic nonunion.

An Experimental Study of the Wear of the Radial Shaft Seals of Rotary Shafts

This article provides a detailed description of an experimental device to study the problems of wear of lip seals in frictional contact with a rotary shaft. The empirical dependences are presented for assessment of the magnitude of the wear of rubber and polyurethane lip seals depending on their lifetime.

The Capitate-to-Axis-of-Radius Distance (CARD): A New Radiographic Measurement for Wrist and Carpal Alignment in the Sagittal Plane

To determine the reliability of a new radiographic index evaluating sagittal radiocarpal alignment, the capitate-to-axis-of-radius distance (CARD). A secondary purpose was to validate this index by comparing values between normal wrists and those with distal radial fractures (DRFs) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The CARD is defined as the perpendicular distance from the center of the capitate head to the axis of the radius. Inter- and intraobserver reliability was tested. Cronbach alpha was calculated, and 2 methods of measurement were compared. The superior one (volar border of radial shaft) was used in the second part of the study. The normal CARD was then compared with unilateral DRFs with dorsal displacement DRF (n= 25) and RA (n= 25). Correlations between the CARD and other radiographic parameters (dorsal angulation, radial inclination, and ulnar variance) were calculated as well as between the CARD and the severity of disease or fracture displacement (mild/moderate/severe). The CARD showed excellent intra- and interobserver reliability. The volar radius measurement method was superior to the midaxis method and was, therefore, used for the second portion of the study. The mean CARD for normal, fractured, and RA wrists was significantly different (2.2 ± 2.5 mm, 15.7 ± 6.5 mm and 0.2 ± 4.4 mm, respectively). There was a strong side-to-side correlation in normal wrists (r= 0.77) and a significant correlation between the CARD (mm) and the severity of deformity (RA, r= -0.7; DRF, r= 0.8). The CARD is a reproducible, easy-to-use measurement of sagittal carpal alignment with a strong side-to-side correlation. The CARD increases with dorsal angulation of the distal radius and decreases as severity of deformity with RA increases. The correlation of the CARD with severity of deformity in DRFs and RA makes it a useful method of assessing deformities in the sagittal plane. The normal wrist can be used as a comparison when evaluating the CARD in the setting of unilateral wrist disease.

Dynamics of Blood Values in Patients with Radial Shaft Injury after Using Transosseous Osteosynthesis by external Fixation Pin Device

Transosseous osteosynthesis continues to occupy a leading position among the methods of treatment of damage to the tubular bones of the extremities. This article presents a survey of 47 patients: 22 men and 25 women aged 25 to 60 years with fractures in the middle third of the radial shaft with displacement of bone fragments. The peculiarity of the external fixation device we used is that all transosseous elements are represented by 1.5 mm pins, inserted through both cortical layers of each bone, at levels from I and VIII. The pins are inserted simultaneously through both bones, thus excluding the rotational function of the forearm.The essence of the study is a comparative analysis of the blood system parameters in patients with diaphyseal injuries of the radial bone, operated by the transosseous osteosynthesis method using the external fixation device of pin configuration. Any damage to the body, (a fracture or related surgery), is accompanied with various changes in the system of hemodynamics and metabolism.The laboratory blood tests performed in the group of patients with damage to the radial shaft treated with transosseous osteosynthesis by external fixation device of pin configuration, revealed certain regularities in changing of blood parameters: increased number of platelets, increased level of fibrinogen and level of soluble fibrin complexes, which promotes the activation of the internal mechanism of blood clotting.

The Anterior-Posterior Diameter of Radial Shaft for Predicting Appropriate Length of Distal Screws in Volar Plating for Distal Radius Fractures

The Anterior-Posterior Diameter of Radial Shaft for Predicting Appropriate Length of Distal Screws in Volar Plating for Distal Radius Fractures

Fracture of the Radial Neck and Proximal Ulna with Medial Displacement of the Radial Shaft

Fracture of the Radial Neck and Proximal Ulna with Medial Displacement of the Radial Shaft

Plating the radial shaft on the lateral surface: An outcome study

PurposePlate fixation is the gold standard for the treatment of displaced forearm shaft fractures in adults. Conventionally radial shaft fractures will be plated either on the volar surface or on the dorsal surface depending on which approach has been chosen. The lateral surface of the radius provides an even and uniformly curved area for placing a plate. It has the advantage of restoring and easy assessing the radial bow after surgery. We designed a prospective study to observe the outcome of lateral plating of radius shaft fractures. MethodsNineteen patients were included in this study performed in Government Medical College, Jammu, India. Among them, 13 had fractures of both the forearm bones and 6 had isolated radial shaft fracture. Three patients had Galeazzi fracture dislocation. Fixation was done within 36 h of injury in all using 3.5 mm limited contact dynamic compression plate or locking compression plate applied to the lateral surface of the radius. Ulna was fixed in routine manner. ResultsUnion was achieved in 18 out of 19 patients, after a mean time of 17.44 weeks. According to Anderson et al.'s criteria, 12 patients had excellent results, 5 had satisfactory and 1 had unsatisfactory result. There was one failure (nonunion). ConclusionThe outcomes including rate of union were comparable to those in the existing literature. Plating the radial shaft on the lateral surface is a viable alternative to volar or dorsal plating of the radius. Larger studies with randomized data are needed to assess whether it has any superiority over other existing techniques.

