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. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with traumatic distal femur fracture treated with lateral locking plate between 2009 and 2018. The patients who underwent secondary surgery due to fracture healing problem or plate failure were considered having nonunion. Background knowledge of risk factors of distal femur fracture nonunion based on previous literature was used to form an initial set of variables. A logistic regression model was used with previously identified patient- and injury-related variables (age, sex, BMI, diabetes, smoking, periprosthetic fracture, open fracture, trauma energy, fracture zone length, fracture comminution, medial side comminution) in the first analysis and with treatment-related variables (different surgeon-controlled factors, e.g. plate length, screw placement, and proximal fixation) in the second analysis to predict the nonunion leading to secondary surgery in distal femur fractures. Results. We were able to include 299 fractures in 291 patients. Altogether, 31/299 fractures (10%) developed nonunion. In the first analysis, pseudo-R. 2. was 0.27 and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.81. BMI was the most important variable in the prediction. In the second analysis, pseudo-R. 2. was 0.06 and AUC was 0.67. Plate length was the most important variable in the prediction. Conclusion. The model including patient- and injury-related factors had moderate fit and predictive ability in the prediction of distal femur fracture nonunion leading to secondary surgery. BMI was the most important variable in prediction of nonunion. Surgeon-controlled factors had a minor role in prediction of nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):584–593

Introduction. Computer hexapod assisted orthopaedic surgery (CHAOS) has previously been shown to provide a predictable and safe method for correcting multiplanar femoral deformity. We report the outcomes of tibial deformity correction using CHAOS, as well as a new cohort of femoral CHAOS procedures. Materials and Methods. Retrospective review of medical records and radiographs for patients who underwent CHAOS for lower limb deformity at our tertiary centre between 2012–2020. Results. There were 70 consecutive cases from 56 patients with no loss to follow-up. Mean age was 40 years (17 to 77); 59% male. There were 48 femoral and 22 tibial procedures. Method of fixation was intramedullary nailing in 47 cases and locking plates in 23. Multiplanar correction was required in 43 cases. The largest correction of rotation was 40 degrees, and angulation was 28 degrees. Mean mechanical axis deviation reduction per procedure was 17.2 mm, maximum 89 mm. Deformity correction was mechanically satisfactory in all patients bar one who was under-corrected, requiring revision. Complications from femoral surgery included one under-correction, two cases of non-union, and one pulmonary embolism. Complications from tibial surgery were one locking plate fatigue failure, one compartment syndrome, one pseudoaneurysm of the anterior tibial artery requiring stenting, and one transient neurapraxia of the common peroneal nerve. There were no deaths. Conclusions. CHAOS can be used for reliable correction of complex deformities of both the femur and tibia. The risk profile appears to differ between femoral and tibial surgeries

Objectives. Screw plugs have been reported to increase the fatigue strength of stainless steel locking plates. The objective of this study was to examine and compare this effect between stainless steel and titanium locking plates. Methods. Custom-designed locking plates with identical structures were fabricated from stainless steel and a titanium alloy. Three types of plates were compared: type I unplugged plates; type II plugged plates with a 4 Nm torque; and type III plugged plates with a 12 Nm torque. The stiffness, yield strength, and fatigue strength of the plates were investigated through a four-point bending test. Failure analyses were performed subsequently. Results. For stainless steel, type II and type III plates had significantly higher fatigue strength than type I plates. For titanium, there were no significant differences between the fatigue strengths of the three types of plates. Failure analyses showed local plastic deformations at the threads of screw plugs in type II and type III stainless steel plates but not in titanium plates. Conclusion. The screw plugs could increase the fatigue strength of stainless steel plates but not of titanium plates. Therefore, leaving screw holes open around fracture sites is recommended in titanium plates. Cite this article: L-W. Hung, C-K. Chao, J-R. Huang, J. Lin. Screw head plugs increase the fatigue strength of stainless steel, but not of titanium, locking plates. Bone Joint Res 2018;7:629–635. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.712.BJR-2018-0083.R1

A reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is frequently performed in the revision setting. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical outcomes and complication rates following revision RSA (RRSA) stratified according to the primary shoulder procedure undergoing revision, including failed hemiarthroplasty (HA), anatomic total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), RSA, soft tissue repair (i.e., rotator cuff repair), and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). A systematic review of the literature was performed using four databases (EMBASE, Medline, SportDISCUS, and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register) between January 1985 and September 2017. The primary outcomes of interest included active range-of-motion (ROM), pain, and functional outcome measures including the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and Constant-Murley (CS) Score. Secondary outcomes included complication rates, such as infection, dislocation, perioperative fracture, base plate failure, neurovascular injury, soft tissue injury, and radiological evidence of scapular notching. Clinical outcome data was assessed for differences between preoperative and postoperative results and complication results were reported as pooled complication rates. Forty-five studies met the inclusion criteria for analysis, which included 1,016 shoulder arthroplasties with a mean follow-up of 45.2 months (range, 31.1 to 57.2 months) (Fig. 1). The mean patient age at revision was 60.2 years (range, 36 to 65.2 years). Overall, RSA as a revision procedure for failed HA revealed favorable outcomes with respect to forward elevation (FE), CS pain, ASES, SST, and CS outcome assessment scores, with mean improvements of 52.5° ± 21.8° (P = < 0 .001), 6.41 ± 4.01 SD (P = 0.031), 20.1 ± 21.5 (P = 0.02), 5.2 ± 8.7 (P = 0.008), and 30.7 ± 9.4 (P = < 0 .001), respectively. RSA performed as a revision procedure for failed TSA demonstrated an improvement in the CS outcome score (33.8 ± 12.4, P = 0.016). RSA performed as a revision procedure for failed soft tissue repair demonstrated significant improvements in FE (60.2° ± 21.2°, P = 0.031) and external rotation (20.8° ± 18°, P = 0.016), respectively. Lastly, RSA performed as a revision procedure for failed ORIF revealed favorable outcomes in FE (61° ± 20.2°, P = 0.031). There were no significant differences noted in RSA performed as a revision procedure for failed RSA, or when performed for a failed TSA, soft tissue repair, and ORIF in any other outcome of interest. Pooled complication rates were found to be highest in failed RSA (10.9%), followed by soft tissue repair (7.1%), HA (6.8%), TSA (5.4%) and ORIF (4.7%). When compared to other revision indications, RRSA for failed HA demonstrated the most favorable outcomes, with significant improvements in ROM, pain, and in several outcome assessments. Complication rates were determined and stratified as per the index procedure undergoing RRSA, patients undergoing revision of a failed RSA were found to have the highest complication rates. With this additional information, orthopaedic surgeons will be better equipped to provide preoperative education regarding the risks, benefits and complication rates to those patients undergoing a RRSA. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Locking plates have led to important changes in bone fracture management, allowing flexible biological fracture fixation based on the principle of an internal fixator. The technique of locking plate fixation differs fundamentally from conventional plating and has its indications and limitations. Most of the typical locking plate failure patterns are related to basic technical errors, such as under-sizing of the implant, too short working length, and imperfect application of locking screws. After analysis of the fracture morphology and intrinsic stability following fracture reduction, a meticulous preoperative planning is mandatory under consideration of the principles of the internal fixator technique to avoid technical errors and inaccuracies leading to early implant failure

