Significant Difference In Union Rates Research Articles

Intramedullary Nails vs Open Reduction in Internal Fixation for Humeral Shaft Fractures: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Control Trials.

The purpose of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to compare outcomes following intramedullary nailing (IMN) vs. open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of humeral shaft fractures. A literature search of three databases was performed based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. RCTs comparing IMN and ORIF for humeral shaft fractures were included. Clinical outcomes were compared using Revman. P value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Ten RCTs with 512 patients were included. Overall, 8.4% of patients treated with IMN and 6.4% of patients with ORIF had a non-union (p = 0.57, I2 = 0%), with a significantly faster time to union with IMN (10 weeks vs 11.9 weeks , p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in re-operations (11.6% IMN vs 7.6% ORIF, p = 0.26) or radial nerve palsies (2.8% IMN vs 4.2% ORIF, p = 0.58). A lower rate of infection was noted with IMN (1.2% vs 5.3%, p < 0.5). Additionally, there was a lower operative time with IMN (61 minutes vs 88 minutes, p < 0.05). The level I evidence in the literature does not show a significant difference in union rates, re-operations or radial nerve palsies between IMN and ORIF for humerus shaft fractures. Overall, treatment with IMN results in lower infection rates, less operative time, and modestly quicker time to union. Optimal treatment strategy for humeral shaft fractures may be best informed by fracture pattern and surgeon preference.

Increased Union Rates in Subtalar Joint Arthrodesis with Hybrid Nitinol Dynamic Compression Device

Category: Hindfoot Introduction/Purpose: Subtalar joint arthrodesis (STJA) is a well-established and widely accepted surgical procedure utilized for the treatment of numerous hindfoot conditions. Several fixation constructs in STJA have been described in the literature. With the current advancements in orthopedic technology, new devices utilizing nitinol elements have been developed in an effort to maintain sustained compression in the event of bony resorption which may occur during arthrodesis healing. The primary aim of our study is to introduce a hybrid nitinol dynamic compression (HNDC) device for STJA which provides dynamic compression without proximal locking fixation and compare union rates with a previous nitinol dynamic compression nail (NDCN) as well as a standard two-compression screw fixation construct. The secondary aim was to compare hardware removal rates amongst the three cohorts. Methods: From May 2019 through February 2022, 26 consecutive patients treated with a novel HNDC for STJA were compared to 15 patients treated with NDCN for STJA and 41 patients undergoing STJA using a two-compression screw fixation method. Patients were included in our study if they were greater than 18 years of age, underwent STJA with the use of one of the internal fixation constructs under investigation, and had a minimum 1-year follow-up with radiographs; there were no other exclusion criteria. Arthrodesis sites were augmented with autologous bone graft with or without bone graft substitute in all patients. Standard postoperative protocols were used amongst all three cohorts. Primary outcomes included subtalar joint union rates determined by radiographic and clinical assessment. The incidence of hardware removal was recorded and compared between groups. Patient-specific risk factors were studied to assess any potential negative effects on STJA union rates. Results: Union rates between the HNDC device and the NDCN group did not demonstrate a statistically significant difference at final follow-up. There was a statistically significant difference in union rates between subjects who underwent STJA with the HNDC device versus those who underwent STJA with a two-compression screw construct. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase in union rates in subjects who received nitinol dynamic compression fixation devices, HNDC or NDCN, versus standard compression screws. There was not a statistically significant difference in hardware removal rates among the 3 cohorts. No significant relationship was seen between smoking, diabetes, or alcohol consumption and union rates. Conclusion: Our data supports the HNDC device to have superior union rates to the two-screw fixation group. In addition, the HNDC device provides improved union rates, though not statistically significant, when compared to the NDCN. Furthermore, the HNDC device was found to have lower rates of hardware removal when compared to the two-screw fixation and the NDCN groups though this was not statistically significant. The early results of this HNDC device for STJA are encouraging and appear to offer a further improved alternative fixation construct with excellent union rates and minimal complications.

