Reduction Clamp Research Articles

Screw fixation for syndesmotic injury is stronger and provides more contact area of the joint surface than TightRope®: A biomechanical study.

The rupture of syndesmotic ligaments is treated with a screw fixation as the gold standard. An alternative is the stabilization with a TightRope®. A couple of studies investigated the different clinical outcome and some even looked at the stability in the joint, but none of them examined the occurring pressure after fixation. Is there a difference in pressure inside the distal tibiofibular joint between a screw fixation and a TightRope®? Does the contact area differ in these two treatment options? This biomechanical study aimed to investigate the differences in fixation of the injured syndesmotic ligaments by using a fixation with one quadricortical screw versus singular TightRope® both implanted 1 cm above the joint. By using 12 adult lower leg cadaveric specimens and pressure recording sensor, we recorded the pressure across the distal tibiofibular joint. Additionally we measured the contact surface area across the joint. The mean of the pressure across the distal tibiofibular joint from the start of the insertion of the fixation device to the complete fixation was 0.05 Pascal for the TightRope® and 0.1 for the screw (P= 0.016). The mean of the maximum pressure across the joint (after completion of fixation and releasing the reduction clamp) was 1.750 mega Pascal with the screw fixation and 0.540 mega Pascal with TightRope® (P= 0.008). The mean of the measured contact area of the distal tibiofibular joint after fixation was 250 mm2 in the TightRope® group and of 355 mm2 in the screw fixation (P= 0.123). The screw fixation is stronger and provides a larger surface contact area, which leads us to the conclusion that it provides a better stability in the joint. While previous clinical studies did not show significant clinical difference between the two methods of fixation, the biomechanical construct varied. Long term clinical studies are required to establish whether this biomechanical distinction will contribute to various clinical outcomes.

Surgical management of angulated femoral intramedullary nails associated with closed fractures: A systematic review of the literature

BackgroundFemoral nail bending is a rare complication of intramedullary (IM) fixation of femoral diaphyseal fractures. Published literature regarding this injury pattern has thus far been limited to case reports or case series, thus no universally accepted surgical treatment strategy has been developed. MethodsA systematic review was conducted using the Pubmed/MEDLINE and Scopus/EMBASE databases. A standardized template was used to extract data including author, year of publication, patient demographics, degree of angulation, mechanism of injury, time since initial procedure to reinjury, surgical treatment, and clinical outcomes. A case report from our institution was described as well. Results27 cases in 25 reports were included in the qualitative analysis. All of the patients were males, and the ages ranged from 17 to 66 (mean age = 27.8). The degree of deformity ranged from 18 to 85° (mean 35.6), most commonly in a varus or apex anterior orientation. The nail deformities were corrected via one of six general surgical techniques: full transection of the nail, partial sectioning and manual straightening, limited corticotomy or longitudinal bone window, straightening with the assistance of a plate and reduction clamps, closed manipulation, or extraction without the need for manipulation. The fractures were then most commonly treated with revision IM nail. ConclusionsThe bent IM nail is a rare and challenging injury to treat. No one technique has been identified as “the gold standard” and each case must be approached with its unique characteristics in mind.

Comparison of Different Magnitudes of Applied Syndesmotic Clamp Force: A Cadaveric Study

Overcompression of the ankle syndesmosis was once thought to be improbable. Recent studies using computerized tomography (CT) however, have demonstarted otherwise; raising pertinent questions regarding the factors associated with and consequences of syndesmotic overcompression. The purpose of the present study was to directly compare different magnitudes of applied clamp force on the coronal reduction of ankle syndesmosis. Eight through-the-knee cadaveric specimens were obtained. Fiducial cannulated screws were placed in the tibia and fibula to standardize placement of the reduction clamp's tines. CT scans were obtained as baseline controls, followed by destabilization of the syndesmosis. Reductions were then performed using a clamp equipped with an inline load cell, and objective forces (60, 80, 100, 120, 140, and 160 N) applied sequentially to each of the specimens. The syndesmosis was fixed with a single quadricortical screw, and CT were scans repeated. Applied clamp forces of 60 and 80 N resulted in lateral fibular displacement and undercompression (42.9% and 57.1%, respectively), whereas forces of 140 and 160 N resulted in medial fibular displacement (p = .011 and p = .001) and overcompression (100%). The smallest mediolateral displacements were observed with 100 and 120 N, respectively. Malreduction assessment with CT was superior to traditional radiographs [r(54) = 0.22; 95% confidence interval –0.04 to 0.45; p = .101]. In our cadaveric model, an applied clamp force of 100 N most effectively mitigated iatrogenic coronal syndesmotic malreduction from under- or overcompression. Although additional research is warranted, based on the data, inherent variabilities in the applied clamp force by surgeons appear to contribute to the unacceptably high coronal syndesmotic malreduction rate.

