Reconstruction Of Fractures Research Articles

Open lower limb fracture reconstruction in the elderly population: the experience of a major trauma centre.

Management of the elderly patients presenting with open lower limb fractures is challenging due to physiological changes and pre-existing co-morbidities. The aim of this study was to assess the compliance with the British Orthopaedic Association's Standards for Trauma Number 4 (BOAST 4) guidelines in this patient group. The study included a retrospective analysis of all the patients aged > 65years old admitted with open lower limb fracture between 2017 and 2019 to a major trauma centre (MTC) in East of England. Our study included 91 patients presenting with lower limb trauma. The most common injury was a Gustilo and Anderson grade IIIB (39.6%). 30.8% of the study population received antibiotics within 1h, 89% had debridement and bone stabilization within 24h. Mean time to definitive soft tissue coverage was 3days, with 66% of the study group having their fracture fixed and soft tissue coverage within 72h. 52% had direct wound closure, with 9% having an incisional topical negative pressure wound therapy, 17% had a local flap and 5% patients had a free flap. The most common complication was wound dehiscence. The wounds closed without an incisional topical negative pressurewound therapy have shown a dehiscence rate of 15.4%, compared to 0% in the patients who had one. Our study suggests that BOAST 4 compliance in the population > 65years is comparable to the younger population. It is likely that the lower energy injury profile enables early definitive management even in the presence of age related co-morbidities.

OUTCOMES OF A PEDIATRIC FACIAL FRACTURE RECONSTRICTION. CASE REPORT

ABSTRACT Aims: Studying the results of the reconstruction of pediatric multi-facial fracture. Case Description: In our study we present a 13-year-old boy with facial oedema, oral pain and bleeding due to falling from height. Upon examination, the patient had a left parasymphysial mandibular fracture and maxillary fracture Le fort I. Conclusions: A combined closed reduction with intermaxillary fixation and maxillary-frontal suspension and open reduction using interosseous wiring had restored the preoperative anatomical, functional and cosmetic aspects of the patient, which was found to be a reliable, cost-effective method for surgical management of pediatric facial trauma.

Right Zygomaticomaxillary Complex Fracture With Rupture Of Internal Maxillary Artery: A Case Report

Background: This case report gives prominence to the risk of delayed, possibly life - threatening bleeding following mid-facial fractures. Methods: A 42-year-old male was involved in an accident during which he suffered from right zygomaticomaxillary complex fractures with massive bleeding. The hemoglobin level was decreased from 11 to 5 g/dL, suspected caused by rupture of internal maxillary artery. Incidence of massive bleeding due to zygomaticomaxillary complex fracture is quite rare. Patient also felt right visual loss due to retrobulbar hematoma compression. He was given nasal tampon and transfusion in referral hospital. The patient had fracture reconstruction (reduction and fixation), ligation of right facial artery and temporary ligation of external carotid artery with Ethiloop for 5 days. Nevertheless, the bleeding still occurred. The patient then underwent Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA) and coiling procedure from radiologic intervention. Twenty days after last procedure, we ligated the right external carotid artery due to recurrence of bleeding. Results: There are many modalities and procedure for the therapy of massive bleeding on midface fracture, ranging from conservative, minimal invasive to operative surgery. Patient that has gone through DSA procedure can still bleed. After ligation of external carotid artery, no more bleeding occurred. Conclusion: Patient suffering from extensive midfacial fracture, the internal maxillary artery and its branches are at special risk of injury due to their close anatomical relationship to bony structures. Its bleeding is possibly life threatening. Tampon and nasal packing are non-essential initial treatment, but digital pressure procedure can be performed to stop the bleeding temporarily. Ligation of external carotid artery is the best choice of treatment for permanent outcome.

Indirect Decompression in Vertebral Reconstruction for Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures with Neurological Symptoms: A Preliminary Case Series.