Challenges Faced in the Management of Radial Shaft Nonunion and Implant Failure on a Background of Distal Radius Malunion.

Challenges Faced in the Management of Radial Shaft Nonunion and Implant Failure on a Background of Distal Radius Malunion.

Pullout Strength After Multiple Reinsertions in Radial Bone Fixation.

Background: Due to bone cutting loss from self-tapping screws (STS), progressive destruction of bone can occur with each reinsertion during surgery. When considering the use of jigs that utilize multiple insertions such as those seen in ulnar and radial shortening osteotomy systems, or scenarios where a screw needs to be removed and reinserted due to some technical issue, this can be concerning, as multiple studies examining the effects of multiple reinsertions and the relationship between insertional torque and pullout strength have had mixed results. Methods: Insertional torque and pullout strength were experimentally measured following multiple reinsertions of STS for up to 5 total insertions for various densities and locations along radial sawbone shafts. Results: Torque and pullout strength were significantly greater in middle segments of the radial shaft. Our trials corroborate previous literature regarding a significant reduction in fixation between 1 and 2 insertions; beyond this, there was no significant difference between pullout strength across all segment locations as well as bone densities for 3 to 5 insertions. There was a moderate to high correlation of insertional torque to pullout strength noted across all bone densities and segments (Pearson r = 0.663, P < .001). Conclusion: While reinsertion of STS between 1 and 2 insertions has been shown to significantly differ in pullout strength, beyond this, there does not appear to be a significant difference in up to 5 insertions at any specific region of radial bone across a range of sawbone densities. Further insertions may be considered with caution.

The Effect of Radial Shaft Dorsal Screw Prominence in Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures.

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine whether prominent radial shaft screws in volar locked plating of distal radius fractures increase the risk of tendon irritation, tendon rupture, or hardware removal. Methods: Patients who underwent volar locked plating of distal radius fractures from April 2002 to March 2016 with at least 6 months of follow-up were evaluated. Variables examined included demographics, extensor tendon irritation, extensor tendon rupture, and hardware removal. The most prominent cortical screws on postoperative lateral radiographs were identified and measured from the dorsal cortex of the radial shaft to the tip of the screw. Results: In all, 261 distal radius fractures in 255 patients were identified. Thirty-nine patients (14.9%) underwent subsequent hardware removal at a mean 15.8 ± 18.6 months. Nine patients (3.45%) were found to have clinically significant extensor tendon irritation including one patient (0.38%) with extensor tendon rupture. The average screw was 1.48 mm proud of the dorsal radial cortex. In all, 22.6% of screws were greater than 2 mm proud. Comparing patients who underwent hardware removal with those who did not, there was no statistically significant difference in mean screw prominence or proportion of patients with screws greater than 2 mm. There was no statistically significant difference between shaft screw prominence and extensor tendon irritation. Conclusions: The effect of dorsal screw prominence of radial shaft screws is not significant. This study does not support the downsizing of prominent screws 2 mm or less.

Radius regeneration after open fracture and extrusion: a case report

Level 4; case report.

An Analytical Dynamic Model of a Hollow Cylindrical Roller Bearing

Hollow cylindrical roller bearings (HCRBs) have obtained much attention from design engineers in bearing industries since they can perform better than solid cylindrical roller bearings (SCRBs) in centrifugal forces, contact stiffness, cooling ability, fatigue life, etc. In this study, an analytical dynamic model of a lubricated HCRB is presented to analyze the influences of the radial load, the shaft speed, and the hollowness percentage of the roller on the bearing vibrations, which cannot be formulated by the methods in the reported literature. Both the support stiffness of the shaft and the roller mass are formulated in the presented dynamic model. The hollow hole in the roller is modeled as a uniform one. Numerical results show that the hollowness percentage of the roller has a great influence on the vibrations of the roller and the inner race of the HCRB. Moreover, the vibrations of the components of the HCRB are not only determined by the hollowness percentage of the roller, but also depended on the external radial load and shaft speed. Therefore, during the design process for the hollowness percentage of the roller, the influences of the radial load and the shaft speed on the vibrations of the bearing components should be considered, except for the fatigue life. The results show that this work can give a new dynamic method for analyzing the vibrations of the HCRBs. Moreover, it can give some guidance for the design method for the HCRBs.

