Transient Radial Nerve Palsy Research Articles

Application of ultrasound in avoiding radial nerve injury during elbow arthroscopy: a retrospective follow-up study

BackgroundA safe and effective technique for anterolateral portal placement in elbow arthroscopy is significant. We compared the outcomes of patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy using different ultrasound-assisted techniques.MethodsFrom May 2016 to June 2021 a retrospective analysis on all patients who underwent elbow arthroscopy in our department was performed. Patients were separated into three groups: non-ultrasound; preoperative ultrasound; and intraoperative ultrasound. The minimum follow-up period was 1 year. Nerve injuries, visual analog scale (VAS), Mayo elbow-performance score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand Questionnaire (DASH), and range of motion (ROM) of the elbow were evaluated for comparison among the three groups pre- and post-operatively.ResultsAll 55 patients completed a 1-year follow-up: non-ultrasound (n = 20); preoperative ultrasound (n = 17); and intraoperative ultrasound (n = 18). There were 3 cases (15.0%) of transient radial nerve palsy in the non-ultrasound group. No nerve complications occurred in preoperative ultrasound and intraoperative ultrasound groups. The probability of postoperative radial nerve injury in the three groups was statistically different (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the VAS score, MEPS, DASH score, and ROM among the three groups at the follow-up evaluation (P > 0.05).ConclusionPerforming anterolateral portal placement during elbow arthroscopy with ultrasound-assisted techniques successfully avoided radial nerve injury.

Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Management of Humeral Shaft Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Trials.

The aim was to compare surgical and nonsurgical management for adults with humeral shaft fractures in terms of patient-reported upper limb function, health-related quality of life, radiographic outcomes, and complications. MEDLINE, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, International Clinical Trials Registry, and OpenGrey (Repository for Grey Literature in Europe) were searched in September 2021. All published prospective randomized trials comparing surgical and nonsurgical management of humeral shaft fractures in adults were included. Of 715 studies identified, five were included in the systematic review and four in the meta-analysis. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis statement. Methodological quality was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials. Pooled data were analyzed using a random-effects model. The meta-analysis comprised 292 patients (mean age 41 [18 to 83] years, 67% male). Surgery was associated with superior Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and Constant-Murley scores at 6 months (mean DASH difference 7.6, P = 0.01; mean Constant-Murley difference 8.0, P = 0.003), but there was no difference at 1 year (DASH, P = 0.30; Constant-Murley, P = 0.33). No differences in health-related quality of life or pain scores were found. Surgery was associated with a lower risk of nonunion (0.7% versus 15.7%; odds ratio [OR] 0.13, P = 0.004). The number needed to treat with surgery to avoid one nonunion was 7. Surgery was associated with a higher risk of transient radial nerve palsy (17.4% versus 0.7%; OR 8.23, P = 0.01) but not infection (OR 3.57, P = 0.13). Surgery was also associated with a lower risk of reintervention (1.4% versus 19.3%; OR 0.14, P = 0.04). Surgery may confer an early functional advantage to adults with humeral shaft fractures, but this is not sustained beyond 6 months. The lower risk of nonunion should be balanced against the higher risk of transient radial nerve palsy. Level I.

Percutaneous cryoablation for desmoid fibromatosis: initial experience at a UK centre

To report the first UK experience of cryoablation in desmoid fibromatosis (DF) with particular focus on technique, safety, and efficacy. Patients were selected at multidisciplinary tumour board meetings at a specialist cancer hospital. Radiation dose, procedure duration, and number of cryoprobes were compared for small versus large tumours (>10 cm long axis). Response at magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was evaluated using different criteria, and percentage agreement with clinical response as assessed in oncology clinic calculated. Thirteen procedures were performed in 10 patients (eight women, median age 51 years, IQR 42-69 years) between February 2019 and August 2021. Procedures for large tumours had higher radiation dose (2,012±1,012 versus 1,076±519 mGy·cm, p=0.048) used more cryoprobes (13±7 versus 4±2, p=0.009), and were more likely to have residual unablated tumour (38±37% versus 7.5±10%, p=0.045). Adverse events were minor apart from one transient radial nerve palsy. Eight of 10 patients had symptomatic benefit at clinical follow-up (median 353 days, IQR 86-796 days), and three started systemic therapy mean 393 days later. All patients who had complete ablation demonstrated symptomatic response, with no instances of repeat treatment, recurrence, or need for systemic therapy during the study period. All progression occurred outside ablation zones. Cryoablation for symptomatic DF is a reproducible technique with low, transient toxicity, where one or two treatments can achieve a meaningful response. Where possible, the ablation ice ball should fully cover DF tumours.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis via posterior approach for type B and C fractures of distal humeral shaft: surgical tactics and a clinical series.