This study aimed to investigate the clinical and radiological outcome of "indirect decompression" using lateral-posterior combined surgery for osteoporotic vertebral fracture (OVF) with neurological symptoms. A total of 17 patients who underwent lateral and posterior combined indirect decompressive spinal reconstruction (LP-IDR) for single-level OVF with neurological symptoms were included in this study. The neurological symptoms (sensory disturbance and muscle weakness) and imaging findings (local angle and height of the fracture segment and bone fragment occupancy in the spinal canal) were investigated preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the 1-year follow-up. Muscle weakness was observed preoperatively in ten patients. Nine patients had complete recovery of muscle weakness (p<0.001), whereas one had residual muscle weakness at the 1-year follow-up. The presence of sensory disturbance was observed in 16 patients preoperatively, and it was significantly reduced to 8 patients at the 1-year follow-up (p=0.003). The bony fragment occupancy rate in the spinal canal was decreased from 44.0% to 40.2% postoperatively (p=0.04) and to 33.1% at 1 year (p=0.002). The local angle was corrected from 8.3° to -2.6° postoperatively (p=0.003) and to 1.2° at 1 year. The local height was corrected from 26.7 to 32.0 mm postoperatively (p<0.001) and to 29.8 mm at 1 year. LP-IDR for OVF with neurological symptoms provided sufficient neurological improvement with expansion of the spinal canal over time.

Impact of image-guided surgical techniques in complex bone reconstruction for maxillofacial fractures

Maxillofacial fractures present complex surgical challenges that require precise reconstruction techniques. Image-guided surgical methods, including computer navigation and 3D imaging, are increasingly used to improve surgical outcomes, yet selecting the optimal modality remains difficult due to the varying benefits of each technology. The databases used in the current research include, but are not limited to, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar for article searches. Controlling for sources of bias, the review selected publications on image-guided surgical approaches to managing craniofacial fractures. Studies were identified based on the following criteria: methodology, relevance and patient-oriented results. Thus, analytical categories were developed to evaluate the results, including surgical meticulousness, complication incidences healing, and overall patient satisfaction. The research shows that the availability of enhanced imaging tools and navigation, including CT-nav, 3D-image ster, and intra-operative CBCT, enhances surgical precision and diagnostic accuracy. Preoperative planning repeatability when using CAN was up to 86.5%, and the need for revisions in maxillofacial trauma patients was reduced. Research on computation mirroring for navigation found differences between 0.12 mm, revealing enhanced surgery accuracy. Evaluations of image-guided techniques indicate their advantage over other methods in maxillofacial fracture operations in terms of accuracy and efficiency. Even nowadays, they provide significant improvements in patients’ treatment and surgical precision despite certain shortcomings in terms of technology and availability. Further studies need to consider enhancements to the navigation systems and consider cost benefits, depending on the type of setting in which the patient is located.

Secondary Reconstruction of Panfacial Fractures With Virtual Reality Surgical Planning Using Both Pre and Postreconstruction Scans.

Late secondary reconstruction is sometimes required in patients with suboptimal primary panfacial fracture repair. At this stage, it can be difficult to discern original facial architecture due to malunion and bony remodeling. By utilizing the original postinjury CT scan to complete fracture reduction in the virtual reality (VR) planning environment, the surgeon may attempt to recreate an "ideal" facial bony anatomy for patients. This technique was completed in 2 patients presenting with facial deformity secondary to malunited panfacial fracture. Each had a cone-beam CT (CBCT) scan taken at presentation and the initial postinjury CT scans were obtained. Fracture reductions were completed in VR to recreate the preinjury anatomy. The resulting model was overlaid with current anatomy to create surgical aids. The first patient, a 23-year-old man, presented with malunion of all bones of the midface. Cutting guides were designed for the Lefort 1 segment, left zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC), and naso-orbito-ethmoid (NOE) osteotomies. The second patient, a 30-year-old woman, had bilateral ZMC and subcondylar fractures, midface retrusion, and malunion of parasymphyseal fracture. A 2-stage procedure was planned, including an initial Lefort I and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy with midline wedge excision. To address malar projection, a second surgery was planned using custom MEDPOR midface implants for the NOE and zygomatic regions. Both patients were discharged home, and all surgical goals and esthetic objectives were achieved.