Open Reduction and Suture Fixation of Acute Sternoclavicular Fracture-Dislocations in Children.

Acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation is associated with high-energy trauma and is being increasingly recognized in children1. These injuries are associated with compression of mediastinal structures and can be life-threatening1. The management of acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation includes closed reduction or open surgical stabilization; however, limited success is reported with closed reduction2,3. To our knowledge, there are no detailed descriptions of open reduction and suture fixation of acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation in children. Following diagnosis of acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation, the timing of surgical treatment is determined according to several patient and surgical factors. Among patients with hemodynamic instability, respiratory compromise, or evidence of asymmetric perfusion, surgical treatment is needed on an emergency basis. In the absence of these factors, surgical treatment can be performed on an urgent basis. It is important to communicate with vascular or thoracic surgeons prior to proceeding to the operating room because of the rare case in which advanced surgical access or vascular repair is required. In the operating room, general anesthesia and large-bore intravenous access are required. Patients are positioned supine on a radiolucent table, and a small bump is placed between the scapulae to elevate the medial aspect of the clavicle. The contralateral sternoclavicular joint and medial aspect of the clavicle should be prepared into the sterile field, as well as both sides of the groin in case vascular access is needed. A 6 to 8-cm incision is centered on the medial aspect of the clavicle, extending to the manubrium. Standard dissection to the clavicle is performed, and care is taken to maintain the integrity of the sternoclavicular ligament complex. Circumferential dissection of the medial clavicular metaphysis is usually required in order to mobilize the dislocated fragment. Reduction of the physeal fracture usually requires axial traction and extension of the ipsilateral shoulder with the aid of a reduction clamp on the medial clavicular metaphysis. In some cases, a Freer elevator can be placed between the metaphysis and epiphysis to shoehorn the clavicle from posterior to anterior. Once reduced, the fracture-dislocation is usually stable; however, the reduction is augmented with suture fixation. The sternoclavicular joint capsule should be repaired if disrupted, and the incision should be closed in layers. Postoperatively, the arm is placed in a sling, and range of motion is commenced at 4 weeks. Alternative management of acute sternoclavicular fracture-dislocation includes closed reduction, plate fixation4, and ligament reconstruction5. In our experience, closed reduction is often unsuccessful, which is consistent with the experiences reported by other authors2,3. In addition, suture fixation is sufficient and plate fixation is not required because this injury is relatively stable following reduction. Lastly, ligament reconstruction with use of autograft or allograft may be indicated but is more relevant in chronic cases with injury or attenuation of the sternoclavicular ligament complex. Open reduction allows for direct visualization of the fracture reduction, and suture fixation allows for increased stability without the need for hardware or secondary surgical procedures. We expect patients to achieve full range of motion and strength without any joint instability as reported by Waters et al.3. There is an inherent risk of vascular injury with open reduction and suture fixation. This risk is mitigated with perioperative planning and consultation with vascular or thoracic surgeons. General surgeons should always be available when these procedures are performed in case of vascular issues or emergencies.It is sometimes difficult to reduce the dislocation, but additional maneuvers allow for controlled reduction of the displaced clavicle, such as using a Freer elevator and serrated clamp.Assessing fracture reduction can be difficult intraoperatively. Including the contralateral sternoclavicular joint in the sterile surgical field can be helpful in assessing fracture reduction and osseous contour.

Intramedullary nailing of lateral malleolus in ankle fractures - surgical technique and literature review.

Our objective is to describe the technique of intramedullary (IM) nailing of lateral malleolus in the surgical management of ankle fractures. Fracture reduction is performed either percutaneously with a small pointed reduction clamp in simple oblique fractures or using longitudinal traction and rotation for comminuted fractures, thus reducing complications related to open reduction and internal fixation with a plate. The technique has been shown to be simple and reproducible. In addition, the technique allows early weight bearing, which accelerates rehabilitation and potentially fasten fracture healing. IM nailing is a viable option for the fixation of the of lateral malleolus in ankle fractures and should be considered in the surgeon's armamentarium.