The optimal technique and implant for fixation of multifragmentary fractures of the distal humeral shaft remain inconclusive. We describe the use of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) via posterior approach and extra-articular distal humerus locking compression plate (LCP-EADH) fixation for 18 such fractures. All fractures were united with a mean union time of 17.6weeks (range 12-20). Transient radial nerve palsy was demonstrated in 2 patients. Six patients had 5° varus angulation and 1 had 5° valgus angulation. Triceps power was Grade 5 in all patients. The mean arc of elbow motion was 127.5 degrees (range 115-140). Six patients had an excellent MEP score and 12 had a good MEP score. As the results, posterior MIPO and LCP-EADH fixation could be an alternative for multifragmentary fractures of the distal humeral shaft, particularly for fractures with a very short distal fragment.

Distal 3rd Diaphysial Fracture of Humerus Fixed with Dynamic Compression Plate Using Posterior Approach- The Assessment of the Outcome

Objectives: The effectiveness of open reduction and Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) fixation with or without autogenous bone grafting using the posterior midline approach in the treatment of distal third diaphyseal humeral fractures was assessed.&#x0D; Methods: For humeral nonunion, comminuted fractures, or early failure of conservative therapies, 33 patients (24 men, 9 women; mean age 37 years; range 20 to 60 years) were operated on. The study was carried out at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka from July 2005 to December 2006.&#x0D; Results: After an average of 17 weeks, all of the patients had union (range 14 to 26 weeks).There was no deep infection, nonunion, malunion, implant failure, or nerve injury in any of the patients. In two cases, transient radial nerve palsy occurred. Minor infections were seen in four of the individuals. All of the patients were pain-free after surgery.The functional outcome was outstanding in all instances and good in 16 patients, yielding 87 % satisfying results. Functional outcomes increased considerably postoperatively compared to preoperatively (p&lt;0.001). In 20 individuals, the range of motion of the shoulders was great. The range of motion at the elbow was considerable in 21 patients and moderate in seven others. More than three-quarters of the patients (75.8%) experienced no problems. Four patients (12.1%) were infected, and two patients (6.1%) developed iatrogenic radial nerve palsy as a result of the surgery. One patient (3%) had a loose screw, while another (3%) needed blood transfusions owing to extensive bleeding at the donor graft site.&#x0D; Conclusion: In distal third humeral fractures, open reduction and posterior DCP fixing, with or without autogenous bone grafting, is a safe and effective treatment option, especially when there is no infection or bony or neurovascular damage. Very few study conducted on distal 3rd diaphysial fracture of humerus fixed with DCP using posterior approach, therefore this study conducted to know the assessment of the outcome.

Efficacy of Reverse – Flow Lateral Arm Flap for Coverage of defects Around the Elbow in Pediatric Patients