561 A Morphological Review of Medial Malleolar Fractures – a Large Single Centre Series

Abstract Background Medial Malleolus Fractures (MMF) are frequently managed by orthopaedic surgeons and are one of the most treated fractures of the ankle. Many approaches to management are described in the literature however, their morphology is under investigated. Method Patients who had surgical fixation of their MMF were identified from 2012 to 2022. Analysis of their pre-operative, intra-operative and post-operative radiographs was performed. Lauge-Hansen classification was used to characterise ankle fracture morphology and Herscovici classification to characterise MMF morphology. Results A total of 647 patients were identified across a 10-year period who had sustained a medial malleolar fracture. The most common Herscovici fracture in Supination Adduction injuries was a Herscovici D (43.9%, 17/39), in supination external rotation injuries was Herscovici C (52.75%, 259/491), in pronation external rotation injuries was Herscovici C (48.81%, 41/84) and in pronation abduction injuries was Herscovici B (45.45%, 12/33). Medial wall blowout occurred in 19.23%, occurring in supination adduction injuries most commonly (51.28%, 20/39). Herscovici A fractures were significantly more malreduced at time of surgery compared to other fracture types (21.88%, 7/32, p = .003). There was no significant difference in union rates across the classification groups (range 11.67% Herscovici D to 22.86% for Herscovici B). Conclusions Knowledge of the medial malleolar morphology allows greater assessment and planning in their surgical treatment. There was a high rate of medial wall blowout even in the non-adduction fracture types, and this should be assessed to prevent over compression during surgical treatment. Herscovici A fracture malunions may need further investigation and different methods of fixation.

Vascularized Bone Grafting Versus the 2-Stage Masquelet Technique for Upper-Extremity Bone Reconstruction: A Meta-Analysis

Vascularized bone grafting (VBG) has been described as the technique of choice for larger bone defects in bone reconstruction, yielding excellent results at the traditional threshold of 6 cm as described in the literature. However, we hypothesize that the 2-stage Masquelet technique provides equivalent union rates for upper-extremity bone defects regardless of size, while having no increase in the rate of patient complications. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed and Scopus for outcomes after VBG and the Masquelet technique for upper-extremity bone defects of the humerus, radius, ulna, metacarpal, or phalanx (carpal defects were excluded). A meta-analysis was performed to compare outcomes following VBG and the Masquelet technique at varying defect sizes. There were 77 VBG (295 patients) and 25 Masquelet (119 patients) studies that met inclusion criteria. Patients undergoing the Masquelet technique had defect sizes ranging from 0-15 cm (average 4.5 cm), while patients undergoing VBG had defect sizes ranging from 0-24 cm (average 5.9 cm). The union rate for Masquelet patients was 94.1% with an average time to union of 5.8 months, compared to 94.9% and 4.4 months, respectively, for VBG patients. We did not identify a defect size threshold at which VBG demonstrated a significantly higher union rate. No statistically significant difference was found in union rates between techniques when using multivariable logistic regression analysis. There was no statistically significant difference in union rates between VBG and the Masquelet technique in upper-extremity bone defects regardless of defect size. Surgeons may consider the Masquelet technique as an alternative to VBG in large bone defects of the upper extremity. Therapeutic IV.

Medial and lateral dual plating of native distal femur fractures: a systematic literature review.

