Journal of orthopaedic trauma
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Randomized, prospective comparison of plate versus intramedullary nail fixation for distal tibia shaft fractures.
Malalignment has been frequently reported after intramedullary stabilization of distal tibia fractures. Nails have also been associated with knee pain in several studies. Historically, plate fixation has resulted in increased risks of infection and nonunion. Our purposes were to compare plate and nail stabilization for distal tibia shaft fractures by assessing complications and secondary procedures. We hypothesized that nails would be associated with more malalignment and nonunion. ⋯ High primary union rates were noted after surgical treatment of distal tibia shaft fractures with both nonlocked plates and reamed intramedullary nails. Rates of infection, nonunion, and secondary procedures were similar. Open fractures had higher rates of infection, nonunion, and malunion. Intramedullary nailing was associated with more malalignment versus plating. Fibula fixation may facilitate reduction of the tibia at the time of surgery. The effect of fibula fixation on tibia healing deserves further study. Economic assessment and functional outcomes data for this population will help to enhance our treatment decision-making.
-
This study on patients with operatively treated ankle fractures aimed to investigate the impact of smoking on postoperative complications and especially deep wound infections. ⋯ We conclude that cigarette smoking increases the risk of postoperative complications in patients operatively treated for an ankle fracture. Smoking is a considerable risk factor. Therefore, physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals should strive to support patients to stop smoking while still under acute treatment.
-
The aim of the study was to investigate how superior entry point varies with tibial rotation and to identify landmarks that can be used to identify suitable radiographs for successful intramedullary nail insertion. ⋯ The fibula head bisector line can be used to avoid choosing external rotation views and, thus, avoid medial insertion points. The current results may help the surgeon prevent malalignment during intramedullary nailing in proximal tibial fractures.
-
Treatment of infected long bone fractures or nonunions requires stability for bony union, yet retained implants can lead to persistent infection. Antibiotic cement intramedullary nails, in addition to external fixation, are commonly used to deliver intramedullary antibiotics in infected long bone fractures and provide temporary stability. ⋯ When these methods fail to allow access to the entire length of the canal, the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator system (Synthes, Paoli, PA) serves as an effective method for removing retained intramedullary cement. The surgical technique is described, and three cases illustrate the successful use of the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator system for removal of an antibiotic cement intramedullary nail.
-
To evaluate the outcomes of displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures treated with a cephalomedullary device. ⋯ Cephalomedullary nail fixation of displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures demonstrated mixed results. For younger patients with midcervical fractures that were well reduced, the fixation performed well. Displaced subcapital fractures in patients older than 60 years demonstrated a 100% failure rate. As a result, we cannot advocate cephalomedullary fixation for displaced intracapsular femoral neck fractures in patients older than 60 years, although in younger patients, these implants may provide an alternative to side-plate based fixation devices.