Background: Coverage of defects around the elbow can be treated by a variety of procedures as skin grafts, regional flaps, muscle flaps and free flaps. The reverse flow lateral arm flap (LAF) is a valuable option in coverage of these defects. The vascular basis of this flap, viz, the multiple communications around the elbow between the collateral and recurrent arteries, is consistent and reliable.Aim of the study: To explore the utility of the distally based lateral arm flap (LAF) in management of defects around the cubital fossa region.Patients and methods: This work was executed at The Menoufia University Hospitals, from October 2017 to December 2018, following our cases postoperatively for average one year. It entailed eight patients, six boys and two girls. The age of our cases was from 4 to 11 years. Six patients had post-burn contracture release defects, and 2 patients had traumatic avulsion of antecubital skin. All the defects were covered by the reverse- flow lateral arm flap (LAF) with skin grafting of the donor site.Results:All the flaps survived completely, except one case showed distal superficial necrosis and healed spontaneously. We applied skin graft to the flap donor site in the eight patients. Flap size ranged from 15x7 cm. to 12x5cm. Aesthetically, the flap and donor sites were satisfactory, and functionally, the range of motion of elbow was very adequate. One patient developed transient radial nerve palsy and completely recovered by conservative treatment and physiotherapy.Conclusion: The reverse flow lateral arm flap (LAF) is a valuable single-stage option in coverage of defects around the elbow. It provides reliable and stable coverage of these defects without sacrificing major vessel or functional muscle unit. The flap had satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome.

Greffe autologue de fibula non vascularisée pour le traitement des pseudarthroses récidivantes de la diaphyse humérale: étude rétrospective de cas

IntroductionThere is a great surgical challenge when humeral diaphyseal fractures are initially open, complex, or associated with segmental bone loss. The challenge becomes even greater with previous multiple unsuccessful surgeries. The question of this study was: Does combining locked compression plating with non-vascularized fibular autograft in cases of resistant humeral diaphyseal nonunion yield reliable bony union and satisfactory functional outcome? HypothesisThe use of non-vascularized fibular autograft in conjunction with locked compression plating will provide stable construct, enhance bony union and improve functional outcome in cases of resistant humeral diaphyseal nonunion. Materials and methodsthirty three patients with resistant humeral diaphyseal nonunion who were surgically managed combining non-vascularized fibular autograft fixed with locked compression plating in the period from January 2011 to June 2017, were retrospectively studied. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 24 months. The time to union, the postoperative disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, in addition to the possible complications including infection or nonunion were reported and analyzed. ResultsTwenty nine patients have achieved union at the final follow-up with a mean time to radiological union of 7.5±2.6 months (range: 3-12). The mean postoperative DASH score was 7.7±8.9 (range: 0-38.8) which was significantly better than the preoperative value (p<0.001) and superior in the patients of aseptic nonunion (p=0.04). Eight patients showed complications in the form of infection (four), nonunion (two cases), transient radial nerve palsy (one case) and one case of septic nonunion that was managed by two stage reconstruction using vascularized fibular autograft. There were comparable results in patients with either open or closed fractures. However, patients with septic nonunion experienced more significant complications (p=0.02). DiscussionThe use of non-vascularized fibula autograft in cases of resistant humeral diaphyseal nonunion provides adequate fracture stability, quadrilateral screw purchase, enhances bony union in addition to promoting satisfactory functional outcome particularly in aseptic nonunion. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective case series.

Extra-articular arthroscopic release of lateral epicondylitis: a prospective study

Operative management of lateral epicondylitis can be managed with percutaneous, arthroscopic, or open surgical release. Extraarticular arthroscopic release is a new technique, and no study has compared its outcomes and risk profile. A 26-patient cohort was reviewed before and after extraarticular arthroscopic release, which was performed by the senior author. The Mayo Elbow Performance Scores were used as a functional outcome score and obtained via a phone interview. Results were analyzed using a paired t-test with a statistical significance set at P < .05. Of the 26 patients, 10 were being treated under workers compensation. Preoperative Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 47.5, and the postoperative score was 90.2 with a significant difference of 42.7 (P value= .05). The workers compensation group scored 13.3 points lower postoperatively than the remainder of patients, which was shown to also be significant with a P value of .002. The advantage of extraarticular arthroscopic release was better visualization of affected structures, which improved accuracy of debridement, and a small capsulotomy, which decreased the risk of a transient radial nerve palsy. Overall, extraarticular arthroscopic results were found to be good and comparable to the results of other operative techniques with the added advantage of a lower risk profile.

The standardized exploration of the radial nerve during humeral shaft fixation reduces the incidence of iatrogenic palsy.

