Aims

Despite limited clinical scientific backing, an additional trochanteric stabilizing plate (TSP) has been advocated when treating unstable trochanteric fractures with a sliding hip screw (SHS). We aimed to explore whether the TSP would result in less post operative fracture motion, compared to SHS alone.

Purpose: Fracture reduction (FR) during intra-medullary nailing of long bone fractures requires an extensive use of fluoroscopic radiation. Fluoroscopy based navigation system using custom FR software is introduced of which the main advantage is its ability to track simultaneously the two fracture segments during fracture reduction. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of this system. Methods: 26 Patients 17 males and 7 females suffering from 10 tibial shaft and 14 femoral shaft fracture were operated using the FR software. Two trackers were attached to each of the main fracture segments. Image registration was done by acquiring fluoroscopic images including the fracture site and the two metaphysial areas of the long bone on both perpendicular planes. The system uses two cylinder models representing the fracture segments, each defined between two points chosen by the surgeon on the acquired images, these are tracked by the system. Fracture reduction was qualitatively evaluated as well as other features of the system. Overall radiation was registered. Results: A small number (< 10) of flouroscopic images was acquired; this decreased as we gained more experience. FR software was helpful in all the cases and accomplished good and quick reduction; it reduced the need for added radiation to 2–4 verification images. The system was utilized as well in all cases for choosing the nail point of entry, in 7 (25%) for blocking screws planning and in 4 (16%) for nail locking successfully. Conclusion: The FR software enabled and improved significantly the performance of this surgical task with a dramatic decrease in radiation and FR time. The software still lacks the fine tuning needed for best performance

Aims. The primary aim of this study was to report the radiological outcomes of patients with a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture who were randomized to a moulded cast or surgical fixation with wires following manipulation and closed reduction of their fracture. The secondary aim was to correlate radiological outcomes with patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in the year following injury. Methods. Participants were recruited as part of DRAFFT2, a UK multicentre clinical trial. Participants were aged 16 years or over with a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture, and were eligible for the trial if they needed a manipulation of their fracture, as recommended by their treating surgeon. Participants were randomly allocated on a 1:1 ratio to moulded cast or Kirschner wires after manipulation of the fracture in the operating theatre. Standard posteroanterior and lateral radiographs were performed in the radiology department of participating centres at the time of the patient’s initial assessment in the emergency department and six weeks postoperatively. Intraoperative fluoroscopic images taken at the time of fracture reduction were also assessed. Results. Patients treated with surgical fixation with wires had less dorsal angulation of the radius versus those treated in a moulded cast at six weeks after manipulation of the fracture; the mean difference of -4.13° was statistically significant (95% confidence interval 5.82 to -2.45). There was no evidence of a difference in radial shortening. However, there was no correlation between these radiological measurements and PROMs at any timepoint in the 12 months post-injury. Conclusion. For patients with a dorsally displaced distal radius fracture treated with a closed manipulation, surgical fixation with wires leads to less dorsal angulation on radiographs at six weeks compared with patients treated in a moulded plaster cast alone. However, the difference in dorsal angulation was small and did not correlate with patient-reported pain and function. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(2):132–138

Aims. Ankle fracture fixation is commonly performed by junior trainees. Simulation training using cadavers may shorten the learning curve and result in a technically superior surgical performance. Methods. We undertook a preliminary, pragmatic, single-blinded, multicentre, randomized controlled trial of cadaveric simulation versus standard training. Primary outcome was fracture reduction on postoperative radiographs. Results. Overall, 139 ankle fractures were fixed by 28 postgraduate year three to five trainee surgeons (mean age 29.4 years; 71% males) during ten months' follow-up. Under the intention-to-treat principle, a technically superior fixation was performed by the cadaveric-trained group compared to the standard-trained group, as measured on the first postoperative radiograph against predefined acceptability thresholds. The cadaveric-trained group used a lower intraoperative dose of radiation than the standard-trained group (mean difference 0.011 Gym. 2. , 95% confidence interval 0.003 to 0.019; p = 0.009). There was no difference in procedure time. Conclusion. Trainees randomized to cadaveric training performed better ankle fracture fixations and irradiated patients less during surgery compared to standard-trained trainees. This effect, which was previously unknown, is likely to be a consequence of the intervention. Further study is required. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):594–601