With increasing numbers of total joint arthroplasties being performed, peri-prosthetic fracture incidence is rising, and operative management remains the gold standard. Short-term survivorship up to 12 months has been well-documented but medium to long-term is almost unknown. We present survivorship review from a district general hospital, undertaking 800 primary hip and knee arthroplasties per year. Patients with peri-prosthetic fractures and background total knee replacements were identified using our computer database between 2006–2011. All patients were operated on our site; methods used include open reduction, internal fixation (ORIF) using Axsos (Stryker Newbury) locking plates (28), intra-medullary nailing (1) or complex revision (6) depending on fracture and patient factors and surgeon's preference. Mortality was assessed at 30 days, 12 months and 5 years. Thirty-four patients were identified with a 7:1 female to male ratio and mean age of 76. 75% of patients had their primary arthrodesis at our hospital. There was only 1 plate failure noted requiring revision plating. Mortality at 30 days, 12 months and 5 years were 3.2, 12.5% and 50% respectively. When compared to the literature our time interval from index surgery to fracture is considerably longer (115 vs 42 months). Further multi-centre reviews are required to further asses this unexpected finding. Overall mortality is better than our hip fracture cohort, suggesting that good results can be achieved in District Hospital. The longer-term results are encouraging and can act as a guide for patients with this injury. We recommend that patients are managed in consultant-led, multi-disciplinary teams

Aims

The aims of this study were to describe the epidemiology of metacarpal shaft fractures (MSFs), assess variation in treatment and complications following standard care, document hospital resource use, and explore factors associated with treatment modality.

Aims

Autologous bone graft (ABG) is considered the ‘gold standard’ among graft materials for bone regeneration. However, complications including limited availability, donor site morbidity, and deterioration of regenerative capacity over time have been reported. P-15 is a synthetic peptide that mimics the cell binding domain of Type-I collagen. This peptide stimulates new bone formation by enhancing osteogenic cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic literature review to determine the clinical efficacy and safety of P-15 peptide in bone regeneration throughout the skeletal system.

The June 2023 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Aspirin or low-molecular-weight heparin for thromboprophylaxis?; Lateral plating or retrograde nailing for distal femur fractures?; Sciatic nerve palsy after acetabular fixation: what about patient position?; How reliable is the new OTA/AO classification for trochanteric hip fractures?; Young hip fractures: is a medial buttress the answer?; When is the best time to ‘flap’ an open fracture?; The mortality burden of nonoperatively managed hip fractures.

Introduction. Failure of intertrochanteric fracture fixation often occurs in patients, who have poor bone quality, severe osteoporosis, or unstable fracture patterns. Hip arthroplasty is a good replacement procedure even though it involves technical issues such as implant removal, bone loss, poor bone quality, trochanteric nonunion and difficulty of surgical exposure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) as the replacement for failed fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur. Patients and Methods. 203 patients of failed intertrochanteric fractures between April 2009 and October 2014 were included in the study. All of them underwent total hip arthroplasty through direct lateral approach. 150 patients were male (73.8%) and 53 patients (26.1%) were female and the mean of age was 59.02±10.34 years old (range: 56–90 years). The indications of the failure were nail cut out in 174 (85.7%), non-union in 15 (7.3%), plate failure in 14 cases (6.8%). One patient underwent two-stage protocol due to infection. We evaluated the possible clinical and radiological complications and measured functional outcome with modified Harris hip score (MHHS). We used cementless cup in nearly all of patients (95.2%), cementless long stem in 88.1% of patients. Results. We followed patients for the mean time of 4.43±1.11 years (range 3–5 years). The mean (MHHS) was improved from 45.32±12.41 (range 40–49) to 89.37±7.41 (range 85–98) significantly (P=0.002). There was no infection, no reoperation, no dislocation, no nerve palsy, no avascular necrosis, no pulmonary embolism (PTE) and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). There was only one intra-operative fracture which was treated. All patients were ambulatory at the final follow up. There were no significant differences in hospital stay, operating time, and transfusion volume between the 2 groups (P>0.05). Conclusions. We showed in a large population study that functional outcome can be achieved by hip arthroplasty excellently in elderly patients with failed intertrochanteric fractures. Though technically demanding, properly performed hip arthroplasty can be a good replacement option for this patient group