A fresh look at radial shaft fracture fixation: The lateral approach to the radius.

Open reduction and internal fixation using plates is the gold standard for the treatment of displaced forearm bone fractures in adults. The ulna being subcutaneous throughout has a constant approach. However, the radius is approached from either the dorsal or the volar side. Both the dorsal and the volar approaches to the radial shaft involve meticulous dissection and preservation of important neurovascular structures. The posterior interosseus nerve is at risk in the dorsal approach and the radial artery and its branches in the volar approach. Dissection of these structures also adds to the operative time. The possibility of a third alternate approach was perceived, which could decrease the potential risks of the conventional approaches. Sixteen patients with radial shaft fractures in the middle third were operated on using the lateral approach: 6 of them had isolated radius fracture and 10 had both-bone fractures. There were 13 males and three females with a mean age of 37.9 years. Limited contact dynamic compression plate or locking compression plate of 3.5 mm was used to fix all fractures. All patients were operated on within 36 h of injury and then followed up till union. Union was assessed using serial radiographs and functional outcome using Anderson et al.'s criteria. The final functional outcome was assessed at an average 6 months after surgery and the results compiled. The mean operative time in isolated radius fractures was 37.5 min and that for plating of both bones was 80.7 min. Primary bone grafting of the radius was done in one case and secondary bone grafting in another patient with delayed union of the radius. Union was achieved in all cases at a mean time of 17.25 weeks. The functional outcome was excellent in 10 patients, satisfactory in 5 patients, and unsatisfactory in 1 patient. The lateral approach is a simple approach with low operative complexity and complications. We found this approach to provide a reliably good exposure of the middle third of the radius, enabling lateral plating without complications.

The treatment of chronic radial head dislocation in Monteggia fracture without annular ligament reconstruction.

The treatment of neglected radial head dislocation after missed Monteggia fracture dislocation in children is a controversial issue. The purpose of this study is to report our clinical experience in the treatment of the condition without annular ligament reconstruction. This is a retrospective review of 20 patients between 2008 and 2014. Procedures included open reduction of the radial head and ulnar lengthening angulation osteotomy. In cases of unstable radial head reduction, a trans-capitellar K wire was applied. The pre- and post-operative radiographs were available for evaluation as well as the Mayo Elbow Performance Index (MEPI). The average pre-operative elbow extension-flexion arc was 99.5° and pronation-supination arc was 151°. At last follow-up, the flexion of elbow had significant improvement (from 110° to 124°), while the average pronation and supination arc decreased, most in pronation (from 75° to 65°). Post-operatively, MEPI scored higher, especially in elbow pain and stability. Patients underwent surgery within oneyear of injury had better functional outcome than those injured over one year. The patients required trans-capitellar K wire for unstable radial head reduction and were in the older age group. At final follow-up, the reduction of radial head was maintained in all cases except two with mild subluxations of the radial head in radiographs. Two cases required radial shaft shortening to facilitate the reduction because of proximal migration of the radius. For neglected radial head dislocation following Monteggia fracture dislocation, we presented our surgical strategy to reduce the radial head without annual ligament reconstruction. Our patients functionally benefited from the procedure with significant improvement in elbow pain and stability, as well as improved flexion of the elbow with stable radial head reduction. IV.

Rotational Cone Tribometer (RCT) for Approaching the Tribological Behavior of Hard and Soft Sealing Materials Under Dynamic Line Contact

Rotational cone tribometer (RCT) was developed to study the tribological behavior in close to application contact conditions. RCT allows testing of a sample with line contact and also allows direct installation of a radial shaft seal. The RCT test evaluates, on one hand, the frictional behavior of a material sample in line contact, aiding material development for better tribological performance. On the other hand, it is also used to evaluate the frictional behavior of a ready manufactured sealing component. To assess the performance of the tribometer, differently manufactured thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) samples were analyzed in sliding contact against a steel contact partner in a sliding speed range of 1 · 10−3 m · s−1 till 2 m · s−1. The effect of the morphology of TPU on the tribological behavior is studied.

The reverse Sauvé-Kapandji procedure for the treatment of (posttraumatic) proximal radioulnar synostosis

Proximal radioulnar synostosis is a rare but highly disabling posttraumatic complication in periarticular elbow injuries. Surgical treatment is an option for functionally limiting proximal radioulnar synostosis; however, the approach can endanger local neurovascular structures, especially if the synostosis affects the level of the bicipital tuberosity. We report two cases of proximal radioulnar synostosis with a preoperative prono-supination range of motion of 0° and 15° treated by a reverse Sauvé-Kapandji procedure resecting a 1-cm section of the radial shaft distal to the bicipital tuberosity and leaving the synostosis in place. An improvement in prono-supination arc of motion of 82.5° was achieved at 2years of follow-up with no complications associated with the technique. The reverse Sauvé-Kapandji procedure could be an option in the treatment of proximal radioulnar synostosis in selected cases.

