Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing Research Articles

OUTCOMES OF SINGLE VERSUS COMBINATION FIXATION IN DISTAL FEMUR FRACTURES: A CHRISTCHURCH EXPERIENCE

IntroductionDistal femur fractures have traditionally been stabilized with either lateral locking plate or retrograde intramedullary nail. Dual-plates and nail-plate combination fixation have the theoretical biomechanical advantage, faster union and allows patients to weight bear immediately.The aim of this study is to compare single vs combination fixation, and evaluate outcomes and complications.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed all patients over 60, admitted to Christchurch Hospital, between 1st Jan 2016 and 31st Dec 2022, with an AO 33A/33B/33C distal femur fracture. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, operation details, and follow up data were recorded.Primary outcomes are union rate, ambulatory status at discharge, and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes include quality of reduction, operation time and rate of blood transfusions.Results114 patients were included. (92 single fixation, 22 combination fixation).Baseline demographic data and fracture characteristics did not differ between the cohorts.There was no difference in the rate of union or time to union between the two cohorts. Combination fixation patients were allowed to weight-bear as tolerated significantly more than single fixation patients (50% vs 18.9%, p=0.003). There was no difference in length of hospital stay, transfusion, complication and mortality rates.Medial translation of the distal articular block was significantly lower in the combination fixation cohort (1.2% vs 3.4%, p=0.021). Operation time was significantly longer in the combination fixation cohort (183mins vs 134mins, p<0.001).DiscussionThe results show no difference in achieving union or time to union, despite better quality of fracture reduction with dual fixation. This differs to previously published literature. The clear benefit of combination fixation is immediate weight-bearing. As expected, operation times were longer with combination fixation, however this did not translate to more complications.ConclusionCombination fixation allows earlier weight bearing, at the cost of longer operation times.

Ankle arthrodesis in Awka, Nigeria: Indications and treatment with unlocked retrograde intramedullary nailing and other methods

introduction: Ankle arthrodesis is a key treatment for severe osteoarthritis, often preceding ankle arthroplasty. Nonsurgical options include lifestyle adjustments and NSAIDs, while surgical options range from debridement to arthrodesis. In Nigeria, ankle arthroplasty availability is limited, making arthrodesis the primary solution. Various techniques exist, with open and arthroscopic approaches yielding successful outcomes but varying in complexity and recovery. This study investigates the prevalence, treatment methods, and outcomes of ankle arthrodesis in Awka, Southeast Nigeria. Methodology: The study, conducted in an Orthopaedic Hospital in Awka, Southeast Nigeria, was a prospective cohort study spanning five years (2017-2022). It included 33 patients with various ankle pathologies screened for suitability of ORIF or arthrodesis. Surgeries were conducted under aseptic conditions, utilizing unlocked retrograde intramedullary nails, a dynamic compression plate, and an external fixator. Patients maintained non-weight bearing until radiological union, with implants removed based on individual patient preference and informed consent. Results: Thirty-three patients requiring ankle surgery, with a mean age of 41.44 years were seen between 2017 and 2021. The causes of ankle pathologies included road accidents being the predominant cause (45.5%). The treatment methods were ORIF with intramedullary nails, dynamic compression plates and screws, and an external fixator. ORIF with intramedullary nails was the most common (57.6%). There were 8 subjects who needed ankle arthrodesis, with a mean age of 54.0 years. The prevalence rate was found to be 24.2%. The failure rate was 12.5%. Conclusion: Ankle arthrodesis proves pivotal for severe osteoarthritis, especially in regions with limited ankle arthroplasty access like Nigeria. The prevalence of arthrodesis is 24.5%. Intramedullary nails are very effective in achieving union. Compression plates and external fixators show good results. The failure rate of fixations was 12.5%.

Distal femoral replacement for the treatment of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures around a total knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.

