It is common belief that consolidated intramedullary nailed trochanteric femur fractures can result in secondary midshaft or supracondylar fractures, involving the distal screws, when short or long nails are used, respectively. In addition, limited data exists in the literature to indicate when short or long nails should be selected for treatment. The aim of this biomechanical cadaveric study was to investigate short versus long Trochanteric Femoral Nail Advanced (TFNA) fixation in terms of construct stability and generation of secondary fracture pattern following trochanteric fracture consolidation. Eight intact human cadaveric femur pairs were assigned to 2 groups of 8 specimens each for nailing using either short or long TFNA with blade as head element. Each specimen was first biomechanically preloaded at 1 Hz over 2000 cycles in superimposed synchronous axial compression to 1800 N and internal rotation to 11.5 Nm. Following, internal rotation to failure was applied over an arc of 90° within 1 second under 700 N axial load. Torsional stiffness, torque at failure, angle at failure and energy at failure were evaluated. Fracture patterns were analyzed. Outcomes in the groups with short and long nails were 9.7±2.4 Nm/° and 10.2±2.9 Nm/° for torsional stiffness, 119.8±37.2 Nm and 128.5±46.7 Nm for torque at failure, 13.5±3.5° and 13.4±2.6° for angle at failure, and 887.5±416.9 Nm° and 928.3±461.0 Nm° for energy at failure, respectively, with no significant differences between them, P≥0.167. Fractures through the distal locking screw occurred in 5 and 6 femora instrumented with short and long nails, respectively. Fractures through the lateral entry site of the head element were detected in 3 specimens within each group. For short nails, fractures through the distal shaft region, not interfacing with the implant, were detected in 3 specimens. From biomechanical perspective, the risk of secondary peri-implant fracture after intramedullary nailed trochanteric fracture consolidation is similar when using short or long TFNA. Moreover, for both nail versions the fracture pattern does not unexceptionally involve the distal locking screw

To conduct a meta-analysis for intertrochanteric hip fractures comparing in terms of efficacy and safety short versus long intralomedullary nails. A pubmed search of the last 10 years for intertrochanteric fracture 31A1-31A3 according to the AO/OTA classification was performed. Baseline characteristics of each article were obtained, complication measures were analyzed: Peri-implant fracture, reoperations, deep/superficial infection, and mortality. Clinical variables consisted of blood loss (mL), length of stay (days), time of surgery (min) and nº of transfusions. Functional outcomes were also recorded. A meta-analysis was performed with Review Manager 5.4. Twelve studies were included, nine were retrospective. The reoperations rate was lower in the short nail group and the peri-implant fracture rate was lower in the long nail group (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.88) (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.43). Surgery time and blood loss was significantly higher in the long nail group (MD −12.44, 95% CI −14.60 to −10.28) (MD −19.36, 95% CI −27.24 to −11.48). There were no differences in functional outcomes. The short intramedullary nail has a higher risk of peri-implant fracture; however, the reoperation rate is lower compared to the long nail. Blood loss and surgery time was higher in the long nail group

This study compares outcomes of fixation of subtrochanteric femoral fractures using a single lag screw (Gamma3 nail, GN) with a dual lag screw device (InterTAN nail, IN). The primary outcome was mechanical failure, defined as lag screw cut-out, back-out, nail breakage or peri-implant fracture. Technical factors associated with mechanical failure were also identified. All adult patients (>18yrs) with a subtrochanteric femoral fracture treated in a single centre were retrospectively identified using electronic records. Included patients underwent surgical fixation using either a long GN (2010–2017) or IN (2017–2022). Cox regression analysis was used to determine the risk of mechanical failure and technical predictors of failure. The study included 587 patients, 336 in the GN group (median age 82yrs, 73% female) and 251 in the IN group (median age 82yrs, 71% female). The IN group exhibited a higher prevalence of osteoporosis (p=0.002) and CKD□3 (p=0.007). There were no other baseline differences between groups. The risk of any mechanical failure was increased two-fold in the GN group (HR 2.51, p=0.020). Mechanical failure comprising screw cut-out (p=0.040), back-out (p=0.040) and nail breakage (p=0.51) was only observed in the GN group. The risk of peri-implant fracture was similar between the groups (HR 1.10, p=0.84). Technical predictors of mechanical included varus >5° for cut-out (HR 15.61, p=0.016), TAD>25mm for back-out (HR 9.41, p=0.020) and shortening >1cm for peri-implant fracture (HR 6.50, p=<0.001). Dual lag screw designs may reduce the risk of mechanical complications for patients with subtrochanteric femoral fractures

