Compression and absolute stability are important in the management of intra-articular fractures. We compared tension band wiring with plate fixation for the treatment of fractures of the olecranon by measuring compression within the fracture. Identical transverse fractures were created in models of the ulna. Tension band wires were applied to ten fractures and ten were fixed with Acumed plates. Compression was measured using a Tekscan force transducer within the fracture gap. Dynamic testing was carried out by reproducing cyclical contraction of the triceps of 20 N and of the brachialis of 10 N. Both methods were tested on each sample. Paired t-tests compared overall compression and compression at the articular side of the fracture. The mean compression for plating was 819 N (. sd. 602, 95% confidence interval (CI)) and for tension band wiring was 77 N (. sd. 19, 95% CI) (p = 0.039). The mean compression on the articular side of the fracture for plating was 343 N (. sd. 276, 95% CI) and for tension band wiring was 1 N (. sd. 2, 95% CI) (p = 0.038). During simulated movements, the mean compression was reduced in both groups, with tension band wiring at −14 N (. sd. 7) and for plating −173 N (. sd. 32). No increase in compression on the articular side was detected in the tension band wiring group. Pre-contoured plates provide significantly greater compression than tension bands in the treatment of transverse fractures of the olecranon, both over the whole fracture and specifically at the articular side of the fracture. In tension band wiring the overall compression was reduced and articular compression remained negligible during simulated contraction of the triceps, challenging the tension band principle

We report a case of transverse fracture through the body of the axis. This fracture was unstable, had been produced by extension forces and was managed conservatively. The classification of such fractures is discussed

Transverse fractures of the sacrum with neurological complications have been studied in four patients illustrating the following features: diagnosis is often delayed, there are radiological difficulties in making the diagnosis, and the indications for surgery are not well defined. Specific radiographic views are recommended. All the cases presented in this report responded well to conservative management

Aims. Post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures are rare but serious. Few studies carried out on small cohorts have reported them in the literature. The aim of this work is to describe the specific characteristics of post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures, and the outcome of their surgical treatment in terms of function and complications. Methods. Patients with this type of fracture were identified retrospectively over a period of six years (January 2016 to December 2021). The following data were collected: demographic characteristics, date of insertion of the prosthesis, details of the intervention, date of the trauma, characteristics of the fracture, and type of treatment. Functional results were assessed with the Harris Hip Score (HHS). Data concerning complications of treatment were collected. Results. Our series included 20 patients, with a mean age of 77 years (46 to 90). All the patients had at least one comorbid condition. Radiographs showed that 75% of the fractures were pure transverse fractures, and a transverse component was present in 90% of patients. All our patients underwent surgical treatment: open reduction and internal fixation, revision of the acetabular component, or both. Mean follow-up was 24 months, and HHS at last follow-up was 75.5 (42 to 95). The principal complications observed were dislocations of the prosthesis (30%) and infections (20%). A need for revision surgery was noted in 30% of patients. No dislocation occurred in patients undergoing osteosynthesis with acetabular reconstruction. We did not note either mechanical loosening of the acetabular component nor thromboembolic complications. In all, 30% of patients presented acute anemia requiring transfusion, and one death was reported. Conclusion. Post-traumatic periprosthetic acetabular fractures frequently have a transverse component that can destabilize the acetabular implant. The frequency of complications, principally dislocations, led to a high rate of revision surgery. Improvements in preoperative planning should make it possible to codify management to reduce this high rate of complications. The best results were obtained when the surgical strategy combined osteosynthesis with acetabular reconstruction. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(1):28–36

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. Methods. A multicentre, cross-sectional retrospective study of MSFs at six centres in the UK. We collected and analyzed healthcare records, operative notes, and radiographs of adults presenting within ten days of a MSF affecting the second to fifth metacarpal between 1 August 2016 and 31 July 2017. Total emergency department (ED) attendances were used to estimate prevalence. Results. A total of 793 patients (75% male, 25% female) with 897 MSFs were included, comprising 0.1% of 837,212 ED attendances. The annual incidence of MSF was 40 per 100,000. The median age was 27 years (IQR 21 to 41); the highest incidence was in men aged 16 to 24 years. Transverse fractures were the most common. Over 80% of all fractures were treated non-surgically, with variation across centres. Overall, 12 types of non-surgical and six types of surgical treatment were used. Fracture pattern, complexity, displacement, and age determined choice of treatment. Patients who were treated surgically required more radiographs and longer radiological and outpatient follow-up, and were more likely to be referred for therapy. Complications occurred in 5% of patients (39/793). Most patients attended planned follow-up, with 20% (160/783) failing to attend at least one or more clinic appointments. Conclusion. MSFs are common hand injuries among young, working (economically active) men, but there is considerable heterogeneity in treatment, rehabilitation, and resource use. They are a burden on healthcare resources and society, thus further research is needed to optimize treatment. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(8):652–661

