Short Oblique Fractures Research Articles

Advances in compression nails - principles and biomechanical photoelastic evaluation

The nail-osteosynthesis is an established concept for shaft-fractures of long bones. The compression-nail ICN enables a favourable primary-stability and also a former full weight-bearing over a pre-compression of the nail-bone-system. The indications of the compression-nail include beside more diaphyseal cross fractures and short oblique fractures non-unions and correction-osteotomies. Newer modular nail-types like the tandem compression nail (TCN) can improve the biomechanical prerequisites of the compression nail principle.

The consequences of anterior femoral notching in total knee arthroplasty. A biomechanical study.

Notching of the anterior femoral cortex during total knee arthroplasty has been implicated as a cause of subsequent periprosthetic supracondylar femoral fracture. However, other than observational clinical data, no reliable association between these events has been established, to our knowledge. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the biomechanical effects of notching of the anterior femoral cortex. The femoral component of a total knee replacement was implanted in twelve matched pairs of human cadaveric femora; one specimen in each pair had preservation of the anterior femoral cortex, and the other had a full-thickness cortical defect created just proximal to the anterior flange of the femoral component. The pairs were then subjected to either bending or torsional loading to failure. Both the fracture pattern and the quantitative load to failure were analyzed. Two matched pairs were excluded from the analysis because of inadvertent fracture during placement of the component. Following the application of a bending load, femora with notching of the anterior femoral cortex sustained a short oblique fracture that originated at the cortical defect proximal to the femoral component and femora without notching had a midshaft fracture. In contrast, notching of the anterior femoral cortex had no effect on the fracture pattern that was observed after the application of a torsional load. The mean load to failure was significantly reduced by notching in both testing modes. Notching decreased bending strength from 11,813 to 9690 newtons (18 percent; p = 0.0034), and it decreased torsional strength from 134.7 to 81.8 newton-meters (39.2 percent; p = 0.01). Biomechanical testing demonstrated that notching of the anterior femoral cortex significantly lessens the load to failure following total knee arthroplasty and influences the subsequent fracture pattern. These effects are manifested in different ways under the two loading conditions: the fracture pattern is altered under bending load, and there is a greater quantitative decrease in load to failure with torsional loading. Weakening of the femur by notching of the anterior cortex after total knee arthroplasty may warrant alteration in the customary postoperative regimen for these patients. Manipulation of a total knee replacement with a notched anterior femoral cortex should probably be avoided.

Treatment of humeral shaft fractures by closed fixation using multiple intramedullary Kirschner wires.

The purpose of this study is to present the results of closed fixation of humeral shaft fractures with multiple intramedullary Kirschner wires. Twenty-nine humeral shaft fractures in patients 14 to 60 years old were treated by closed fixation with multiple intramedullary Kirschner wires. Each patient was placed supine on the table and was administered general anesthesia. The fractured arm was held vertically up by a transolecranon traction, while the C-arm was kept parallel to the ground and opposite to the affected arm. A cortical window was created approximately 1.5 cm proximal to the olecranon fossa, after splitting the triceps. Under fluoroscopic control, multiple Kirschner wires were introduced retrograde therein, into the medullary cavity, to reach the humeral head. The wire tips were kept splayed to stabilize the fracture. Postoperatively, the limb was supported by an arm sling. Twenty-five fractures (86.4%) healed with excellent clinical and functional results, in an average of 11 weeks. Union was delayed in two patients, and one fracture had a nonunion after repeated trauma. Movements at the shoulder and the elbow were excellent to good in 27 patients (93%), whereas 2 patients (6.8%) had significant limitation of extension at the elbow. This technique has been found simple and effective in providing a stable fixation of transverse and short oblique fractures of the humeral diaphysis. Further study is required to evaluate this procedure in more extensive fracture patterns, as well as to compare the results with other methods of internal fixation.

