Purpose of the study: Both conventional plates (CP) and volar locking plates (VP) are used for the ttreatment of distal fractures of the radius (Crognet 2006, Jupiter 2009). This was a retrospective analysis to compare the respective results of these two plating methods with a one year follow-up and to study the clinical outcomes and quality and duration of the reduction achieved.

Material and methods: From 2005 to 2008, 48 CP and 33 VP were inserted for the same indications, simultaneously in the same unit. The four operators chose the material as needed. The time to treatment was less than 12 hours for 81% of patients. For CP, the fractures were comminutive in 60%, articular in 40% and associated with ligament injury for more than 10%. For VP, the fractures were comminutive in 80%, articular in 86% and in a context of multiple trauma in 20%. The clinical analysis included range of motion, index of reduction (IR), stability (IS) and efficacy (IF) defined at the SOFCOT symposium.

Results: For the two series, the mean range of motion was flexion-extension 118, pronosupination 166; the recovered force was > 75% of the controlateral side. The QuickDash was excellent in more than 75%, good in 10%, fair in 10%, poor in 5%. More than 75% had an anatomic result. Complications were the same in percentage and in type for the two types of plates with no significant difference. For the VP, 95% of the clinical and radiographic outcomes were good or very good. For the CP, the results were the same. There was only one real loss of reduction with migration of an epiphyseal screw with no observable clinical impact.

Discussion: This study was limited by the non randomization; there was a difference in the type of injury between the two series. Use of non-locked plates for fractures of the distal radius has proven efficacy as amply noted in the literature. This was analysed, and in particular with a few comparative CP/VP studies. Locking the volar plate does not guarantee stability in fragile cancellous bone. The problems encountered when removing the VP were not within the scope of this work. The cost of locking can limit systematic use. These two types of plates should not be considered in opposition but rather as complementary techniques.

Purpose of the study: The articulated external fixator of the elbow joint is often useful for the treatment of trauma victims. It can neutralise dislocation forces and protect osteosynthesis assemblies and ligament repairs while authorising early mobilisation. This work reports our indications and application of this type of fixator, as well as the expected clinical and radiographic outcomes.

Material and methods: From 1995 to 2008, 34 patients had an external fixator of the elbow in our unit, in combination with classical treatment. Two groups of patients were distinguished, those with a traumatic injury requiring emergency care (n=15, group 1: six dislocations, two fracture-dislocations, and seven complex fractures), and those treated outside an emergency context (n=10, group 2: ten chronic dislocations or subluxations, four stiff joints, one infection, four material disassemblies). Eighteen patient were reviewed retrospectively, clinically and radiographically. The DASH score and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) were noted. The Broberg and Morrey classification was used for osteoarthritis.

Results: At mean 4.3 years follow-up, for groups 1 and 2, the DASH scores were 35 and 25 points and the MEPS scores 74 and 74 points respectively. In group 1, the range of motion was 63° for flexion-extension; the elbow was centred and stable in all cases except 2 (one posterior subluxation). Six elbows presented moderate to severe osteoarthritis. In group 2, the range of motion was 80° flexion-extension; the elbow was centred and stable in all cases except one (one posterior subluxation). Moderate to severe osteoarthritis was noted in five elbows. There were four complications: two cases of transient (ulnar and radial) paralysis, one fracture of the humerus on a pin track, and one superficial pin track infection.

Discussion: This study demonstrates that the articulated external fixation can maintain the reduction during the healing process for complex elbow trauma where stability is compromised. The morbidity is low and functional outcomes favourable. Early mobilization of these injured elbows can limit secondary stiffness. The prognosis remains a function of the initial injury and the quality of the associated treatments.

Purpose of the study: Propionibacterium acnes (PBA) is an anaerobic Gram-positive commensal bacillus of human skin which can cause bone and joint infections (Lutz 2005, Zeller 200, Levy 2008). The purpose of this work was to evaluate over a given period the frequency of PBA infections and the reality of its role as a pathogenic organism.