Aims. Proximal femur fractures treatment can involve anterograde nailing with a single or double cephalic screw. An undesirable failure for this fixation is screw cut-out. In a single-screw nail, a tip-apex distance (TAD) greater than 25 mm has been associated with an increased risk of cut-out. The aim of the study was to examine the role of TAD as a risk factor in a cephalic double-screw nail. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on 112 patients treated for intertrochanteric femur fracture with a double proximal screw nail (Endovis BA2; EBA2) from January to September 2021. The analyzed variables were age, sex, BMI, comorbidities, fracture type, side, time of surgery, quality of reduction, pre-existing therapy with bisphosphonate for osteoporosis, screw placement in two different views, and TAD. The last follow-up was at 12 months. Logistic regression was used to study the potential factors of screw cut-out, and receiver operating characteristic curve to identify the threshold value. Results. A total of 98 of the 112 patients met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 65 patients were female (66.3%), the mean age was 83.23 years (SD 7.07), and the mean follow-up was 378 days (SD 36). Cut-out was observed in five patients (5.10%). The variables identified by univariate analysis with p < 0.05 were included in the multivariate logistic regression model were screw placement and TAD. The TAD was significant with an odds ratio (OR) 5.03 (p = 0.012) as the screw placement with an OR 4.35 (p = 0.043) in the anteroposterior view, and OR 10.61 (p = 0.037) in the lateral view. The TAD threshold value identified was 29.50 mm. Conclusion. Our study confirmed the risk factors for cut-out in the double-screw nail are comparable to those in the single screw. We found a TAD value of 29.50 mm to be associated with a risk of cut-out in double-screw nails, when good fracture reduction is granted. This value is higher than the one reported with single-screw nails. Therefore, we suggest the role of TAD should be reconsidered in well-reduced fractures treated with double-screw intramedullary nail. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(6):457–463

Aims. Proper preoperative planning benefits fracture reduction, fixation, and stability in tibial plateau fracture surgery. We developed and clinically implemented a novel workflow for 3D surgical planning including patient-specific drilling guides in tibial plateau fracture surgery. Methods. A prospective feasibility study was performed in which consecutive tibial plateau fracture patients were treated with 3D surgical planning, including patient-specific drilling guides applied to standard off-the-shelf plates. A postoperative CT scan was obtained to assess whether the screw directions, screw lengths, and plate position were performed according the preoperative planning. Quality of the fracture reduction was assessed by measuring residual intra-articular incongruence (maximum gap and step-off) and compared to a historical matched control group. Results. A total of 15 patients were treated with 3D surgical planning in which 83 screws were placed by using drilling guides. The median deviation of the achieved screw trajectory from the planned trajectory was 3.4° (interquartile range (IQR) 2.5 to 5.4) and the difference in entry points (i.e. plate position) was 3.0 mm (IQR 2.0 to 5.5) compared to the 3D preoperative planning. The length of 72 screws (86.7%) were according to the planning. Compared to the historical cohort, 3D-guided surgery showed an improved surgical reduction in terms of median gap (3.1 vs 4.7 mm; p = 0.126) and step-off (2.9 vs 4.0 mm; p = 0.026). Conclusion. The use of 3D surgical planning including drilling guides was feasible, and facilitated accurate screw directions, screw lengths, and plate positioning. Moreover, the personalized approach improved fracture reduction as compared to a historical cohort. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(1):46–52

