Plate Removal Research Articles

A back table ultraviolet light decreases environmental contamination during operative cases

The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of a germicidal ultraviolet light-emitting diode (LED) on the contamination level of a back table in the operating room (OR) during total joint arthroplasty procedures. Eight Tryptic Soy Agar petri plates were placed on a table located near the operative field and exposed to air. One plate was removed on the hour over an 8-hour time span. The back table had either an UV-LED for disinfection or a sham UV-LED. This process was repeated in 12 different ORs (6 with UV light, 6 with sham device). The plates were then incubated for 48 hours at 36°C ± 1°C . Colony forming units (CFU) were recorded 24 and 48 hours after incubation. There was a statistically significant difference in total CFUs between the intervention vs sham at 24-hours (27 vs 95, P=.0001) and 48-hours (38 vs 122, P < .0001). The multivariate analysis revealed that the 24-hour and 48-hour count, the predictors UV light (P=.002) and hour of plate removal (P=.050) were statistically significantly associated with CFU counts. Together, the predictor variables explained 15.8% and 23.0% of the variance in CFU counts at 24- and 48-hours, respectively. A back table UV-LED may decrease environmental contamination near the operative field. This has potential to lead to a decrease in joint infection.

True antiglide fixation of Danis-Weber B fibula fractures has lower rates of removal of hardware

IntroductionPlating of unstable OTA/AO 44-B2 equivalent lateral malleolus (Danis-Weber B) fractures has been associated with pain, peroneal irritation, and the need for subsequent hardware removal (ROH). The purpose of this study is to retrospectively compare the rates of ROH in unstable Weber B fractures fixed with a posterior, true antiglide plate with no screws in the distal segment versus those that were fixed with a similarly placed posterior, neutralization construct that included screws in the distal fragment. Thus, evaluating the role of the distal screws in rates of ROH. MethodsSkeletally mature patients that were treated for an unstable, isolated Weber B fracture at a single level-1 trauma center over a ten-year period were reviewed. Fractures treated with a single posterior plate with at least six months of follow-up were included and those fixed with a direct lateral plate were excluded. The primary outcome of this study was hardware removal defined as entire plate removal; isolated syndesmotic screw removal was not included. ResultsNinety-six patients were included in the study with average age of 46 years (range 17-83) and mean length of follow-up of 24.5 months (range 6.1-140.3). There were 33 patients in the antiglide group (mean follow-up 25.5 months) and 63 in the neutralization plate group (mean follow-up 24 months, p=0.81). Fractures fixed with or without distal screws had equivalent excellent results related to bony union and alignment. However, there was a statistically significant decrease in ROH rates in the antiglide group (antiglide ROH rate 15.2%; neutralization ROH rate 38.1%; p=0.02). Relative risk of ROH with antiglide plate was 0.4 (95% CI 0.17 – 0.95; p=0.04). ConclusionsAntiglide plating shows a significant risk reduction in the rate of ROH when compared to posterior based neutralization plating. A true antiglide plating construct should be considered as a safe and effective way of managing Weber B fractures with a lower relative risk of a second operation for hardware removal. Level of evidenceTherapeutic level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Causes of Removal of metallic hardware employed in oral and maxillofacial surgery - A cross sectional survey.

Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the causes of removal of titanium bone plates used routinely in maxillofacial region. Study Design: Cross Sectional Survey. Setting: Department of Oral &amp; Maxillofacial Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID). Period: January 2016 to June 2018. Material &amp; Methods: A total of 60 patients previously operated in maxillofacial surgery department with open reduction and internal fixation with tru-dynamic titanium plating system in Operation Theater, who reported with complaints due to metallic hardware were included in the study. Data was collected regarding age, gender, time between plate insertion and removal, cause and site of plate removal was also recorded for each patient. Data was analyzed using SPSS 23.0 version. Results: During the study period, 60 patients underwent titanium plate removal out of which 34 were male and 26 were females. Most common cause of plate removal was infection followed by non-union. Majority of plates (43.3%) were removed within 6 to 12 months of insertion. Mandible was found to be the most common site of plate removal (60%). Gender was significantly associated with causes while age was associated with cause, site and duration of removing the metallic plates (P-Value, &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Removal of symptomatic titanium plates is likely to occur within first year of insertion. Infection was identified as the most common cause for removing the metallic plates.