Purpose of study:. The presence of an L5 transverse process fracture is reported in many texts to be a marker of pelvis fracture instability. There is paucity of literature to support this view. Available studies have been performed on patients who were already known to have a pelvis fracture. No study has attempted to document the presence of this lesion in the absence of a pelvis fracture. Primary aim: To identify the correlation between the presence of a L5 transverse process fracture and an unstable pelvic ring injury. Secondary aim: To establish whether a L5 transverse process fracture can occur in the absence of a pelvis fracture. Methods:. We conducted a retrospective review of all CT scans performed in patients who presented to a Level 1 Trauma Unit for blunt abdomino-pelvic trauma between January 1, 2012 and August 28, 2013. A total of 203 patients met our inclusion criteria. Results:. Fifty four of these 203 patients (26%) sustained a pelvis fracture. Of these 54 patients 26 (48%) had an unstable fracture pattern according to the AO classification. Five of these 26 patients (19%) had an associated L5 transverse process fracture. Seven (12%) had an L5 transverse process fracture associated with a stable fracture pattern. Three patients (1.4%) had an isolated L5 transverse process fracture in the absence of a pelvis fracture. Conclusion:. This study confirms the association between the presence of a L5 transverse process fracture and an unstable pelvis fracture pattern. This injury is rarely seen in the absence of a pelvis fracture so its presence should alert the treating clinicians to the existence of a pelvis fracture

Evidence that L5 transverse process fracture indicates pelvic instability is insufficient and controversial. Because of unstable pelvis fractures have high mortality rate, they require urgent treatment and good follow-up. The lumbar region is also affected by high-energy traumas in the pelvis region, which causes damage to the muscles and ligamentous structures that adhere to the lumbar transverse process. For this reason, L5 transverse process fracture is thought to be an indicator showing pelvic instability. However, our study shows that this is not like that. This study was carried out in order to investigate the effect of L5 transvers process fracture on pelvic instability and lack of sufficient data in the literature. Between 2017–2020, 86 Patient who were hospitalized and treated with a diagnosis of pelvic fracture were retrospectively studied in our clinic. Pelvic X-Ray and tomography was taken pre-op for all patient. Demographic features, pre-op and post-op hemoglobin counts, how many units of blood transfusion needed in total, fixation method, surgical intervention, presence of additional injury, mechanism of injury for all patient were analyzed and the patients were categorized by investigating L5 transvers process fracture in their tomography. Fractures of patients were classified according toTyle classification. The patients were divided into two main groups as who stabil and unstabil pelvic fractures and L5 transvers process fracture and without. On stabil pelvic fractures and unstabil pelvic fractures, in term of instability effects of L5 transvers process fractures and those without were investigated. Also, changes in preop and post op hemoglaobin counts were investigated in pelvis with and without L5 transvers process fractures. With these, in terms of blood transfusion need the patients were evaluated whether there was a difference between those with L5 transvers process fractures and who did not. Again, whether the blood transfusion was statistically different in stable and unstable pelvis fractures was among the parameters looked at. In statistical analysis, no correlation was found between pelvic instability and L5 transvers process fracture. (p=0,933) No statistically significant difference was found in the evalution of blood transfusion between those with and without L5 transvers process fractures. (P=0,409)When the same parameter was evaluated in terms of stability and instability of the pelvis, it was seen that stability did not significantly affect the need for blood transfusion. (P=0,989) Pre-op and post-op hemoglobin changes of the patients who with L5 transvers process fracture and without were also analized. İn the analysis performed, there was no significant difference in patients with and without L5 transvers process fractures on pre-op and post-op hemoglobin values. (p=0.771/p=0.118)However, Postoperative hemoglobin values were significanly lower in patient with L5 transvers process fracture compared to preopetative hemoglobin values. (p=0.001). L5 transvers process fracture is not a parameter to showing pelvic instability. Stabil and unstabil fractures did not change the need for blood transfusion. The literatüre still needs much more study on this topic