Material and methods: A retrospective survey of activity from 2006 to 2008 using bacteriology laboratory data identified 34 patients (22 male and 12 female) with at least one sample collected during an orthopaedic or traumatology surgical procedure that was positive for PBA. The mean number of positive samples was 3.6; 17 from the thoracic limb, 17 from the pelvic limb, involving 16 arthroplasties (4 hips, 6 knees, 5 shoulders, 1 elbow), 13 osteosynthesis procedures, 3 cuff repairs and 1 acromioclavicular procedure. Six of 20 histology samples showed a septic granuloma.

Results: The PBA was the only germ isolated in 18 cases; it was associated with other bacteria in 16 cases. Other blood tests were abnormal (WBC 6800 leukocytes, CRP 25mg/L en average). According to the Lutz classification, three groups of infection could be identified: certain infection with clinical signs and at least two positive samples (n=12), possible with clinical signs but only one positive sample (n=5), and probable without clinical signs and one or more positive samples (n=17). Of the 12 patients in the first group, eight had material (three shoulder prostheses, three hips, one knee and one femoral nail), which had to be removed for six with use of a cemented spacer in four. Mean duration of antibiotics was five weeks. Four patients in this group have not yet achieved cure. In the second group, all samples were taken from a thoracic limb and had another germ in four cases; all patients have achieved cure. In the third group, the samples were systematic (two shoulder arthroplasties, two repeated cuff repairs, five revision prostheses, four nonunions and four material removal); only one sample was positive in ten cases and only five patients were given antibiotics; all achieve cure.

Discussion: This series is in agreement with the literature: frequent localization on a thoracic limb, association with another germ, questionable attribution to PBA. Patients meeting the criteria of the first group should be treated. If a PBA infection is suspected, samples should be repeated, with prolonged culture; this attitude should be validated prospectively.

To determine the functional outcome of floating knee injury a retrospective study was undertaken at 3 level 1 trauma centers.

Methods: Between 1998 and 2004, 96 consecutive patients were identified with at least 2 years follow up. The average age of the cohort is 31 years (15–74) with 76 males. The average ISS was 17.3 (9–57), 31.3% of the patients were multiply injured (ISS > 18). According Fraser’s classification, 78 patients presented a type I lesion. At least one of the fracture was open in 77% of cases.

Results: The preferred fixation method for the femur was IM nailing, either antegrade (58) or retrograde (14). IM nailing of the tibia was performed in 59 cases. Infection occurred at one site in 14 patients and non union in 25. A multivariate analysis did not show any significant increased risk of non union or different clinical result when using a retrograde nailing technique (single knee incision) except a shorter mean operating time (177’ vs. 132’, p=0.0144) and a shorter mean total surgical procedure (155’ vs. 240’, p< 0.0001). The Karlstrom’s score at the latest follow up was obtained in 86 patients (2–4.5 years) and was rated as good or excellent in 63,4% of cases in type 1 injuries versus 16,7% in type 2.

Conclusion: Floating knee injury remain a rare lesion showing extremely bad prognosis factors in general although clinical results remain closely correlated to intra articular involvement at the fracture site.

We retrospectively analysed the clinical results of 30 patients with injuries of the sternoclavicular joint at a minimum of 12 months’ follow-up. A closed reduction was attempted in 14 cases. It was successful in only five of ten dislocations, and failed in all four epiphyseal disruptions. A total of 25 patients underwent surgical reduction, in 18 cases in conjunction with a stabilisation procedure.

At a mean follow-up of 60 months, four patients were lost to follow-up. The functional results in the remainder were satisfactory, and 18 patients were able to resume their usual sports activity at the same level. There was no statistically significant difference between epiphyseal disruption and sternoclavicular dislocation (p > 0.05), but the functional scores (Simple Shoulder Test, Disability of Arm, Shoulder, Hand, and Constant scores) were better when an associated stabilisation procedure had been performed rather than reduction alone (p = 0.05, p = 0.04 and p = 0.07, respectively).

We recommend meticulous pre-operative clinical assessment with CT scans. In sternoclavicular dislocation managed within the first 48 hours and with no sign of mediastinal complication, a closed reduction can be attempted, although this was unsuccessful in half of our cases. A control CT scan is mandatory. In all other cases, and particularly if epiphyseal disruption is suspected, we recommend open reduction with a stabilisation procedure by costaclavicular cerclage or tenodesis. The use of a Kirschner wire should be avoided.