This prospective randomised trial aimed to assess the superiority of internal fixation of well-reduced medial malleolar fractures (displacement □2mm) compared with non-fixation, following fibular stabilisation in patients undergoing surgical management of a closed unstable ankle fracture. A total of 154 adult patients with a bi- or trimalleolar fracture were recruited from a single centre. Open injuries and vertically unstable medial malleolar fractures were excluded. Following fibular stabilisation, patients were randomised intra-operatively on a 1:1 basis to fixation or non-fixation after satisfactory fluoroscopic fracture reduction was confirmed. The primary outcome was the Olerud Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) at 12 months post-randomisation. Complications were documented over the follow-up period. The baseline group demographics and injury characteristics were comparable. There were 144 patients reviewed at the primary outcome point (94%). The median OMAS was 80 (IQR, 60-90) in the fixation group vs. 72.5 (IQR, 55-90) in the non-fixation group (p=0.165). Complication rates were comparable, although significantly more patients (n=13, 20%) in the non-fixation group developed a radiographic non-union (p<0.001). The majority (n=8/13) were asymptomatic, with one patient requiring surgical reintervention. In the non-fixation group, a superior outcome was associated with an anatomical medial malleolar fracture reduction. Internal fixation is not superior to non-fixation of well-reduced medial malleolar fractures when managing unstable ankle fractures. However, one in five patients following non-fixation developed a radiographic non-union and whilst the re-intervention rate to manage this was low, the longer-term consequences of this are unknown. The results of this trial may support selective non-fixation of anatomically reduced fractures

Talar body fractures are high energy intraarticular injuries that are best management by anatomical reduction and secure fixation to improve outcomes. The talus is relatively inaccessible surgically and requires extensive soft tissue dissection and/or osteotomies to gain adequate open visualisation. There are a small number of case reports on arthroscopic assisted fixation in the literature. This case series reports on the technique and early outcomes of six patients all of whom presented with significant intraarticular displacement and who were managed entirely arthroscopically. The fractures were of the main body of the talus involving the ankle and subtalar joints and all had preoperative CT scans. All six patients underwent posterior ankle and subtalar arthroscopy with cannulated screws used to stabilise the fractures after reduction. Visualisation of the fracture reduction was excellent. After 10 days in a backslab, the patients were protected in a boot and encouraged to actively move their ankles. Weight bearing was permitted once union appeared complete. There were no early complications of infection, avascular necrosis or VTE. There was one patient that had a non-clinically significant migration of a screw. Two patients were lost to follow up early due to being visitors. The mean length of follow up was 12 months in the remainder. The remaining four patients all returned to their preoperative level of activity. All had demonstrable subtalar stiffness. There was no early post-traumatic arthritis. This series represents the largest so far published. The main flaw in this report is the lack of long term follow up. While this report cannot state superiority over open techniques it is a safe, effective and acceptable technique that has significant conceptual benefits

Aims. This study is a prospective, non-randomized trial for the treatment of fractures of the medial malleolus using lean, bioabsorbable, rare-earth element (REE)-free, magnesium (Mg)-based biodegradable screws in the adult skeleton. Methods. A total of 20 patients with isolated, bimalleolar, or trimalleolar ankle fractures were recruited between July 2018 and October 2019. Fracture reduction was achieved through bioabsorbable Mg-based screws composed of pure Mg alloyed with zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca) ( Mg-Zn0.45-Ca0.45, in wt.%; ZX00). Visual analogue scale (VAS) and the presence of complications (adverse events) during follow-up (12 weeks) were used to evaluate the clinical outcomes. The functional outcomes were analyzed through the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle joint and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. Fracture reduction and gas formation were assessed using several plane radiographs. Results. The follow-up was performed after at least 12 weeks. The mean difference in ROM of the talocrural joint between the treated and the non-treated sites decreased from 39° (SD 12°) after two weeks to 8° (SD 11°) after 12 weeks (p ≤ 0.05). After 12 weeks, the mean AOFAS score was 92.5 points (SD 4.1). Blood analysis revealed that Mg and Ca were within a physiologically normal range. All ankle fractures were reduced and stabilized sufficiently by two Mg screws. A complete consolidation of all fractures was achieved. No loosening or breakage of screws was observed. Conclusion. This first prospective clinical investigation of fracture reduction and fixation using lean, bioabsorbable, REE-free ZX00 screws showed excellent clinical and functional outcomes. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2020;9(8):477–483