Intraoperative navigation in craniofacial surgery.

Craniofacial surgery requires comprehensive anatomical knowledge of the head and neck to ensure patient safety and surgical precision. Over recent decades, there have been significant advancements in imaging techniques and the development of real-time surgical navigation systems. Intraoperative navigation technology aligns surgical instruments with imaging-derived information on patient anatomy, enabling surgeons to closely follow preoperative plans. This system functions as a radiologic map, improving the accuracy of instrument placement and minimizing surgical complications. The introduction of first-generation navigation systems in the early 1990s revolutionized surgical procedures by enabling real-time tracking of instruments using preoperative imaging. Initially utilized in neurosurgery, intraoperative navigation has since become standard practice in otolaryngology, cranio-maxillofacial surgery, and orthopedics. Since the 2000s, second-generation navigation systems have been developed to meet the growing demand for precision across various surgical specialties. The adoption of these systems in craniofacial surgery has been slower, but their use is increasing, particularly in procedures such as foreign body removal, facial bone fracture reconstruction, tumor resection, and craniofacial reconstruction and implantation. In Korea, insurance coverage for navigation in craniofacial surgery began in 2021, and new medical technologies for orbital wall fracture treatment were approved in August 2022. These technologies have only recently become clinically available, but are expected to play an increasingly important role in craniofacial surgery. Intraoperative navigation enhances operative insight, improves target localization, and increases surgical safety. Although these systems have a steep learning curve and initially prolong surgery, efficiency improves with experience. Calibration issues, registration errors, and soft tissue deformation can introduce inaccuracies. Nonetheless, navigation technology is evolving, and the integration of intraoperative computed tomography data holds promise for further enhancements of surgical accuracy. This paper discusses the various types and applications of navigation employed in craniofacial surgery, highlighting their benefits and limitations.

The outcomes of surgical treatment of complex radial head fractures.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of complex radial head fractures at mid-term follow-up, and determine whether open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA) should be recommended for surgical treatment. Patients who underwent surgery for complex radial head fractures (Mason type III, ≥ three fragments) were divided into two groups (ORIF and RHA) and propensity score matching was used to individually match patients based on patient characteristics. Ultimately, 84 patients were included in this study. After a mean follow-up of 4.1 years (2.0 to 9.5), patients were invited for clinical and radiological assessment. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Oxford Elbow Score (OES), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire score were evaluated. Patients treated with ORIF showed significantly better postoperative range of motion for flexion and extension (121.1° (SD 16.4°) vs 108.1° (SD 25.8°); p = 0.018). Postoperative functional scores also showed significantly better results in the ORIF group (MEPS 90.1 (SD 13.6) vs 78 (SD 20.5); p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of the complication rate (RHA 23.8% (n = 10) vs ORIF 26.2% (n = 11)). Implant-related complications occurred in six cases (14.3%) in the RHA group and in five cases (11.9%) in the ORIF group. Irrespective of the patient's age, sex, type of injury, or number of fracture fragments, ORIF of the radial head should be attempted initially, if a stable reconstruction can be achieved, as it seems to provide a superior postoperative outcome for the patient compared to primary RHA. If reconstruction is not feasible, RHA is still a viable alternative. In the surgical treatment of complex radial head fractures, reconstruction shows superior postoperative outcomes compared to RHA. Good postoperative results can be achieved even after failed reconstruction and conversion to secondary RHA. Therefore, we encourage surgeons to favour reconstruction of complex radial head fractures, regardless of injury type or number of fragments, as long as a stable fixation can be achieved.