PURPOSE: Oldest elderly trochanteric fractures treatments are common but long term follow up studies are indistinct. Previous data about all outcomes are not reported for oldest one. The purpose was to update all the results for these oldest old patients.

METHODS: A prospective, longitudinal study was undertaken of 455 “31 A1, A2, A3” (OTA) peritrochanteric femur fractures through 2002. There were 84% female patients. The age was 88 (80–105) ±5 years. Associated hip arthritis rate was 10%. 31 A1 and 31 A2 really trochanteric fractures were 90% (31 A1: 52% and 31 A2: 38%), 31 A3 subtrochanteric were 10%. Surgical treatment was achieved for 97%: [extramedullary internal fixation (dynamic hip screw): 36%, intramedullary (trochanteric nail): 56%, hip arthroplasty: 5%]. Functional treatment (not displaced or contra-indicated) was achieved for 3%. Katz, mental, Parker, walking scores, live place before and at long term after fracture, radiological healing and complications were registered.

RESULTS: The radiological healing rate after 3 months was 85% and after 6 was 97%. Complications rate: the general complications rate during 1st month was 12% and between 1st and 3rd month was 8%. The local complications rate during the 1st month was 4% (local infection: 1%) and between 1st and 3rd month was < 1%. The new surgical procedures rate during the 1st month was < 0.5%, between 1st and 3rd month was 3%, between 3rd and 6th month was 3%. Clinical results: Post-operative weight bearing was uncertain. 6th month after fracture 72% of the patients were alive (dead: 28% and non-surgically treated: twice more). All scores and live place demonstrated dependence increase. > 6th month after fracture mortality was common.

CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: Intra/extra capsular hip fractures ratio increases after 80. These are older, more dependant and help demanding. Hip arthritis inflates hip fracture risk. Success points technical procedures had been demonstrated by randomised studies: dynamic hip screws for stable fractures and trochanteric nails for unstable; hip prosthesis for arthritis or poor bone. Practice surgery for all trochanteric fractures. Don’t separate trochanteric/subtrochanteric. The prognostic is rather poor (mortality rate, functional outcomes), depending on initial functional score and dependence. Modern internal fixation is reliable. Arthroplasty should be considered.

Purpose of the study: Glenohumeral dysplasia is an uncommon cause of degenerative disease of the shoulder joint. In this context, arthroplasty is a therapeutic challenge due to the bony deformations.

Material and methods: Between 1998 and 2004, simple humeral prostheses were implanted in eight shoulders (seven patients, two men and five women, mean age 49.5 years). There was no procedure on the glenoid cavity. A Neer II was used for four shoulders (two dysplasic cases with short 63 mm stems) and a Neer III for four shoulders.

Results: At mean follow-up of 4.5 years (maximum 7 yers) the Neer outcome was satisfactory for five patients and non-satisfactory for two. Five of the seven patients were satisfied with their operation. The Constant scores improved: from 3.5 to 11.8 for pain, 9.8 to 16.6 for activity, and 13.8 to 24.4 for active mobility. Active anterior elevation was 114° on average, external rotation 25°, and internal rotation at level L3. The overall constant score was 52.8 points with a weighted score of 43%. Radiographically, there were no lucent lines around the humeral implant. Anterior dislocation occurred in one shoulder six months after the initial operation. Capsuloligament revision was performed but the implant was left in place. For one other shoulder, secondary rotator cuff tears limited the function outcome, but the prosthesis was not revised.

Discussion and conclusion: The results were average, but did allow our patients to resume nearly normal activity without pain. Looking at the failures in this small series suggests that the status of the rotator cuff is the main prognostic factor. Neither glenoid deformation nor the lack of replacement appeared to have an effect on the final outcome. Deformation of the proximal end of the humerus may require use of a shorter stem which should be available at the time of the operation.