Intramedullary nails (IMNs) are the current gold standard for treatment of long bone diaphyseal and selected metaphyseal fractures. Their design has undergone many revisions to improve fixation techniques, conform to the bone shape with appropriate anatomic fit, reduce operative time and radiation exposure, and extend the indication of the same implant for treatment of different fracture types with minimal soft tissue irritation. The IMNs are made or either titanium alloy or stainless steel and work as load-sharing internal splints along the long bone, usually accommodating locking elements – screws and blades, often featuring angular stability and offering different configurations for multiplanar fixation – to secure secondary fracture healing with callus formation in a relative-stability environment. Bone cement augmentation of the locking elements can modulate the construct stiffness, increase the surface area at the bone-implant interface, and prevent cut-through of the locking elements. The functional requirements of IMNs are related to maintaining fracture reduction in terms of length, alignment and rotation to enhance fracture healing. The load distribution during patient's activities is along the entire bone-nail interface, with nail length and anatomic fit being important factors to avoid stress risers

Introduction. Unstable ankle fractures are routinely managed operatively. Due to soft-tissue and implant related complications, there has been recent literature reporting on the non-operative management of well-reduced medial malleolus fractures following fibular stabilisation, but with limited evidence supporting routine application. This trial assessed the superiority of internal fixation of well-reduced (displacement ≤2mm) medial malleolus fractures compared with non-fixation following fibular stabilisation. Methods and participants. Superiority, pragmatic, parallel, prospective randomised clinical trial conducted over a four year period. A total of 154 adult patients with a bi- or trimalleolar fractures were recruited from a single centre. Open injuries and vertical medial malleolar fractures were excluded. Following fibular stabilisation, patients were randomised intra-operatively on a 1:1 basis to fixation or non-fixation after satisfactory fluoroscopic fracture reduction was confirmed. The primary outcome was the Olerud Molander Ankle Score (OMAS) at one-year post-randomisation. Complications and radiographic outcomes were documented over the follow-up period. Results. Among 154 participants (mean age, 56.5 years; 119 women [77%]), 144 [94%] completed the trial. At one-year the median OMAS was 80 (IQR, 60–90) in the fixation group compared with 72.5 (IQR, 55–90) in the non-fixation group (p=0.17). Complication rates were comparable. Significantly more patients in the non-fixation group developed a radiographic non-union (20% vs 0%; p<0.001), with the majority (n=8/13) clinically asymptomatic and one patient required surgical re-intervention for this. Fracture type and reduction quality appeared to influence fracture union and patient outcome. Conclusions. In this randomised clinical trial comparing internal fixation of well-reduced medial malleolus fractures with non-fixation, following fibular stabilisation, fixation was not superior according to the primary outcome. However, 1 in 5 patients following non-fixation developed a radiographic non-union and whilst the re-intervention rate to manage this was low, the future implications require surveillance. These results may support selective non-fixation of anatomically reduced medial malleolus fractures