Periprosthetic fracture is a rare complication of arthroplasty but can have devastating consequences for the patient and presents a complex surgical challenge. Locking compression plate and retrograde intramedullary nail are both widely accepted surgical fixation techniques for distal femoral periprosthetic fractures around a total knee arthroplasty. Although there is still a need for further high-quality research into both techniques, there is even less literature concerning the use of distal femoral replacement to treat distal femoral periprosthetic fractures. Interest has been piqued in distal femoral replacements for the treatment of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures due to the theoretical advantages of immediate post-operative weight-bearing and lack of dependence on fracture union, but there are still understandably reservations about performing such an extensive and invasive procedure when an accepted alternative is available. This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the current literature to compare the complication rates and return to pre-operative ambulatory status of distal femoral replacement and locking compression plate. A literature search was performed to identify articles related to the management of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures around a total knee arthroplasty in adherence to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. Methodological quality was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies (MINORS) criteria. Articles were reviewed, and data extracted for analysis. Five articles met the inclusion criteria, reporting on 345 periprosthetic fractures. The overall rates of complications for distal femoral replacement and locking compression plate were: re-operation (6.1% vs 12.1%), infection (3.0% vs 5.3%), mortality (19.7% vs 19.3%), and return to pre-operative ambulatory status (60.9% vs 71.8%) (respectively). This meta-analysis shows no statistically significant difference in the rates of re-operation, infection, mortality or return to pre-operative ambulatory status when comparing distal femoral replacement to locking compression plate.

Finite element analysis of the stability of retrograde intramedullary nail and plate-screw combinations for periprosthetic femoral fractures following total knee replacement.

Periprosthetic fractures following total knee replacement are rare but challenging. The goal of the treatment is to achieve the most stable fixation that allows early mobilization. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the biomechanical results of the use of different fixation systems in the treatment of distal femur periprosthetic fractures with finite element analysis. A total knee prosthesis was implanted in Sawbone femur models. A transverse fracture line was created in the supracondylar region and was fixed in four different groups. In group 1, fracture line fixation was fixed using retrograde intramedullary nailing. In group 2, fixation was applied using a lateral anatomic distal femoral. In group 3, in addition to the fixation made in group 1, a lateral anatomic distal femoral plate was used. In group 4, in addition to the fixation made in group 2, a 3.5 mm Limited Contact Dynamic Compression Plate (LC-DCP) was applied medially. Computed Tomography (CT) scans were taken of the created models and were converted to three-dimensional models. Axial and rotational loading forces were applied to all the created models. The least deformation with axial loading was observed in the double plate group. Group 3 was determined to be more advantageous against rotational forces. The greatest movement in the fracture line was found in group 2. The application of the medial plate was determined to reduce the tension on the lateral plate and increase stability in the fracture line. Combining a lateral anatomic plate with intramedullary nailing or a medial plate was seen to be biomechanically more advantageous than using a lateral plate or intramedullary nailing alone in the treatment of distal femoral periprosthetic fractures.

Retrograde intramedullary nailing of AO/OTA 33C femur fractures in patients with below-knee amputations: technical note and case series.

Intra-articular distal femur fractures in patients with a lower extremity amputation can present a technical challenge for the treating surgeon in what may be otherwise considered a routine procedure in non-amputees. Difficulties with positioning, fracture reduction, limb contractures, and stump osteoporosis can present challenges with treatment. Here, we describe the surgical technique and outcome of a case series of amputee patients with AO/OTA 33C femur fractures. Retrospective case series of five patients with a comminuted supracondylar distal femur fracture with intercondylar extension proximal to a below-knee amputation treated with retrograde intramedullary nail at a single Level 1 trauma center from January 1, 2021, to January 1, 2023. Baseline demographic and clinical data were recorded. Rate of bony union and complications were documented. Five patients (three females and two males) with a mean age of 48years who were treated for a comminuted supracondylar distal femur fracture with intercondylar extension proximal to a below-knee amputation were identified. At the time of final follow-up (mean 109.3days, range 29-183days), all patients had healed their incisions and were progressing to return of function with their prosthesis. All patients were treated with the surgical technique described in this article, and no postoperative complications were reported. This is an effective and safe technique for surgical treatment of comminuted intra-articular distal femur fractures in patients with an ipsilateral below-knee amputation. We believe that this technique can be utilized by any orthopedic surgeon taking trauma call and can avoid unnecessary transfers or delays to care.