The purpose of this study is to determine if a standardized protocol for radial nerve handling during humeral shaft repair reduces the incidence of iatrogenic nerve palsy post operatively. Seventy-three patients were identified who underwent acute or reconstructive humeral shaft repair with radial nerve exploration as part of the primary procedure for either humeral shaft fracture or nonunion. All patients exhibited intact radial nerve function pre-operatively. A retrospective chart review and analysis identified patients who developed a secondary radial nerve palsy post-operatively. In each case, the radial nerve was identified and mobilized for protection, regardless of whether the implant necessitated the extensile exposure. Fractures were classified according to AO/OTA guidelines and included 23 Type 12A, 11 Type 12B, and 3 Type 12C. Eight patients had periprosthetic fractures and 28 fractures could not be classified. All patients in the cohort were fixed with locking plates. Surgery was indicated for 36 patients with humeral nonunions and 37 patients with acute humeral shaft fractures. Of the 73 patients, 2 (2.7%) developed radial nerve palsy following surgery, one from the posterior approach and one from the anterolateral approach. Both patients exhibited complete recovery of radial nerve function by 6-month follow-up. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found in any demographic or surgical details between those with and without radial nerve injury. Nerve exploration identification and protection leads to a low incidence of transient radial nerve palsy compared to the rate reported in the current literature (2.7% compared to 6-24%). Thus, radial nerve exploration and mobilization should be considered when approaching the humeral shaft for acute fracture and nonunion repairs. Level III.

Non-vascularized fibular autograft for resistant humeral diaphyseal nonunion: Retrospective case series

IntroductionThere is a great surgical challenge when humeral diaphyseal fractures are initially open, complex, or associated with segmental bone loss. The challenge becomes even greater with previous multiple unsuccessful surgeries. The question of this study was: Does combining locked compression plating with non-vascularized fibular autograft in cases of resistant humeral diaphyseal nonunion yield reliable bony union and satisfactory functional outcome? HypothesisThe use of non-vascularized fibular autograft in conjunction with locked compression plating will provide stable construct, enhance bony union and improve functional outcome in cases of resistant humeral diaphyseal nonunion. Materials and methodsThirty-three patients with resistant humeral diaphyseal nonunion who were surgically managed combining non-vascularized fibular autograft fixed with locked compression plating in the period from January 2011 to June 2017, were retrospectively studied. All patients were followed-up for a minimum of 24 months. The time to union, the postoperative disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score, in addition to the possible complications including infection or nonunion were reported and analyzed. ResultsTwenty-nine patients have achieved union at the final follow-up with a mean time to radiological union of 7.5±2.6 months (range: 3–12). The mean postoperative DASH score was 7.7±8.9 (range: 0–38.8) which was significantly better than the preoperative value (p<0.001) and superior in the patients of aseptic nonunion (p=0.04). Eight patients showed complications in the form of infection (four), nonunion (two cases), transient radial nerve palsy (one case) and one case of septic nonunion that was managed by two-stage reconstruction using vascularized fibular autograft. There were comparable results in patients with either open or closed fractures. However, patients with septic nonunion experienced more significant complications (p=0.02). DiscussionThe use of non-vascularized fibula autograft in cases of resistant humeral diaphyseal nonunion provides adequate fracture stability, quadrilateral screw purchase, enhances bony union in addition to promoting satisfactory functional outcome particularly in aseptic nonunion. Level of evidenceIV; retrospective case series.

Management of humeral nonunions following failed surgical fixation.