Lateral locked plating (LLP) development has improved outcomes for distal femur fractures. However, there is still a modest rate of nonunion in fractures treated with LLP alone, with higher nonunion risk in high-energy fractures, intra-articular involvement, poor bone quality, severe comminution, or bone loss. Several recent studies have demonstrated both the safety and the biomechanical advantage of dual medial and lateral plating (DP). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of DP for native distal femoral fractures by performing a systematic review of the literature. Studies reporting clinical outcomes for DP of native distal femur fractures were identified and systematically reviewed. Publications without full-text manuscripts, those solely involving periprosthetic fractures, or fractures other than distal femur fractures were excluded. Fracture type, mean follow-up, open versus closed fracture, number of bone grafting procedures, nonunion, reoperation rates, and complication data were collected. Methodologic study quality was assessed using the Coleman methodology score. The initial electronic review and reverse inclusion protocol identified 1484 publications. After removal of duplicates and abstract review to exclude studies that did not discuss clinical treatment of femur fractures with dual plating, 101 potential manuscripts were identified and manually reviewed. After final review, 12 studies were included in this study. There were 199 fractures with average follow-up time of 13.72 months. Unplanned reoperations and nonunion occurred in 19 (8.5%) and 9 (4.5%) cases, respectively. The most frequently reported complications were superficial infection (n = 6, 3%) and deep infection (n = 5, 2.5%) postoperatively. Other complications included delayed union (n = 6, 3%) not requiring additional surgical treatment and knee stiffness in four patients (2%) necessitating manipulation under anesthesia or lysis of adhesions. The average Coleman score was 50.5 (range 13.5-72), suggesting that included studies were of moderate-to-poor quality. Clinical research interest in DP of distal femoral fractures has markedly increased in the past few decades. The current data suggest that DP of native distal femoral fractures is associated with favorable nonunion and reoperation rates compared with previously published rates associated with LLP alone. In the current review, DP of distal femoral fractures was associated with acceptable rates of complications and generally good functional outcomes. More high-quality, directly comparable research is necessary to validate the conclusions of this review.

Union Rates With the Use of Structural Allograft in Lapidus Arthrodesis: A Comparison Between Two Fixation Constructs

Although structural allograft has been previously described as acceptable practice for reconstructive foot and ankle surgery, results for an allograft bone wedge in Lapidus arthrodesis are unknown. Additionally, there is no consensus on the superiority of a single fixation construct in Lapidus cases. Our objective was (1) to report union rates for Lapidus arthrodesis with and without the use of an allograft bone wedge and (2) to determine if fixation construct impacts rates of union when using structural allograft. A review was performed for Lapidus cases with fixation constructs of 2 crossed compression screws (CS) and a medial locking plate with single transarticular screw (MPS), both with and without use of an allograft bone wedge. Inclusion required a CT scan to evaluate bony union. There was no significant difference in union rates (p = .41) between the use (90%) and the nonuse (97%) of an allograft bone wedge. Union rates were significantly different (p = .04) when comparing CS fixation (85%) and MPS fixation (98%). The comparative results between the fixation constructs highlight the importance of compression across the arthrodesis site as part of a robust fixation construct. Our findings demonstrate that the use of an allograft bone wedge in Lapidus arthrodesis may mitigate complications due to metatarsal shortening while providing satisfactory rates of union.

Outcomes, Union Rate, and Complications After Operative and Nonoperative Treatments of Neer Type II Distal Clavicle Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of 2284 Patients

Background: As nonoperative treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures is associated with nonunion rates up to 33%, operative treatment is frequently advocated. However, evidence is lacking regarding which operative treatment to perform and whether this is superior to nonoperative treatment in terms of functional outcome and complication rate. Purpose: (1) To evaluate which surgical technique in the treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures is optimal with regard to patient-reported outcomes and union and complication rates. (2) To review nonoperatively treated patients. Study Design: Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: A systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis were performed on January 27, 2021, in PubMed, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL/EBSCO, Web of Science/Clarivate Analytics, and SPORTDiscus/EBSCO. The search included all studies regarding nonoperative and operative treatment of Neer type II distal clavicle fractures with a minimum of 20 patients and follow-up of 12 months. The primary and secondary outcomes were patient-reported outcome measures at 12 months and union, complication, and revision rates. Results: A total of 59 articles were included involving 2284 patients. Coracoclavicular fixation, hook plate, transacromial pins, alternative plate, tension band wire/K-wire, a combination of surgical techniques, and a nonoperative group were described. Hook plates showed lower Constant-Murley scores as compared with coracoclavicular fixation (standard mean difference, –0.77; 95% CI, –1.26 to –0.28; P = .002). However, no significant difference was seen when the hook plate was compared with the locking plate and tension band wire/K-wire groups, and no significant difference in union rate was seen among all operative treatment groups. Operatively treated patients had significantly higher union rates than patients treated nonoperatively (standard mean difference: 0.05; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.37; P = .004). Conclusion: Patients treated with hook plates showed significantly lower Constant-Murley scores and higher complication and revision rates as compared with those treated with coracoclavicular fixation, without differences in union rate. Higher Constant-Murley scores were seen in those patients with supplemental coracoclavicular fixation when using locking. Nonoperatively treated patients showed good functional outcome despite the 31% nonunion rate, although future studies are necessary to substantiate this conclusion. When using a locking plate, additional craniocaudal fixation showed significant better functional outcome.