Single versus double retrograde intramedullary nail technique for treatment of displaced proximal humeral fractures in children: A retrospective cohort study

Background: Highly displaced proximal humeral fractures in children with low remodeling potential need to be reduced and fixed. The use of two flexible retrograde nails became the most popular fixation technique due to the excellent functional outcome, the low complication rates, and the possibility of early mobilization. A modified single retrograde technique has been suggested by the authors to address the main disadvantage of this technique, the long operative duration. The aim of this study was to compare these techniques in terms of efficacy, and clinical and radiological outcomes. Methods: We performed a retrospective, monocentric study. Two groups of patients were defined: One was treated with the standard flexible retrograde double nail technique and the other with the modified single nail technique. The demographic and fracture characteristics were similar in both groups and the postoperative immobilization with a simple sling for 2 weeks. We compared the surgical duration for the initial fixation and hardware removal procedures. The Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score, the secondary displacement at 1-week follow-up, the radiological union at 6-week follow-up, and the perioperative and short-term complications were also assessed for both groups. Results: The surgical duration of the initial fixation procedure was significantly shorter in single nail technique group ( p = 0.005). The percentage of excellent Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (0) was similar in the two groups ( p = 0.98). No secondary displacement was reported for the double nail technique group. In only one patient from the single nail technique group, we detected a secondary displacement at the first week control which did not need reoperation. In both groups, fractures were healed on the 6-week radiologic control. No cases of infection, superficial skin irritation, neurological damage, or complications related to implant removal were reported in both groups. Conclusions: The single nail technique of fixation proximal humeral fractures in children addresses the disadvantage of long surgical times, described until today, with the double nail technique without compromising the excellent functional and radiological short-term outcomes. Level of evidence: level III

Comparative study of retrograde intramedullary nailing versus locking extramedullary plating in complete articular fractures with metaphyseal comminution of the distal femur.

Fractures of the distal femur with metaphyseal comminution and complete intra-articular involvement (AO/OTA classifications 33C2 and 33C3) present challenges for reduction and fixation. However, an optimal fixation method remains unknown. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of locking extramedullary plating (LEP) and retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIN) for complete distal femoral intra-articular fractures with metaphyseal comminution. Between January 2016 and May 2022, 80 patients (45 men and 35 women; average age, 56.7 years) diagnosed with AO/OTA 33C2 and 33C3 were treated with either LEP or RIN and followed up for at least one year. Post-operative evaluations included radiographic assessments of bone union rate, timing, and alignment. Clinically, the knee joint range of motion (ROM), lower extremity functional scale (LEFS), and Kellgren and Lawrence (KL) grade were analyzed. The complications were also compared. 36 underwent LEP and 44 underwent RIN. Bone union was observed in 69.4% and 63.6% of the patients in the LEP and RIN groups, respectively (p = 0.64). The average union time was 6.9 months for the LEP group and 6.6 months for the RIN group (p = 0.51). A tendency toward varus deformity was observed in the RIN group, although the difference was not statistically significant. No significant differences were observed in knee ROM, LEFS, or KL grade. Complications included non-union (33.8%; RIN, 11; LEP, 16), varus deformity (5%; RIN, 4; LEP, 0), infection (1.3%; RIN, 0; LEP, 1), heterotrophic ossification (1.3%; RIN, 0; LEP, 1), and wound dehiscence (2.5%; RIN, 2; LEP, 0). The surgical fixation methods, RIN and LEP, for complete distal femoral intra-articular fractures with metaphyseal comminution showed similar clinical and radiological outcomes. However, regardless of the type of fixation device used, there was a reduced rate of bone union owing to high energy and a less favorable prognosis.

Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Arthrodesis of Ankle Joint

Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Arthrodesis of Ankle Joint

Surgical management and weight-bearing recommendations for geriatric distal femur fractures.

To investigate current practices among orthopaedic trauma surgeons in treating geriatric distal femur fractures and evaluate current postoperative weight-bearing recommendations. A 26-question survey was emailed to Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium surgeon members to characterize current practice with different fixation methods for distal femur fractures and the surgeon-directed postoperative weight-bearing recommendations for each approach. Surveys were completed by 123 orthopaedic trauma surgeons with a response rate of 37% (123/332). Retrograde intramedullary nailing (IMN) was commonly performed by 88% of surgeons, and lateral locked plate was commonly performed by 74% of surgeons. Retrograde IMN with a lateral plate was commonly performed by 51% of surgeons. Dual femoral plating was commonly performed by 18% of surgeons and sometimes performed by 39% of surgeons. Surgeons were significantly more likely to allow immediate postoperative weight-bearing for retrograde IMN (P < 0.001), retrograde IMN with lateral plate (P < 0.001), and dual plate (P < 0.001) as compared with locked lateral plate. Most surgeons (79%) would be interested in participating in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating single implant versus dual implant for distal femur fractures and believe that a trial incorporating immediate weight-bearing is important. A variety of implants are commonly used to treat geriatric distal femur fractures. Patients with distal femur fracture commonly have weight-bearing restrictions in the immediate postoperative period. A large proportion of orthopaedic trauma surgeons have clinical equipoise for an RCT to investigate the impact of surgical construct and weight-bearing on geriatric distal femur fracture patient recovery.

Multi-segment osteotomy with interlocking intramedullary nail fixation in the treatment of lower limb deformity in older children with hypophosphatemic rickets.

Malformations of the lower limbs caused by hypophosphatemic rickets in older children are mostly complex, occurring on multiple planes without a single apex and showing arcuate bending of the diaphysis combined with torsion deformity, and are difficult to correct. This study retrospectively investigated the effect of and indicators for multi-segment osteotomy with interlocking intramedullary nail fixation in the treatment of bony deformity caused by hypophosphatemic rickets. The clinical data of 21 hypophosphatemic rickets patients seen between August 2007 and March 2022 were collected. The age range of the patients at the first surgery was 11 years and 1 month old to 15 years and 3 months old, with an average age of 12 years and 8 months. There were 6 males and 15 females. All patients had abnormal alignment of their lower limbs, with 32 limbs having varus deformity and 10 limbs having valgus deformity. A total of 67 surgeries were performed across the 21 patients, including 24 cases of femoral osteotomy with antegrade intramedullary nail fixation, 6 cases of femoral osteotomy with retrograde intramedullary nail fixation, and 20 cases of tibial osteotomy with interlocking intramedullary nail fixation. A total of 34 limbs eventually underwent interlocking intramedullary nail fixation, 9 with genu valgum and 25 with genu varus. All 21 patients were followed up for a period of 14∼96 months, with an average of 42.6 months. The ends of the osteotomies achieved bony union in 4-9 months (average 6.8 months), after which normal weight-bearing walking could be resumed. No infection, vascular or neurological complications, or nonunion occurred. During postoperative follow-up, the alignment the lower limbs passed through zone 1 in 13 limbs, zone 2 in 12 limbs, and zone 3 in 5 limbs. The overall rate of an excellent effect was 83.3%. For lower limb deformity caused by hypophosphatemic rickets in older children, multi-segment osteotomy and strong fixation with interlocking intramedullary nails can achieve good correction outcomes.

Retrograde intramedullary nailing with supplemental plate and lag screws allows early weight bearing following distal end-segment femur fractures (AO/OTA 33) in a low-resource setting.