Transfibular Approach in Treating Malunited Ankle Fracture

Category: Trauma; Ankle Introduction/Purpose: The surgical treatment of malunited ankle fracture is challenging. This study investigated the results of reconstruction for malunited ankle fracture involving lateral and posterior malleolus via transfibular approach. Methods: Between Jan 2015 and Feb 2017, 10 patients underwent reconstruction surgeries for malunited ankle fracture involving lateral and posterior malleolus were followed up. All the ten surgeries were performed via transfibular approach. The mean final follow-up was 26.2 months (range 24–36). American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS)score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, and patients’ subjective satisfaction were used to measure clinical outcomes. Results: The mean AOFAS-AH score and VAS score improved from 43±10.7 to 79±7.8 points (p &lt; 0.05), 6.7±1.0 to 2.0±1.2 points (p &lt; 0.05), respectively. Five patients rated the result as excellent, 4 as good and 1 as fair. Conclusion: The transfibular approach can expose and reduce both the posterior and lateral malleolar malunion with minimal additional soft tissue disruption. It is a useful method to correct the malunited ankle fracture involving lateral and posterior malleolus.

Rock failure deformation characteristics and mechanical parameter prediction of Xujiahe formation gas reservoir in Tianfu area, Sichuan Basin

The integrated geological-engineering reservoir reconstruction of Xujiahe Formation in Tianfu area needs accurate evaluation of rock mechanics characteristics and prediction of three-dimensional rock mechanics parameter field. The stress-strain curve characteristics, failure deformation mode, mechanical strength, and confining pressure effect are analyzed by mechanical tests. The longitudinal, lateral, and spatial distribution characteristics of rock mechanics parameters are evaluated through the combination of logging and seismic. The results show that damage morphology of mudstone is more complex than that of sandstone. With the increase of confining pressure, rock fracture pattern gradually changes from splitting failure to high angle shear failure. The mechanical strength of sandstone and mudstone increases with the increase of confining pressure, and high porosity of sandstone results in a higher confining pressure effect. The longitudinal distribution of rock mechanics parameters is significantly affected by lithology. Sandstone has high strength and little intra-layer difference, while mudstone is the opposite. The lateral distribution shows obvious sedimentary facies control characteristics, and the mechanical strength of rock in the northwest region is significantly lower than that in the southeast region. The spatial distribution is greatly affected by structural morphology and faults. The research will provide support for engineering dessert selection and fracturing reconstruction.

How to improve ZMC fracture reconstruction due to severe enophthalmos

Introduction and importanceZygomaticomaxillary (ZMC) fractures are common, often resulting from traffic accidents, and account for 17 % of facial fractures. These fractures can lead to issues such as enophthalmos, flattened cheeks, diplopia, maxillary hypoesthesia. If the reduction is inadequate to restore facial structure, long term-functional and aesthetic complications may arise. In such cases a computed tomography (CT) scan with 3-dimensional (3D) reconstruction is valuable to assessing the fracture and planning surgery, with current technological advancements, 3D printing can now be utilized for this purpose. Presentation of caseA 24-year-old male, after a motorcycle accident and initial surgery for maxillofacial fractures, experienced persistent diplopia and facial numbness. Physical examination showed malpositioning of the right eye, and a CT scan with 3D reconstruction revealed multiple fractures and prior internal fixation. A 3D-printed model was created to plan a second surgery using rib cartilage and a silicone orbital base for orbital rim reconstruction. Post-surgery, the patient reported minimal pain and no diplopia or blurred vision in the primary gaze position. Clinical discussions3D printing is beneficial in facial reconstruction, aiding in surgical planning by allowing precise measurement and design of graft. Rib cartilage can serve as an alternative for orbital rim reconstruction, and 3D printing facilitates accurate harvesting of the rib. ConclusionIn cases of severe ZMC fracture, 3D printing was utilized as a guide during surgical preparation to achieve improved outcomes.

Anatomical Posterior Acetabular Plate Versus Conventional Reconstruction Plates for Acetabular Posterior Wall Fractures: A Comparative Study.