Periprosthetic humeral fractures: Management and classification

Six patients (67 to 94 years of age) sustained a periprosthetic humeral fracture at an average of 43 months after shoulder arthroplasty (range 13 to 85 months). These fractures were classified depending on fracture anatomy and implant stability. Type A fractures occur about the tuberosities. Type B fractures occur about the stem and are subclassified by fracture anatomy and implant stability: B1 fractures are spiral fractures with a stable implant, B2 fractures are transverse or short oblique fractures about the tip of the stem with a stable implant, and B3 fractures are those fractures about the stem with an unstable implant. Type C fractures occur well distal to the tip of the stem. Five of the 6 fractures required surgery, 4 with revision to a long-stemmed component. All fractures united with restoration of range of motion and function. Satisfactory results may be anticipated if these fractures are managed in an appropriate fashion.

Results of non-operative and operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures A series of 104 cases

The aim of this study was to examine the results of different modalities applied in the treatment of 104 fresh diaphyseal fractures of the adult humerus treated in the department between January 1994 and March 1997. These results were classified according to the criteria described by Stewart and Hundley. 32 patients (30.8%) were treated non-operatively using a sling and a moulded plaster splint. The type of treatment had to be changed in 12 of these patients due to 14 different complications that occurred during the course of non-operative treatment. Thus, 20 patients (62.5%) underwent non-operative treatment until fracture-union. The results in this group were: very good in 12 cases (60%), good in 5 cases (25%), fair in 3 cases (15%). 28 fractures were treated using plates and screws. 4 events (14%) occurred during in the post-operative period and, apart from 2 cases of non-union, the overall result in the 26 patients in whom the fracture united was: very good in 23 cases (88.5%) and good in 3 cases (11.5%). 22 patients (21.1%) underwent fixation using multiple flexible intramedullary wires via a supracondylar approach. Apart from one case of non-union, the final result in the 21 patients in whom the fracture united was: very good in 9 cases (42.8%), good in 9 cases (42.8%), fair in 2 cases (9.5%) and poor in 1 case (4.9%). 22 fractures were treated using an intramedullary Seidel nail. The final result in these patients was: very good in 11 cases (50%), good in 9 cases (41%) and poor in 2 cases (9%). The indications for treatment should be eclectic. Non-operative treatment remains the method of choice for undisplaced or minimally-displaced fractures or comminuted fractures with multiple parallel longitudinal fracture-lines over the middle-third, while surgical treatment is considered for displaced fractures and essentially depends upon the type and level of the fracture. Transverse and short oblique fractures are treated using a plate or a Seidel nail. Fractures with a third fragment require plate osteosynthesis. Multiple flexible intramedullary wires are used for segmental fractures or for diaphyseal fractures associated with fractures of the neck of the humerus. Comminuted fractures are realigned using an intramedullary Seidel nail or multiple flexible wires. As far as the site of fracture is concerned, those of the proximal and middle thirds of the humerus are well treated using an intramedullary nail or multiple wires or with a plate, while plating is most often the method of choice for fractures of the distal-third.

Assessment of the Stability of the Isolated Lateral Malleolar Fracture

Recent advances in the understanding of the biomechanics of the ankle have given rise to the clinical uncertainty about the indications for the operative treament of isolated fractures of the lateral malleolus. If deltoid ligament injury is associated, it may be unstable and operation may be indicated. This study was done to determine if we are able to assess the stability of the isolated lateral malleolus fracture based on the fracture patterns seen on radiographs and clinical findings. 37 patients with malleolar fracture of the ankle were treated at Hanil General Hospital by open reduction and internal fixation from Dec. 1996 to Jan. 1998. Lauge-Hansen classification was tried in all cases to determine if it could be applied. Stress test under anesthesia on 10 isolated lateral malleolar fracture patients with clinical findings of injury on the deltoid ligament area, whose medial clear space were normal or widened less than 2 mm on initial film. Exploration of the deltoid ligament was performed in 6 of above 10 patients There were 21 supination-external rotation type injuries, 2 supination-adduction injuries, 1 pronation-abduction injury and 13 fractures could not be clearly categorized into specific group. In 6 among 13 unclear cases, there were short oblique fracture line indicating pronation injury, but direction of the fracture line could not be clearly determined. In 4 cases, direction of the fracture line indicated pronation injury, but the length of the fracture line was too long. In 3 대한골절학회지 제11권, 제4호, 1 9 98년 1 0월 The Journal of the Korean Society of Fractures Vol.11, No.4, October, 1998

Decision making errors in the use of interlocking tibial nails.