Volar Plating versus Headless Compression Screw Fixation of Scaphoid Nonunions: A Meta-analysis of Outcomes.

Background Headless compression screw fixation with bone grafting has been the mainstay of treatment for scaphoid nonunion for the past several decades. Recently, locked volar plate fixation has gained popularity as a technique for scaphoid fixation, especially for recalcitrant or secondary nonunions. Purpose The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare union rates and clinical outcomes between locked volar plate fixation and headless compression screw fixation for the treatment of scaphoid nonunions. Methods A literature search was performed for studies documenting treatment outcomes for scaphoid nonunions from 2000 to 2020. Inclusion criteria consisted of (1) average age > 18 years, (2) primary study using screw fixation, plate fixation, or both, with discrete data reported for each procedure, and (3) average follow-up of at least 3 months. Exclusion criteria consisted of studies with incomplete or missing data on union rates. Data from each study was weighted, combined within treatment groups, and compared across treatment groups using a generalized linear model or binomial distribution. Results Following title and full-text review, 23 articles were included for analysis. Preoperatively, patients treated with plate fixation had significantly longer time from injury to surgery and were more likely to have failed prior surgical intervention. There was no significant difference between union rates at 92 and 94% for screw and plate fixation, respectively. However, plate fixation resulted in longer time to union and lower modified Mayo wrist scores. Conclusion Patients treated with locked volar plate fixation were more likely to be used for recalcitrant or secondary nonunions. There was no statistically significant difference in union rates between screw and plate fixation. The results from this meta-analysis support the select use of locked volar plate fixation for scaphoid nonunion, especially recalcitrant nonunions and those that have failed prior surgical repair.

A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Arthrodesis

In this multicenter study, we evaluated commonly used methods of fixation and 2 methods of joint preparation for first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion, in terms of radiological union and revision rates. Included were 409 consecutive fusions in 385 patients. The overall union rate was 91.4% (34/409). About 29.4% (10/34) of our nonunions were symptomatic. Preoperative hallux valgus showed a statistically significant relation to nonunion (odds ratio [OR] = 9.33, p = .017). Other potential contributing factors like gender (OR 1.9, p = .44), diabetes (OR = 0, p = .99), steroid use (OR = 2.07, p = .44), inflammatory arthritis (OR = 0, p = .99), and smoking (OR = 2.69, p = .34) did not attain statistical significance. Further, the methods of fixation like solid screws (OR = 0, p = .99), plate (OR = 3.6, p = .187), or cannulated screws (OR = 0.09, p = .06) showed no correlation with incidence of nonunion. We compared 2 techniques of joint preparation and found no significant difference in union rates (chi-square = 1.0426, p = .30). Our crude comparison of costs showed the average saving to the trust per year could be 33,442.50£ by choosing screws over plates. To conclude, only hallux valgus had a statistically significant relation to nonunion. All other variables had no significant impact on the union. Solid screw seems to be economically the most viable option and a valid alternative.

