The treatment for trochanteric femoral fractures is still challenging. Since 2005, we are using 2 new implants: Gamma3™ nail and the PFN-A™.

All patients with a fracture of the trochanteric area were included in an observational study during 3 years.

Objectives were radiographics and clinics (complications) comparaison of these 2 new devices.

We included 426 patients (236 Gamma3™ nails, 190 PFN-A™). We faced the epidemiological data, per and post-operative complications. The tip-apex distance and the position of the cephalic implant were studied.

The 2 implants were well positionned in more than 80%, with no statistic diffferencie. We found a a cut-out rate of 1,4 % and a re-operation rate of 4,9 %. These rates of usual complications are very low in comparaison with litterature. We did not found a statistic difference between these 2 differents nails.

But, we observed 2 unusual complications: for the Gamma3™ nail, a high rate of automatic distal locking failure, and for the PFN-A™, many patients complained of thigh pain resulting from a prominent cephalic blade. These 2 new complications can be avoided by small changes in the operative procedure.

In our mind these 2 implants can be used for treating all patients with trochanteric fracture, but we need other studies to compare these nails with the new generation of sliding plate

Purpose of the study: Volar plate fixation is becoming increasingly popular for instable fractures of the distal radius or on porotic bone. We report our experience and unavoidable or predictable complications with this type of fixation.

Material and methods: The 142 patients who underwent surgery from 2006 to 208 were reviewed and followed prospectively. In 2006 and 200, three types of volar plates were implanted: the Ace Depuy (standard), the T or DRP (Synthes), prolock with locking screws, (ITS) with a series of 104 patients. In 2008, two types of new generation plates with a more anatomic design were used: Variax (Stryker) and Newclip with a series of 48 patients. Complications were noted with minimum four months follow-up.

Results: All fractures healed. The Herzberg score reached 81/100 and the DASH 19.4. The complication rate was 19% (n=19) for the older generation plates and 15% (n=7) for the new anatomic plates. The main complications were tears of the long flexor and long extensor pollicis tendons (two before 2008 and four after 2008), reflex dystrophy (five before 2008 and two after), carpal tunnel syndrome (n=4), and material problems (dislodged screw, protruding screw) with no functional consequences (six before 2008 and one after).

Discussion: The increasing popularity of plate fixation for distal radius fractures generates an increase in complications. These are predictable if the material protrudes (tendon tears caused by overly long screws). Three published series on these specific complications (Rozental 2006, Rampoldi and Arora 2007) found that these problems could be avoided, both by implant design and by surgical technique. Locking the epiphyseal screws requires insertion into the subchondral bone and thus distal implantation of the plates, generating an iatrogenic conflict for the flexors. The rediscovery of the anatomy of the distal radius should help avoid styloid problems, and reconsideration of plate design to avoid advancement both on the ulnar side and the radial side. While the extra-articular volar plates fulfil the same function as pinning (Obert 2006), plates have lower indirect costs than pinning + plaster cast (Candelier 2006). Conversely, there is still no proof of the superiority of locked screws over standard screws.

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this work was to analyse the respective complications of nail fixations for trochanteric fractures. Since January 2005, we have used the Gamma3™ and the PFN-A™ in routine practice. These nails have evolved and we wanted to compare the latest generation models.

Material and methods: This was a prospective consecutive series of 426 files in a single centre (January 2005 to October 200) reviewed at mean 19 months (3–36 months). All patients with a fracture of the trochanter treated by osteosynthesis were included. Eight senior operators implanted Gamma3™ nails (4 operators) or PFN-A™ nails (4 operators). During this period, 236 Gamma3™ and 190 short PNF-A™ nails were implanted. The two cohorts were statistically comparable regarding: mean age, body weight, ASA score, preoperative autonomy, repair of fracture type.

Results: There was no significant difference between the two implants for: implant position (correct position for 80%), early mortality (5.5%), rate of sepsis (1.6%), which were comparable with the literature. In these two groups, the operative time was shorter than in the literature with an advantage for the PFN-A™ (40 min versus 35 min). Sliding was minimal (1.3% for Gamma3™ versus 1.1% for PFN-A™), as was revision (5.1% versus 4.7%). Conversely, the technical complications were implant dependent: defective automatic distal locking for the Gamma3™ (n=24, 10.2%) with fracture on nail for four patients, and protrusion of the cephalic blade for the PFN-A™ (n=11, 5.8%) due to insufficient impaction and to back glide after excessive distraction followed by impaction.

Discussion: There is a rich body of knowledge on the different nail and screw-plate models. Mean sliding is to the order of 4% and mean revision about 8–9%. We could not find a study comparing the new implant generations. These implants enable a reduction of the general complications for trochanteric surgery, but to ensure persistent results, care must be taken for the distal locking of the Gamma3™ and the intraoperative protrusion of the PFN-A™ blade.