Modified Nuss operation using introducer-bar complex for pectus excavatum in adults: a retrospective study

BackgroundShortcoming of traditional Nuss operation on adults is gradually found in the clinical practice. A new kind of introducer-bar complex was introduced. However, there is limited evidence regarding its safety and efficacy. Therefore, a single center, retrospective study was conducted to address this issue.MethodsPatients with pectus excavatum who underwent surgery between January 2015 and June 2017 were consecutively enrolled in this study. In all, 52 patients underwent the modified procedure using the introducer-bar complex (new procedure group), whereas 48 underwent the traditional anti-Nuss procedure (traditional procedure group). Outcomes analysis of balanced baseline was performed to compare the intraoperative and postoperative short-term outcomes.ResultsAll patients in the new procedure group had shorter operation duration (51.54 ± 20.32 vs. 79.45 ± 13.88 min, p = 0.017), postoperative hospitalizations (4.77 ± 1.62 vs. 6.86 ± 2.18 days, p = 0.028), plate removal surgery durations (39.30 ± 8.97 vs. 60.30 ± 10.49 min, p < 0.001), and less blood loss during operation (6.25 ± 4.88 vs. 10.90 ± 5.75 ml, p = 0.003) than patients in the traditional procedure group. There was no significant difference in the length of incision, postoperative Haller index, cost, number of steel bars, postoperative surgical outcome and incidence of complications between the two groups.ConclusionThrough the main clinical outcome were similar, our results shown that modified procedure may have the shorter operation time, postoperative hospital stay, and operation time for plate removal and less blood loss, which may bring potential clinical benefits to patients.

Does postoperative quantitative bone scintigraphy reflect outcomes following medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy?

PurposeThe present study evaluated changes in bone tracer uptake (BTU) after medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and determined whether postoperative BTU correlates with clinical symptoms, radiologic parameters, or cartilage regeneration following MOWHTO.MethodsA total of 210 knees underwent MOWHTO for medial compartmental osteoarthritis (OA) were enrolled in this study. Mean follow-up period was 42.7 months. We assessed BTU for the medial compartment of the knee before MOWHTO and at the time of plate removal. Radiologic parameters included Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grade and Hip-Knee-Ankle angle (HKAA). Clinical evaluation included American Knee Society (AKS) score and cartilage status was graded at the time of MOWHTO and second-look arthroscopy according to the International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grading system and articular cartilage regeneration stage. Statistical analysis performed to assess the relationships among postoperative BTU of the medial compartment, radiologic parameters, arthroscopic changes and clinical outcomes.ResultsBTU of medial femoral condyle and tibial plateau were significantly decreased at 2 years after MOWHTO (p<0.001). AKS scores and arthroscopic cartilage status were also significantly improved following MOWHTO. BMI and postoperative HKAA showed significant correlations with postoperative changes of BTU in uni- and multi-variable analysis. Meanwhile, postoperative changes of BTU did not show significant correlation with clinical outcomes or cartilage regeneration following MOWHTO.ConclusionLower BMI and postoperative valgus alignment were significant predictor for postoperative BTU decrease of the medial compartment following MOWHTO. However, postoperative changes of BTU did not reflect cartilage regeneration or clinical outcomes until the midterm follow-up.

Consequences of extensile lateral approach to the calcaneal fractures on balance and isokinetic strength of muscle groups crossing the ankle joint