Purpose of the study: The proximal humerus is a common localization for solitary endchondroma. Levy (Clin Orthop2004, 431) emphasized the frequency of associated muscle and tendon disease. Treatment is generally curettage-autograft filling. Use of calcium phosphate bone substitute has been validated (A. Uchida et al. J Bone Joint Surg (Br) 90, F. Gouin Rev Chir Orthop 95, R. Mirzayan J Bone Joint Surg (Am) 2001). This retrospective analysis was conducted to determine the signs and symptoms and report the results of surgical treatment obtained in a consecutive series of 15 patients with metaphyseal enchondroma treated in the same unit.

Material and methods: This series included twelve women and three men, mean age 48.2 years (range 38–73). All complained of pain. Two also had signs of calcification and six presented a cuff tendinopathy. Eight had had one or more joint injections. On average, the enchondromas measured 3.1 cm on the ap view and 3.6 cm on the lateral view. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated the presence of a subacromial effusion in 13/16 shoulders, supraspinatus tendinopathy in six, calcifications in three, and acromioclavicular arthropathy in three. Curettage was followed by filling with biphased tricalcium phosphate (SBM, Lourdes) associated in nine shoulders with acromioplasty-bursectomy and in two with resection of a calcification.

Results: There were no postoperative complications. Mean follow-up was six months. All patients recovered joint motion, seven were pain free, six complained of pain at exercise and two had episodic pain. There were no local signs of substitute intolerance. Follow-up was greater than one year in 12 patients and greater than two years in eight: seven shoulders were pain free, three presented pain at exercise, and two required analgesic drugs. Radiographically, the limit between the bone substitute and the cancellous bone was imprecise; the bone substitute could not be readily visualized in four shoulders, had faded out in three, and was visible in five.

Discussion: The association of enchondroma and a rotator cuff pathology is common suggesting the tumor could affect disease expression. Imaging provides strong arguments favoring a benign disease. Use of bone substitute for filling is reliable and avoids the need for an iliac graft.

Conclusion: A fortuitously discovered or painful enchondroma of the humerus should be treated by curettage-filling with bone substitute as soon as the nature of the tumor has been clearly identified and/or strong uptake on scintigraphy visualized. This is a supplementary operative argument suggesting an associated cuff pathology.

Purpose of the study: Locked centromedullary nailing (LCMN) has become the gold standard treatment for fractures of the femur (I. Kempf, Chirurgie 91 ; 117 : 478 / Borel R.C.O. 93 ; 79,553 / Wolinsky J. trauma 99, 46 : 382). Nevertheless, the SOFCOT 2004 round table emphasized the frequency of complications related to inappropriate material and techniques. The series studied had several biases: multicentric recruitment, materials with different designs, high percentage of patients lost to follow-up. In order to overcome these shortcomings we reviewed retrospectively a consecutive series of LCMN performed in a single center from 2001 to 2002, attempting to be as exhaustive as possible.

Material and methods: The study group included 78 patients (81 LCMN) aged 30 years on average (range 16–87 years) with male predominance (69%). A large proportion of patients were traffic accident victims (44% two-wheel vehicles, 42% four-wheel vehicles). The fracture was open in 8% and 65% of patients had multiple fractures (11% floating knees, 23% multiple trauma). The fractures were simple (43%), wedge (47%) and comminutive (10%). Time to operation was 7.4 hr on average for 83% of patients. Mean reaming was 12 mm (range 11–14 mm). An 11-mm (range 10–13 mm) static Grosse and Kempf (Stryker) nail was used in all patients. Intraoperative complications occurred in 8% of cases with no effect on bone healing.

Results: Three patients died from severe head trauma. Five patients were lost to follow-up. Written follow-up data were available for six patients and 64 patients were reviewed clinically. Among the 70 fractures with known outcome, four had not healed (with two screw failures and one nail failure). Knee motion was normal in all patients. Anteroposterior and lateral alignment was normal (±5°) in 94% with no leg length discrepancy (< 10 mm)in 87%. The nail was withdrawn in 84% of patients and the withdrawal procedure was complicated in three cases (hematoma, screw failure). Mean hospital stay for single-fracture patients was 9.7 days for nailing and 2.2 days for nail removal.