Introduction: With an aging population, the number of hemiarthroplasties and Total Hip Replacements is on a rise. Though uncommon, one of the serious postoperative complications is periprosthetic fracture of femur. Dall Miles cable plate system is widely used for fixation of these fractures. Patient and Methods: We present a series of of 19 patients who underwent Dall Miles cable plate fixation for periprosthetic fracture over a hemiarthroplasty or a total hip replacement during the last 5 years, reporting clinical and radiological outcome measures. Results: Female to male ratio was 2:1. The average age was 77.33 (range from 55 to 93). Eight patients had the periprosthetic fracture after hemiarthroplasty while 11 had it after Total Hip Replacement. These two group were completely different in terms of their fitness, activities and expectations. Twelve were Vancouver B 1, 7 were Vancouver C. Five were initially managed with two plates, the remainder had one plate only. Patients were followed up at an average of 3.1 years (range 3.2 months to 5.1 years). Three patients had died at the time of our follow up due to unrelated medical problems. One patient had deep infection that required revision and 1 had superficial infection that healed with antibiotics. 1 patient underwent revision to a THR for hip pain. Of those managed with a single plate, 3 patients had plate/cable failure and underwent revision DM plating with 2 plates and cables along with allogenic bone grafting; all of these healed well. All of these patients had periprosthetic # following a THR. Five patients managed initially with 2 DM plates healed without any complications. Discussion: Even in this small series, we feel it is evident that Dall Miles plating using a single plate has a high incidence of plate failure (3 of 13). Orthogonal plating has been widely used in past for fixation of complex fractures and nonunions. We feel there is a distinct advantage of using two plates of uneven lengths to improve chances of healing, preventing implant failure and reducing stress riser effect. We advocate primary fixation of periprosthetic fractures of proximal femur over THR using 2 Dall Miles cable plates and bone graft. We would like to present our results and discuss this complex topic further

The aim of the study was to evaluate the results of the LISS system for distal femur fractures. Eighteen consecutive patients with fractures of the distal femur treated with the LISS system were followed until fracture union. This group included intra-articular, extra-articular and periprosthetic fractures occurring from both high and low energy trauma. Fractures united in 17 out of 18 cases and only 1 patient required bone grafting. The patient with the fracture that didn’t unite had an early above knee amputation for major pressure areas and peripheral vascular disease. There were no infections but 2 cases of plate failure proximally. The LISS system is a good treatment option for fractures of the distal femur in both the osteoporotic patient and the patient with high energy trauma

Aims

The incidence of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) continues to increase. However, there are currently few long-term studies on the complications of AFFs and factors affecting them. Therefore, we attempted to investigate the outcomes, complications, and risk factors for complication through mid-term follow-up of more than three years.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of the distal radius π-plate in the surgical treatment of acute, dorsally displaced, unstable distal radius fractures. Material: 37 patients with an average age of 41 yrs included in the study. Upon dorsal exposure of the fracture and provisional reduction with the aid of a distractor and K-wires, a bending template was used to verify plate length and contour. The plate was then applied and the type, number and location of screws and buttress pins to be used were determined. Eight patients had supplementary fixation. Autologus bone graft was used to fill defects in 28 patients. Results: The average follow up was 21 months. Radiographic evidence of union was documented at an average of 6 weeks postop. No loss of reduction occurred in any of the patients and no patient complained of residual deformity. The average ROM was 79% of the contralateral side, the average grip strength was 64% of the contralateral wrist and the average pinch strength was 76% of the contralateral hand. No infections, nonunions, wound problems or plate failures occurred. 5 patients developed irritation and 4 had their plates removed. Concussion: The results of this study verify the safety and the efficacy of the π-plate for the treatment of complex fractures of the distal radius. Furthermore considering the technical advantages of the π,-plate it seems that complex distal radius fractures can effectively be addressed through a dorsal approach and stable internal fixation