BackgroundInherent characteristics of extensile lateral approach (ELA) for fixation of displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures together with delayed or probably insufficient physical therapy programs may lead to weakness of the muscle groups crossing the ankle joint. Peroneal tendons might be involved more than others because of possible postoperative adhesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the isokinetic strength of the muscle groups crossing the ankle joint and also to assess balance and functional ability in this group of patients. MethodsBased on a pilot study, 23 patients undergone open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) via ELA and 22 healthy subjects as the control group participated in this observational cross-sectional study. Patients more than 20 years of age with at least 12 months passed their unilateral closed intraarticular calcaneal fracture fixation without any postoperative complications like infection or wound dehiscence were included. Patients with history of concomitant lower extremity injury, spine trauma or surgery, cases underwent removal of calcaneal plates, and cases with neuromuscular or vestibular dysfunction were excluded. The outcome was assessed by isokinetic parameters such as peak torque, peak torque normalized to body weight, mean power and total work modified star excursion balance test, triple hop for distance test, and evertor-to-invertor (E/I) strength ratio. Isokinetic tests were performed at 60 and 120°/s. ResultsGreater strength was observed in all muscles in the control group at 60°/s (p < 0.05). Evertors and invertors were weaker in the operated group at 120°/s in comparison to the dorsiflexors and plantarflexors. Modified star excursion (p: 0.003) and triple hop tests (p: 0.001) were lower in the operated group. E/I ratio was not statistically significant between the two groups at 60°/s (p: 0.44) and 120°/s (p: 0.62). ConclusionsStrength deficit in all muscle groups crossing the ankle joint, and not evertors in isolation, in addition to balance and functional impairments would be seen one year following ORIF of calcaneal fracture via ELA. A long-term rehabilitation program emphasizing different kinds of contraction at low and high speeds and balance training in these patients is highly recommended.

A systematic review of the use of titanium versus stainless steel implants for fracture fixation.

Background:Controversy exists regarding the use of titanium and stainless steel implants in fracture surgery. To our knowledge, no recent, comprehensive review on this topic has been reported.Purpose:To perform a systematic review of the evidence in the current literature comparing differences between titanium and stainless steel implants for fracture fixation.Methods:A systematic review of original research articles was performed through the PubMed database using PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria were English-language studies comparing titanium and stainless steel implants in orthopaedic surgery, and outcome data were extracted.Results:The search returned 938 studies, with 37 studies meeting our criteria. There were 12 clinical research articles performed using human subjects, 11 animal studies, and 14 biomechanical studies. Clinical studies of the distal femur showed the stainless steel cohorts had significantly decreased callus formation and an increased odds radio (OR 6.3, 2.7-15.1; P < .001) of nonunion when compared with the titanium plate cohorts. In the distal radius, 3 clinical trials showed no implant failures in either group, and no difference in incidence of plate removal, or functional outcome. Three clinical studies showed a slightly increased odds ratio of locking screw breakage with stainless steel intramedullary nails compared with titanium intramedullary nails (OR 1.52, CI 1.1-2.13).Conclusion:Stainless steel implants have equal or superior biomechanical properties when compared with titanium implants. However, there is clinical evidence that titanium plates have a lower rate of failure and fewer complications than similar stainless steel implants in some situations. Although our review supports the use of titanium implants in these clinical scenarios, we emphasize that further prospective, comparative clinical studies are required before the conclusions can be made.

Comparative evaluation of nasal and alveolar changes in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients using intraoral and extraoral nasoalveolar molding techniques: randomized controlled trial.

ObjectivesCleft lip and palate is a common congenital anomaly that impairs the aesthetics, speech, hearing, and psychological and social life of an individual. To achieve good aesthetic outcomes, presurgical nasoalveolar molding (NAM) has become important. Currently, the intraoral NAM technique is widely practiced. Numerous modifications have been made to intraoral NAM techniques, but the original problem of compliance leading to discontinuation of treatment remains unsolved. Therefore, the present study compared an extraoral NAM technique with the intraoral NAM technique.Materials and MethodsTwenty infants with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate were included and divided into two equal groups. Group A received the intraoral NAM technique, and Group B received the extraoral NAM technique. Pre- and postoperative extraoral and intraoral measurements were recorded.ResultsGroups A and B did not differ significantly in any extraoral or intraoral parameter.ConclusionThe extraoral NAM technique is as effective as the intraoral NAM technique in achieving significant nasal and alveolar changes in complete unilateral cleft lip and palate patients. Additionally, it reduces the need for frequent hospital visits for activation and the stress associated with the insertion and removal of the intraoral NAM plate, thereby improving compliance.

Safety of Contemporary Resorbable Fixation Systems for Craniofacial Reconstruction in Pediatric Patients.