Introduction. Distal femur fractures have traditionally been stabilized with either lateral locking plate or retrograde intramedullary nail. Dual-plates and nail-plate combination fixation have the theoretical biomechanical advantage, faster union and allows patients to weight bear immediately. The aim of this study is to compare single vs combination fixation, and evaluate outcomes and complications. Method. We retrospectively reviewed all patients over 60, admitted to Christchurch Hospital, between 1st Jan 2016 and 31st Dec 2022, with an AO 33A/33B/33C distal femur fracture. Patient demographics, fracture characteristics, operation details, and follow up data were recorded. Primary outcomes are union rate, ambulatory status at discharge, and surgical complications. Secondary outcomes include quality of reduction, operation time and rate of blood transfusions. Results. 114 patients were included. (92 single fixation, 22 combination fixation). Baseline demographic data and fracture characteristics did not differ between the cohorts. There was no difference in the rate of union or time to union between the two cohorts. Combination fixation patients were allowed to weight-bear as tolerated significantly more than single fixation patients (50% vs 18.9%, p=0.003). There was no difference in length of hospital stay, transfusion, complication and mortality rates. Medial translation of the distal articular block was significantly lower in the combination fixation cohort (1.2% vs 3.4%, p=0.021). Operation time was significantly longer in the combination fixation cohort (183mins vs 134mins, p<0.001). Discussion. The results show no difference in achieving union or time to union, despite better quality of fracture reduction with dual fixation. This differs to previously published literature. The clear benefit of combination fixation is immediate weight-bearing. As expected, operation times were longer with combination fixation, however this did not translate to more complications. Conclusion. Combination fixation allows earlier weight bearing, at the cost of longer operation times

Osteosynthesis aims to maintain fracture reduction until bone healing occurs, which is not achieved in case of mechanical fixation failure. One form of failure is plastic plate bending due to overloading, occurring in up to 17% of midshaft fracture cases and often necessitating reoperation. This study aimed to replicate in-vivo conditions in a cadaveric experiment and to validate a finite element (FE) simulation to predict plastic plate bending. Six cadaveric bones were used to replicate an established ovine tibial osteotomy model with locking plates in-vitro with two implant materials (titanium, steel) and three fracture gap sizes (30, 60, 80 mm). The constructs were tested monotonically until plastic plate deformation under axial compression. Specimen-specific FE models were created from CT images. Implant material properties were determined using uniaxial tensile testing of dog bone shaped samples. The experimental tests were replicated in the simulations. Stiffness, yield, and maximum loads were compared between the experiment and FE models. Implant material properties (Young's modulus and yield stress) for steel and titanium were 184 GPa and 875 MPa, and 105 GPa and 761 MPa, respectively. Yield and maximum loads of constructs ranged between 469–491 N and 652–683 N, and 759–995 N and 1252–1600 N for steel and titanium fixations, respectively. FE models accurately and quantitatively correctly predicted experimental results for stiffness (R2=0.96), yield (R2=0.97), and ultimate load (R2=0.97). FE simulations accurately predicted plastic plate bending in osteosynthesis constructs. Construct behavior was predominantly driven by the implant itself, highlighting the importance of modelling correct material properties of metal. The validated FE models could predict subject-specific load bearing capacity of osteosyntheses in vivo in preclinical or clinical studies. Acknowledgements: This study was supported by the AO Foundation via the AOTRAUMA Network (Grant No.: AR2021_03)

Despite past advances of implant technologies, complication rates of fixations remain high at challenging sites such as the proximal humerus [1]. These may not only be owed to the implant itself but also to dissatisfactory surgical execution of fracture reduction and implant positioning. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the instrumentation accuracy of a highly standardised and guided procedure and its influence on the biomechanical outcome and predicted failure risk. Preoperative planning of osteotomies creating an unstable 3-part fracture and fixation with a locking plate was performed based on CT scans of eight pairs of low-density proximal humerus samples from elderly female donors (85.2±5.4 years). 3D-printed subject-specific guides were used to osteotomise and instrument the samples according to the pre-OP plan. Instrumentation accuracies in terms of screw lengths and orientations were evaluated by comparing post-OP CT scans with the pre-OP plan. The fixation constructs were biomechanically tested until cyclic cut-out failure [2]. Failure risks of the planned and the post-OP configurations were predicted using a validated sample-specific finite element (FE) simulation approach [2] and correlated with the experimental outcomes. Small deviations were found for the instrumented screw trajectories compared to the planned configuration in the proximal-distal (0.3±1.3º) and anterior-posterior directions (-1.7±1.8º), and for screw tip to joint distances (-0.3±1.1 mm). Significantly higher failure risk was predicted for the post-OP compared to the planned configurations (p<0.01) via FE. When incorporating the instrumentation inaccuracies, the biomechanical results could be predicted well with FE (R. 2. =0.70). Despite the high instrumentation accuracy achieved using sophisticated subject-specific 3D-printed guides, even minor deviations from the pre-OP plan significantly increased the FE-predicted risk of failure. This underlines the importance of intraoperative guiding technology [3] in tandem with careful pre-OP planning to assist surgeons to achieve optimal outcomes. Acknowledgements. This study was performed with the assistance of the AO Foundation via the AOTRAUMA Network