To underline the feasibility of achieving early weight bearing in patients with distal end-segment femur fractures (AO/OTA 33) treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing and supplemental plate or lag screws in the absence of C-arm. 41 distal end-segment femur fractures (DFFs) included in the study were treated with SIGN nails with or without a side plate in a center that lacked intraoperative fluoroscopy and fracture table. A medial or lateral para-patellar incision was used for fracture reduction, nail insertion and side plate placement. Follow-ups were done at six weeks, 12weeks, and six months post-operatively. Distal end-segment fractures constituted 13.2% of all femur fractures treated. The patients' mean age and range were 49.6 and 23-83years respectively. They were mostly injured in road traffic accidents. 27 were daily-income earners. By the 12th week post-operatively, 82.1% of them could flex their knee beyond 90°, all of them could bear weight fully, and 71.8% could squat & smile. The study highlighted the procedure for retrograde nailing of DFFs in a setting without the requisite facilities for minimally-invasive surgeries. The findings demonstrated the feasibility of achieving an expedited weight bearing for the predominantly daily-income-earning victims to ensure early return to work and poverty reduction. While the small sample size is a limitation, the study does provide information that could serve as a basis for future randomized controlled trials in low-resource settings.

Management of periprosthetic femoral fractures following total knee arthroplasties using locking plates or intramedullary nailing. Comparative study of 567 cases

IntroductionProximal femur fractures in elderly patients pose a common problem that requires surgical management. The main objective of this study was to compare the results of treatment by locked plate (LP) and by anterograde (AIN) or retrograde (RIN) intramedullary nailing. The secondary objective was to analyze the complications related to each group. The hypothesis of this study was that the radiological and clinical results of each group were comparable. Materials and methodsThe data of 438 patients from 8 centers were studied retrospectively with 365 LP and 69 cases of intramedullary nailing (49 AIN and 20 RIN). The groups were comparable in terms of mean age (75±2years), mean preoperative Parker score (5.3±0.5) and mean KOOS score (74±2). Most patients lived at home before their fracture [n=375 (86%)]. At follow-up, the joint range of motion, the KOOS and Parker scores, living premises, the time required to regain full weight-bearing, the time required for consolidation as well as the reduction alignment: frontal, sagittal, horizontal. ResultsThe average follow-up was: 79±2weeks (65 to 82). The functional and radiological results were comparable, although nailing allowed a faster return to weight-bearing (1±2weeks for nailing versus 7±2weeks for LP, p=0.048) and a better postoperative Parker score (5.5±0.5 for nailing versus 4.7±0.2 for LP, p=0.045). Rotational malalignment in femoral nailing was often in the direction of internal rotation, compared to the LP (p=0.045). Complications were comparable with the exception of mortality, which was more frequent for LP [22.5% in the LP group versus 13% in the nailing group (p=0.045)]. Complications were categorized as: mechanical complications 6.8% of LP, 5.7% of nailing (p>0.05), infections [11% of LP, 5.8% of nailing (p>0.05)], surgical revisions [2% of LP, 10% of nailing (p>0.05)]. Discussion and conclusionThe hypothesis was refuted. These results show that nailing conferred a faster recovery of weight-bearing, a better Parker score, and is associated with a lower mortality rate. The morbidity rate is comparable between the two techniques. Indeed, when the indication for osteosynthesis by LP or by nailing is made, and both choices are technically justifiable, it would be prudent to favor the technique, which carries the least risk, which in this case is nailing. This conclusion must, however, be taken in to consideration with regard to the reduced number of nailing. A larger series of nailing, particularly retrograde, would be necessary to be able to confirm this last difference between the 2 groups. Level of evidenceIV; comparative retrospective study.

Comparative study of two retrograde locked intramedullary nail designs for ankle arthrodesis: A finite element analysis.