Subtrochanteric femoral fractures are a subset of hip fractures generally treated with cephalomedullary nail fixation\[1\]. Single lag screw devices are most commonly-used, but integrated dual screw constructs have become increasingly popular\[2,3\]. The aim of this study was to compare outcomes of fixation of subtrochanteric femoral fractures using a single lag screw (Gamma3 nail, GN) with a dual screw device (InterTAN nail, IN). The primary outcome was mechanical failure, defined as lag screw cut-out, back-out, nail breakage or peri-implant fracture. Consecutive adult patients (18yrs) with subtrochanteric femoral fracture treated in a single centre were retrospectively identified using electronic records. Patients that underwent surgical fixation using either a long GN (2010–2017) or IN (2017–2022) were included. Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to identify complications of fixation. Cox regression analysis was used to determine the risk of mechanical failure and secondary outcomes by implant design. Multivariable regression models were used to identify predictors of mechanical failure. The study included 622 patients, 354 in the GN group (median age 82yrs, 72% female) and 268 in the IN group (median age 82yrs, 69% female). The risk of any mechanical failure was increased two-fold in the GN group (HR 2.44 \[95%CI 1.13 to 5.26\]; _p=0.024_). Mechanical failure comprising screw cut-out (_p=0.032_), back-out (_p=0.032_) and nail breakage (_p=0.26_) was only observed in the GN group. Technical predictors of failure included varus >5° for cut-out (OR 19.98 \[2.06 to 193.88\]; _p=0.01_), TAD;25mm for back-out (8.96 \[1.36 to 58.86\]; p=0.022) and shortening 1cm for peri-implant fracture (7.81 \[2.92 to 20.91\]; _p=<0.001_). Our results demonstrate that an intercalated screw construct is associated with a lower risk of mechanical failure compared with the a single lag screw device. Intercalated screw designs may reduce the risk of mechanical complications for patients with subtrochanteric femoral fractures

Neer Type-IIB lateral clavicle fractures are inherently unstable fractures with associated disruption of the coracoclavicular (CC) ligaments. A novel plating technique using a superior lateral locking plate with antero-posterior (AP) locking screws, resulting in orthogonal fixation in the lateral fragment has been designed to enhance stability. The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare three different clavicle plating constructs. 24 fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were randomised into three groups (n=8 specimens). Group 1: lateral locking plate only (Medartis Aptus Superior Lateral Plate); Group 2: lateral locking plate with CC stabilisation (Nr. 2 FiberWire); and Group 3: lateral locking plate with two AP locking screws stabilising the lateral fragment. Data was analysed for gap formation after cyclic loading, construct stiffness and ultimate load to failure, defined by a marked decrease in the load displacement curve. After 500 cycles, there was no statistically significant difference between the three groups in gap-formation (p = 0.179). Ultimate load to failure was significantly higher in Group 3 compared to Group 1 (286N vs. 167N; p = 0.022), but not to Group 2 (286N vs. 246N; p = 0.604). There were no statistically significant differences in stiffness (Group 1: 504N/mm; Group 2: 564N/mm; Group 3: 512N/mm; p = 0.712). Peri-implant fracture was the primary mode of failure for all three groups, with Group 3 demonstrating the lowest rate of peri-implant fractures (Group 1: 6/8; Group 2: 7/8, Group 3: 4/8; p = 0.243). The lateral locking plate with orthogonal AP locking screw fixation in the lateral fragment demonstrated the greatest ultimate failure load, followed by the lateral locking plate with CC stabilization. The use of orthogonal screw fixation in the distal fragment may negate against the need for CC stabilization in these types of fractures, thus minimizing surgical dissection around the coracoid and potential complications