Resorbable hardware allows adequate strength for maintaining the relative position of the craniofacial skeleton during osseous healing, and allowing subsequent growth in pediatric patients. The purpose of this study was to determine the complication profile of the latest copolymer of resorbable plates for craniofacial reconstruction in pediatric patients. Retrospective query of the operative billing record was performed for use of the DePuy Synthes Rapidsorb Fixation System at the authors' tertiary children's hospital from 2015 to 2019. Three hundred twenty-five patients were randomly selected for analysis of complications within the first postoperative year. Median age at craniofacial reconstruction was 3.0 years, with 127 procedures (39.9 percent) performed for an intracranial mass and 141 procedures (44.3 percent) performed for craniosynostosis. Overall, 7.9 percent patients had a postoperative wound complication. The most common complications were dehiscence (3.8 percent), hematoma/seroma (3.5 percent), and infection (2.5 percent). There were no instances of extrusion, plate fracture, or screw loosening. Hardware complications in the temporoparietal region were more likely to occur at incision sites (p = 0.001), whereas wound complications at the frontal region were more likely to occur away from incision sites (p < 0.001). There were no differences in complications between plates secured with resorbable screws or with the resorbable injectable polymer system (p ≥ 0.161 for all). Radiotherapy was significantly implicated in development of clinical infection (p = 0.001), culture-positive infection (p < 0.001), readmission (p = 0.007), reoperation (p = 0.003), and plate removal (p = 0.007). Resorbable cranial hardware has an overall favorable complication profile for craniofacial reconstruction in pediatric patients undergoing surgical intervention for craniosynostosis or intracranial mass resection.

A Retrospective Study of Postoperative Development of Implant-Induced Osteoporosis in Radial-Ulnar Fractures in Toy Breed Dogs Treated with Plate Fixation.

This study aimed to evaluate implant-induced osteoporosis (IIO) development in toy breed dogs treated using internal fixation with digital radiographs as the index of pixel values. There were 226 cases (236 limbs) of toy breed dogs with radial-ulnar fractures. Pixel values were measured on radiographs immediately, 2 weeks and 1 to 12 months after surgery. The ratio of pixel values (PVR) represented the bone mineral areal density based on the humeral condyle in the same image. The dogs were grouped based on the fixation methods, age and status of destabilization. There was a significant decrease in the PVR at 1 to 12 months postoperatively for all cases. There were not any significant differences in PVR of antebrachial fractures between those repaired with plates using locking head screws, cortex screws or a combination of locking and cortex screws. Implant-induced osteoporosis persisted at 1 to 12 months postoperatively in dogs aged ≧6 months, while the PVR increased after 3 months in dogs aged <6 months. Based on the destabilization method, there was a significant increase in the PVR at 3 months in the plate removal group. This study suggests that IIO occurs in small dogs treated with plates and screws. Moreover, patients aged < 6 months showed an early postoperative recovery of bone mineral areal density. Further, screw and plate removal could contribute to the recovery of bone mineral areal density.

Analysis of risk factors associated with flexor pollicis longus injury after volar plating of distal radius fractures.

ObjectiveThis study was performed to analyze the risk factors associated with flexor pollicis longus (FPL) attrition or rupture after volar plating of distal radius fractures.MethodsThree hundred thirty-eight patients with distal radius fractures were included in this retrospective study. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to predict risk factors.ResultsUnivariate analysis showed that sex, volar tilt, the Soong grade, the plate-to-critical line distance (PCLD), the plate-to-volar rim distance (PVRD), and the time of plate removal were significantly associated with FPL attrition or rupture. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that decreased volar tilt, Soong grade 2, PCLD of >2 mm, PVRD of <3 mm, and plate removal at ≥1 year were the risk factors significantly associated with FPL attrition or rupture.ConclusionsReduced volar tilt, Soong grade 2, PCLD of >2 mm, and PVRD of <3 mm appear to be risk factors that are significantly associated with FPL attrition or rupture. The findings of this study also suggest that the risk of tendon rupture is lower if a Soong grade 2 plate is removed, the PCLD is >2 mm, the PVRD is <3 mm, or reduced volar tilt is achieved earlier (at <1 year).

Gli1+ progenitors mediate bone anabolic function of teriparatide via Hh and Igf signaling.