Management of humerus nonunions with previously failed fixation presents a complex problem. There are multiple revision fixation strategies, of which compression plating is a mainstay. The aim of this study was to assess the results of open reduction and direct compression plating without the need for autograft or allograft in the setting of revision humerus open reduction internal fixation. This study is a retrospective analysis of 19 patients treated between 2008 and 2017 for humerus nonunions following failed fixation who were treated by a single surgeon using direct compression plating with bone graft substitutes. Patients were treated with neurolysis of the radial nerve, hardware removal, debridement of the nonunion site with shortening osteotomies, compression plating, and augmentation with bone graft substitutes. All patients were followed until radiographic and clinical union. Nineteen patients were identified for the study and 17 had adequate follow-up for final analysis. Humeral union was achieved in 16/17 (94.1%) patients with a mean time to union of 23weeks. Two patients required a repeat compression plating with bone graft substitute to achieve union. The one patient with a nonunion radiographically reported minimal clinical symptoms and opted for no revision surgery. An association with the index procedure was seen, as three out of four of the patients who experienced radial nerve palsies after their index procedure subsequently experienced a radial nerve palsy after the procedure to repair their nonunion. All patient's all experienced a return of function in their radial nerve either back to baseline or improved from before the revision nonunion surgery. The use of humeral shortening osteotomy and compression plating without autograft or allograft is a viable option for management of humeral nonunions which avoids the morbidity associated with autograft harvest. The patients with radial nerve palsy after the index procedure are likely to have a transient radial nerve palsy as well after the revision surgery necessitating proper informed consent prior to the operation.

Revision Total Elbow Replacement Arthroplasty with an Allograft-Prosthesis Composite: Case Series and Technical Points

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to report the results of revision total elbow replacement arthroplasty (TERA) with an allograft-prosthesis composite (APC). Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 6 patients with an average age of 75 years who had undergone revision TERA with an APC for periprosthetic fracture or loosening of the component. The mean follow-up period was 13 months. We assessed serial radiographs for bone union and evaluated the outcomes in terms of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), range of motion, and complications. Results: The APC was used for the humerus in 5 patients and for the ulna in 1 patient. The clinical bone union was achieved at average 9 months after surgery. The mean pain VAS score improved from 6.8 to 1.7, the mean elbow joint range of motion increased from 95° to 129° and the MEPS score improved from 40 to 79 at the last follow-up. There were no major complications such as infection, nonunion, malunion, limitation of motion or refracture. One patient experienced transient radial nerve palsy and another patient a prominent edge of the humeral allobone that needed a trimming surgery later.Conclusion: Revision TERA with an APC provides good functional outcomes and can be recommended as one of the options for failed total elbow arthroplasty.

Cerclage wiring and intramedullary nailing, a helpful and safe option specially in proximal fractures. A multicentric study

PurposeAntegrade intramedullary nailing is an alternative for humeral shaft fracture treatment. This surgical technique can be especially demanding in some fracture patterns, leading to problems like malunion and non-union. The purpose of our study is to demonstrate that the use of a nail with cerclage wires could be a safe procedure that facilitate reduction, specially in fractures with abduction of the proximal fragment. Materials and methodsFifty-six patients were included, from January 2007 to March 2016. In this cohort forty-two patients were females and eighteen males; mean age was sixty-seven (32–89). The fractures were reduced using a cerclage wire through a small lateral or anterior approach, then, antegrade intramedullary nailing was performed. Fracture healing was established by clinical and radiographic evaluation. Shoulder function was assessed using the Constant Score. ResultsFifty-three patients healed (94.6%) adequately. Two patients developed a non-union (3.5%). One patient developed an infection (1.8%). Transient radial nerve palsy was observed in two patients (3.5%). The mean Constant Score at the end of the study was 70 points (range from 34 to 98 points). ConclusionsSurgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures with cerclage wire and intramedullary nailing is a safe technique to improve fracture reduction. The use of cerclage wires leads to better bone contact while minimizing malunions. The rate of non-union in our study is lower than the rate reported in the literature for humeral shaft fractures treated by intramedullary nailing alone.

