Ununited Fractures Research Articles

Avascular necrosis of the scaphoid in children treated by splint immobilisation

Avascular necrosis of the scaphoid following a fracture in children is rare and there is no established treatment protocol in the literature. We present two boys with nonunion and avascular necrosis of the scaphoid treated by simple immobilisation. Both cases healed with painless wrists and full movements. Our cases confirm that an ununited scaphoid fracture in children may heal with conservative treatment, even when an MRI scan suggests avascular necrosis. Unlike in adults, operative treatment need only be considered in children when conservative treatment fails.

Healing of ununited scaphoid fractures by Kirschner wires and autologous structural bone grafts

Untreated ununited scaphoid fractures are a hazard to the wrist because of increasing degenerative changes with time. We have treated 81 consecutive ununited scaphoid fractures by open reposition, autologous bone transplantation, and Kirschner wire fixation, 2.7 years after the primary injury. Sixty-nine were men and the mean age at operation was 29 (range 15-71) years. Anatomy of the wrist was restored and radiological healing confirmed in 72/81 patients. There were two deep infections, and the fractures did not heal. Patients with moderate preoperative arthritic wrist changes (scaphoid non-union advanced collapse (SNAC) stage 2) or ununited fractures of the proximal 1/6 of the scaphoid had worse healing than the remainder. Two of nine scaphoids that did not heal were reoperated on with autologous bone grafting and fixation with screws or pins, both of which healed successfully. Three salvage procedures (two wrist arthrodeses and one four corner fusion) were done and the remaining four declined further treatment. Our overall results are comparable to results published where alternative fixation methods have been used. We find that our standard method using Kirschner (K) wires and bone grafting is reliable and inexpensive for most scaphoid pseudarthroses and our results are comparable to published results when alternative fixation methods have been used.

Volar Intercalated Segmental Instability In Scaphoid Non-Union With Lunotriquetral Coalition: A Case Report

Scaphoid non-union is commonly encountered in clinical practice. Dorsal intercalated segmental instability is the most commonly seen carpal instability in scaphoid non-union. We present a case of ununited fracture scaphoid with lunotriquetral coalition which developed volar intercalated segmental instability due to altered biomechanics. Loss of radial support and increased mass on the ulnar aspect of the carpus resulted in the lunotriquetral mass going into abnormal flexion. We have attempted to explain the complex biomechanics leading to volar intercalated segmental instability in this case.

Autologous bone graft versus demineralized bone matrix in internal fixation of ununited long bones

BackgroundNon-unions are severe complications in orthopaedic trauma care and occur in 10% of all fractures. The golden standard for the treatment of ununited fractures includes open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as well as augmentation with autologous-bone-grafting. However, there is morbidity associated with the bone-graft donor site and some patients offer limited quantity or quality of autologous-bone graft material. Since allogene bone-grafts are introduced on the market, this comparative study aims to evaluate healing characteristics of ununited bones treated with ORIF combined with either iliac-crest-autologous-bone-grafting (ICABG) or demineralized-bone-matrix (DBM).Methods and resultsFrom 2000 to 2006 out of sixty-two consecutive patients with non-unions presenting at our Level I Trauma Center, twenty patients had ununited diaphyseal fractures of long bones and were treated by ORIF combined either by ICABG- (n = 10) or DBM-augmentation (n = 10). At the time of index-operation, patients of the DBM-group had a higher level of comorbidity (ASA-value: p = 0.014). Mean duration of follow-up was 56.6 months (ICABG-group) and 41.2 months (DBM-group). All patients were clinically and radiographically assessed and adverse effects related to bone grafting were documented. The results showed that two non-unions augmented with ICABG failed osseous healing (20%) whereas all non-unions grafted by DBM showed successful consolidation during the first year after the index operation (p = 0.146). No early complications were documented in both groups but two patients of the ICABG-group suffered long-term problems at the donor site (20%) (p = 0.146). Pain intensity were comparable in both groups (p = 0.326). However, patients treated with DBM were more satisfied with the surgical procedure (p = 0.031).ConclusionWith the use of DBM, the costs for augmentation of the non-union-site are more expensive compared to ICABG (calculated difference: 160 €/case). Nevertheless, this study demonstrated that the application of DBM compared to ICABG led to an advanced outcome in the treatment of non-unions and simultaneously to a decreased quantity of adverse effects. Therefore we conclude that DBM should be offered as an alternative to ICABG, in particular to patients with elevated comorbidity and those with limited availability or reduced quality of autologous-bone graft material.

Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy with single-angled 130° plate fixation for fractures and non-unions of the femoral neck

Non-union of femoral neck fractures may occur due to mechanical and biological factors. Valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy (VITO) alters hip biomechanics and enhances fracture union. The double-angled 120° plate is usually used for internal fixation of the osteotomy. It allows the osteotomy to heal with medialisation and verticalisation of the femoral shaft. This deformity causes medial ligament strain of the knee joint, genu valgum and ultimately osteoarthritis. This work presents our experience in treating vertical fractures and non-unions of the femoral neck by VITO and fixation by a single-angled 130º plate. Thirty-six patients presented with 19 recent vertical femoral neck fractures, and 17 non-unions were included. They were 26 men and ten women, and their ages averaged 37 years. Preoperative planning and VITO technique are described. Union was achieved in 35 patients (97%), and one recent fracture failed to unite (3%). Time to fracture union averaged four months in recent fractures and eight months in un-united fractures. All patients with united fractures had an almost normal configuration of the upper femur. Avascular necrosis of the femoral head was reported in five patients. Twenty-two patients (61%) were pain free, nine (25%) had hip pain on lengthy walks and the remaining five (14%) had persistent pain. Preoperative limb shortening averaged 2.5 cm, and post-operative shortening averaged 0.5 cm. We recommend VITO and fixation by a single-angled 130º plate for vertical femoral neck fractures and non-unions in relatively young adult patients.

Role of valgus osteotomy and fixation with dynamic hip screw and 120° double angle barrel plate in the management of neglected and ununited femoral neck fracture in young patients

BackgroundHead preservation is the mainstay of management in younger patients with neglected or ununited intracapsular fracture neck of femur. Very few reports have dealt with the results of valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy and fixation with dynamic hip screw in such cases. In this prospective study, we have tried to evaluate the role of valgus osteotomy and fixation with dynamic hip screw and 120° double angle barrel plate in neglected or ununited intracapsular fracture neck of femur in patients below 60 years of age and whose time since injury is equal to or more than 3 weeks.Materials and methodsWe treated 16 such cases with valgus intertrochanteric osteotomy and fixation achieved with dynamic hip screw and 120° double angle barrel plate, with mean age of 36.4 years. The cases were evaluated radiologically and clinically at a mean of 19 months.ResultsIn 14 of the 16 patients, the fracture went on to satisfactory union after an average of 14.7 weeks (10–26.7 weeks). The average Harris hip score increased from 66.6 points (range 55–75 points) before surgery to 88 points (range 75–95 points). All the patients with united fractures were able to sit cross-legged, squat and do one-leg stance. Pain and limitation of motion improved remarkably. Two patients had unfavourable outcome; both had cut-through of the implant, out of the head.ConclusionsValgus intertrochanteric osteotomy is a very cheap and effective procedure to achieve union in neglected and ununited fracture neck femur in young patients. We propose fixation with dynamic hip screw and 120° double angle barrel plate as it provides additional compression and, with valgus osteotomy, improved stability of internal fixation, with few complications.

Electrical stimulation: Nonunions.

The current paper attempts to provide an overview on the currently available fundamental, preclinical, and clinical evidence on the biologic rationale and therapeutic efficacy of electrical stimulation devices applied in patients with long-bone nonunions. Electrical stimulation (ES) involves the generation of an electrical or electromagnetic current through the ununited fracture. Such currents, which are present in physiologically healing bone, provide stimuli that favor a healing response to bone cells. These stimuli include the enhancement of transmembrane and intracellular calcium-mediated signal transduction and an increased synthesis of paracrine and autocrine growth factors by osteoblasts. Favorable healing union rates, ranging from 43% to 90%, as found by several clinical case series, have prompted the orthopedic community to, at least partially, adopt ES for the treatment of long bone nonunions. Nonetheless, randomized controlled trials have not provided definitive evidence of ES causing nonunions to heal more often than sham devices. This impediment is probably formed by small sample sizes, lack of consistency regarding the definition of union and nonunion, and variability in ES current used.