Background: Functional recovery following the surgical fixation of acetabular posterior wall fractures remains a challenge. This study compares outcomes of posterior wall fracture reconstruction using an anatomical posterior acetabular plate (APAP) versus conventional reconstruction plates. Methods: Forty patients with acetabular fractures involving the posterior wall or column underwent surgery, with 20 treated using APAPs (APAP group) and 20 with conventional pelvic reconstruction plates (control group). Baseline patient characteristics, intraoperative blood loss and time, reduction quality, postoperative function, and postoperative complications were compared using appropriate non-parametric statistical tests. A general linear model for repeated measures analysis of variance was employed to analyze trends in functional recovery. Results: No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics. APAP significantly reduced surgical time by 40 min (186.5 ± 51.0 versus 225.0 ± 47.7, p =0.004) and blood loss (695 ± 393 versus 930 ± 609, p = 0.049) compared to conventional plates. At 3 and 6 months following surgery, the APAP group exhibited higher functional scores (modified Merle d'Aubigné scores 10 ± 1.8 versus 7.8 ± 1.4, p < 0.001; 13.4 ± 2.8 versus 10.1 ± 2.1, p = 0.001), converging with the control group by 12 months (modified Merle d'Aubigné scores 14.2 ± 2.6 versus 12.7 ± 2.6, p = 0.072; OHS 31.6 ± 12.3 versus 30.3 ± 10.1, p = 0.398). Radiologically, the APAP group demonstrated superior outcomes (p = 0.047). Complication and conversion rates to hip arthroplasty did not significantly differ between groups (10% versus 15%, p = 0.633). Conclusions: The use of an APAP in reconstructing the posterior acetabulum significantly reduces surgical time, decreases intraoperative blood loss, and leads to earlier functional recovery compared to conventional reconstruction plates. The APAP provides stable fixation of the posterior wall and ensures the durable maintenance of reduction, ultimately yielding favorable surgical outcomes.

Shifting to an app-based method of preoperative templating in orthopaedic surgery.

Preoperative templating plays an important part in attaining successful surgical outcomes after fracture fixation. Traditionally, surgeons have performed this task with printed radiographs, tracing paper, and colored markers. Now that digital radiography is ubiquitous, and digital templating platforms are needed but are expensive and may not be available to all surgeons, especially those in low-income and middle-income countries. In this study, we evaluate an innovative and user-friendly method using a mobile app that may facilitate the use of digital templating for all surgeons worldwide. A study involving 2 groups of residents (N = 12) was conducted. Group A (n = 6) was assigned to do conventional templating; Group B (n = 6) was assigned to perform digital templating. Each group then switched to the other templating method and the process was repeated. Conventional templates were evaluated using the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen-Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO-ASIF) guidelines of template completeness. Digital templates were assessed using Image-Based Surgery Planning. Each subject in both groups completed templates for 3 injury patterns: AO 2R2A3/2U2C2, 32B2, and 43C2. Wilcoxon signed-rank and binomial tests (5% level of significance) were used for statistical analysis. Template processing, fracture classification, and plan elaboration were comparable between the traditional and digital template groups, with good interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility using the Wilcoxon signed-ranks test (all |z values| below 1.96, all P-values > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the evaluation scores for either exercise, whether doing a traditional standard template or the digital template (P value > 0.05). This study shows that digital templating can achieve the same goals as conventional preoperative templating for fracture fixation. With the ubiquity of digital radiography, digital templating provides an opportunity to visualize fracture configurations and create an optimum preoperative plan for fracture reconstruction using an innovative and user-friendly platform.

Analysis of postoperative complications of orbital fracture.

To analyze the types and causes of complications following orbital fracture reconstruction and enhance clinicians' capacity to manage or prevent such complications. We conducted a retrospective case series analysis, retrospectively collecting and analyzing clinical data of patients with orbital fractures who received surgical treatment at the Affiliated Eye Hospital of Nanchang University from May 2012 to May 2022. Descriptive statistics were employed to document common postoperative complications, and we recorded complications persisting after a minimum 6-month follow-up period. Among the 227 patients who underwent orbital fracture surgery, they were followed up for 6 to 36 months, and complications occurred in 15 cases, resulting in an incidence rate of 6.61%. These complications included implant material infections and rejections (4 cases), persistent diplopia (3 cases), intraorbital hematomas (2 cases), epiphora (2 cases), lower eyelid eversion or retraction (2 cases), and skin scars (2 cases). The primary cause of postoperative infection was chronic inflammation in the paranasal sinuses or closed cavities within the fracture area. Postoperative complications in orbital fractures were associated with various factors, including the timing of surgery, surgical approach, repair materials, surgical skills, and auxiliary techniques. Standardizing surgical techniques and implementing precise auxiliary technologies may reduce the incidence of complications and enhance the operation's success rate.