SUMMARYTeriparatide is the most widely prescribed bone anabolic drug in the world, but its cellular targets remain incompletely defined. The Gli1+ metaphyseal mesenchymal progenitors (MMPs) are a main source for osteoblasts in postnatal growing mice, but their potential response to teriparatide is unknown. Here, by lineage tracing, we show that teriparatide stimulates both proliferation and osteoblast differentiation of MMPs. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals heterogeneity among MMPs, including an unexpected chondrocyte-like osteoprogenitor (COP). COP expresses the highest level of Hedgehog (Hh) target genes and the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (Igf1r) among all cell clusters. COP also expresses Pth1r and further upregulates Igf1r upon teriparatide treatment. Inhibition of Hh signaling or deletion of Igf1r from MMPs diminishes the proliferative and osteogenic effects of teriparatide. The study therefore identifies COP as a teriparatide target wherein Hh and insulin-like growth factor (Igf) signaling are critical for the osteoanabolic response in growing mice.

Intra-articular fibromembranous septum after intra-articular distal radial fracture: Arthroscopic excision and factors associated with formation of the septum

BackgroundIntra-articular fibromembranous septum in the radiocarpal joint can cause wrist contracture after distal radial fracture, but the mechanism underlying the formation of the septum is unknown. This study examined the clinical outcomes in patients treated with arthroscopic excision of the septum and the factors associated with formation of the septum in patients with and without a septum. MethodsFifty-three patients (22 with septum and 31 without septum) treated for intra-articular distal radial fracture with arthroscopy using a volar locking plate and secondary removal of the plate were included. Clinical outcomes and radiological assessments were analyzed. ResultsIn patients with a septum, the range of wrist flexion and total wrist arc before the second operation were significantly more limited than in those without a septum (p < 0.01 and p = 0.03, respectively). The improvement rate (improvement in wrist arc divided by the wrist arc of the healthy side) after arthroscopic excision of the septum and plate removal was greater in patients with a septum than in those without a septum (6.1% vs. 2.0%, p = 0.08). The significant factors affecting formation of the septum were the residual articular gap and the height of the midradial ridge on computed tomography images. ConclusionsIntra-articular fibromembranous septum after surgically treated intra-articular distal radial fracture affects limited range of motion and secondary arthroscopic excision of the septum improves the wrist range of motion. Anatomical reduction and maintenance of the articular fragment, as well as anatomical characteristics might be causes of septum formation.

Locoregional anesthesia for removal osteosynthesis hardware from healed corpus mandibularis fractures: A descriptive study of a series of 40 cases

IntroductionLocoregional anesthesia represents a very interesting modality for the removal of osteosynthesis hardware of the corpus mandibularis. Several procedures have been described, but each is dedicated to a single mandibular segment. Material and methodsThe surgical records of 40 patients treated with rigid internal fixation after maxillofacial traumas were reviewed. Study variables included age, sex, site and number of plates, time of plate removal, reasons for plate removal, and postoperative. ResultsOur study enrolled 40 patients, 45% of whom had single-focal plate placement and 55% of whom had bifocal plate placement. 66% of the patients with bifocal plate placement had the plates removed during the same operation. The average operative time was 45 min for bifocal and 28 min for single-focal approaches. Postoperative complications were observed only for the truncal analgesia procedure of the inferior alveolar nerve at the mandibular foramen. Anesthesia failure was reported in 2 patients. DiscussionVarious locoregional anesthetic procedures are used to remove mandibular body plates but each has its indication depending on the mandibular segment being treated. Factors that can lead to failure of locoregional anesthesia are dominated by the state of inflammation at the site and patient anxiety which can be minimized by premedication with anxiolytics. ConclusionLocoregional anesthesia for removal of osteosynthesis hardware of the corpus mandibularis remains a good anesthetic method that is performed in good conditions when it is done in compliance with standards. Its use avoids the usual risks and complications that can occur under general anesthesia.