Ankle arthrodesis is the gold standard for treatment of end-stage arthritis. The goal of ankle arthrodesis is to obtain bony union between the tibia and the talus. Retrograde intramedullary nailing is typically reserved for ankle and subtalar joints arthrodesis. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of two different materials, two locking pin configurations and two nail designs of a retrograde locked intramedullary nail used for ankle arthrodesis. Using the finite element analysis, a numerical study of ankle arthrodesis was developed to evaluate the effect of materials: TI-6Al-4V and stainless steel AISI 316 LVM; two locking pin configurations: five and six pins, on two intramedullary nails: Ø10 × 180 mm and Ø11 × 200 mm. A model of a healthy foot was created from tomographic scans. It was found that the mechanical stimulus required to achieve bone fusion were higher for Ø10 × 180 nails (6.868 ± 0.047) than the Ø11 × 200 nails (5.918 ± 0.047; p < 0.001; mean ± SEM). We also found that six-pin configuration had a higher mechanical stimulus (6.470 ± 0.047) than the five-pin configuration (6.316 ± 0.046; p = 0.020). Similarly, it was higher for titanium (6.802 ± 0.047) than those for stainless steel (5.984 ± 0.046; p < 0.001). Finally, the subtalar zone presented higher values (7.132 ± 0.043) than the tibiotalar zone (5.653 ± 0.050; p < 0.001). The highest mechanical stimulus around the vicinity of tibiotalar and subtalar joint was obtained by Ø10 × 180 nails, made of titanium alloy, with 6P.

Tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with an intramedullary nail: The functional and clinical outcome of a challenging patient group and its comparison to a below knee amputation

BackgroundTibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis (TTCA) is a salvage procedure to fuse the ankle and subtalar joints to treat severe ankle and hindfoot disease. Patients often have multiple operations before a TTCA. A below knee amputation (BKA) has major physical and psychological impacts. Our aim is to investigate the outcomes of these treatments in salvage situations, with a focus on objective functional measurements and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs). Methods52 patients underwent TTCA with a retrograde intramedullary nail and contacted for clinical and functional assessments and compared to patients who underwent traumatic BKA. PROMS such as AOFAS score, SF-36 and foot function index (FFI), and objective functional outcome measures were used. ResultsOf the 52 TTCA patients, 28 patients were recruited for follow-up. 35.7% of patients had postoperative complications. Mean postoperative AOFAS score was 63.9 ± 8.4 (range, 47–81), FFI 48.8 ± 15.8 (range, 22.2–75.2). 11 BKA patients (mean age 46.4 years) were included as control group. BKA patients scored higher than the TTCA patients on SF-36 physical functioning (p < 0.01) and SF-36 mental health (p < 0.05) subscales. The flat-surface functional tests (timed up and go test, 2-minute walk test, 10-meter walk test) showed significantly (p < 0.05) better outcomes for the BKA compared to TTCA. ConclusionsA TTCA is a salvage procedure with high complication rates. Functional and psychometric results are reduced compared to the normal population. Patients after a BKA had significantly better scores on SF-36 functional and mental health subscales and better functional outcomes for flat ground activities compared to TTCA. Heterogeneity of the TTCA and BKA patient cohorts is a limitation of this study. With these results in mind, the outlook of a BKA is not necessarily a grim one. They may be used by surgeons to counsel patients preoperatively when managing complex ankle and hindfoot disease. Level of evidenceLevel III, retrospective cohort study