Automatic virtual reconstruction of acetabular fractures using a statistical shape model.

Automatic virtual reconstruction of complex fractures would be helpful for pre-operative surgical planning. We developed a statistical shape model (SSM) which contains data of 200 intact 3D hemipelves. It allows for quantification of shape differences and is able to reconstruct abnormal shaped pelvises. We applied our SSM to reconstruct elementary and associate type acetabular fractures and assessed the reconstruction performance of the SSM, by comparing the reconstructed shape with the intact contralateral hemipelvis. In this retrospective diagnostic imaging study, we used our SSM to virtually reconstruct fractured hemipelves of eighty-three patients with an acetabular fracture. A root mean square error (RMSE) was computed between the reconstructed shape and intact contralateral shape for the whole hemipelvis and for regions relevant for plate-fitting. These plate-fitting relevant regions were defined as: (1) Iliopectineal line length and radius; (2) ischial body line length and radius; (3) acetabular diameter, (4) quadrilateral slope and (5) weight-bearing acetabular dome. The median RMSE of the whole hemipelvis of the elementary type fractures was 2.2 (1.7-2.5) mm versus 3.2 (2.2-3.9) mm for the associate type fractures (p < 0.001). The median RMSE for the plate-fitting regions of elementary type fractures was 1.7 (1.4-2.1) mm versus 2.7 (2.0-4.1) mm for associate type fractures (p < 0.001). Using a statistical shape model allows for accurate virtual reconstructions of elementary and associate type acetabular fractures within a clinically acceptable range, especially within regions important for plate-fitting. SSM-based reconstructions can serve as a valuable tool for pre-operative planning in clinical practice, when a template of the contralateral hemipelvis is unavailable.

Optimizing the Orthopaedic Trauma Patient- Staged Management

Staged management of orthopedic trauma is employed to promote best outcomes and avoid known complications associated with acute definitive fracture reconstruction. Fracture in the setting of polytrauma is often initially managed with temporizing methods to allow for both optimization of the host and local soft tissue environment. Damage control orthopedics has promoted this strategy to delay definitive care of orthopaedic injuries based on the patient's level of resuscitation/inflammatory state. Further, staged care of peri-articular fracture respects the already traumatized soft tissue envelope in an effort to decrease the risk of infamous complications such as infection and fracture nonunion. Typically, external fixation is utilized in staged management and host optimization is performed in the “waiting period.”

Three-dimensional computer navigation in the reconstruction of complex unilateral orbital fractures: evaluation and review of applications.

The eyes are the central aesthetic unit of the face. Maxillofacial trauma can alter facial proportions and affect visual function with varying degrees of severity. Conventional approaches to reconstruction have numerous limitations, making the process challenging. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the application of three-dimensional (3D) navigation in complex unilateral orbital reconstruction. A prospective cohort study was conducted over 19 months (January 2020 to July 2021), with consecutive enrollment of 12 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Each patient was followed for a minimum period of 6 months. The principal investigator carried out a comparative analysis of several factors, including fracture morphology, orbital volume, globe projection, diplopia, facial morphic changes, lid retraction, and infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia. Nine patients had impure orbital fractures, while the remainder had pure fractures. The median orbital volume on the normal side (30.12 cm3; interquartile range [IQR], 28.45-30.64) was comparable to that of the reconstructed orbit (29.67 cm3; IQR, 27.92-31.52). Diplopia improved significantly (T(10) = 2.667, p = 0.02), although there was no statistically significant improvement in globe projection. Gross symmetry of facial landmarks was achieved, with comparable facial width-to-height ratio and palpebral fissure lengths. Two patients reported infraorbital hypoesthesia at presentation, which persisted at the 6-month follow-up. Additionally, five patients developed lower lid retraction (1-2 mm), and one experienced implant impingement at the infraorbital border. Our study provides level II evidence supporting the use of 3D navigation to improve surgical outcomes in complex orbital reconstruction.