Introduction. Distal femur fracture fixation in elderly presents significant challenges due to osteoporosis and associated comorbidities. There has been an evolution in the management of these fractures with a description of various surgical techniques and fixation methods; however, currently, there is no consensus on the standard of care. Non-union rates of up to 19% and mortality rates of up to 26 % at one year have been reported in the literature. Delay in surgery and delay in mobilisation post-operatively have been identified as two main factors for high rate of mortality. As biomechanical studies have proved better stability with dual plating or nail-plate combination, a trend has been shifting for past few years towards rigid fixation to allow early mobilisation. Our study aims to compare outcomes of distal femur fractures managed with either single plate (SP), dual plating (DP) or nail-plate construct (NP). Methods. A retrospective review of patients aged above 65 years with distal femur fractures (both native and peri-prosthetic) who underwent surgical management between June 2020 and May 2023 was conducted. Patients were divided into three groups based on mode of fixation - single plate or dual plating or nail-plate construct. AO/OTA classification was used for non-periprosthetic, and Unified classification system (UCS) was used for periprosthetic fractures. Data on patient demographics, fracture characteristics, surgical details, postoperative complications, re-operation rate, radiological outcomes and mortality rate were evaluated. Primary objective was to compare re-operation rate and mortality rate between 3 groups at 30 days, 6 months and at 1 year. Results. A cohort of 32 patients with distal femur fractures were included in this study. 91% were females and mean age was 80.97 (range 68–97). 18 (53%) were non-periprosthetic fracture and 14 (47%) were periprosthetic fractures.18 patients underwent single plate fixation (AO/OTA 33A – 8, 33B/C – 2, UCS V3B – 5, V3C – 3),10 patients had dual plate fixation (AO/OTA 33A – 1, 33B/C – 4, UCS V3B – 3, V3C – 2) and 4 patients underwent nail-plate combination fixation (AO/OTA 33A – 4). 70.5% patients had surgery within 36 hours of admission and 90% within 48 hours. Analysis showed no re-operation at 30 days, 6 months in all 3 groups. At 1 year one patient had re-operation in dual-plating periprosthetic group (Distal femur replacement done for failed fixation). Three patients (16%) in single plate group had re-operation at 2 years (2 for peri-implant fracture and 1 for infection). None of the patients treated with Nail-plate combination had re-operation. Mortality rate at 30 days was 0% in among all the 3 groups. At 6 months, it was 16% in single plate group and 0% in DP and NP groups at 6 months and at 1 year mortality rate was 27% in SP group, 10% in DP and 0% in NP group. Combined mortality rate was 0% at 30 days, 9% at 6 months and 18.7% at one year. Conclusion. Our analysis provides insights into fixation methods of distal femur fractures in elderly patients. We conclude that a lower re-operation rate and mortality rate can be achieved with early surgery and rigid fixation with either dual plating or nail-plate construct to allow early mobilisation. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings and guide the selection of optimal surgical strategies for these challenging fractures

Introduction: Revision surgery for stem loosening and peri-implant bone loss of variable extent is a major challenge for orthopedic surgeons. Our strategy has been to use cementless straight stems of rectangular cross-section for revisions. To ascertain the value of this implant we analyzed the results at a minimum follow-up of 10 years. Material and Method: Between October 1991 and end 1998, 125 patients (134 hips) underwent revision surgery. Of these, 39 were males and 86 were females. Sixty-seven of the original implants were cemented and as many were cementless. Cementless revision stems (SLR; Plus Orthopedics, Aarau, Switzerland) size 3 to 11 (180 to 223 mm in length) were used for revisions. Patient age at the time of surgery was 37.8 to 89.3 (mean, 71.0) years. Fifty patients (53 hips) died post revision 0.0 to 13.5 (mean, 6.8) years. Their implants had been followed-up radiographically for 0.0 to 9.2 (mean, 3.6) years. At the time of revision these patients had been 48.9 to 89.3 (mean, 76.7) years old. One of them had undergone stem revision for aseptic loosening one year post surgery. Another 6 were revised 1.4 to 13.9 years post surgery, 5 for low grade infection and 1 for peri-implant fracture. Seven patients refused to present for follow-up because of advanced age and poor cooperation. Eight were contacted by telephone. These 15 patients were not re-operated. Five patients were altogether lost to follow-up, thus leaving a total of 53 hips (49 patients) for analysis at a follow-up time of at least 10 years. The follow-up time was 10.0 to 16.1 (mean, 11.6) years. For radiographic follow-ups monitor-guided a.-p. and axial radiographs were recorded. These were analyzed by Gruen zones. Results: All stems were properly aligned along the long femoral axis, except in 1 patient, who had sustained a peri-implant fracture during a fall with axial stem subsidence responding to conservative treatment. In 38 patients peri-implant bone apposition was detected in all 7 Gruen zones. This was combined with bone resorption in other zones in 2 patients. Four patients presented with osteolytic lesions. In one of them with metal-on-metal articulating surfaces, the lesion extended to several segments and will necessitate revision. All other stems were stable. None of them was at risk. Conclusion: This analysis showed that the SLR revision stem performs well for an intermediate follow-up time of at least 10 years