Functional Outcome of Distal Femoral Fractures using NEER Scoring Managed by Distal Femoral Locking Plate versus Retrograde Intramedullary Nail: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Distal femur fractures are a group of fractures that have been a topic of debate for the past decade, were traditionally treated mainly using conservative methods. However, with advancements in surgical techniques and implants, operative intervention has now become the preferred treatment approach. There are various methods for treating distal femur fractures and the present study compares the treatment of distal femoral fracture using distal femur nailing versus the use of locking plate. Aim: To compare the functional outcomes of stabilising distal femur fractures using locking compression plating versus retrograde nailing and to evaluate the merits and drawbacks of each procedure. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics at Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, over a one-year period from (January 2021 to January 2022. Total 46 patients with distal femur fractures were included, with six lost to follow-up. Two groups were divided in which total 20 patients underwent distal femoral nailing, while 20 were treated with distal femoral locking plates. Functional outcomes were assessed using the NEER Score, aiming for perfect restoration of the articular surface, stable fixation, full knee range of motion, and good functional results. Data were entered into a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet for statistical analysis using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 27.0; SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Numerical variables were summarised as mean and standard deviation, while categorical variables were presented as counts and percentages. A p-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study population consisted of 70% males with a mean age of approximately 55 years. Road traffic accidents were the most common mode of injury. The mean time for radiological union in the nailing group was 14.05 weeks, significantly shorter than the 16 weeks in the plating group. The mean range of knee flexion was 111° in the nailing group and 114.5° in the plating group. The average NEER score was 84.10 for the plating group and 83.30 for the nailing group. There was no statistically significant difference in functional outcomes between the two groups. Conclusion: Both retrograde intramedullary nailing and the use of locking compression plates can be considered as suitable treatment options. Early weight-bearing can be initiated with retrograde nailing. No significant difference was observed in terms of outcome, fracture healing, or NEER score. The time taken for radiological union of fractures using both techniques was comparable. Proper operative planning, execution, and adherence to a strict rehabilitation protocol play crucial roles in the overall patient outcome.

Revision surgeries following ankle arthrodesis fixed with retrograde intramedullary nails affected by mechanical complications

BACKGROUND: 25 percent of all musculoskeletal diseases that involve joints of the lower extremities accrues to ankle arthrosis. Late stages of this disease are indications for ankle arthrodesis. To date, surgeons who perform ankle arthrodesis do not agree about both the treatment technique for ankle articular surfaces and the method of their fixation, but other studies and our own observations suggest that 8 to 20 percent of the surgeries performed with retrograde locking rods lead to revision interventions due to the disorder of ankle ankylosis formation caused by mechanical complications associated with the implanted fixators (aseptic loosening of their parts, stress fracture of the intramedullary nail or locking screws, peri-implant tibia fracture).&#x0D; CLINICAL CASES DESCRIPTION: The aim of this work was to study and demonstrate the results of revision surgical interventions performed for failed ankylosis after ankle arthrodesis with intramedullary rod fixation against the development of mechanical complications. Clinical observations of revision interventions for failed ankylosis of the ankle joint against the complications due to mechanical origin using a retrograde blockable intramedullary rod as the primary fixator were carried out. Our work presents the technology of revision surgical interventions in case of compromised processes of ankle joint bone block formation associated with aseptic loosening of the structural elements, stress fracture of the intramedullary rod and blocking screws, tibial peri-implant fracture.&#x0D; CONCLUSION: Revision surgery for complications due to mechanical origin after ankle arthrodesis with intramedullary rod fixation requires an individual approach in each clinical case.

Functional outcome of supracondylar fracture femur treated with plate fixation and retrograde intramedullary nailing – A comparative study

Fractures of distal femur reportedly account for less than 1% of all fractures and about 4% of all femur fractures. Aims of the treatment of extra-articular fractures are restoration of length, torsion, and frontal and sagittal plane alignment and stable fixation. The objective of the study is to compare the functional and radiological outcome of the patients who sustained the distal femoral fractures treated with plate fixation against retrograde intramedullary nail. Patients meeting the specified inclusion criteria were divided into two groups: one treated with retrograde intramedullary nailing and the other with plate fixation. Follow-up assessments were performed at 4, 12, and 24 weeks post-surgery, utilizing flexion scores and Modified Schatzker and Lambert criteria to evaluate functional and radiological outcomes. The functional outcomes and knee flexion scores at the 6-month mark showed no significant difference between the plating and nailing groups. However, the plating group demonstrated early recovery, with a significant improvement in range of motion observed at 4 weeks post-operation. Retrograde intramedullary nailing exhibited advantages in terms of shorter surgery duration and lower intraoperative blood loss, making it a preferred option for patients with anticipated major blood loss or polytraumatized individuals.