The treatment of established non-union of the proximal humerus using the Polarus locking intramedullary nail

Introduction:Non-union following fracture of the proximal humerus is not uncommon, particularly in the elderly. This can be associated with significant morbidity due to pain, instability and functional impairment. The Polarus device (Acumed) is a locked, antegrade intramedullary nail designed to stabilize displaced 2-, 3- and 4-part fractures of the proximal humerus. We report our experience with the Polarus nail for the treatment of established non-union of the proximal humerus.Materials and Methods:A total of 7 Polarus nails were inserted for the treatment of non-union of the proximal humerus between June 2000 and July 2007. Each fracture site was opened, debrided, stabilized with a Polarus nail and then grafted with autologous cancellous iliac crest bone. The time between injury and surgery ranged from 6 to 102 months. One patient had undergone previous fixation of her fracture using Rush intramedullary rods. All patients were females, and mean age at surgery was 63.6 years (range, 49-78 years). A retrospective review of notes and radiographs was carried out. Patients were reviewed at varying intervals postoperatively (range, 13-68 months) and assessed using the Constant shoulder-scoring system.Results:All un-united fractures progressed to union. There were no wound complications and no postoperative nerve palsies. Functional outcome was good, even in those cases with a long interval between injury and surgery. The mean Constant score was 63 (range, 54-81). Migration of a single proximal locking screw was seen in 2 patients, and these screws required removal at 5 and 12 months, respectively, postoperatively.Conclusion:In our experience, a locked proximal humeral nail used in conjunction with autologous bone grafting is an excellent device for the treatment of proximal humerus non-unions.

Total Knee Arthroplasty for Arthritic Knees with Tibiofibular Stress Fractures: Classification and Treatment Guidelines

Forty-two tibial and 5 fibular stress fractures in 34 patients with knee arthritis were radiologically classified into intraarticular malunited and ununited fractures, and extraarticular impending, acute, united, malunited, and ununited fractures. Depending on fracture type, total knee arthroplasty was performed using long-stem tibial component, metal augments, corrective osteotomy, or in routine fashion. At a mean follow-up of 36 months, the mean Knee Society knee score improved from 36.7 points preoperatively to 90.3 points; function score improved from 24 to 86.2 points. All fractures had united at the last follow-up with no complications of infection, joint instability, and patellar problems. Total knee arthroplasty for knee arthritis in the presence of tibiofibular stress fractures restores limb alignment and facilitates fracture healing with excellent functional outcome.

Electrical Stimulation for Long-Bone Fracture-Healing: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Bone stimulation represents a $500 million market in the United States. The use of electromagnetic stimulation in the treatment of fractures is common; however, the efficacy of this modality remains uncertain. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effect of electromagnetic stimulation on long-bone fracture-healing. We searched four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and all Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews) for trials of electromagnetic stimulation and bone repair, in any language, published from the inception of the database to April 2008. In addition, we searched by hand seven relevant journals published between 1980 and April 2008 and the bibliographies of eligible trials. Eligible trials enrolled patients with long-bone lesions, randomly assigned them to electromagnetic stimulation or a control group, and reported on bone-healing. Information on the methodological quality, stimulation device, duration of treatment, patient demographics, and all clinical outcomes were independently extracted by two reviewers. Of 2546 citations obtained in the literature search, eleven articles met the inclusion criteria. Evidence from four trials reporting on 106 delayed or ununited fractures demonstrated an overall nonsignificant pooled relative risk of 1.76 (95% confidence interval, 0.8 to 3.8; p = 0.15; I(2) = 60.4%) in favor of electromagnetic stimulation. Single studies found a positive benefit of electromagnetic stimulation on callus formation in femoral intertrochanteric osteotomies, a limited benefit for conservatively managed Colles fracture or for lower limb-lengthening, and no benefit on limb-length imbalance and need for reoperation in surgically managed pseudarthroses or on time to clinical healing in tibial stress fractures. Pain was reduced in one of the four trials assessing this outcome. While our pooled analysis does not show a significant impact of electromagnetic stimulation on delayed unions or ununited long-bone fractures, methodological limitations and high between-study heterogeneity leave the impact of electromagnetic stimulation on fracture-healing uncertain.