Introduction. Tibial Pilon fractures are potentially limb threatening, yet standards of care are lacking from BOFAS and the BOA. The mantra of “span, scan, plan” describes staged management with external fixation to allow soft tissue resuscitation, followed by a planning CT-scan. Our aim was to evaluate how Tibial Pilon fractures are acutely managed. Methods. ENFORCE was a multi-centre retrospective observational study of the acute management of partial and complete articular Tibial Pilon fractures over a three-year period. Mechanism, imaging, fracture classification, time to fracture reduction and cast, and soft tissue damage control details were determined. Results. 656 patients (670 fractures) across 27 centres were reported. AO fracture classifications were: partial articular (n=294) and complete articular (n=376). Initial diagnostic imaging mobilities were: plain radiographs (n=602) and CT-scan (n=54), with all but 38 cases having a planning CT-scan. 526 fractures had a cast applied in the Emergency Department (91 before radiological diagnosis), with the times taken to obtain post cast imaging being: mean 2.7 hours, median 2.3 hours, range 28 mins – 14 hours). 35% (102/294) of partial articular and 57% (216/376) of complete articular (length unstable) fractures had an external fixator applied, all of which underwent a planning CT-scan. Definitive management consisted of: open reduction internal fixation (n=495), fine wire frame (n=86), spanning external fixator (n=25), intramedullary nail (n=25), other (n=18). Conclusion. The management of Tibial Pilon fractures is variable, with prolonged delays in obtaining post cast reduction radiographs, and just over half of length unstable complete articular fractures being managed with the gold standard “span, scan, plan” staged soft tissue resuscitation. A BOFAS endorsed BOAST (British Orthopaedic Association Standard for Trauma) for Tibial Pilon fractures is suggested for standardisation of the acute management of these potentially limb threatening injuries, together with setting them apart from more straightforward ankle fractures

Determine the infection risk of nonoperative versus operative repair of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures in patients with pelvic ring injuries. Pelvic ring injuries with extraperitoneal bladder ruptures were identified from a prospective trauma registry at two level 1 trauma centers from 2014 to 2020. Patients, injuries, treatments, and complications were reviewed. Using Fisher's exact test with significance at P value < 0.05, associations between injury treatment and outcomes were determined. Of the 1127 patients with pelvic ring injuries, 68 (6%) had a concomitant extraperitoneal bladder rupture. All patients received IV antibiotics for an average of 2.5 days. A suprapubic catheter was placed in 4 patients. Bladder repairs were performed in 55 (81%) patients, 28 of those simultaneous with ORIF anterior pelvic ring. The other 27 bladder repair patients underwent initial ex-lap with bladder repair and on average had pelvic fixation 2.2 days later. Nonoperative management of bladder rupture with prolonged Foley catheterization was used in 13 patients. Improved fracture reduction was noted in the ORIF cohort compared to the closed reduction external fixation cohort (P = 0.04). There were 5 (7%) deep infections. Deep infection was associated with nonoperative management of bladder rupture (P = 0.003) and use of a suprapubic catheter (P = 0.02). Not repairing the bladder increased odds of infection 17-fold compared to repair (OR 16.9, 95% CI 1.75 – 164, P = 0.01). Operative repair of extraperitoneal bladder ruptures substantially decreases risk of infection in patients with pelvic ring injuries. ORIF of anterior pelvic ring does not increase risk of infection and results in better reductions compared to closed reduction. Suprapubic catheters should be avoided if possible due to increased infection risk later. Treatment algorithms for pelvic ring injuries with extraperitoneal bladder ruptures should recommend early bladder repair and emphasize anterior pelvic ORIF