The purpose of the following study was to present the general strategy for preserving the lower extremity by knee arthrodesis and to analyze the outcome of knee arthrodeses performed by a special modular system. Between 2009 and 2014 35 knee arthrodeses were performed. 23 patients were male, 12 female. The average age was 66 years (42 to 83 years). The patients underwent an average of 6 operations because of infected knee arthroplasties previous to the knee arthrodesis. The main pathogen was S. epidermidis followed by MRSA. The arthrodeses system included a non cemented femoral and tibial stem (press fit application plus two static locking screws). These were connected by a special stem to stem clamp. Immediate postoperative full weight-bearing was possible in 32 of 35 patients. We saw 4 recurrent infections (all connected to the patients, who did not show a full weight bearing after knee arthrodesis). In two cases re-revision surgery was successful and lead to a sufficient re-arthrodesis. In two cases above-knee-amputation was necessary. Peri-implant fractures were detected in 3 cases. All of them could be cured by changing the arthrodesis stem and to a longer one bridging the fracture. In one case a stem loosening was seen. This was as well addressed by the use of a longer stem. Knee arthrodesis by a modular non cemented system is a god alternative in order to preserve the weight-bearing lower extremity. The complication rate is rather high due to the fact, that this procedure presents the final alternative to do so in patients, who are in extremis in terms of a long lasting aggressive peri-arthroplasty infection the lead to massive destruction of the soft tissue around the knee and a significant loss of function

Introduction and Purpose of Study. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a bone metabolic disorder that results in multiple fractures and deformities in children. The management of these patients should be in highly specialised units were multi-disciplinary management is mandatory. The aims of this study were twofold: 1. To determine the incidence and pattern of fractures in this population. 2. To determine the type, outcomes and complications of surgical treatment in the same population. Methods. A retrospective audit of patients treated for OI at a tertiary academic Hospital, from January 2002 to December 2011 was done. Results. Fifty three patients with OI were seen in the period under review. The patients came from six South African provinces including two other African countries. The male to female ratio was 1:1. The majority of patients were classified as type III and type IV, 19 (36%) and 14 (26%) respectively. Twelve patients (23%) had a first degree relative with OI. All patients received bisphosphonate therapy intravenously except two who were on oral medication. Seventeen patients (33%) had associated kyphoscoliosis – none were treated surgically. The most common long bone fractures were of the midshaft femur (61 fractures) and tibia (35 fractures). Seventeen patients (32%) received intramedullary rodding of either femur or tibia. Surgery had to be repeated due to rod migration in nine long bones (29%). The most common complication of surgery was rod migration and peri-implant fracture. Conclusion. Long bone fractures of the femur and tibia were most common cause of morbidity. Intramedullary rodding is a safe and effective means of long bone fracture management in patients with OI