Posterolateral clamp placement on the pelvic brim provides optimal reduction of transtectal acetabular fractures fixed through the anterior intrapelvic approach.

To determine the optimal position of reduction clamps applied to reduce transtectal transverse acetabular fractures approached through the anterior intrapelvic route. Transtectal transverse fractures were created in sawbone hemipelvis models. Fractures were reduced and held with a large pointed reduction clamp with one tine centered on the quadrilateral plate and the other placed in one of nine various positions on the pelvic brim accessible from the anterior intrapelvic (AIP) approach. Reduction was assessed by measuring maximum gapping and step-off at the joint surface. The posterolateral pelvic brim clamp position provided the most accurate reduction with the smallest articular fracture gap (mean 1.09 ± 1.05 mm) and step-off (mean 0.87 ± 1.35 mm). This clamp position, compared with the other positions as a whole, also yielded the highest proportion of perfect reductions (0 mm maximum displacement) for both step-off (83% vs 34%; RR 2.4, 95% CI 1.7-3.2) and gap (88% vs 49%; RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.2). When clamping transtectal fractures through the AIP approach, positioning the clamp posterolaterally on the pelvic brim appears to provide the best reduction in this fracture model.

Comparison of three different reduction methods of the ankle mortise in unstable syndesmotic injuries

In order to achieve a clinically satisfying result and to prevent posttraumatic osteoarthritis in the treatment of unstable syndesmotic injuries, anatomically correct reduction is crucial. The objective of the study was to investigate three different reduction methods of the ankle mortise in unstable syndesmotic injuries. In a specimen model with 38 uninjured fresh-frozen lower legs, a complete syndesmotic dissection was performed. The ankle mortise was reduced with either a collinear reduction clamp, a conventional reduction forceps or manually with crossing K-wires. The reduction clamps and the K-wires were placed in a 0°-angle to the leg axis. The clamps were positioned on the posterolateral ridge of the fibula 20 mm proximal to the ankle joint line. A cone beam computed tomography was performed after dissection and after each reduction. Tibio-fibular distances and angles were determined. Despite significant differences in terms of overcompression (0.09–0.33 mm; p = 0.000–0.063) and the slight external rotation (0.29–0.47°; p = 0.014–0.07), the results show a satisfying reduction of the ankle mortise. There were no considerable differences between the reduction methods. It can therefore be concluded that the ankle mortise can be reduced with any of the methods used, but that the positioning and the contact pressure must be considered.

Technique de réduction des fractures de l’acétabulum à déplacement antéro-médial utilisant un clamp colinéaire par voie ilio-inguinale modifiée

The authors present a surgical technique using a collinear reduction clamp through the modified ilioinguinal approach (MIA) for anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures along with the surgical outcomes. Between October 2010 and June 2015, 15 patients underwent surgical treatment for anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures; 10 both-column fractures and 5 anterior column and posterior hemitransverse fractures. Anteriorly displaced anterior column fragment and medially displaced quadrilateral plate fragment were simultaneously reduced using a collinear clamp and fixed with a 3.5 mm-reconstruction plate through MIA. Postoperatively, anatomical reduction was achieved in 12 patients, while imperfect reduction was achieved in 3. At a mean follow-up of 49.0 months (range, 24–93 months), the mean Postel Merle d’Aubigné score were 16.3 and the mean VAS score was 0.9. Final radiographic grades according to Matta system were excellent in 13 patients and good in 2. Surgical technique using a collinear reduction clamp through the MIA can provide satisfactory outcomes in anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures.