Seventy-one fractures of the tibial shaft were treated with interlocking intramedullary nails. None of the fractures were treated with static locking of the intramedullary nails. These 71 fractures were studied to determine whether certain fracture patterns are prone to loss of alignment when static interlocking is not used. Loss of alignment was defined as shortening of 1 cm or more and/or change in angulation of at least 5 degrees. Loss of alignment occurred in eight of the 71 (11%) fractures. Shortening and/or angulation occurred in seven of 22 spiral and short oblique fractures, and in none of 27 transverse fracture patterns. It was concluded that the dynamically locked and nonlocked modes of intramedullary nailing should not be used in the stabilization of spiral and oblique fractures of the tibial shaft.

Mechanical Comparison of Two Methods for Interfragmentary Fixation in a Short Oblique Fracture Model

SummaryTwenty mature and 20 immature cadaver dog femora had mid-diaphyseal osteotomies performed at 45° to the bone axis. Either a 3.5 mm cortical lag screw, or a 1.6 mm pin aligning a 1.0 mm (18 gauge) twist-tensioned cerclage wire, stabilized the osteotomy. A single episode of slow axial compression was applied to each construct. Slippage in the plane of the osteotomy occurred for all constructs. Neither bone fracture nor implant failure was observed. Forcedisplacement data were standardized with respect to bone cross-sectional surface area, and statistical comparisons of stress performed at 2%, 4%, and 10% strain. The lag screw constructs were significantly stronger at all three strain levels for mature bone, but only at 10% strain for immature bone. Both devices resisted axial compression to a degree likely to assist, but not to provide complete fracture stabilization. As such, these devices should only be employed in combination with sufficiently rigid primary fixation.Oblique osteotomies in mature and immature dog femora were stabilized with either a lag screw or transfixation pin and cerclage wire. Constructs were loaded in axial compression and statistical analysis of stress performed at 2%, 4% and 10% strain. The lag screw constructs were significantly stronger at all strain levels for mature bone, but only at the highest strain level for immature bone.

Intramedullary fixation of metacarpal and proximal phalangeal fractures of the hand.

The use of intramedullary fixation for fixation of fractures of the metacarpal and proximal phalanx is reported. Flexible intramedullary rods are used for unstable transverse and short oblique diaphyseal fractures of the proximal phalanx and metacarpal. The fracture site is not opened and the rods are introduced under xray control. The rods are cut flush with the bone so that there is no soft tissue tethering. Intramedullary spacers are used in comminuted metacarpal fractures associated with crush injuries and gunshot wounds. The fracture site is opened and a single rod is placed to fill the intramedullary canal. A supplementary plate may be used to control rotation, and bone graft is usually necessary. A new spacer has been designed that has proximal and distal locking screws to control length and rotation. This also is used routinely with bone graft. The techniques outlined stabilize the fracture site allowing immediate motion postoperatively.

Fractures du fémur survenant à distance d’une arthroplastie de hanche Fractures de type I — Analyse statistique et synthèse

Two main criteria are important for the therapeutic management of type I femoral fracture following hip arthroplasty: - Implant stability (prosthetic stability). - Radiographic loosening. Spiral fractures are an indication for surgical treatment (84 %). Healing occured in 80 % of cases within a period of 3 months. Mortality rate is higher in patients who underwent revision arthroplasty (22 %).We recommend the following management protocol:In the case of aseptic loosening : revision arthroplasty with a long-stem femoral prosthesis is indicated.If there is no loosening : internal fixation is preferred. In case of a short oblique fracture, functional treatment can be conducted.

