International orthopaedics
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Comparative Study
Screw-blade fixation systems in Pauwels three femoral neck fractures: a biomechanical evaluation.
To reduce mechanical complications after osteosynthesis of femoral neck fractures, improved fixation techniques have been developed including blade or screw-anchor devices. This biomechanical study compares different fixation systems used for treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures with evaluation of failure mode, load to failure, stiffness, femoral head rotation, femoral neck shortening and femoral head migration. ⋯ In our study, the new Screw-Anchor fixation (RoSA) was superior to the comparable SHS implants regarding rotational stability and femoral neck shortening. Failure load, stiffness, femoral head migration, and resistance to fracture displacement were in RoSA implants higher than in SHS-Screws, but without significance in comparison to SHS-Blades.
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The intention of the current article is to review the epidemiology with related socioeconomic costs, pathophysiology, and treatment options for diaphyseal long bone delayed unions and nonunions. Diaphyseal nonunions in the tibia and in the femur are estimated to occur 4.6-8% after modern intramedullary nailing of closed fractures with an even much higher risk in open fractures. There is a high socioeconomic burden for long bone nonunions mainly driven by indirect costs, such as productivity losses due to long treatment duration. ⋯ For femoral and tibial diaphyseal shaft fractures, dynamization of the nail is an atraumatic, effective, and cheap surgical possibility to achieve bony consolidation, particularly in delayed nonunions before 24 weeks after initial surgery. In established hypertrophic nonunions in the tibia and femur, biomechanical stability should be addressed by augmentation plating or exchange nailing. Hypotrophic or atrophic nonunions require additional biological stimulation of bone healing for augmentation plating.
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Chronic infection (CO) and infected non-union of the long bones are relatively rare conditions in paediatric patients. Large bone defects secondary to these conditions can be managed with the induced membrane technique. The technique requires grafting of the bone void, although it is not yet established what bone substitute is the best option. The aim of this work was to evaluate the outcome and efficacy of treatment in children with CO and infected non-union of the long bones using the induced membrane technique and bone (BG) versus beta-tricalcium phosphate (BTP) grafting. ⋯ The induced membrane technique with BG or BTP graft can achieve bone healing in large bone defects secondary to CO and infected non-union in children and adolescents. The choice of bone substitute is important. Our preliminary results show graft integration and bone healing can be expected sooner if BTP is used as bone void filler.
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Long standing nonunion of the lateral humeral condyle (LHC) usually results in elbow pain and instability with progressive cubitus valgus and tardy ulnar neuritis. Surgical treatment of long standing nonunion is still a controversial issue due to the reported complications, such as stiffness, loss of elbow motion, and avascular necrosis of the LHC fragment. In this study, we reported the outcomes of treatment of cubitus valgus deformity in long standing nonunion of the LHC in children treated with combined triple management (fixation of the nonunion site, dome corrective osteotomy, and anterior transposition of ulnar nerve) through a modified para-triceptal approach. ⋯ Preservation of the blood supply of the nonunited fragment is the key to successful management. This combined technique successfully addresses different aspects of the problem simultaneously and provides a durable solution without deterioration of the results over time. The para-triceptal approach provided excellent exposure of both sides of the elbow with minimal disruption of the triceps muscle.
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There are currently no evidence-based indications for surgical stabilization of rib fractures (SSRF) in patients without flail chest. The purpose of this survey was to identify patients for whom there is relative equipoise (operative vs. non-operative) in order to assist in designing a randomized clinical trial. ⋯ SSRF was recommended for most patients with non-flail, displaced rib fractures. However, this recommendation was contingent upon patient age, degree of TBI, and pulmonary clinical status. Results of this survey may be used to inform inclusion criteria for a future randomized, clinical trial.