Radial Shaft Convergence in Distal Radius Fractures: Diagnosis and Treatment.

Radial shaft convergence in distal radius fractures is often misdiagnosed. This common deformation is often associated with a radial translation of the distal fragment. This parameter has to be corrected because of the increased risk of distal radioulnar joint instability due to detensioning of the distal interosseous membrane if there is an associated triangular fibrocartilage complex lesion. A new radiologic sign for diagnosis of proximal radius convergence during distal radius fracture is presented as well as technical tips for correction of this deformity.

Low free 25-hydroxyvitamin D and high vitamin D binding protein and parathyroid hormone in obese Caucasians. A complex association with bone?

BackgroundStudies have shown altered vitamin D metabolism in obesity. We assessed differences between obese and normal-weight subjects in total, free, and bioavailable 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D, 25(OH)DFree, and 25(OH)DBio, respectively), vitamin D binding protein (DBP), parathyroid hormone (PTH) and bone traits.Methods595 37-47-year-old healthy Finnish men and women stratified by BMI were examined in this cross-sectional study. Background characteristic and intakes of vitamin D and calcium were collected. The concentrations of 25(OH)D, PTH, DBP, albumin and bone turnover markers were determined from blood. 25(OH)DFree and 25(OH)DBio were calculated. pQCT was performed at radius and tibia.ResultsMean±SE (ANCOVA) 25(OH)DFree (10.8±0.6 vs 12.9±0.4 nmol/L; P = 0.008) and 25(OH)DBio (4.1±0.3 vs 5.1±0.1 nmol/L; P = 0.003) were lower in obese than in normal-weight women. In men, 25(OH)D (48.0±2.4 vs 56.4±2.0 nmol/L, P = 0.003), 25(OH)DFree (10.3±0.7 vs 12.5±0.6 pmol/L; P = 0.044) and 25(OH)DBio (4.2±0.3 vs 5.1±0.2 nmol/L; P = 0.032) were lower in obese. Similarly in all subjects, 25(OH)D, 25(OH)DFree and 25(OH)DBio were lower in obese (P<0.001). DBP (399±12 vs 356±7mg/L, P = 0.008) and PTH (62.2±3.0 vs 53.3±1.9 ng/L; P = 0.045) were higher in obese than in normal-weight women. In all subjects, PTH and DBP were higher in obese (P = 0.047and P = 0.004, respectively). In obese women, 25(OH)D was negatively associated with distal radius trabecular density (R2 = 0.089, P = 0.009) and tibial shaft cortical strength index (CSI) (R2 = 0.146, P = 0.004). 25(OH)DFree was negatively associated with distal radius CSI (R2 = 0.070, P = 0.049), radial shaft cortical density (CorD) (R2 = 0.050, P = 0.045), and tibial shaft CSI (R2 = 0.113, P = 0.012). 25(OH)DBio was negatively associated with distal radius CSI (R2 = 0.072, P = 0.045), radial shaft CorD (R2 = 0.059, P = 0.032), and tibial shaft CSI (R2 = 0.093, P = 0.024).ConclusionsThe associations between BMI and 25(OH)D, 25(OH)DFree, and 25(OH)DBio, DBP, and PTH suggest that obese subjects may differ from normal-weight subjects in vitamin D metabolism. BMI associated positively with trabecular bone traits and CSI in our study, and slightly negatively with cortical bone traits. Surprisingly, there was a negative association of free and bioavailable 25(OH)D and some of the bone traits in obese women.

Cupping Therapy Combined with Rehabilitation for the Treatment of Radial Palsy: a Case Report

This case report demonstrates the beneficial effects of cupping therapy (CT) in a 35-year-old man who is diagnosed with a fracture of the radial shaft due to a motorcycle accident. One year after the treatment started, pseudoarthrosis developed in the radius and an autogenous iliac bone graft was performed. However, extension dysfunction in the wrist became evident. After another 6 months of physical therapy and rehabilitation, no improvements were observed. Therefore, CT and adjunctive electrostimulation were performed, after 30 days of treatment, marked recovery of muscle function and full wrist extension were observed, as determined by electromyography and a grade 5/5 on the Medical Research Council power of wrist extension scale. The results in this case study suggest that CT in conjunction with adjunctive electrostimulation, may accelerate functional recovery from postoperative radial palsy, and provide a useful alternative treatment in this situation. ⓒ2018 Korean Acupuncture & Moxibustion Medicine Society. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

Radial shaft fracture obliquity as a predictor of distal radioulnar joint instability.

III.