Is bone morphogenetic protein 2 effective, safe and cost-efficient in nonunion surgery of long bones

Background: The prevalence of fracture nonunion surgery is increasing in the general population with greater advancement in trauma surgery. Increasingly complex injuries involving the limbs are now amenable for limb preservation surgery, where in the past amputations would have been common place. Aims and Objectives: We carried out a literature review on the evidence available on the use of Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP-2) for long bone nonunion surgery. Methods: This literature review was initially undertaken for a systematic review using PRISMA guidelines, however due to lack of high-quality published literature, we present a narrative review instead. The abstracts of the articles obtained on Medline and Embase database were scrutinised according to the inclusion and exclusion criterions. The primary endpoint was union rates, and secondary end points were time to union, re-operation and post op infection rates. Results: A total of 240 titles were obtained, and after review, 3 articles were selected for final analysis. There were no statistically significant differences noted between the primary and secondary endpoints in the autologous bone graft (ABG) group when compared against the BMP-2 with allograft group. An additional review of the literature suggests that BMP-2 is cost neutral to the healthcare system. Conclusion: Although no firm conclusions can be drawn due to lack of power, the trend suggests no significant difference in union rates between autograft or BMP-2 with allograft, with comparable results to each other in all measurable end-points.

Dual plate fixation results in improved union rates in comminuted distal femur fractures compared to single plate fixation

PurposeThe treatment of distal femur fractures with extensive metaphyseal comminution is frequently complicated by high rates of nonunion and varus collapse. Dual plating with lateral and medial locking plates for these types of fractures has shown promising results in the recent literature. We hypothesize that dual plating of comminuted distal femur fractures leads to higher union rates and lower revision rates compared to an isolated lateral locking plate. MethodsA retrospective medical chart review between January 2015 and December 2017 was conducted. Inclusion criteria included patients 18 years of age and older who sustained a complex distal femur fracture (AO/OTA 33-C2/33-C3 or periprosthetic fracture with significant metaphyseal comminution) and at least 6 months of follow up. Patients with simple fracture patterns, alternative fixation methods, and inadequate follow up were excluded. All patients in the single plating group were treated with a lateral distal femoral locking plate using a lateral approach. In the patients treated with dual plating, an extensile parapatellar approach was utilized for fracture reduction and placement of an adjunctive medial plate. Demographic information, fracture types, injury severity score (ISS), medical comorbidities, type of surgical fixation, union rates, complications, knee range of motion, time to follow up, and need for revision surgery were extrapolated from the medical charts for analysis. ResultsTwenty-one patients were included in the study. Thirteen patients underwent single plate fixation and 8 underwent dual plate fixation. There were no significant differences in demographics, number of co-morbidities, fracture classification, or ISS between single and dual plate groups (p > 0.05 for all). There was a statistically significant difference in union rates between the single plate group (6 nonunions, 4 unions, and 3 delayed unions) and the dual plate group, with no nonunions or delayed unions (p = 0.0049). Although not statistically significant, 4 patients treated with single plating underwent revision ORIF, compared to none in the dual plating group (p = 0.13). There were no significant differences in time to follow up, time to full weight bearing, or infection rates (p > 0.1 for all). ConclusionBased on these results, the medial and lateral locked plating technique demonstrates a higher union rate, with possible lower rates of revision surgery, compared to a single lateral plate in highly comminuted distal femur fractures. Level of evidenceLevel 3. Retrospective Cohort Study.

Bone marrow aspirate concentrate with cancellous allograft versus iliac crest bone graft in the treatment of long bone nonunions.

Objectives:The purpose of this study was to compare bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC) with cancellous allograft to iliac crest bone graft (ICBG) in the treatment of long bone nonunions.Design:Retrospective cohort study.Setting:A single level I trauma center.Patients:26 patients with long bone diaphyseal or metaphyseal nonunions with defects >2 mm and treated with open repair and BMAC, compared to 25 patients with long bone diaphyseal or metaphyseal nonunions with defects >2 mm and treated with open repair and ICBG.Intervention:Open repair of long bone nonunion using either autologous ICBG or BMAC with cancellous allograft.Main outcome measure:Nonunion healing, radiographically measured by the modified Radiographic Union Score for Tibia (mRUST) score. Secondary outcomes included risk factors associated with failed repair.Results:The union rates for the BMAC and ICBG cohorts were 75% and 78%, respectively (P = .8). Infection was the only risk factor of statistical significance for failure.Conclusion:In this study, we found no significant difference in union rate for long bone nonunions treated with ICBG or BMAC with allograft. BMAC and allograft led to 75% successful healing in this series. Given the heterogeneity of the control group and loss to follow-up, further prospective investigation should be conducted to more rigorously compare BMAC to ICBG for nonunion treatment.Level of evidence:III, retrospective cohort.