Plate Fixation for Irreducible Proximal Humeral Fractures in Children and Adolescents—A Single-Center Case Series of Six Patients

Background: Recommended treatment for severely displaced proximal humeral fractures in children is the closed reduction and percutaneous fixation by K-wires or intramedullary nailing. Methods: From January 2016 to January 2017 6, 21 children/adolescents (range 8 to 16 years) with proximal humeral fractures were treated surgically for severe displacement. In these six patients, several attempts of closed reduction were unsuccessful, and an open reduction was performed. The humeral head was fixed with a 3.5 mm T-plate without affecting the growth plate. Plate removal was performed at a mean interval of 132 days after initial surgery. Two years after initial surgery, the clinical outcome was assessed by the Constant–Murley score and QuickDASH score (including sport/music and work) and the shoulder joint was evaluated with a standardized sonographic examination for the rotator cuff and the conjoint tendon. Results: In all six patients, dorsal displacement of the fracture was irreducible due to the interposition of tendinous or osseous structures. Intraoperatively, the interposed structures were the long biceps tendon in two, periosteal tissue in two, a bony fragment in one, and the long biceps tendon together with the conjoint tendon in one case. At mean follow-up of 26 months (range 22 months to 29 months), patients showed very good clinical results with an excellent mean Constant–Murley score of 97.5 (range 91 to 100) and mean QuickDASH score (including sport/music and work) of 5.5 (range 0–20.8). An X-ray follow-up 6 weeks after surgery demonstrated early consolidation and correct alignment in all patients. A sonographic evaluation at 2 years post injury showed that the biceps and the conjoined tendon were intact in all patients. Conclusions: If a proximal humeral fracture is not reducible by closed means, a tissue entrapment (most likely biceps tendon) should be considered. Treatment with an open reduction and plate fixation yields very good clinical and radiological results and preserves interposed structures as the biceps and conjoint tendon.

Serial Improvement of Medial Meniscus Extrusion Following Medial Open-Wedge High Tibial Osteotomy Does Not Correlate With Clinical Outcomes and Arthroscopic Articular Cartilage Improvement

To assess serial change up to 2 years in medial meniscus extrusion (MME) following medial open-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO) and to determine whether postoperative changes in MME correlated with clinical outcomes and arthroscopic articular cartilage status. This study included 26 patients from December 2016 to March 2018 who underwent MOWHTO for primary medial osteoarthritis with varus malalignment. Second-look arthroscopy with plate removal was performed at postoperative 2 years. MME was consecutively measured using coronal magnetic resonance imaging at preoperative and postoperative 3 months, 6 months, 1.5 years, and 2 years. We also assessed which preoperative parameters could reflect the postoperative changes in MME and evaluated whether postoperative clinical outcomes and arthroscopic articular cartilage improvement would be influenced by the MME changes. Regarding the postoperative serial changes in MME values, significant improvement in MME was noted from postoperative 6 months (P= .003), and thereafter, mean MME was further improved with time until postoperative 2years (P < .001). Regarding the correlation between preoperative parameters and MME changes, preoperative medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) showed significant correlations in univariate and multivariate analysis (P= .004 and P=.004, respectively). Meanwhile, changes in MME were not correlated with postoperative clinical outcomes or arthroscopic articular cartilage improvement. After MOWHTO, MME improved with time and was significantly correlated with preoperative MPTA. However, the changes in MME after MOWHTO did not reflect postoperative clinical and arthroscopic articular cartilage improvement. IV, case series.

Incidence of Plate Removal and its Correlation to the Site of Injury in Patients with Maxillofacial Trauma: A Retrospective Study

Background: Maxillofacial injuries can be classified according to its anatomical location of the involved bone and by the degree of involvement like simple, compound or comminuted. Regardless of the site of involvement and nature of trauma the fracture can be addressed by closed and open methods of reduction. Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to record the incidence and factors associated with plate removal in patients with maxillofacial trauma. Materials and Methods: Records of 280 cases managed for maxillofacial trauma in the last (5 years) period from January 2010 to Dec 2014 by open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with osteosynthesis plates were analyzed at a tertiary health care facility. Logistic regression analysis was done to find an association between the variables studied and incidence of plate removal. Results: 32 cases (11.42%), 55 number of implants underwent removal of plates due to reasons ranging from infection(50%), Plate exposure(9.375%), treatment failure(15.625%), palpability(12.50%), and persistent pain(12.50%), Zygomatic buttress and Parasymphysis sites had highest incidence of plate removal compared to other sites. Being a female [OR 9.87(4.21–10.72)], age groups of 46-60 [OR 6.39(4.43-9.62)], 31-45 [OR 11.25(6.81-13.77)] and 15-30 [OR 10.01(5.74-12.22)], infra orbital rim among sites [OR 2.03 (1.48-4.67)] significantly increased the odds of incidence of plate removal. Conclusion: In our retrospective analysis, the overall incidence of plate removal was 11.42%. Maximum plate removals were from Zygomatico-Maxillary Buttress and Symphysis and Parasymphysis regions. Infection was found to be the most common cause of plate removal.