Use of Locking Compression Plates for Long Bone Nonunions Without Removing Existing Intramedullary Nail: Review of Literature and Our Experience

Exchange nailing of ununited fractures with or without bone grafting is the most acceptable procedure for nonunion with previously implanted intramedullary nails. Though excellence of this procedure has been well documented for diaphyseal, noncomminuted fractures of long bones, its acceptability for distal femoral, metaphyseal-diaphyseal junctional fractures, and humeral locations is doubtful. A method of obtaining stability at fracture site is described wherein locking compression plates are applied over the ununited fracture with bone grafting without removal of the underlying nail. Eleven patients (six males, five females) with ununited fracture of long bones were enrolled. All these patients had previously undergone locked intramedullary nailing for fractures of long bones (seven femur, two humerus, two tibia). Fracture site was exposed, surfaces rawed, and locking compression plate (AO Synthes) was applied over the intramedullary nail. Eccentric position of the plate allowed one or two bicortical screws adding to the stability of the construct. Interlocking screws if broken were also replaced during the same sitting. Autologous bone grafting was done in all cases. All fractures showed radiologic union at 6.2 months. No complications were encountered. Locking compression plating of ununited fracture with preexisting intramedullary nails has predictable good results for specific indications.

The management of ununited fractures of the femoral neck using internal fixation and muscle pedicle periosteal grafting

We describe a series of 20 patients with ununited fractures of the femoral neck following neglected trauma or failed primary internal fixation who were seen at a mean of 7.5 months (2 to 18) following injury. Open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture was performed in all patients, together with a myoperiosteal flap on the quadratus femoris muscle pedicle. Union occurred at a mean of 4.9 months (2 to 10) in all patients. The mean follow-up was for 70 months (14 to 144). There was no further progression in six of seven patients with pre-operative radiological evidence of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. One patient had delayed collapse and flattening of the femoral head ten years after union of the fracture, but remained asymptomatic. This study demonstrates the orthopaedic application of myoperiosteal grafting for inducing osteogenesis in a difficult clinical situation.

THE CLASSIC: Ununited Fractures in Children

THE CLASSIC: Ununited Fractures in Children

Exchange Nailing of Ununited Fractures

Exchange Nailing of Ununited Fractures

Exchange Nailing of Ununited Fractures

Exchange nailing is most appropriate for a nonunion without substantial bone loss. There is no clear consensus regarding the use of exchange nailing in the presence of active, purulent infection. The exchange nail should be at least 1 mm larger in diameter than the nail being removed, and it has been recommended that it be up to 4 mm larger when the nail being removed was greatly undersized. Canal reaming should progress until osseous tissue is observed in the reaming flutes. Exchange nailing is an excellent choice for aseptic nonunions of noncomminuted diaphyseal femoral fractures, with union rates reported to range from 72% to 100%. On the basis of the available literature, exchange nailing cannot be recommended for distal femoral nonunions at this time. Exchange nailing is an excellent choice for aseptic nonunions of noncomminuted diaphyseal tibial fractures, with union rates reported to range from 76% to 96%. On the basis of the available literature, exchange nailing is generally not indicated for humeral nonunions.

Spontaneous Common Bile Duct Perforation In Adult: A Case Report

A 35 year old male was admitted to the orthopedics department and operated for ununited fracture shaft of the left femur. On the 3rd post operative day, the patient developed pain abdomen which did not improved on conservative management. On the 14th post operative day, features of frank peritonitis appeared with acute renal failure. The patient underwent explorative laparotomy. Intro-operatively common bile duct (CBD) perforation was found. Thorough peritoneal lavage was done and aT-tube was inserted within the CBD and the abdomen closed with one sub-hepatic drain. Post-operative recovery was uneventful. The patient was discharged in satisfactory condition.