Application of a novel acetabular reduction clamp for treatment of acetabular posterior column fracture

Objective To investigate the effect of our self-developed acetabular reduction clamp in the treatment of fractures of acetabular posterior column. Methods The data were retrospectively analyzed of the 32 patients who had been treated for acetabular posterior column fractures using our self-developed acetabular reduction clamp at Department of Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhengzhou Orthopaedics Hospital from August 2016 to June 2018. They were 17 males and 15 females, aged from 18 to 62 years (average, 41.3 years). According to the Letournel-Judet classification, there were 9 simple posterior column fractures, 14 posterior column plus posterior wall fractures, 4 T-shaped fractures and 5 double column fractures. The Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) incision was used for simple posterior column and posterior column plus posterior wall fractures, and the K-L combined with anterior ilioinguinal approach for T-shaped and double column fractures. The displaced posterior column fracture was repositioned with our novel reduction clamp before pelvic reconstruction plate was used for fixation. The quality of fracture reduction, fracture union time, complications and hip function score at the last follow-up were recorded. Results This series of 32 patients were followed up for 7 to 20 months (average, 12.9 months). According to the Matta scores for fracture reduction at the last follow-up, 15 cases were excellent, 16 good and one poor, yielding an excellent and good rate of 96.9%. The fracture union time ranged from 3 to 6 months (average, 4.7 months). According to the modified Merle d＇Aubign scores at the last follow-up, hip function was excellent in 18 cases, good in 11 and fair in 3, yielding an excellent and good rate of 90.6%. Postoperative symptomatic distraction injury to the sciatic nerve appeared in 2 patients, postoperative wound lipid liquefaction developed in one and heterotopic ossification of Brooker grade Ⅱ was observed in 2 patients during follow-up. Conclusion In the treatment of acetabular posterior column fracture with open reduction and internal fixation with pelvic reconstruction plate through the K-L approach, our novel acetabular reduction clamp can be used safely and effectively to assist fracture reduction, leading to satisfactory results. Key words: Acetabulum; Fractures, bone; Fracture fixation, internal; Reduction

Bone Reduction Clamp and Internal Fixation for Plate Insertion

Bone Reduction Clamp and Internal Fixation for Plate Insertion

Achilles Tension Mitigates Fibular Malalignment Measured in Cadaveric Studies of Syndesmotic Clamping.

Fibular malreduction is becoming a commonly recognized complication of surgical repair of the syndesmosis when a reduction clamp is used. The goal of this work was to determine the interdependent effects of transsyndesmotic reduction clamp position and applied compression force on fibular alignment in a realistic cadaveric preparation of complete syndesmotic injury. Six through-the-knee cadaveric specimens were CT scanned intact, with the distal syndesmosis fully destabilized, and with 53, 102, and 160 N clamping forces each applied along an anteriorly, centrally, and posteriorly directed transsyndesmotic axis. Testing was repeated incorporating 178 N of Achilles tendon tension using all 3 clamping forces applied along the centrally directed axis. Fibular reduction was automatically quantified from CT scan-generated bony surfaces as rotation of the fibula around the tibia, rotation of the fibula within the incisura, medial/lateral fibular displacement, and anterior/posterior fibular displacement. Transsyndesmotic clamping along the anteriorly directed axis resulted in the best reduction quality by all 4 quantified measures. Along the centrally and posteriorly directed axes, progressively greater forces caused significantly greater sagittal plane fibular malreduction. Addition of Achilles tension reduced the magnitude of fibular malreduction and overcompression. Placing the medial tine of a transsyndesmotic reduction clamp on the anterior medial tibia resulted in the most accurate syndesmotic reduction and provided some protection against overcompression with large reduction clamp forces. Achilles tension appeared to contribute to reduction, decreasing the magnitude of measured malreduction from clamping. Previous studies estimating fibular malpositioning in cadaveric models that lacked passive muscle tension may have overestimated expected magnitudes of malalignment in patients treated with syndesmotic clamping. However, syndesmotic malreduction, particularly in the sagittal plane, was a real complication of syndesmotic clamping that was reduced by using an anterior position of the medial tine on the tibia.

Management of anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures using a collinear reduction clamp through modified ilioinguinal approach

The authors present a surgical technique using a collinear reduction clamp through the modified ilioinguinal approach (MIA) for anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures along with the surgical outcomes. Between October 2010 and June 2015, 15 patients underwent surgical treatment for anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures; 10 both-column fractures and 5 anterior column and posterior hemitransverse fractures. Anteriorly displaced anterior column fragment and medially displaced quadrilateral plate fragment were simultaneously reduced using a collinear clamp and fixed with a 3.5mm-reconstruction plate through MIA. Postoperatively, anatomical reduction was achieved in 12 patients, while imperfect reduction was achieved in 3. At a mean follow-up of 49.0 months (range, 24–93 months), the mean Postel Merle d’Aubigné score were 16.3 and the mean VAS score was 0.9. Final radiographic grades according to Matta system were excellent in 13 patients and good in 2. Surgical technique using a collinear reduction clamp through the MIA can provide satisfactory outcomes in anteromedially displaced acetabular fractures.