PURPOSE: To compare the functionnal and radiological results concerning the “same” distal radius fracture of 3 different and consecutive procedure : dorsal plate, pins and palmar plate.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sixty two patients with a dorsally displaced extra-articular fracture of the distal radius were treated by dorsal plating [group 1, 20 patients, mean age 59,9 yo (25–87)], pinning [group 2, (22 patients, mean age 55,6 yo (17–83)] and volar plating [group 3, 20 patients mean age 57,1 yo (17–78)]. Patients were evaluated by a surgeon not involved in the treatment. Posttreatment evaluations consisted of measurements of range of motion, grip strength, radiographic evaluations between post operative time and last follow up, and evaluation by Herzberg scoring, associated with Gartland and Werley rating system and completion of Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaires. Comparaison of three groups was performed with Kruskall-Wallis or ANOVA test (quantitatives variables) and Khi-2 (qualitatives variables) (p-value < 0.05).

RESULTS : Operative time was same for plate groups but two times more than pin groups. In Group 1 most complications and fair functionnal results were reported (32%) in spite highest follow up. Group 3 showed best results in flexion-extension, with DASH scoring, ulnar variance conservation, and most excellent and good results with Gartland and werley rating system. In group 2 and 3 same percentage of complications were pointed: 5%. Indenpendtly of tretament best results were reported in men, less than 30 yo.

DISCUSSION : If dorsal plate remains logical, such a fixation is challenging with high percentage of complications. In such extrarticular distal radius fracture palmar plate as pinning reach good and reliable functionnal results. Reduction of the palmar cortex remains probably the technical point. If the palmar plate is sufficiently rigid it can offer adequate stability for the treatment of the distal radius fracture in which the anterior and/or posterior metaphyseal cortex is frequently comminuted severely.

Purpose of the study: Appropriate treatment for fractures of the distal radius with dorsal displacement remains a subject of debate. Intrafocal pinning is the most widely used technique in France. Plate fixation has been developed to avoid secondary displacement and stiffness sometimes observed after pinning. We compared three osteosynthesis techniques for the same type of fracture (extra-articular with dorsal displacement).

Material and methods: Sixty-two consecutive patients underwent osteosynthesis using the following techniques successively: posterior plates [20 patients mean age 59.9 years (range 25–87 years)], intra and extra-focal pînning [22 patients mean age 55.6 years (range17–83 years)], the anterior plate [20 patients mean age 57.1 years (range 17–78 years)]. An independent operator evaluated all patients using the Herzberg, Gartland and Werley and Dash scores. The radial slope in the frontal plane, sagittal tilt, and ulnar variance were measured and compared between the preoperative and last follow-up values. Kruskall-Wallis or ANOVA were applied as appropriate for continuous variables and the chi-square test for non-continuous variables. P< 0.05 was considered significant.

Results: Mean operative time was equivalent for the two plate fixation techniques and twice as long as for pinning. There were more complications in the posterior plating group (32%) and less satisfactory function score despite a two-fold longer follow-up and a smaller number of operators. The best results were obtained with the anterior plating group in terms of range of motion (flexion-extension), Dash, preservation of ulnar variance and presence of a largest number of excellent and very good outcomes according to Gartland. The pinning group provided the best results in terms of sagittal slope. The pinning and anterior plating groups had equivalent range of motion for supination pronation and the same rate of complications (5%). Irrespective of the treatment arm, the Herzberg scores and the Gartland and Dash scores were better: in men, in patients aged less than 30 years, in patients with an associated fracture of the apex of the ulnar syloid process rather than its base.

Discussion: While posterior plate fixation is logical (approach on the side of the injury), the technique is difficult and can lead to nerve and tendon complications. For these extra-articular fractures, pinning like anterior plating can provide good functional results. Pinning is a rapid procedure and anterior plates do not have to be removed, allowing more rapid recovery of total independence.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of Norian SRS bone cement injected into a distal radius following reduction and stable fixation in preventing shortening and loss of pronation-supination.

Material and methods: Between 1998 and 2000 48 patients with a mean age of 65 (54–82) sustained distal radius fracture (AO classification stage A in 26 cases, B in 15 cases, C in 7 cases) with metaphyseal comminution. Functionnal and radiological outcomes of the wrist (O’ Brien scorring, Gartland and Werley scoring, DASH) were evaluated with a mean follow up of 46 months (36–56) by a surgeon not involved in treatment. Fixation was performed in 34 cases by pins, in 14 cases by dorsal plate, in 2 cases by external fixator.

Results: 4 patient lost of follow up and 5 mal union were excluded of final evaluation. 3 RSD were pointed on the 39 evaluated patients. O’ Brien scoring reached 84/100 (54–100), Gartland and Werley scoring reached 4,6 (0–11) with 89% excellent and good results, DASH reached 23,6 (5,8–62,7). Ulnar variance changed less than 2mm between postoperative time and maximal follow up in 88%. There were no clinically adverse effects but one case of volar extrusion of injected Norian was pointed with resolutive evolution. Bone substitute was always in place at the longest follow up.

Discussion: Adams, Pogue, Mc Queen pointed the bio-mecanical and clinical advantage to fill the void secondary to the comminution to avoid the shortening of the radius. First cases reported by Kopylov and Jupiter, and prospective series of Kopylov, Sanchez Sotello and Cassidy proved the interest of an adaptative injectable cement in case of comminution. Injectable bone substitute allows to maintain the ulnar variance in competition with bone graft or bio ceramic.

Conclusion: Norian is able to fill a metaphyseal void but fixation of the fracture remains necessary.