A recently developed parametric geometrical finite element model (p-FEM) was adapted to the specific hip geometric measurements of a group of patients with slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). The objective was to analyze the stress distribution in the growth plate of these patients and to evaluate differences for those patients who developed bilateral disease. Different geometric parameters were measured in the healthy proximal femur of 18 adolescents (mean age, 12,1 yr) with unilateral SCFE and in 23 adolescents matched in age without hip disease (control group). Five patients developed SCFE in the contralateral side during follow-up. Different geometric measurements were taken from hip conventional X-ray studies. The p-FEM of the proximal femur permits modifications of different geometrical parameters, therefore the X-ray measurements taken from each patient were applied to the model obtaining a subject-specific model for each case. In each model, different mechanical situations such as walking, stairs climbing and sitting were simulated by applying loads on the femoral head corresponding to each own weight. The risk for growth plate failure was estimated by the Tresca, von Misses and Rankine stresses. In summary, the models shows important differences between the stresses computed at the healthy femurs of patients with unilateral SCFE and femurs that further underwent bilateral SCFE. So, the 95% confidence interval of the percentage of volume of the growth plate subjected to stresses higher than 2MPa was almost similar for the control group and patients with unilateral SCFE. However, those patients who developed bilateral disease had statistically significant large physeal areas with more than 2.0 MPa (p< 0.005). Stresses were also strongly dependent on the geometry of the proximal femur, especially on the posterior sloping angle of the physis and the physeal sloping angle. In spite of simplifications of the developed p-FEM, this tool has been able to show the influence of femur geometry in growth plate stresses and to predict the sites where growth plate starts to fail

Background: First MTP joint arthrodesis is a well established and very common procedure for painful arthrosis. Plate fixation method has been used with successful outcome (97–100%) by few authors but it is yet to be accepted universally for fear of complications. Aim: To evaluate clinical and radiological outcome of first MTP fusion using low profile Acumed plate. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 125 patients who had 1st MTP arthrodesis (over 6 year period) for painful Hallux Rigidus not relieved by conservative means and for rheumatoid forefoot reconstruction. The preoperative evaluation included a subjective questionnaire, physical exam, AOFAS hallux score and radiographic measurements. Post-operatively, all patients were mobilised with heel weight bearing shoes for six weeks. All patients had follow up of minimum 6 months(range 6 months to 6 years). At the final follow-up all patients had answered a questionnaire which evaluated any limitations of daily activity and restrictions in footwear. Radiological measurements included union of the arthrodesis and various angles (valgus, intermetatarsal and dorsiflexion). Results: Of the 125 patients we had final reviews for 103 patients. The mean AOFAS improved from 40 to 82. The individual components of AOFAS i.e. pain, walking ability and alignment improved significantly. All patients but one had radiological evidence of fusion at mean of 6 weeks (range 6–8weeks) allowing them to walk with normal footwear. The mean dorsiflexion angle was 15° (range 13 °–18 °). The patient with non-union had re-arthrodesis with bone grafts using the revision plate. Two patients with rheumatoid arthritis required removal of plate for infection and wound breakdown. No plate failure occurred in any of the patients. Conclusion: The plate fixation is a reliable method for 1st MTP joint fusion that allows for a predictable fusion in a satisfactory alignment with low complication rate. The stability of the fixation allows for early mobilization without need for plaster immobilization and early return to functional activities