Special reduction instruments

Special and specialized instruments help perform reduction more effectively and in a tissue-preserving manner. In addition to other articles, the application and advantages of the following instruments are presented: colinear reduction forceps, cerclage, cerclage passer, distal radius reduction clamp, modular external fixator, extension table, distraction frame, joystick, manipulators, distractor and assistance of reduction with elastic nails.

An Accuracy of Syndesmotic Reduction by Direct Visualization Technique

Category: Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Syndesmotic injury is commonly seen associated with acute ankle fracture. Syndesmotic malreduction was proven be a poor prognostic factor. Many methods have been purposed to assess the quality of reduction such as direct visualization, comparing radiographic parameters to contralateral ankle fluoroscopy, and intra-operative computed tomography. In this study, we demonstrated syndesmotic malreduction rate using bilateral CT after using direct visualization technique for syndesmotic fixation. Methods: A prospective case series of 34 patients (13 left and 21 right sides) with an average age of 42 years who had rotational ankle fractures with syndesmotic injury confirmed by arthroscopic examination. All patients were treated with an open reduction and internal fixation of distal fibula using either 1/3 tubular plate or distal anatomical locking plate. Syndesmosis was fixed by one or two of 3.5-mm cortical screw with three or four cortices. Before syndesmotic fixation, syndesmotic reduction is made by using a large point reduction clamp and quality of the reduction was checked by direct visualization at anterior tibiofibular line. The accuracy of syndesmotic reduction is then evaluated by post-operative bilateral CT. A widening of distance between anterior tibia and fibular at 1-cm above the ankle joint more than 2 mm compared to uninjured sides considered a malreduction of syndesmosis. Results: The accuracy of syndesmotic reduction was 97.1 percent (33/34) compare to contralateral ankle. An average of BMI was 27.2 and an average of operative time was 98.2 minutes. One malreduction, was diagnosed on the criteria of a 2 mm difference from the contralateral side occurred due to a small fragment interposition at the syndemosis. This patient underwent revision surgery to remove the fragment and then fixation of syndesmosis with same manner to achieve anatomical reduction. In all cases, the screws are removed at 12 weeks. Neither breakage nor migration of screws is observed and no wound or nerve complications following this technique. Conclusion: A syndesmotic fixation using direct visualization technique demonstrate lower rate of malreduction as demonstrated by poster-operative bilateral CT scan and no complications. This technique is effective, safe, and should be considered for treatment of syndesmotic injury associated ankle fracture.

A prospective study of functional outcome of posteromedial plating in the management of complex tibial plateau fractures

Tibial plateau fractures have a complicated intra articular fracture pattern, representing approximately 1.2% of all fractures. The occurrence of posteromedial fragment is relatively common in high energy tibial plateau fractures Aims and Objectives: To study the role of posteromedial plating in management of complex tibial plateau fractures with a posteromedial fragment. Materials and methods: 26 cases above 25 years of age, from the patient admitted to Rajah Muthaiah Medical College and Hospital, Annamalai University, Chidambaram with posteromedial fragment in tibial plateau fractures that were operated between May 2016 to May 2018 were undertaken for the study. Reduction can be maintained with a Kirchner wire and a pointed reduction clamp. The plate is placed directly over the area of maximal displacement at the apex of the fracture. Results: Of the 26 patients with type IV, V and VI Schatzker’s tibial plateau fractures from x ray and CT scan of knee joint, 24 had pre contoured posteromedial plate and 2 patients had recon plate where the fragment was comparatively small and comminuted. We analysed patients with Rasmussen scoring postoperatively. In our analysis among 26 patients, functional score were excellent in 20, Good in 3, Fair in two and poor in one patient. There was one patient with grade I compound injury who had developed infection that later resolved after wound wash and resuturing on the 5th postoperative day with judicial use of antibiotics. One patient had collapse due to premature weight bearing. Two patients had transient paraesthesia of the saphenous nerve; both resolved completely.

Clinical experience with three-dimensional printing techniques in orthopedic trauma.