Treatment of aneurysmal bone cysts using endoscopic curettage

BackgroundAlthough aneurysmal bone cysts (ABCs) are benign tumours, they have the potential to be locally aggressive. Various treatment approaches, such as en bloc resection, open curettage, radiotherapy, sclerotherapy, and embolization have been proposed, but the most appropriate treatment should be selected after considering the risk of tumour recurrence and treatment complications. Endoscopic curettage (ESC) may be a less invasive alternative to open curettage for ABC treatment. We aimed to describe the use of ESC for the treatment of ABCs and to report our clinical outcomes, including the incidence rate of recurrence, radiological appearance at final follow-up, time to solid union, complications, and postoperative function.MethodsBetween 1998 and 2015, 30 patients (18 men and 12 women; mean age, 17.4 years) underwent ESC for the treatment of primary ABCs at our hospital (mean postoperative follow-up, 55 months). ESC was performed under arthroscopic guidance for direct visualization, and curettage extended until normal bone was observed in the medullary cavity. To investigate bone healing after ESC, we evaluated the consolidation of cysts at the final evaluation (based on the modified Neer classification) and time to solid union after surgery, which was defined as sufficient cortical bone thickness to prevent fracture and allow physical activities.ResultsRecurrence was identified in 3 cases (10%). Curative outcomes were obtained after repeated ESC or open curettage. A log-rank analysis indicated that age < 10 years (p = 0.004) and contact of the tumour with the physis (p = 0.01) increased the risk of tumour recurrence. Residual tumours were identified in 9 cases (30%); these lesions remained inactive over the extended follow-up period. The average time to solid union after endoscopic curettage was 3.2 months. Transient radial nerve palsy was identified in 1 case. Good postoperative functional recovery occurred in all cases.ConclusionsESC is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of ABCs, and the tumour recurrence rate is comparable to that of other standard procedures. However, the application of this method should be carefully considered, especially for patients < 10 years and when the tumour comes in contact with the physis.

Treatment of simple bone cysts using endoscopic curettage: a case series analysis

BackgroundEndoscopic curettage is considered applicable for the treatment of simple bone cysts with the expectation that it might be less invasive than open curettage. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of endoscopic curettage for the treatment of simple bone cysts. The goal was to investigate the incidence of cyst recurrence and bone healing after endoscopic curettage. Moreover, complications and functionality at the final follow-up were evaluated.MethodsFrom 2003 to 2014, 37 patients with simple bone cysts underwent endoscopic curettage. Twenty-four were male and 13 were female, with a mean age of 14.7 years. Endoscopic curettage was performed with the support of an arthroscope via 7–8 mm holes penetrated by cannulated drills with a small incision. The cysts underwent curettage using angled curettes, rongeurs, and an electrical shaver until the normal bone was observed in the medullary cavity. To investigate the bone healing after endoscopic curettage, we evaluated the consolidation of the cyst at the final evaluation (Modified Neer Classification) and the time to solid union after operation, which was defined as the sufficient thickness of the cortical bone to prevent fracture and allow physical activities.ResultsRecurrence occurred in seven patients (18.9%). A log-rank analysis revealed that contact with the physis was associated with recurrence (p = 0.006). Among 31 patients (83.7%), the consolidation of cyst was considered healed at the final X-ray follow-up period, and in these patients, the mean time taken for solid union of cortical bone thinning was 4.0 months (standard deviation, 2.4). With regard to major complications of endoscopic curettage, a transient radial nerve palsy and two postoperative fractures occurred. The former problem was managed conservatively and the latter problems by transient internal fixation; these problems were managed without any further complications. All patients had a good postoperative function.ConclusionsEndoscopic curettage might be a useful alternative as it is a minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of simple bone cysts. Considering the relatively smaller size of this study, further investigation should be necessary for deducing the reliable conclusion.

Pediatric humeral fracture fixed by a single retrograde titanium elastic nail

Introduction: Almost all pediatric humerus fractures are well managed with conservative treatment with higher percentage of union rate. However there are certain conditions where surgical intervention will be inevitable like humerus fracture associated with polytrauma compound fractures, those with head and unacceptable alignment. It is not only the stable fixation but also the alignment which is important and can be maintained even by a single pre-bent elastic or flexible intramedullary nailing. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 28 pediatric humeral fractures fixed with a single retrograde titanium elastic nail from 2012 to 2016. Time to unite the fracture along with other complications was noted. The functional outcomes were assessed according to Broberg and Morrey for elbow function and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score for shoulder function. Results: Average age of patients was 8.85 1.84 (range 6 to 12 years). Time to unite the fracture was 8.28 2.43 weeks (range 6 to 12 weeks). There were 1 case of malunion around 10 degrees, 1 case of nail migration, one case of superficial infection at the site of nail entry, one case of transient radial nerve palsy and one case of nail protrusion in our study. There were 24 (85.71%) cases of excellent and 4 (14.29%) cases of good results according to Broberg and Morrey functional scores. Conclusion: Fixation of pediatric humerus fractures with a single flexible nail reduces operative time, radiation exposure, cost of treatment, chances of iatrogenic supracondylar fracture and ulnar nerve injury without compromising the final outcomes.