Outcomes of First Metatarsophalangeal Joint Fusion in Patients with Greater Than Fifteen Percent Intermetatarsal Angle. Is Lag Screw Essential?

Category: Midfoot/Forefoot Introduction/Purpose: Metatarsophalangeal arthrodesis has usually been performed using a dorsal plate to immobilize the MTP joint with or without lag screw fixation. Data in the literature is sparse on outcomes of dorsal plate plus lag screw fixation, especially in patients with IMA greater than 15 percent. Our objective was to compare IMA correction outcomes and union rates between dorsal plate only fusions and dorsal plate plus lag screw fixation in patients with IMA greater than 15 percent. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 36 patients (39 feet) who underwent first MTP joint arthrodesis for moderate to severe HV deformity between 2011 and 2015. Average age was 61 (range, 39 to 84) years. There were 24 females and 12 males. A single surgeon performed all operations. Joints were immobilized postoperatively using either dorsal locking plate alone or dorsal locking plate with a lag screw. Union (at least 3 bridging cortices) was determined radiographically at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and yearly. All suspect nonunions were examined with CT. Other radiographic parameters examined included preoperative and postoperative hallux valgus, intermetatarsal, and dorsiflexion angles (HVA, IMA, and DFA respectively). Student’s t test was used to compare group means while Pearson’s Chi square test was used to compare group rates. Results: Overall union rate was 82.1% (32/39). There was no significant difference in union rates between the two groups (dorsal plate only = 81.5% (22/27), dorsal plate plus lag screw group = 83.3% (10/12)) (P &gt; 0.05). Average follow-up was 9 (range 7 to 35) months. Overall, the average IMA correction was 4.7 (preoperative = 17.8, postoperative = 13.1) degrees. Average IMA corrections were 4.7 and 4.54 degrees in the dorsal plate only group and dorsal plate plus lag screw groups respectively. Overall, average HVA correction was 21 (preoperative = 39.5, postoperative = 18.5) degrees. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that there is no difference in the fusion rates between both patient groups with IMA greater than fifteen percent. Because other published studies have a wide range of IMAs preoperatively, our study represents more attainable goals in patients with severe (IMA greater than 15%) deformities. In addition, our findings suggest that in such patients, MTP arthrodesis may not be sufficient as a standalone procedure for correction of IMA. Additional proximal osteotomy may be required for correction of the IMA.

Usefulness of Anterior Cervical Interbody Fusion Using Locally Harvested Bone: Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the usefulness of locally harvested autobone as a filling material for fusion. Materials and Methods: Retrospective study was conducted for 21 patients diagnosed as cervical disc herniation with cervical myelopathy or radiculopathy who underwent anterior cervical fusion using locally harvested autobone and polyetheretherketone solis cage from June 2006 to September 2009, with a follow-up period of longer than 5 years. Radiologic outcomes were evaluated by the rate of bone union, the change of intervertebral height, and the subsidence of the cage. Results: In clinical results, visual analogue scale score was 5.8±0.71/7.7±0.78 at preoperative, 1.6±0.58/2.3±0.97 at 1-year follow-up, 1.8±0.81/2.7±1.28 at 5-year follow-up, and neck disability index score was 34.3±6.2 in preoperative stage, 6.25±3.21 at 1-year followup, and 6.51±4.05 at 5-year follow-up. Radiologically intervertebral height was reduced from average 6.31±0.93 mm in 1-year follow-up to average 6.22±0.85 mm in 5-year follow-up. Subsidence of cage was average 1.28±0.41 mm at 1-year follow-up and average 1.31±0.43 mm at 5-year follow-up, with no statistically significant difference (p＞0.05). Average subsidence of cage in these cases was 3.25 mm. In postoperative complication, screw breakage occurred in 1 case, screw pull out occurred in 1 case, and there was no postoperative infection. Conclusion: Using locally harvested autobone as filling material for fusion resulted in outstanding bone union and improvement of clinical results. In long term follow-up, there was no significant difference in union rate and complication incidence. Therefore use of locally harvested autobone as a filling material for fusion is considered an effective method.