THE CLASSIC: Metal Hip Joint

THE CLASSIC: Metal Hip Joint

PLATE FIXATION OF UNUNITED HUMERAL SHAFT FRACTURES

Background: Delayed union or nonunion of a fracture of the humerus is an infrequent but debilitating complication. Open reduction and internal fixation combined with autologous bone-grafting can result in reliable healing of the fracture; however, there is morbidity associated with the bone-graft donor site. This study was designed to evaluate healing of ununited fractures of the humeral shaft treated by one surgeon at one institution with a strict and consistent surgical protocol but with the use of two different types of bone graft: autologous iliac crest bone graft and demineralized bone matrix. Methods: A consecutive retrospective cohort series was analyzed. From 1992 to 1999, forty-five patients with an aseptic, atrophic delayed union or nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and autologous iliac crest bone graft. The mean time from the fracture to the surgery was 14.0 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 32.8 months. From 2000 to 2003, thirty-three patients with the same condition were treated with the same protocol with the exception that demineralized bone matrix was used instead of autologous iliac crest bone graft. The mean time from the fracture to the surgery in that group was 22.6 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 20.4 months. All patients in both groups were assessed clinically and radiographically. Results: Osseous union was noted clinically and radiographically following the index surgery in 100% of the forty-five patients treated with autologous bone graft and 97% (thirty-two) of the thirty-three patients treated with demineralized bone matrix. The mean time to union was 4.5 months in the group treated with autologous bone graft and 4.2 months in the group treated with demineralized bone matrix. The overall functional outcome did not differ between the groups; however, twenty (44%) of the autologous bone-graft recipients had donor site morbidity, including a prolonged pain in the majority and a superficial infection requiring irrigation and débridement in one patient. Conclusions: Healing of an ununited humeral shaft fracture can be achieved consistently with rigid plate fixation and lag-screw compression augmented with either autologous cancellous bone graft or commercially available demineralized bone matrix. The harvest of the autologous bone graft is frequently associated with complications. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Plate Fixation of Ununited Humeral Shaft Fractures

Delayed union or nonunion of a fracture of the humerus is an infrequent but debilitating complication. Open reduction and internal fixation combined with autologous bone-grafting can result in reliable healing of the fracture; however, there is morbidity associated with the bone-graft donor site. This study was designed to evaluate healing of ununited fractures of the humeral shaft treated by one surgeon at one institution with a strict and consistent surgical protocol but with the use of two different types of bone graft: autologous iliac crest bone graft and demineralized bone matrix. A consecutive retrospective cohort series was analyzed. From 1992 to 1999, forty-five patients with an aseptic, atrophic delayed union or nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a plate and autologous iliac crest bone graft. The mean time from the fracture to the surgery was 14.0 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 32.8 months. From 2000 to 2003, thirty-three patients with the same condition were treated with the same protocol with the exception that demineralized bone matrix was used instead of autologous iliac crest bone graft. The mean time from the fracture to the surgery in that group was 22.6 months, and the mean duration of follow-up was 20.4 months. All patients in both groups were assessed clinically and radiographically. Osseous union was noted clinically and radiographically following the index surgery in 100% of the forty-five patients treated with autologous bone graft and 97% (thirty-two) of the thirty-three patients treated with demineralized bone matrix. The mean time to union was 4.5 months in the group treated with autologous bone graft and 4.2 months in the group treated with demineralized bone matrix. The overall functional outcome did not differ between the groups; however, twenty (44%) of the autologous bone-graft recipients had donor site morbidity, including a prolonged pain in the majority and a superficial infection requiring irrigation and débridement in one patient. Healing of an ununited humeral shaft fracture can be achieved consistently with rigid plate fixation and lag-screw compression augmented with either autologous cancellous bone graft or commercially available demineralized bone matrix. The harvest of the autologous bone graft is frequently associated with complications. Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

P-15 small peptide bone graft substitute in the treatment of non-unions and delayed union. A pilot clinical trial

Treatment of non-unions and delayed unions often requires osteogenic material. Recently, a biomimetic bone matrix that simulates the cellular environment of hard tissue, identified as P-15, was introduced to the orthopaedic community. A total of 22 patients with mal-union or delayed union fractures was treated from June 2000 to October 2003 with P15- bone graft substitute (P15-BGS) in the site of fracture and mostly with internal fixation. Patients were examined by independent radiographic analysis. Assessment criteria included time elapsed until bone bridging and time to full consolidation. In addition, histological assessment of the callus was done at the time of recovery of metal implants in five patients. Full consolidation was achieved in 90% (20 out of 22) of the patients treated with P15-BGS. The average time for full consolidation was 4.2 months. Histological assessment of the fracture callus in five of the patients confirmed the positive clinical and radiographic results. P15-BGS appears to offer a safe, economical and clinically useful alternative to autograft in the repair of ununited fractures. These results compare favourably with those in the published literature as an alternative to autograft.