The surgical care of extra-articular distal tibial fractures remains controversial. This study looks at the radiological outcomes of distal tibial fractures treated with either a direct medial or anterolateral plate, with or without plating of the fibula, to assess the outcome and complications associated with these 2 approaches. This is a retrospective review of 80 patients with distal tibial extra-articular fractures, treated with an open reduction and plating, between 2008 and 2019 at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Case notes and x-rays were reviewed. Of those tibial fractures fixed with only a medial plate, 78% united (28/36), 5% (2/36) had a non-union and 17% (6/36) a malunion. In the group treated with a combination of medial tibial and fibular plating, the figures were; 71% (15/21), 19% (4/21) and 10% (2/21). However, in the group treated with anterolateral plating of the tibia alone, only 53% (8/15) united, with a 20% (3/15) non-union and 13% (2/15) malunion rate. Additionally in this group, there were 2 patients (13%) with loss of fracture reduction within the first two months of fracture fixation, requiring revision surgery. Interestingly, of the 8 patients treated with anterolateral tibial and fibular plating, 88% (7/8) showed full union and only one (12%) had a non-union, with no malunions is this group. It would appear that medial tibial and a combination of medial tibial and fibular plating, have superior outcomes compared to anterolateral plating. Results suggest, if anterolateral plating is done, this should be augmented by fixation of the fibular fracture as well

Tibial plateau fracture reduction involves restoration of alignment and articular congruity. Restorations of sagittal alignment (tibial slope) of medial and lateral condyles of the tibial plateau are independent of each other in the fracture setting. Limited independent assessment of medial and lateral tibial plateau sagittal alignment has been performed to date. Our objective was to characterize medial and lateral tibial slopes using fluoroscopy and to correlate X-ray and CT findings. Phase One: Eight cadaveric knees were mounted in extension. C-arm fluoroscopy was used to acquire an AP image and the C-arm was adjusted in the sagittal plane from 15° of cephalad tilt to 15 ° of caudad tilt with images captured at 0.5° increments. The “perfect AP” angle, defined as the angle that most accurately profiled the articular surface, was determined for medial and lateral condyles of each tibia by five surgeons. Given that it was agreed across surgeons that more than one angle provided an adequate profile of each compartment, a range of AP angles corresponding to adequate images was recorded. Phase Two: Perfect AP angles from Phase One were projected onto sagittal CT images in Horos software in the mid-medial compartment and mid-lateral compartment to determine the precise tangent subchondral anatomic structures seen on CT to serve as dominant bony landmarks in a protocol generated for calculating medial and lateral tibial slopes on CT. Phase Three: 46 additional cadaveric knees were imaged with CT. Tibial slopes were determined in all 54 specimens. Phase One: Based on the perfect AP angle on X-ray, the mean medial slope was 4.2°+/-2.6° posterior and mean lateral slope was 5.0°+/-3.8° posterior in eight knees. A range of AP angles was noted to adequately profile each compartment in all specimens and was noted to be wider in the lateral (3.9°+/-3.8°) than medial compartment (1.8°+/-0.7° p=0.002). Phase Two: In plateaus with a concave shape, the perfect AP angle on X-ray corresponded with a line between the superiormost edges of the anterior and posterior lips of the plateau on CT. In plateaus with a flat or convex shape, the perfect AP angle aligned with a tangent to the subchondral surface extending from center to posterior plateau on CT. Phase Three: Based on the CT protocol created in Phase Two, mean medial slope (5.2°+/-2.3° posterior) was significantly less than lateral slope (7.5°+/-3.0° posterior) in 54 knees (p<0.001). In individual specimens, the difference between medial and lateral slopes was variable, ranging from 6.8° more laterally to 3.1° more medially. In a paired comparison of right and left knees from the same cadaver, no differences were noted between sides (medial p=0.43; lateral p=0.62). On average there is slightly more tibial slope in the lateral plateau than medial plateau (2° greater). However, individual patients may have substantially more lateral slope (up to 6.8°) or even more medial slope (up to 3.1°). Since tibial slope was similar between contralateral limbs, evaluating slope on the uninjured side provides a template for sagittal plane reduction of tibial plateau fractures