Discussion: LCMN is a reliable technique which provides constant clinical results when applied with rigorous technique. The logistics is resource intensive. Nonunion can be revised with the same method. A new nailing with second reaming should be performed early in the event of late healing.

Purpose: Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the humeral head is an uncommon condition. Arthroplasty remains the treatment of choice when the head has lost its spherical shape. The purpose of this work was to assess clinical and radiological results in a monocentric consecutive series of 19 shoulders.

Material and methods: Twelve men and five women, mean age 56 years were treated for humeral head osteonecrosis with a shoulder prosthesis. Seven patients had quadripolar necrosis: two had four prostheses (2 shoulder + 2 hip), three had three prostheses (1 shoulder + 2 hip), and two had two prostheses (1 shoulder + 1 hip). Osteonecrosis was idiopathic in six cases, related to corticosteroid treatment in ten, radiotherapy in two, and Gaucher disease in one. The Arlet and Ficat classification showed stage II=3, stage IV=13 and stage V=3. There were rotator cuff tears in two patients. Fourteen simple humeral prostheses and five total shoulder prostheses were implanted.

Results: At mean seven years follow-up (2–12), the Neer classification showed excellent outcome in seven shoulders, satisfactory outcome in nine, and unsatisfactory outcome in three. Eighty-nine percent of the patients were satisfied. The Constant pain score improved from 1.5 points to 11.5 points, the activity score from 7.2 to 14.6, and motion from 15 to 27. Active anterior flexion was 120°, external rotation 34°, internal rotation at L3. The rough Constant score was 58 and the weighted score 78%. There were no lucent lines around the humeral implants, but a complete line was present around two glenoid implants which were radiographically loosened. These two shoulders presented glenoiditis with glenoid wear. No surgical revisions have been performed to date.

Discussion: Shoulder prosthesis has given satisfactory results for osteonecrosis of the humeral head with resolution of pain in 80% of patients. Shoulder motion remains limited in relation with the often significant preoperative stiffness. Results have been better in patients with less advanced disease preoperatively and preserved motion. In our series, poor results were found in patients whose osteonecrosis was radiation-related.

Purpose: The results of coracoid blocks for the treatment of anterior shoulder instability are satisfactory (SOFCOT 1991 and 1999). Little work has been devoted to complications of this operation. We report our results after surgical revision in a consecutive series of seventeen patients.

Material and methods: Fourteen men and three women, mean age 34 years, required a second interention after anterior coracoid block: for recurent instability in ten cases and for painful stiff shoulder in seven. Radiographic assessment demonstrated a conflict between the block and/or the screw with the humeral head in 13 cases and signs of joint degeneration in three. The block was malpositioned in eight shoulders. The stabilisation procedure (Bankart ± capsuloplasty) was performed for these unstable shoulders with debridement and removal of the screw and or the block for painful stiff shoulders. The subscapular tendon was normal preoperatively in two shoulders, fibrous or thin in eleven and torn in one. The time from the first operation to revision was eleven years on the average.

Results: At mean follow-up of 21 months, the patients were assessed with the Duplay score. Results were good or excellent for eleven patients (70% for stabilised unstable shoulders and 57% for debrided painful stiff shoulders), fair for four and poor for two. Clinical assessment of the subscapular demonstrated a deficiency in ten shoulders. The force of internal rotation of the operated shoulder was 3.3 kg less than for the controlateral shoulder. Computed tomography demonstrated significant fatty degeneration of the subscapular in four patients. Glenohumeral joint degeneration was observed in nine shoulders. The most significant prognostic factor for final outcome was the number of prior interventions (p< 0.01).

Discussion: The result of revision surgery after coarcoid block depends on the clinical presentation. While the results for painful stiff shoulders remained very limited due to frequent intra-articular lesions, adjunction of a capsuloplasty with or without reinsertion of the glenoid rim yielded satsifactory results in more than two-thrids of the unstable shoulders. Involvement of the subscapular muscle appears to be related to multiple interventions in these shoulders, as well as to the deleterious effect of the block (Picard 1998, Glasson 1999) and continues to be the crucial prognostic factor for final outcome.