To report our experiences with the use of three-dimensional (3D) printing in the field of orthopedic trauma. This retrospective study enrolled 24 patients from three university teaching hospitals in whom 3D printing technique was applied: 14 patients with acetabular fractures and 10 patients with clavicular shaft fractures. We summarized our experiences with 3D printed bone models. Three-dimensional printed acetabular models improved understanding of complex acetabular anatomy and fracture pattern to plan the optimal positioning of a reduction clamp and the trajectory of screws. Pre-bending of a reconstruction plate could reduce operative time. We also recorded fluoroscopic images of a simulated surgery for percutaneous screw fixation of the acetabular posterior column, with the optimal positioning of the guide wire determined during the simulation used as a reference during the actual operation. This surgical simulation was performed by a resident and served as a helpful training method. For fractures of the clavicle, we identified the optimal position of anatomical plates using 3D printed clavicle models. In our experience, 3D printing technique provided surgeons with improved understanding of the fracture pattern and anatomy and was effectively used for preoperative planning, education of surgical trainees, and performing simulations to improve intra-operative technical outcomes.

Open Treatment of Radial Head Fractures.

Radial head fractures may commonly be treated by (1) open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), (2) radial head excision, or (3) radial head replacement. If there is no associated elbow instability with lateral ulnar collateral ligament (LUCL) injury, the preferred approach is via a split in the extensor digitorum communis (EDC) origin. This provides a wide exposure but limits the risk of injury to the LUCL and associated instability. The radial head is fixed, excised, or replaced. Open treatment of radial head fractures begins with the following steps: (1) a laterally based incision is centered over the radiocapitellar joint, (2) the EDC is split at the midline of the radial head and elevated off the bone anteriorly and superiorly, and dissection proceeds distally, splitting the extensor origin along its fibers, and (3) the capsule is opened and the radial head fracture, identified. For ORIF, provisional fixation is then obtained with Kirschner wires and small bone reduction clamps. Headless low-profile screws are preferred if possible. If a plate is used, the dissection proceeds distally and the posterior interosseous nerve may need to be identified and protected. Definitive fixation is applied in the safe zone for implant placement (i.e., a right angle based laterally when the forearm is in a neutral position). For excision of the radial head as definitive treatment or for radial head replacement, the fragments are removed and an oscillating saw is used to remove additional radial neck or other fragments. When radial head excision is the definitive treatment, the radial neck is planed to a smooth contour that allows for placement of the prosthesis or for smooth motion without impingement at the proximal radioulnar joint. An indication for radial head replacement is suspicion of an Essex-Lopresti-type injury or demonstration of longitudinal instability of the forearm with excessive motion when a "push-pull" test is performed under fluoroscopy of the wrist while traction is applied to the radial neck. The final step of open treatment of radial head fractures, before the wound is closed in layers, consists of assessment of the range of motion and use of fluoroscopy to confirm appropriate fixation, resection, or prosthetic position. Outcomes following radial head fixation, resection, or arthroplasty for isolated radial head fractures are generally favorable. Loss of motion is particularly problematic in the pronation-supination arc in the setting of plate fixation, and patients are generally counseled that implant removal is often necessary. Loss of motion in the flexion-extension arc, particularly loss of terminal extension, may be noted. Resection of the radial head results in radiographic evidence of degenerative changes along the ulnohumeral joint, but this may be well tolerated as symptoms develop slowly, particularly in older patients. Radial head replacement results in changes in the capitellum over time, but these are usually asymptomatic.

Comparison of Clamp Reduction and Manual Reduction of Syndesmosis in Rotational Ankle Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Trial

An optimal outcome of surgical treatment for a syndesmotic injury depends on accurate reduction and adequate fixation. It has been suggested that the use of a reduction clamp for reduction of the syndesmosis results in better reduction and a lower rate of redisplacement than manual reduction. However, these concepts have never been scientifically evaluated. We compared these 2 methods in a prospective randomized trial. A total of 85 acute ankle rotational fractures combined with syndesmotic injury were randomized to syndesmosis reduction with either a reduction clamp or manual manipulation. Reduction of the syndesmosis was assessed radiographically by measuring the tibiofibular clear space, tibiofibular overlap, and the medial clear space immediately postoperatively and at the final follow-up examination. Ankle joint range of motion, visual analog scale score, Olerud–Molander ankle scoring system, and complications were obtained at the last follow-up visit to assess the clinical outcomes. Of the 3 radiographic measurements, the tibiofibular clear space and tibiofibular overlap differed significantly between the 2 groups (p < .05). The clinical outcomes did not differ significantly between the 2 groups (p > .05). Although differences were found in the radiographic measurements, most syndesmoses in both groups were within the normal range at the final follow-up visit, and the 2 methods of syndesmosis reduction provided similar clinical outcomes. Accordingly, the results of the present study suggest that both of these methods are effective and reliable for reduction of the syndesmosis in rotational ankle fractures.