Clinical outcomes of orthogonal plating to treat radial and ulnar fractures in toy-breed dogs.

To describe the results of orthogonal plating (OP) as a treatment for fractures of the radius and ulna in toy-breed dogs. The medical records (June 2011 to April 2019) of toy-breeds in which the OP technique using non-locking cuttable plates was employed to treat radial and ulnar fractures were reviewed. The inclusion criteria included a bodyweight of 3.5kg or less, fracture of the diaphysis of the radius and ulna of one or both forelimbs, and the availability of follow-up radiographs. Revision surgeries were also included. Fifteen limbs that underwent initial fracture repair and five that underwent revision surgery met the inclusion criteria. The radial and ulnar fractures healed in 19 limbs at the final follow-up. Synostosis of the radius and ulna at the fracture sites was observed in one limb. Re-fracture after cranial plate removal was observed in one case. All dogs exhibited successful return of normal limb function at the final clinical and radiographic follow-up (mean, 104.7 ± 67.1 days; median, 79.5 days; range: 35 to 248 days). Long-term follow-up data obtained via telephone interviews to owners or referring veterinarians were available for 15 cases and confirmed maintenance of normal limb function in all dogs (mean, 32.5 ± 17.6months; median, 26 months; range: 11 to 69 months). OP allowed the successful open reduction of radial and ulnar fractures, facilitating bone union in both the radius and ulna and a return to normal limb function in a series of toy-breed dogs.

Titanium Periimplant Tissue Alterations: A Prospective Cohort Plate Retrieval Study

Commercially pure titanium and titanium alloys have been extensively used in materials to reconstruct the facial skeleton in different forms and sizes. There is yet to be a consensus on removing (or not) the plates and screws after osteosynthesis. Our study tries to investigate the adjacent tissues of the titanium plates used in jaw surgery using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Twenty samples of soft tissue surrounding the titanium plates were retrieved 1 year after placement (fracture sites or orthognathic surgery) and were investigated using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The study found 1.06 ppm titanium in the adjacent soft tissues. Even if there are no clinical signs of the presence of titanium in the soft tissues, our findings suggest that a plate removal is a feasible option for patients to avoid local complications due to titanium migration.

Peri-Implant Olecranon Tip Fracture: Complication of Olecranon Osteotomy Plating.

Several anatomic plates for fixation of the olecranon after a fracture or an osteotomy are commercially available. They serve as an alternative for tension band wiring, which is associated with a relatively high complication rate. Plating of the olecranon reportedly might result in nonunion or malunion and eventually may require revision surgery or plate removal because of skin irritation. The authors describe a proximal periprosthetic avulsion fracture of the tip of the olecranon as a unique complication associated with the use of an anatomic plate for fixation of an olecranon osteotomy. This retrospective case series included 35 patients with comminuted distal humerus fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation through an olecranon osteotomy with an anatomic olecranon plate. Of the 35 patients, 6 (17.1%) had postoperative olecranon tip fracture, just proximal to the osteotomy site. In all cases, the fracture line coursed through the proximal cluster of screws situated on the proximal part of the plate. Avulsion fractures of the tip of the olecranon after plating of the olecranon osteotomy could have occurred as a result of biomechanical factors. The short design of the proximal part of the plate and the high screw density in the proximal part of the olecranon could lead to increased mechanical stress during contraction of the triceps. This complication should prompt further biomechanical evaluation of the plate design. [Orthopedics. 2021;44(4):e583-e587.].