Purpose: External fixation has restricted indications in fractures of the femur, particularly in the distal portion. Between 1986 to December 2001 we used external fixation for 21 first-intention treatments of metaphyseal epiphyseal distal femur fractures. This retrospective study was designed to detail the contribution of this type of fixation.

Material and methods: The series included 14 men and six women (one bilateral case), mean age 33 years (range 17–83). All patients were victims of high-energy trauma. Twelve had multiple injuries (mean ISS 20) and 16 had multiple fractures including ten floating knees. According to the Gustilo classification, the 20 open injuries were one type 1, five type II, fourteen type III including two IIIC with rupture of the femoral artery. Three patients had burns or degloving injury of the thigh. An exclusive femoro-femur fixation was used with a dynamic axial fixator associated with complementary epiphyseal screws in eight cases. The AO classification ws six metaphyseal injuries (4 C2, 7C22 and 3 C23). Associated procedures included two vessel repairs, two rectus dorsi flaps, and four modifications of the fixator or new reduction.

Results: One patient died from mulitple injuries. Two required amputation for failed vascular repair and free flap. Eight patients achieved bone healing with the fixator alone including two who had an autologous graft. Mean time to healing was 10 months (5–14). One patient developed secondary fracture at eight months treated successfully with retrograde nailing. The knee had to be mobilised in four cases and arthrolysis was necessary in three. For ten cases, the external fixator was replaced voluntarily with centromedularly nailing (n=2, one supracondylar and one Grosse Kempf), or plate fixation (n=8) associated with autologous graft in four (three fibular transfers and one iliac graft). These two operative times were consecutive in seven cases and separated by a period of traction in three. The two nailings and the five plate fixations healed in a mean eight months (5–10). Three plate fixations failed: two aseptic nonunions (prosthesis revision and arthrodesis) and one suppuration currently under treatment. At minimum follow-up of 18 months, 15 patients had a known clinical result with bone healing achieved: mean active flexion was 81° (50–120°). Only one patient had deficient extension (10°). Nine patients had achieved anatomic alignment in both the frontal and sagittal planes; three presented recurvatum of 5–10° and three had a frontal deviation less than 10°.

Discussion: This experience illustrates the difficulty in correctly reducing femoral alignment while maintaining active knee mobility. This series points out the risk of infection in case of secondary osteosynthesis. External fixation should be reserved for exceptional indications: rupture of the vascular trunk, major cutaneous injury, or a temporary solution in the case of multiple injuries before rapid osteosynthesis to achieve a stable fixation.

Purpose: Reaming is classically contraindicated for open leg fractures. For certain authors, reaming can favour bone healing without increasing the risk of infection (Court-Brown JBJS 90B and 91B, Wiss Coor 95). The aim of this retrospective analysis of patients treated in a single centre was to validate these notions and determine the role of locked centromedullary nailing (LN) with reaming for the treatment of open leg fractures.

Material and methods: Between 1989 and June 2000, 141 open leg fractures were fixed with locked centromedullary nailing without reaming in 103 men and 38 women, mean age 34 years, who were mainly accident victims (2-wheel vehicles 43%, 4-wheel vehicles 22%). Multiple trauma was present in 18.7% of the cases and multiple fractures in 28%. Skin wounds were (Gustilo classification): type I 81 (57%), type II 38 (27%), type IIIA 14, and type IIIB 8. There was a simple fracture in 50% of the cases, a wedge fracture in 32%, and comminution in 18% with bifocal fractures in 10 cases. Osteosynthesis was performed within a mean 5.5 hours (2–18) and deferred in six cases. The Grosse and Kempf nail was used in all cases with reaming (man 11). Static locking was used in 88% of the cases. type I, II and IIA skin wounds were sutured after debridement. Three aponeurotomies were performed as preventive measures. Type IIIB wounds were treated by early plasty. A brief antibiotic prophylaxis was given in all cases.