Retrograde versus antegrade intramedullary nailing for femoral fractures: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Objectives:To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect on clinical outcomes of intramedullary nailing for femoral fractures via a retrograde or antegrade approach.Data sources:Randomized controlled trials using PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library databases.Study selection:We used the following search terms with no language or study type restrictions: femoral shaft fractures, internal fixation, treatment outcome, intramedullary nailing, and retrograde or antegrade approach.Data extraction:Two independent authors extracted the data and we assessed the quality of the included studies based on Jadad score; allocation concealment; similarity of baseline characteristics; eligibility criteria; blinding; completeness of follow-up; and intention-to-treat analysis. Our primary outcome measure was the union rate and the secondary outcome measures were nonunion, knee pain, and heterotopic ossification. A total of 240 patients from three randomized controlled trials were included.Data synthesis:Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed for dichotomous variables, and weighted mean differences and 95% CIs for continuous variables. Heterogeneity among studies was assessed using the I 2 statistic, with I 2 > 50% considered significant. If heterogeneity was not significant, a fixed effects model was chosen to assess the overall estimate. Otherwise, a random effects model was used. We used Egger’s regression asymmetry test and Begg’s adjusted-rank correlation to assess publication bias.Conclusions:Both retrograde and antegrade intramedullary nailing produced high union rates. We found no significant difference in union rate between the retrograde nailing group and the antegrade nailing group for femoral fractures (RR 1.02, 95% CI: 0.94–1.11, p = 0.59, I 2 = 0%).

Management of pediatric forearm fracture, a prospective study comparing the outcome of open reduction internal fixation with plate and screws method and closed reduction flexible intramedullary nailing method

Background and Objectives: to compare the outcome of open reduction-internal fixation with plate and screws method and closed reduction-flexible intramedullary nailing method in the management of pediatric patients with unstable forearm fractures as regard to functional and cosmetic outcome. Patients and Methods: The final assessments of 42 pediatric patients between the ages of 5 to 15 years old, who were operated from April 2010 to February 2011 for both-bone forearm fractures in Erbil Teaching Hospital and Private Hospital with adequate follow up, were done and their medical records were prospectively evaluated. Results:42 children with unstable forearm fractures 21 were treated with open reduction and internal fixation of both radius and ulna using plate and screws (Group1)(mean age ,13years) and 21 were treated with close reduction and flexible intramedullary fixation (Group2)( mean age ,11years). Patient characteristics in the 2 groups were compared. In Four patients of Group 2, closed reduction was not possible because of soft tissue interposition that required open reduction with minimum incision at the fracture site. All patients achieved bone union; the mean union times were similar (P value=0.81), only one patient in each group had delayed union. Operating times were shorter in flexible nailing group (100 minutes in Group1 vs. 69 minutes in Group2, p&lt;0.001). Conclusions: There was no significant difference in union rate between the methods. The functional outcome between the two groups was compared; there was no significant difference between them. Like other investigators, we also found 90.5% of excellent functional outcomes after the treatment of unstable forearm fractures by means of plating. As indicated in the literature, we found 95% of excellent functional results after flexible intramedullary nailing.