Short-term outcome of Lisfranc injuries treated with single dorsal plate fixation

Category: Ankle, Trauma Introduction/Purpose: Several methods like cortical screw, Kirschner (K) wire have been used for stabilizing the Lisfranc joint. We performed this study to assess whether single dorsal plating can be used as an alternative treatment method for a Lisfranc injury. Methods: Patients were followed up for more than 1 year after the initial surgery.Following open reduction of the joint with a bone reduction clamp, a single dorsal plate was used to perform Lisfranc joint fixation. The plate was fixed with 2.7-mm locking screws on the first metatarsal, second metatarsal, medial cuneiform, and intermediate cuneiform. Three weeks postoperatively, the cast was removed, and patients progressively advanced to full weight bearing while wearing a postoperative shoe. The plate was removed 3 months postoperatively. One year postoperatively, weight-bearing foot radiographs and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scale score were obtained. Results: Eighteen patients with a Lisfranc injury who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using a single dorsal plate were included. The average AOFAS midfoot score for pain was 35, and the total score was 80.8 (range, 67–95). Six patients (33.3%) had an excellent outcome (score =90); eight (44.4%) had a good outcome (90 &gt; score = 75); and four (22.2%) had a fair outcome (75 &gt; score = 50). Radiographs during the follow-up period showed no loss of reduction or arthritic change. Screw breakage occurred in 3 cases. But the injury ultimately healed anatomically. Conclusion: Single dorsal plating can be an alternative treatment method for a Lisfranc injury, as it provides a good short-term outcome without causing further joint injury.

State of Pelvic and Acetabular Surgery in the Developing World: A Global Survey of Orthopaedic Surgeons at Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) Hospitals.

To document the current state of pelvic and acetabular surgery in the developing world and to identify critical areas for improvement in the treatment of these complex injuries. A 50-question online survey. International, multicenter. One hundred eighty-one orthopaedic surgeons at Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) hospitals, which represent a cross-section of institutions in low- and middle-income countries that treat high-energy musculoskeletal trauma. Administration and analysis of 50-question survey. Surgeon training and experience; hospital resources; volume and patterns of pelvic/acetabular fracture management; postoperative protocols and resources for rehabilitation; financial responsibilities for patients with pelvic/acetabular fractures. Complete surveys were returned by 75 institutions, representing 61.8% of the global SIGN nail volume. Although 96% of respondents were trained in orthopaedic surgery, 53.3% have no formal training in pelvic or acetabular surgery. Emergency access to the operating room is available at all responding sites, but computed tomography scanners are available at only 60% of sites, and a mere 21% of sites have access to angiography for pelvic embolization. Cannulated screws (53.3%) and pelvic reconstruction plates (56%) are available at just over half of the sites, and 68% of sites do not have pelvic reduction clamps and retractors. 21.3% of sites do not have access to intraoperative fluoroscopy. Responding hospitals see an average of 38.8 pelvic ring injuries annually, with 24% of sites treating them all nonoperatively. Sites treated an average of 22.5 acetabular fractures annually, with 34.7% of institutions treating them all nonoperatively. Patients travel up to 1000 km or 20 hours for pelvic/acetabular treatment at some sites. Although 78.7% of sites have inpatient physical or occupational therapy services, only 17% report access to home physical therapy, and only 9% report availability of nursing or rehabilitation facilities postdischarge. At over 80% of hospitals, patients and their families are at least partially responsible for payment of surgical, implant, hospital, and outpatient fees. Government aid is available for inpatient fees at over 40% of sites, but outpatient services are subsidized at only 28% of sites. We report the current state of pelvic and acetabular surgery in low- and middle-income countries. Our results identify significant needs in surgeon training, hospital resources, availability of instruments and implants, and access to appropriate postoperative rehabilitation services for pelvic and acetabular surgery in the developing world. Targeted programs designed to overcome these barriers are required to advance the care of pelvic and acetabular fractures in the developing world.