Aims. Surgical treatment of young femoral neck fractures often requires an open approach to achieve an anatomical reduction. The application of a calcar plate has recently been described to aid in femoral neck fracture reduction and to augment fixation. However, application of a plate may potentially compromise the regional vascularity of the femoral head and neck. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of calcar femoral neck plating on the vascularity of the femoral head and neck. Methods. A Hueter approach and capsulotomy were performed bilaterally in six cadaveric hips. In the experimental group, a one-third tubular plate was secured to the inferomedial femoral neck at 6:00 on the clockface. The contralateral hip served as a control with surgical approach and capsulotomy without fixation. Pre- and post-contrast MRI was then performed to quantify signal intensity in the femoral head and neck. Qualitative assessment of the terminal arterial branches to the femoral head, specifically the inferior retinacular artery (IRA), was also performed. Results. Quantitative MRI revealed a mean reduction of 1.8% (SD 3.1%) of arterial contribution in the femoral head and a mean reduction of 7.1% (SD 10.6%) in the femoral neck in the plating group compared to non-plated controls. Based on femoral head quadrant analysis, the largest mean decrease in arterial contribution was in the inferomedial quadrant (4.0%, SD 6.6%). No significant differences were found between control and experimental hips for any femoral neck or femoral head regions. The inferior retinaculum of Weitbrecht (containing the IRA) was directly visualized in six of 12 specimens. Qualitative MRI assessment confirmed IRA integrity in all specimens. Conclusion. Calcar femoral neck plating at the 6:00 position on the clockface resulted in minimal decrease in femoral head and neck vascularity, and therefore it may be considered as an adjunct to laterally-based fixation for reduction and fixation of femoral neck fractures, especially in younger patients. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(8):611–617

Abstract. Introduction. The management of hip fractures has advanced on all aspects from prevention, specialised hip fracture units, early operative intervention and rehabilitation in line with increasing incidence in an aging population. Accurate data analysis on the incidence and trends of hip fractures is imperative to guide future management planning. Methods. A review of all articles published on mortality after hip fracture over a twenty year period (1999–2018) was undertaken to determine any changes that had occurred in the demographics and mortality over this period. This article complements and expands upon the findings of a previous article by the authors assessing a four decade period (1959 – 1998) and attempts to present trends and geographical variations over sixty years. Results. The mean age of patients sustaining hip fractures has increased from 73 years (1960s) to 81 years (2000s) to 82 years (2010s). Over the six decade period one-year mortality has reduced from 27% (1960s) to 20% (2010s). The proportion of female hip fractures has decreased from 84% (1960s) to 70% in 2010s. Intracapsular fractures have drecreased from 54% (1970s) to 49% (2000s) and 48% (2010s). Conclusion. Our study indicates that progress has been made with preventative planning, medical management, specialised orthogeriatric units and surgical expediency all playing a role in the improvements in mean age of hip fracture and reduction in mortality rates. While geographical variations do still exist there has been an increase in the study of hip fractures globally indicating increased attention and commitment to an