Results: There was one aggravation of the comminution, two dismantelings subsequent to unauthorised weight-bearing, three compartment syndromes and one lateral sciatic popliteal paralysis. Two patients died from their multiple injuries. Four patients developed infection: two healed without removing the nail, one was amputated (free flap failure). One patient consulted another unit. Ten patients who were not residents of our area were lost to follow-up. Dynamisation was performed in 31 patients (25.6%) at a mean 4.4 months. Four patients with delayed healing cured after a new nailing with secondary reaming. Delay to bone healing was related to the type of fracture (p < 0.01): 4.2 months for type A (AO classification), 5.2 months for type B and 5.9 months for type C. Bone healing was correlated with Gustilo type (p < 0.05): 4.5 months for types I, 4.6 months for type II, 5.8 months for types III. Six patients developed nonunion: four were revised with success after a new nailing and secondary reaming (two lost to follow-up). Delayed healing and non-union were related to type of fracture (A = 3.8%, B = 15.6%, C = 18%) and soft tissue damage (Gustilo I: 4.1%; II: 10.7%; III: 15.8%).

Discussion conclusion: Locked centromedullary nailing with reaming is appropriate when the skin wound is minimal; dynamisation and/or replacement of the nail with secondary reaming should be discussed early in case of delayed healing.

Purpose: We report a series of 16 GUEPAR total elbow prostheses implanted in a single centre.

Material and methods: Between 1988 and 1996, sixteen GUEPAR prostheses were implanted in 13 patients (three bilateral implantations). There were 11 women and two men, mean age 61 years (51–81). Twelve patients (14 elbows) had rheumatoid polyarthritis and one patient (two elbows) had post-traumatic degenerative disease. The V transtricepital approach was used in 15 cases and the Bryan-Morrey approach in one. Postoperatively, the elbows were immobilised at 45° flexion for the normal period (18 days) followed by active mobilisation. Results were analysed with the Mayo Clinic score. The radiographs were examined in search for lucent lines and signs of loosening and prosthetic instability.

Results: At a mean follow-up of four years (2–12), the mean Mayo Clinic score had improved from 33 to 75 points (45–100). Eleven elbows were pain free at last follow-up. Extension and flexion progressed 22° giving a postoperative amplitude of 34° to 129°. Pronation supination progressed by 15° giving a 154° rotation amplitude. The function score improved from 6 to 18 points. Seven of the sixteen elbows achieved normal function. Outcome was excellent for seven elbows, good for one, fair for three and poor for five. In two elbows, instability required changing the ulnar implant. There were four implant loosenings that required revision at 24, 36 ,36 and 48 months after the initial implantation. The radiographic analysis demonstrated a complete lucent line around the humeral and ulnar implant in one case, around the ulnar implant in one case. There were two peroperative fractures of the humerus and on postoperative fracture due to a fall. Ulnar paresthesia was observed in two cases requiring secondary neurolysis in one. There were no infections or secondary injury to the triceps.

Discussion: The GUEPAR prosthesis is a non-constrained prosthesis essentially indicated for rheumatoid polyarthritis. If the intrinsic stability is lost, the implant is contraindicated if there is loss of bone stock or if the instability is major. In selected cases, a generally painless elbow with recovery of the functional amplitude can be achieved with this prosthesis. Nevertheless, the presence of four early loosenings in our series as well as two instabilities suggest this implant should be abandoned in favour of a semi-constrained implant.

Purpose: We report our experience with 23 Coonrad-Morrey total elbow prostheses.

Material and methods: Between July 1997 and February 2001, we implanted 34 Coonrad-Morrey total elbow pros-theses in 33 patients. Twenty-three patients (23 implants) were reviewed at a mean 24 months follow-up, maximum 40 months. There were three men and 20 women, mean age 62 years (42–69). Twelve patients had rheumatoid polyarthritis, the principal indication. There were also four recent fractures of the distal humerus, two nonunions, and one patient with post-traumatic osteoarthritis. One patient had sequelar osteoarthritis since childhood. Finally three revisions were performed for loosening of a GUEPAR prosthesis in two cases and a GSBIII prosthesis in one. Results were assessed with the Mayo Clinic score. We searched for lucent lines around the implants, polyethylene wear, and incorporation of the bone graft behind the anterior wing of the implant on plain radiographs.