Improving periprosthetic bone is essential for implant fixation and reducing peri-implant fracture risk. This studied examined the individual and combined effects of iPTH and mechanical loading at the cellular, molecular, and tissue level for periprosthetic cancellous bone. Adult rabbits had a porous titanium implant inserted bilaterally on the cancellous bone beneath a mechanical loading device on the distal lateral femur. The right femur was loaded daily, the left femur received a sham loading device, and half of the rabbits received daily PTH. Periprosthetic bone was processed up to 28 days for qPCR, histology, and uCT analysis. We observed an increase in cellular and molecular markers of osteoblast activity and decrease in adipocytic markers for both treatments, with small additional effects in the combined group. Loading and iPTH led to a decrease and increase, respectively, in osteoclast number, acting through changes in RANKL/OPG expression. Changes in SOST and beta-catenin mRNA levels suggested an integral role for the Wnt pathway. We observed strong singular effects on BV/TV of both loading (1.53 fold) and iPTH (1.54 fold). Combined treatment showed a small additive effect on bone volume. In conclusion, loading and iPTH act through a pro-osteoblastic/anti-adipocytic response and through control of bone turnover via changes in the RANKL/OPG pathway. These changes led to a small additional, but not synergistic, increase in bone volume with the combined therapy

Aims

Our primary aim was to assess reoperation-free survival at one year after the index injury in patients aged ≥ 75 years treated with internal fixation (IF) or arthroplasty for undisplaced femoral neck fractures (uFNFs). Secondary outcomes were reoperations and mortality analyzed separately.

Aims

Several previously identified patient-, injury-, and treatment-related factors are associated with the development of nonunion in distal femur fractures. However, the predictive value of these factors is not well defined. We aimed to assess the predictive ability of previously identified risk factors in the development of nonunion leading to secondary surgery in distal femur fractures.

Worldwide, total ankle replacement is being more frequently offered as an alternative to ankle fusion. Most reports in the literature come from single centres with surgery performed by ‘high volume’ foot and ankle surgeons. We describe the New Zealand experience with the Scandinavian Total Ankle Replacement (STAR). Fifty-two STARs in 49 patients were implanted between September 1998 and May 2005. Eleven surgeons performed between one and thirteen of the operations. Of the 49 patients five were deceased and five refused to participate in the study. The average age at surgery was 64.9 years (range 46-80). There were 26 males and 13 females. The average follow up was 58.2 months. Of the 41 ankles available for review 11 had been revised or fused (27%) at an average of 42 months post surgery. Of the remaining 30 intact ankles recent radiographs were available on all ankles. Of the retained primary ankles, the mean Oxford ankle score was 25.6. This scale has a range from 12, for an asymptomatic ankle, to 60. The mean WOMAC score was 18.9, the SF-12 PH 42 and the SF-12 MH 54. The scores were substantially worse for the group who had been revised or arthrodesed. Perioperative x-ray findings demonstrated intraoperative malleolar fracture occurred in seven patients including one with a complete saw cut transection of the medial malleolus and one who had sustained fractures of both malleoli. The tibial component was undersised in five patients and the talus oversized in at least three patients. Of the 11 revision cases, two were bearing exchanges only. Nine involved either a major revision procedure or tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis for subsidence of malaligned components usually in the presence of peri-implant fracture. Of the unrevised cases, the latest x-rays did not demonstrate any significant osteolysis or increased lucent lines. Five cases demonstrated subtle talar or tibial component subsidence when compared with earlier radiographs. Despite overall satisfactory outcomes in the majority of patients the perioperative complication rate and revision rate in infrequent users is concerning. There may be implant and instrumentation elements, which also contribute to these suboptimal outcomes. Level of evidence IV, retrospective review

Aims

There are concerns regarding nail/medullary canal mismatch and initial stability after cephalomedullary nailing in unstable pertrochanteric fractures. This study aimed to investigate the effect of an additional anteroposterior blocking screw on fixation stability in unstable pertrochanteric fracture models with a nail/medullary canal mismatch after short cephalomedullary nail (CMN) fixation.