Intramedullary nailing of proximal phalangeal fractures

A retrospective review of 25 consecutive patients with 28 proximal phalangeal fractures was performed. Fractures of the thumb were excluded. Twenty-five fractures were closed and three were open. All fractures were reduced, closed, and fixed using flexible intramedullary fixation with 0.8-mm prebent nails. Fractures amenable to flexible intramedullary fixation include short oblique and transverse fractures. Contraindications include long oblique, spiral, and bicortical comminuted fractures. The average follow-up time was 10 months (range, 2-20). Five patients with six fractures were lost to follow-up evaluation. All of the remaining 23 fractures healed and there were no infections. An average of 2 degrees angulation was seen on anteroposterior x-ray films. One patient showed 4 degrees of angulation on the lateral x-ray film. No shortening was noted. One fracture showed appreciable malrotation of 10 degrees. Flexible intramedullary rodding of specific proximal phalangeal fractures provides excellent results with a low complication rate. Proper selection of fractures and good surgical technique are necessary to avoid complications.

Flexible intramedullary nailing for metacarpal fractures

A 5-year retrospective review of 83 patients with 98 metacarpal fractures was performed. Fractures of the thumb metacarpal were excluded. Ninety-six closed metacarpal fractures were reduced closed and fixed with flexible intramedullary fixation, using multiple 0.8-mm prebent rods. Two open metacarpal fractures were also fixed with this technique. Fractures amenable to flexible intramedullary fixation include short oblique and transverse fractures. Contraindications include long oblique and bicortical comminuted fractures. The average follow-up time was 9 months (range, 2 to 34 months) with 15 patients lost to follow-up examination. All fractures went on to heal. Three complications occurred: backing out of a rod in one case and bending of the rods after repeat trauma in two. There were no infections. Flexible intramedullary nailing of specific metacarpal fractures affords excellent results with a low complication rate. Proper selection of fractures and good surgical technique are necessary to avoid complications.

The Short Oblique Fracture of the Distal Fibula Without Medial Injury: An Assessment of Displacement

Eighteen patients with ankle injuries presenting as short oblique fractures of the distal fibula with no clinical or radiographic evidence of injury to the medial ankle were studied for fracture displacement. Plain radiographs and computed tomography were used for analysis. All fractures were clinically diagnosed as supination-external rotation stage 2 (SE-II) injuries under the Lauge-Hansen scheme. All exhibited slight displacement on plain radiographs and were treated nonoperatively. Computerized tomography using axial cuts across the fracture site and ankle mortise revealed normal positioning of the talus beneath the tibial plafond, as evidenced by no abnormality of the medial joint space in all patients. In the majority of patients, the relationship between the talus and distal fibula also appeared undisturbed, with fracture displacement being confined to a change in position of the proximal fibular fragment relative to the tibia as compared with the contralateral ankle. In a minority of cases, in addition to the above-described displacement of the proximal fibular fragment, the distal fibular fragment was noted to shift slightly laterally relative to the talus, with mild widening of the lateral joint space. Occult-associated avulsion fractures off the distal tibia were present in 39% of the cases.

Jones Fracture Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Treatment

Sixty-three patients with 66 transverse and short oblique fractures of the proximal shaft of the fifth metatarsal bone (Jones fracture) were evaluated an average of five years (range, one to ten years) after the injury. There were 27 acute fractures and 39 chronic, or stress, fractures. The primary treatment was surgical for one third of the injuries and nonsurgical for the others. Surgical treatment consisted of the insertion of medullary screws. Nonsurgical treatment consisted of the application of either a plaster cast or an elastic bandage. Almost one fourth of the fractures treated nonsurgically later had to be treated surgically because of delayed unions or refractures. Late surgery was required in 12% of acute fractures and in 50% of chronic fractures with sclerosis narrowing the medullary canal. Irrespective of the primary treatment, all the patients had full function at the time of the follow-up evaluation, and no nonunions were diagnosed.

Closed treatment of Jones fracture. Good results in 40 cases after 11-26 years.

40 patients with transversal or short oblique fractures of the proximal shaft of the fifth metatarsal bone (Jones fracture) were treated with full weight bearing with or without elastic bandage in 39 cases and plaster cast immobilization in one. 24 cases were acute traumatic fractures, 14 stress fractures and 2 refractures. After 17 (11-26) years, 33 of the fractures had healed primarily, evidence of refracture or delayed union was found in 7 and there were no non-unions. All but one of the patients were free of symptoms.

Open tibial fractures. Treatment by uniplanar external fixation and early bone grafting.