Results: At last follow-up, the mean Mayo Clinic score had improved from 25 to 89 points (70–100). Before surgery, 17 patients had severe pain. At last follow-up, eight patients had occasional pain. Extension was improved by 10°, flexion by 27° giving a postoperative amplitude of 29° to 132°. Prona-tion supination progressed by 37° giving a rotation amplitude of 127°. The function score improved from 4 to 21 points. Sixteen of the 23 patients had normal elbow function. Outcome was excellent in 13 patients, good in eight, and fair in two. There were no lucent lines visible on the radiographs. There was no sign of polyethylene wear. The bon graft was incorporated behind the implant in 20 cases and was not visible in three. Complications included one peroperative fracture, one cutaneous dehiscence, one post-operative fracture of the olecranon due to a fall, and persistent ulnar paresthesia in four patients requiring secondary neurolysis in one.

Discussion, conclusion: The Coonrad-Morrey semi-constrained prosthesis provides a response to a large range of situations. The dominant indication is rheumatoid polyarthritis, but trauma patients can benefit from this reliable therapeutic solution giving a satisfactory rate of success. A satisfactory functional amplitude is generally achieved with this implant and the elbow is generally pain free.

Purpose of the study: A retrospective series of 40 patients who underwent simultaneous intramedullary nailings for bilateral femoral shaft fractures was analyzed. The aim of our study was to verify that simultaneous nailing without reaming does not increased risk of fat embolism and to assess clinical and radiological outcome.

Material and method: This series included 27 men and 13 women, mean age 27.8 years, who underwent first intention intramedullary nailing between 1986 and February 1999. Thirty-two patients had multiple fractures. Mean ISS was 23 (range 9 to 59). Among the 80 femoral shaft fractures, 15 were open fractures, 3 were associated with sciatic paralysis, and 4 were complicated by an interruption of the femoral vessels. The AO classification was: type A = 44; type B = 25; type C = 11. Mean delay to simultaneous centromedullary nailing was 3.8 days: surgery was performed on the day of arrival for 25 patients. General anesthesia was used in all cases with respiratory assistance (FIO2 = 50 to 100 p. 100). Mean nail diameter was 11.6 (range 10–14). Gurd criteria and PaO2 were followed to assess pulmonary function. Clinical and radiological outcome was assessed using the modified Thorensen criteria.

Results: Preoperatively, PaO2 was < 87 mmHg in 8 patients. Four of these patients showed a discrete drop off and three improved well above the normal level. Only one patient experienced an important decrease but did not develop respiratory distress. Among the 32 patients with a normal level preoperatively, PaO2 remained in the normal range in 18, fell to a limit level but below 87 mmHg in 4, and showed a substantial drop off of 46 to 172 mmHg in 10. Two of these 10 patients developed respiratory distress due to fat embolism which was fatal in one case. One other patient died in the immediate postoperative period of an undetermined cause. All of the other patients recovered normal gas levels within a few hours or days. There were four cases of phlebitis, including one with pulmonary embolism, one case of respiratory distress by pulmonary superinfection, and one case of septicemia. Both femoral fracture sites became infected in one patient. Malunion occurred in two cases. Two vascular repairs of the femoropopliteal axis were unsuccessful, leading to above knee amputations. Thirty-four patients have been examined after a minimal 12 months follow-up (mean 30 months). Outcome was excellent for 48 femurs, good for 10 and fair for 10.

Discussion: This continuous series of simultaneous bilateral femoral shaft intramedullary nailings appears to be the only such report to date. The clinical and radiological outcomes were comparable with those achieved in one-side femoral fractures. The risk of fat embolism is inevitable after long bone fractures. Many factors favoring the risk are recognized, the most important being delay to fixation. Reaming creates excessive pressure in the medullary canal and could thus contribute to the risk. The presence of an associated chest trauma is not a formal contraindication if effective hematosis is preserved as evidenced by the blood gases.

Conclusion: Simultaneous nailing of bilateral femoral shaft fractures can be performed if blood gases remain acceptable and minimal reaming is used.