Introduction: Humeral shaft fractures account for 1–3% of all fractures. Little is known about additional epidemiological data on this specific fracture type. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of humeral shaft fractures in patients 16 years or older in Stockholm during the years 1998–99. Patients and Methods: All patients 16 years or older with a humeral shaft fracture admitted to any of six major hospitals in the County of Stockholm during the two years 1998–99 were included in the study. A total of 401 fractures in 397 patients were found. Three hundred and sixty-one of the fractures were traumatic and were classified according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification system. The remaining 40 fractures were pathological (n=34) or peri-implant fractures (n=6). Open fractures were classified using the Gustilo classification system. Data regarding the injury mechanism, age, gender, side of the injury and occurrence of possible radial nerve injury were collected from the medical charts. The overall incidence and the age-specific incidence were calculated on the basis of data from Statistics Sweden. Results: The incidence was 14.5 per 100 000 persons per year with a gradually increasing age-specific incidence from the fifth decade in both genders and reaching an incidence of almost 60 per 100 000 persons and year in the ninth decade. The majority of fractures were closed ones sustained after simple falls among elderly patients. The age distribution among females was characterised by a peak in the eighth decade while the age distribution among males was more even. Type A (simple) fractures were by far the most common and the majority of the fractures were located in the middle and proximal parts of the humeral shaft. The incidence of radial palsy was 8%. Fracture localisation in the middle and distal part of the shaft was associated with an increased risk for having radial nerve palsy. Only 2% of the fractures were open and 8% were pathological. Discussion: These recent epidemiological data on humeral shaft fractures are representative of a society with a limited amount of high-energy trauma, including penetrating trauma, which probably reflects the situation in the majority of European countries. Our results can be used to facilitate the future treatment of patients with this particular fracture

Introduction: Revision hip implants have poorer clinical outcome than primary implants. The fixation of the implants is often compromised by the formation of an endosteal sclerotic bone rim during the process of aseptic loosening. The cracking procedure is a bone sparing, low energy surgical technique which produces a controlled local perforation of the sclerotic bone rim. In previous studies, we showed that fixation of revision implants significantly improved by the cracking technique for both titanium (Ti) and hydroxyapatite (HA) coated implants (. 1. ). In this study we compared the cracking technique with the common technique of reaming, which completely removes the sclerotic bone rim. Methods: A paired animal study (n=10), in which revision cavities was created by 20 micromotion implant systems inserted in both knees. Micromotion was 0.5mm per gait cycle. After 8 weeks revision surgery was performed. Crack revision: The splined crack tool was introduced over the implant piston with firm axial hammer blows. This producing controlled cracking and local perforation of the sclerotic endosteal rim. The tool is a 6.0 mm cylinder fitted with axially spaced 1.1 mm pointed splines (8.2 mm outer diameter). Reaming revision: A flat bottomed reamer was inserted over the implant piston using one rotation per second. The outer diameter was 8.2 mm in order to remove the sclerotic bone rim. Stable revision Ti implants was inserted. Observation period was 4 weeks. Mechanical push-out tests were performed. Students’ paired t-test was used. Data presented as mean and SEM. Results: Shear strength was markedly higher with the cracking procedure 1.33± 0.3MPa vs. 0.34 ± 0.2 MPa (p< 0.05). Similar results was seen for Stiffness 6.7± 2.0 vs. 1.6 ± 0.9 (p< 0.05) in favor of the cracking procedure. A non-significant increase was seen in energy absorption 170± 47 vs. 50± 29 (p=0.07). Discussion: The cracking procedure improves the mechanical fixation of Ti revision implants compared to a reaming procedure. Shear strength and stiffness was consistently higher for all implant pairs. We have previously shown that the sclerotic bone rim is a barrier for bone ingrowth and that implants inserted with an intact sclerotic bone rim will have a poor biomechanical fixation. Additionally, revision implants inserted with the cracking technique obtained a mechanical fixation comparable to primary implants. Reaming procedures are often used in hip revision surgery. However, as loss of bone stock is a common feature of revision cavities, the reaming procedure may not always be an optimal preparation method of the bone. Excessive removal of bone by reaming may compromise the long term implant stability or increase the risk of peri-implant fractures. The cracking technique may be an alternative or supplemental procedure to reaming

Aims

We compared the clinical outcomes of curved intertrochanteric varus osteotomy (CVO) with bone impaction grafting (BIG) with CVO alone for the treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH).

Aims

The coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 pandemic forced an unprecedented period of challenge to the NHS in the UK where hip fractures in the elderly population are a major public health concern. There are approximately 76,000 hip fractures in the UK each year which make up a substantial proportion of the trauma workload of an average orthopaedic unit. This study aims to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hip fracture care service and the emerging lessons to withstand any future outbreaks.