Floating knee injuries - An Analysis of Outcome in Surgically Treated Patients in a Tertiary Care Institution

Background: Floating knee injuries are not uncommon and they occur due to high velocity trauma and are usually associated with other injuries. Early intervention in the form of internal fixation of both the femur and tibia usually results in better functional outcome. The present study was conducted with an aim to analyze the factors influencing the functional outcome of patients with ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures using Karlstrom and Olerud’s criteria.&#x0D; Methodology: &#x0D; Patients aged more than 18 years of age of both sexes who were clinically and radiologically diagnosed with floating knee injuries were included as our study subjects. A total of 48 patients were taken as study sample. Classification of floating knee injuries was made according to Blake and McBryde’s classification. Fixation of femur was done before fixing the tibia. Anterograde and retrograde intramedullary nailing along with condylar plates were used for internal fixation of femur or tibia. &#x0D; Results: &#x0D; According to Blake and Mc Bryde fracture classification, 19 patients belong to type I, 22 patients had type II A fracture and 7 had type II B fracture. Head injury followed by chest and abdominal trauma are the most common associated injuries. The mean duration of tibial bone union was 22 weeks and for femur it was 26 weeks. Functional outcome assessment was made using Karlstorm and Olerud’s criteria. Majority of the patients with Type I fracture had excellent or good outcome, whereas patients with type IIA or IIB fractures had acceptable or good outcome. &#x0D; Conclusion: &#x0D; The present study revealed that early surgical intervention is the key factor in the management of floating knee injuries which when done the functional outcome was found to be good.

Comparison of different fibula procedures in tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary nail: a mid-term retrospective study.

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis with a retrograde intramedullary nail for severe tibiotalar and talocalcaneal arthritis has a high fusion rate; however, no studies have focused on how to handle the fibula intraoperatively to achieve better results. This study aimed to compare the efficacies of various fibular procedures. We retrospectively reviewed the cases of severe tibiotalar and talocalcaneal arthritis in adults treated with TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail between January 2012 and July 2017. The patients were divided into three groups according to different fibular procedures: Fibular osteotomy (FO), fibular strut (FS), and fibular preservation (FP). Functional outcomes and pain were assessed using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score and visual analog scales (VAS), respectively. The operation time, fusion time, radiographic evaluation, and complications were also recorded. Fifty-eight patients with an average age of 53.2 (range, 32-69) years were enrolled in the final analysis. The numbers of patients enrolled in the three groups were 21, 19, and 18 in the FO, FS, and FP groups, respectively. The mean postoperative follow-up time was 66.0 (range, 60-78) months. All groups showed a high fusion rate (90.5% for FO, 94.7% for FS, and 94.4% for FP) and significant improvement in AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scores and VAS scores at the latest follow-up. There were no significant differences in these parameters among the three groups. The mean operation time of FS (131.3 ± 17.1min) was longer than that of FO (119.3 ± 11.7min) and FS (112.2 ± 12.6min), but the fusion time was shorter (15.1 ± 2.8 weeks for FS, 17.2 ± 1.9 weeks for FO, and 16.8 ± 1.9 weeks for FP). Statistically significant differences were observed in these parameters. TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde intramedullary nail is an effective procedure with a high rate of fusion to treat severe tibiotalar and talocalcaneal arthritis in adults; however, FSs can shorten fusion time when compared with FO and FP. Level 3.

Surgical Treatments for Femoral Shaft Fractures: A Narrative Review.

Femoral shaft fractures are increasingly common due to various traumatic injuries. Intramedullary nail (IMN) is considered the gold standard treatment for these fractures, but comorbidities often require thorough trauma life support and intensive care. The primary goal of treatment is rigid fixation, early mobilisation, and long-term functional recovery. This article reviews current concepts in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures, including the effects of early or delayed operation, differences between antegrade or retrograde intramedullary nailing, alternative methods to using a fracture table, methods to predict nail length before operation, assessing femoral rotation during an operation, and complications.