Triplanar Humeral Osteotomy for Restoration of Midline Function in Patients With Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy.

Brachial plexus birth palsy resolves spontaneously in a majority of patients, however, others may have serious permanent dysfunction. Although nerve transfers or grafts are early options for treatment, many children have residual deficits or present too late for such procedures. In these patients, rotational osteotomy of the humerus may restore improved function and motion. Unfortunately, traditional humeral osteotomies only provide correction in a single plane, therefore appropriate correction of the typical residual deformity is incomplete. Here, we describe a novel technique for obtaining a calculated correction in 3 planes using a single osteotomy of the humerus on the basis of a mathematical equation. Nine patients are described here with an average of 35.4 months follow-up. Corrections were obtained in adduction, extension, and either internal or external rotation depending on the initial deformity and Modified Mallet scores were collected for each patient. There was 1 case of transient radial nerve palsy with no long-term complications overall.

Use of Compressive Osseointegration Endoprostheses for Massive Bone Loss From Tumor and Failed Arthroplasty: A Viable Option in the Upper Extremity.

Endoprostheses using principles of compressive osseointegration have shown good survivorship in several studies involving the lower extremity; however, no series to our knowledge have documented the use of this technology in the management of massive bone loss in the upper limb. (1) What proportion of upper extremity implants using compressive osseointegration fixation principles achieved durable short-term fixation, and what were the modes of failure? (2) What surgical complications resulted from reconstruction using this technique? A multiinstitutional retrospective review identified nine patients (five women; four men) who underwent 13 endoprosthetic replacements between 2003 and 2014 using compressive osseointegration (Compliant® Pre-stress Device [CPS]; Biomet Inc, Warsaw, IN, USA) in the upper extremity, including two proximal humeri, two humeral diaphyses, seven distal humeri, and two proximal ulna. During the early part of that period, the indication for use of a compressive prosthesis in our centers was revision of a previous tumor reconstruction (allograft-prosthetic composite or stemmed endoprosthetic reconstruction) (three patients; five implants), or revision arthroplasty with massive bone loss (three patients, four implants); more recently, indications became somewhat more permissive and included posttraumatic bone loss (one patient, one implant), primary bone sarcoma, and resections with very short remaining end segments after diaphyseal resections (two patients, three implants). Minimum followup was 24 months; one patient (one implant) was lost to followup before that time with the implant intact at 14 months and no patients have died. The mean age of the patients was 45 years (range, 21-62 years). Mean followup was 68 months (range, 24-141 months). Implant revision for any cause and for failure of the CPS mechanism was recorded. Modes of failure were categorized as soft tissue, aseptic loosening, structural, infection, and tumor progression; CPS modes of failure were defined as lack of fixation, with or without bone or implant fracture. Of the 12 implants accounted for beyond 2 years, six had undergone revision of any kind. Only two revisions in two patients were attributable to lack of CPS fixation at the bone-implant interface; one of the patients also had periprosthetic and implant fracture develop through the traction bar. Other modes of failure were aseptic loosening of the standard ulnar component (two patients, two implants), bushing wear (one patient; one implant) and infection resulting in two-stage exchange and free soft tissue transfer with retention of the CPS spindle (one patient, one implant). Complications for all nine patients included one transient radial nerve palsy, one ulnar nerve sensory neurapraxia, one superficial infection, and two glenohumeral subluxations, one underwent revision surgery with implantation of a constrained liner. A compressive osseointegration endoprosthesis is an option for very difficult revisions or sarcoma resection in the upper extremity in which the remaining segment of host bone is too short for a conventional prosthesis. However, surgeons must inform patients that these are salvage operations, and revision surgery is common. Long-term followup of more patients is necessary to further document the survivorship of these implants in the upper extremity. Level IV, therapeutic study.