Seventy-nine open tibial fractures were treated with unilateral uniplanar tubular external fixators. Excellent stability allowed early weight-bearing. All comminuted fractures, with or without bone loss, and some transverse or short oblique fractures with intermediate fragments were treated by early bone grafting through a posterolateral approach. The external fixator was dynamised as soon as periosteal callus was seen on the radiograph. Bone healing times ranged from 11 to 40 weeks (mean 20). Significant ankle stiffness occurred in 10.9% and leg shortening in 2.8%. Pin track infection was seen in 45.2% but was easily controlled with standard management. The external fixation frame allowed excellent functional freedom for Oriental patients to sit cross-legged and squat. Combined with early bone grafting, external fixation is an excellent method for the management of open tibial fractures.

Combined intramedullary kirschner wire and intra-osseous wire loop for fixation of finger fractures

An intramedullary Kirschner wire was combined with an intra-osseous wire loop for fixing finger fractures. The mechanical stability of this technique to resist a bending moment in the sagittal plane was compared with four other conventional methods: single loop, loop and an oblique Kirschner wire, crossed Kirschner wires and dorsal plating. It was found that when the applied force was small, the technique was much more stable than the crossed Kirschner wires and was similar to the others. The ability to withstand mechanical failure was much better than most of the methods except the dorsal plate. This technique is recommended for replantations, transverse fractures and short oblique fractures with little comminution.

Combined intramedullary Kirschner wire and intra-osseous wire loop for fixation of finger fractures.

An intramedullary Kirschner wire was combined with an intra-osseous wire loop for fixing finger fractures. The mechanical stability of this technique to resist a bending moment in the sagittal plane was compared with four other conventional methods: single loop, loop and an oblique Kirschner wire, crossed Kirschner wires and dorsal plating. It was found that when the applied force was small, the technique was much more stable than the crossed Kirschner wires and was similar to the others. The ability to withstand mechanical failure was much better than most of the methods except the dorsal plate. This technique is recommended for replantations, transverse fractures and short oblique fractures with little comminution.

Intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures. Part I

Dynamic intramedullary fixation depends on the configuration of the fracture for postoperative stability. Unanticipated loss of reduction of the fracture after dynamic intramedullary nailing of the femur may result from errors in surgical decision-making, specifically the failure to insert both proximal and distal interlocking screws. Of 133 dynamic femoral intramedullary nailings that were performed after interlocking techniques became routinely available, fourteen (10.5 per cent) were complicated by loss of postoperative fixation and reduction. Thirteen of the fourteen femora shortened an average of 2.0 centimeters; the remaining femur shortened slightly, with clinical loss of rotational stability. Eight of fourteen patients elected some form of surgical revision, most commonly closed osteoclasis with restoration of femoral length, followed by the insertion of a statically locked nail. Errors in surgical judgment were attributed to inadequate preoperative analysis of the pattern of the fracture; undetected intraoperative comminution during reaming or insertion of the nail, or both; or postoperative failure to recognize an increase in comminution and instability of the fracture. We suggest using high-quality preoperative radiographs to detect non-displaced comminution of the major fracture fragments. Any increase in comminution of the fracture that occurs with reaming of the canal or insertion of the nail is an indication for static interlocking fixation. Radiographs that are made immediately postoperatively should be analyzed while the patient is under anesthesia, and any previously undetected instability of the fracture should be treated by static interlocking fixation. Dynamic intramedullary stabilization of the femur should be reserved for transverse or short oblique fractures at the femoral isthmus that have type-I or type-II comminution.

Closed Unstable Fractures of the Tibia

Unstable closed tibial fractures are those with major soft tissue damage, complete displacement, significant comminution, direct force mechanism, or articular surface involvement. Although the "average" tibial fracture is effectively managed without surgery, patients with such injuries frequently have prolonged convalescence and unsatisfactory anatomic and functional results. This review of recent literature reveals that in appropriately chosen patients, surgical fixation of unstable closed tibial fractures produces faster recovery and less residual disability or deformity. This is especially true when intramedullary nailing is indicated, as in transverse, short oblique, or segmental fractures. Plate and screw fixation is preferable for metaphyseal fractures. External fixation may be safest when soft tissue crushing is extensive, especially if fasciotomy is required.