Disease and Illness

Commentary We are indebted to the surgeons who were curious enough to test their own biases. We are even more indebted to the patients who understand the value of clinical research enough to be randomly assigned to operative or nonoperative treatment so that future patients can make a more informed decision. As the authors point out, the key to interpreting this study is that the primary outcomes were the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Constant scores rather than fracture union. In spite of the fact that displaced clavicular fractures have difficulty healing and heal out of place without operative treatment (substantial disease or pathophysiology), patients treated with or without surgery have comparable arm-specific disability (comparable illness). Six (24%) of twenty-five nonoperatively treated fractures did not heal, but none of these patients had sufficient symptoms or disability to find surgery appealing. Three patients had symptoms related to malalignment of the fracture, and one underwent surgery. I can hear some of my American colleagues saying “Yeah. Maybe in Finland.” Finns may have exceptional adaptation and resilience—and if they do, we should make it a priority to figure out how to make these exceptional coping strategies accessible to all—but what I’ve always wondered in the United States is, “Where were all of the clavicular nonunions before?” I know that some will say that in the past, surgeons told patients with a clavicular nonunion that nothing could be done and left them to suffer. But I’ve met patients with clavicular nonunions that they were not aware of, and patients with diagnosed nonunions that were not very bothersome. On one visit to the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 200 clavicles from about 100 years ago had been laid out, and I was impressed that about fifteen of them had fractures and there were two or three nonunions. I think that clavicular nonunion may pass my “cave person” rule. What happened to people with displaced clavicular fractures that failed to heal when there were no doctors to see them, no x-rays to image them, and no implants to fix them? I think it’s safe to say that “cave people” with clavicular nonunions were able to care for themselves well without any effect on life span. That’s not to say that clavicular nonunions don’t affect upper extremity use. Even though patients with nonunion did not request surgery, they did have greater symptoms and disability as measured by the DASH score. The problems associated with a clavicular nonunion seem too subtle on average to be measured by the Constant score, which primarily addresses motion and strength. I’d like to highlight a few other things. First, the handling of missing data is important as it can introduce bias. An initial analysis of the results from a recent Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society trial appeared to show a significant difference in union rate between treatment groups, but a reanalysis using last-carried-forward data showed no significant difference1. Researchers should always remember to specify how they will handle missing data prior to enrolling the first patient. Second, the clavicular surgery in this study was performed with subperiosteal stripping and fixation using a non-locked 3.5-mm reconstruction plate placed in the anterior position with at least three screws in each fragment. One plate bent and another broke, but both of these fractures healed. More data are needed to determine the degree to which muscle and periosteal attachments should be preserved and the optimal type and position of the plate, but the evidence to date suggests that technical details are relatively unimportant. Finally, substantial fracture displacement (dichotomized as a displacement of >1.5 bone widths) was the only risk factor for nonunion among nonoperatively treated fractures. Patients and surgeons should decide together how to treat a displaced clavicular fracture. I recommend the development of a decision aid in the form of a video or an interactive web site that presents the current best evidence to patients in a way that they can understand2. Patients can use this aid to clarify their treatment goals and preferences and come to a decision that suits them. Boiled down to one sentence, the best evidence to date is that fracture-healing will not occur in about one in four patients (one in four in this study) with a displaced diaphyseal fracture of the clavicle that is treated nonoperatively (the greater the displacement, the greater the risk), but—at least in Finland—most don’t have enough symptoms or disability to request later operative treatment.

Trochanteric Osteotomy and Wire Fixation

Between 1986 and 1989, 190 patients (214 hips) with the diagnosis of osteoarthritis or posttraumatic arthritis underwent cemented Charnley total hip replacement surgeries via the biplane or single plane transtrochanteric approach. The technique of surgery was identical in every aspect except for the technique of the trochanteric osteotomy and reattachment. The results indicate that there was no significant difference in union rates between the 2 groups. Six (6.4%) patients in the biplane group and 7 (6.2%) patients in the single plane group had obvious evidence of nonunion at the 1-year evaluation. This study suggests no significant difference in union rate between a group of patients with biplane osteotomy and a closely paired group of patients with single plane osteotomy. Other equally important factors also may influence the rate of union of the trochanter in total hip arthroplasty.