Role of autologous non-vascularised intramedullary fibular strut graft in humeral shaft nonunions following failed plating.

Non-union humeral shaft fractures are seen frequently in clinical practice at about 2-10% in conservative management and 30% in surgically operated patients. Osteosynthesis using dynamic compression plate (DCP), intramedullary nailing, locking compression plate (LCP), Ilizarov technique along with bone grafting have been reported previously. In cases of prior failed plate-screw osteosynthesis the resultant osteopenia, cortical defect, bone loss, scalloping around screws and metallosis, make the management of non-union more complicated. Fibular graft as an intramedullary strut is useful in these conditions by increasing screw purchase, union and mechanical stability. This study is a retrospective and prospective follow up of revision plating along with autologous non-vascularised intramedullary fibular strut graft (ANVFG) for humeral non-unions following failed plate osteosynthesis. Seventy eight cases of nonunion humeral shaft fractures were managed in our institute between 2008 and 2015. Of these, 57 cases were failed plate osteosynthesis, in which 15 cases were infected and 42 cases were noninfected. Out of the 78 cases, bone grafting was done in 55 cases. Fibular strut graft was used in 22 patients, of which 4 cases were of primary nonunion with osteoporotic bone. Applying the exclusion criteria of infection and inclusion criteria of failed plate osteosynthesis managed with revision plating using either LCP or DCP and ANVFG, 17 cases were studied. The mean age of the patients was 40.11yrs (range: 26-57yrs). The mean duration of non-union was 4.43yrs (range: 0.5-14yrs). The mean follow-up period was 33.41 months (range: 12-94 months). The average length of fibula was 10.7 cm (range: 6-15cm). Main outcome measurements included bony union by radiographic assessment and pre- and postoperative functional evaluation using the DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) score. Results: Sixteen out of 17 fractures united following revision plating and fibular strut grafting. Average time taken for union was 3.5 months (range: 3-5 months). Complications included one each of implant failure with bending, transient radial nerve palsy and transient ulnar nerve palsy. No case had infection, graft site morbidity or peroneal nerve palsy. Functional assessment by DASH score improved from 59.14 (range: 43.6-73.21) preoperatively to 23.39 (range: 8.03-34.2) postoperatively (p=0.0003). Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that revision plating along with ANVFG is a reliable option in humeral diaphyseal non-unions with failed plate-screw osteosynthesis providing adequate screw purchase, mechanical stability and high chances of union with good functional outcome.

A locking compression plate as an external fixator for treating infected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis

BackgroundInfected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis is a challenging problem for orthopedic surgeons. This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of using a locking compression plate (LCP) as a definitive external fixator in the management of infected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis after failure of internal fixation.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a series of seven patients with infected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis treated with an LCP as an external fixator between June 2010 and August 2014. There were five males and two females, with an average age of 40.9 years. Six out of seven patients had been definitively diagnosed with infection due to known bacteria by germiculture. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were retrospectively evaluated.ResultsAll patients were followed-up for a mean period of 26.3 months (range 12–48 months). All fractures obtained complete bone union, and the average time to bone union was 7.9 months (range 3.5–15 months). All infections were eventually resolved without any recurrence of deep infection. Pin tract infection was only seen in one case. Only one patient had transient radial nerve palsy after surgery for traction. The average shortening length of the affected upper limb was 3 cm (range 2–4 cm) compared with the contralateral limb. At the last follow-up, the average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score of the involved limbs was 3.2 (range 0–13.4). All patients obtained excellent or good functional results, and returned to their original work.ConclusionsThe novel use of an LCP as a definitive external fixator was an effective method for treating infected nonunion of the humeral diaphysis. However, a large-scale prospective clinical study is still needed to verify these findings.