Purpose of the study: Because of the difficulty of maintaining anatomic reconstruction, plate fixation is limited for complex fractures of the calcaneum. Implants with angular stability can broaden classical indications and improve outcome. Material and method: From February 2004 to February 2008 we treated 35 articular fractures of the calcaneum: 26 male, 6 female, 3 bilateral cases, mean age 41.46±15.99 years, age range 17–71, ≥ 3 displace fragments [Duparc IV:16; Duparc V: 16], preoperative CT [Sanders III: 22; IV: 13]. The surgical procedure was performed by one operator on days 4 to 7: lateral wide-L incision; articular and extra-articular reduction; lateral fixation using an AO-LCP. ®. plate with locking screws. Intra- and postoperative X-rays (Boehler angle, talo- and cubocalcaneal congruence), postoperative CT. Rehabilitation: mobilisation of the talocalcaneal joint on day 21; partial weight bearing after 2 months; complete weight bearing after 3 months. Radiological and clinical (Kitaoka) follow-up every 60 months. Results: Anatomic joint reduction was achieved and maintained by osteosynthesis (35/35). Late healing (smoking) (6/35). Healing: 2 months (21/35), 3 (14/35). Plate failure at 3 months without displacement (2/35). Anatomic joint reduction sustained ≥12 months (35/35). Gait without crutches after three months (35/35). Infection at 12 months (1/35). Mean follow-up (40 months, range 12–60). Discussion: The purpose of surgical treatment is to achieve anatomic reconstruction of all joint surfaces and restore calcaneal height, length, width and alignment until bone healing. Complex joint fractures with a high risk of loss of correction or secondary nonunion have limited the use of conventional reduction-osteo-synthesis methods in favour of first-line reconstruction-arthrodesis. These complex fractures require plates with multiple fixations to maintain stability. Optimal recover of function can be achieved if the anatomic reduction of the joint surface and extra-articular elements can be maintained stable from the start and sustained to healing, demonstrating the usefulness of reconstruction. No series has reported this innovating therapeutic concept. Conclusion: The reconstruction plate with locked screws enabled osteosynthesis of the most complex calcaneal joint fractures for which the discussion remains open concerning the role of osteosynthesis. The resistant fixation of all the fragments using screws with angular stability enabled stable reconstruction without loss of primary reduction, either secondarily or late, and allowed rapid rehabilitation. The long-term stability of the anatomic reconstruction guarantees good functional outcome which persists over time

Aims: To determine the results of Òbiologic þxationÒ with a minimally invasive plating technique using a newly designed low proþle ÒScallopÒ plate in the treatment of pilon fractures. Methods: 17 patients were treated between 1999 and 2001 for a tibial plafond with a newly designed ultra-slim plate. Eleven (65%) were high-energy injuries, two were open. Staged open reduction and þxation of the þbular fracture and application of an External Fixator was performed in 12 cases. As soon as the soft tissues and swelling allowed, the articular surface was reconstructed and anatomically reduced, if necessary through an small incision, and the articular block was þxed to the diaphysis using a medially placed, percutaneously introduced ßat Scallop plate. Time to healing and complications were evaluated. Quality of the results and outcome were graded using the Ankle-Hindfoot-Scale. Results: All patients went on to bony union at an average time of 14.1 weeks. There were no plate failures or loss of þxation/ reduction. Two superþcial wound-healing problems resolved with local wound care. At an average FU of 17 months eight patients (47%) had an excellent, seven (41%) a fair and two (12%) a poor result. The average AHS was 86.1. Conclusions: Based on these initial results, it appears that a minimally invasive surgical technique using a new low proþle plate can decrease soft tissue problems while leading to fracture healing and obtaining results comparable with other more recent series. We believe that this new ÒScallop PlateÒ is appropriate for the treatment of pilon fractures and should be used in conjunction with a staged procedure in the acute trauma setting

Aims

Debate continues regarding the optimum management of periprosthetic distal femoral fractures (PDFFs). This study aims to determine which operative treatment is associated with the lowest perioperative morbidity and mortality when treating low (Su type II and III) PDFFs comparing lateral locking plate fixation (LLP-ORIF) or distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA).

Aims

Surgical treatment of hip fracture is challenging; the bone is porotic and fixation failure can be catastrophic. Novel implants are available which may yield superior clinical outcomes. This study compared the clinical effectiveness of the novel X-Bolt Hip System (XHS) with the sliding hip screw (SHS) for the treatment of fragility hip fractures.