Clavicle Shaft Non-Unions-Do We Even Need Bone Grafts?

Background: The surgical treatment of bony non-unions is traditionally performed with additional bone grafts when atrophic and/or stronger implants when hypertrophic. In the case of the clavicle shaft, however, in our experience, a more controversial method where no additional bone graft is needed leads to equally good consolidation rates, independent of the non-union morphology. This method requires the meticulous anatomical reconstruction of the initial fracture and fixation according to the AO principle of relative stability. Methods: A retrospective review following the STROBE guidelines was performed on a consecutive cohort of all patients who received surgical treatment of a midshaft clavicle non-union at the Medical Center of the University of Freiburg between January 2003 and December 2023. Patients were identified using a retrospective systematical query in the Hospital Information System (HIS) using the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems Version 10 (ICD-10) codes of the German Diagnosis Related Groups (G-DRG). Two groups were formed to compare the consolidation rates of patients who received additional bone grafting from the iliac crest with those of patients who did not. A 3.5 mm reconstruction LCP plate was used in all patients. Consolidation rates were evaluated using follow-up radiographs and outcomes after material removal with a mean follow-up of 31.5 ± 44.3 months (range 0-196). Results: Final data included 50 patients, predominantly male (29:21); age: 46.0 ± 13.0 years, BMI 26.1 ± 3.7. Autologous bone grafts from the iliac crest were used in 38.0% (n = 19), while no bone addition was used in 62.0% (n = 30). Six patients were lost to follow-up. Radiological consolidation was documented after a mean of 15.1 ± 8.0 months for the remaining 44 patients. Consolidation rates were 94.4% (n = 17) in patients for whom additional bone grafting was used and 96.2% (n = 25) in patients for whom no graft was used. There was no relevant difference in the percentage of atrophic or hypertrophic non-unions between both groups (p = 0.2425). Differences between groups in the rate of consolidation were not significant (p = 0.7890). The complication rate was low, with 4.5% (n = 2). Conclusions: Independent of the non-union morphology, non-unions of the clavicle midshaft can be treated successfully with 3.5 mm locking reconstruction plates without the use of additional bone grafting in most cases.

High incidence of femoroacetabular impingement deformity in bi-column acetabular fractures.

Dynamic interaction of cam and pincer deformities can result in pathological contact forces in femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) syndrome. Similar deformities were noted during acetabular fracture reconstruction. We hypothesise that the prevalence of FAI deformity is higher in patients sustaining acetabular fractures than in a control group. This retrospective radiographic study compared the parameters that define FAI deformity in 100 patients consecutively admitted to a trauma unit with an acetabular fracture and a control group of 100 patients with lateral compression pelvic fracture without acetabular injury. Both underwent identical clinical imaging. Centre-edge angles (CEA) and alpha angles were used to define patients with pincer, cam, or mixed FAI deformity. There were significantly more patients with FAI deformity in the acetabular fracture group than in the control group (71% vs. 18%, p < 0.0001). There were considerably more fractures involving both anterior and posterior acetabular columns in patients with 'pincer' sockets (p = 0.02, OR = 2.95, 95% CI, 1.12-7.78). There is a high prevalence of cam and pincer deformities in patients with acetabular fractures, particularly bi-column fractures.

The Posterior Table for Primary Reconstruction of Frontal Sinus Fractures.

Frontal fractures can be associated with major facial defects and present, in some cases, a challenge in bone reconstruction. Due to this challenge, this work aims to describe the use of the posterior table of the frontal sinus as a fragment to reconstruct this region. However, this technique is reserved for cases where the posterior table will be removed due to its fracture and is more intact than the anterior table of the frontal sinus.