Aims. Compression and absolute stability are important in intra-articular fractures such as transverse olecranon fractures. This biomechanical study aims to compare tension band wiring (TBW) with plate fixation by measuring compression within the fracture. Methods. A cross-over design and synthetic ulna models were used to reduce variation between samples. Identical transverse fractures were created using a 0.5mm saw blade and cutting jig. A Tekscan(tm) force transducer was calibrated and placed within the fracture gap. Twenty TBW or Acumed(tm) plate fixations were performed according to the recommended technique. Compression was measured while the constructs were static and during simulated elbow range of movement exercises. Dynamic testing was performed using a custom jig reproducing cyclical triceps contraction of 20N and reciprocal brachialis contraction of 10N. Both fixation methods were tested on each sample. Half were randomly allocated to TBW first and half to plating first. Data was recorded using F-scan (v 5.72) and analysed using SPSS(tm) (v 16). Paired T-tests compared overall compression and compression at the articular side of the fracture. Results. The mean overall compression for plating was 819N (+/− 602N 95%CI), TBW overall compression: 77N (+/−19N 95%CI) (P=0.039). Articular side compression for plating: 343N (+/− 276N 95%CI), TBW: 1N (+/− 2N 95%CI). (P=0.038). During simulated movements, overall compression reduced in both groups: TBW -14N (+/−7N) Plating -173N (+/−32N) and no increase in articular side compression was detected in the TBW group. Conclusion. Precontoured plates such as the Acumed(tm) olecranon system can provide significantly greater compression, compared to TBW in transverse olecranon fractures. This was significant for compression over the whole fracture surface and specifically at the articular side of the fracture. Also, in TBW, overall compression reduced and articular side compression remained negligible during simulated triceps contraction, challenging the tension band principle

Aims. The aim of this study was to report the long-term follow-up of cemented short Exeter femoral components when used in primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). Methods. We included all primary 394 THAs with a cemented short Exeter femoral component (≤ 125 mm) used in our tertiary referral centre between October 1993 and December 2021. A total of 83 patients (21%) were male. The median age of the patients at the time of surgery was 42 years (interquartile range (IQR) 30 to 55). The main indication for THA was a childhood hip disease (202; 51%). The median follow-up was 6.7 years (IQR 3.1 to 11.0). Kaplan-Meier survival analyses were performed to determine the rates of survival with femoral revision for any indication, for septic loosening, for fracture of the femoral component and for aseptic loosening as endpoints. The indications for revision were evaluated. Fractures of the femoral component were described in detail. Results. The 20-year rate of survival was 85.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 73.9 to 92.0) with revision for any indication, 96.2% (95% CI 90.5 to 98.5) with revision for septic loosening and 92.7% (95% CI 78.5 to 97.6) with revision for fracture of the femoral component. No femoral components were revised for aseptic loosening. There were 21 revisions of the femoral component; most (seven) as part of a two-stage management of infection. Fracture of the femoral component occurred in four THAs (1.0%) at 6.6, 11.6, 16.5, and 18.2 years of follow-up, respectively. Three of these were transverse fractures and occurred at the level of the lesser trochanter. In one THA, there was a fracture of the neck of the component. Conclusion. THAs using cemented short Exeter femoral components showed acceptable rates of survival of the femoral component at long-term follow-up, in this young cohort of patients. Although fracture is a rare complication of these components, surgeons should be aware of their incidence and possible risk factors. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(3 Supple A):137–142

Aim of this study was to identify reoperation rates in patients with short oblique and transverse fractures around a well fixed cemented polished taper slip stem and to determine any associations with treatment failure. Retrospective cohort study of 31 patients with AO transverse or short oblique Vancouver B1 PFFs around THA (total hip arthroplasty) cemented taper slip stems: 12 male (39%); mean age 74±11.9 (range 44–91); mean BMI 28.5±1.4 (range 16–48); and median ASA 3. Patient journeys were assessed, re-interventions reviewed. The primary outcome measure was reoperation. Time from primary THA to fracture was 11.3±7.8yrs (0.5–26yrs). Primary surgical management was fixation in 27/31 and rTHA (revision total hip arthroplasty) in 4/31. 10 of 31 (32%) patients required reoperation, 9 within 2 years of fracture: 1 following rTHA and 8 following ORIF. The commonest mode of failure was non-union (n=6). No significant associations with reoperation requirement were identified. Kaplan-Meier free from reoperation was 67.4% (49.8–85.0 95% CI) at 2 years and this was unaffected by initial management with ORIF or rTHA (Log rank 0.898). Of those reoperated, 6/10 required multiple reoperations to obtain either bony union or a stable revision construct and 13% ultimately required proximal femoral endoprostheses. The relative risk of 1 year mortality was 1.6 (0.25 to 10.1 95%CI) among patients who required reoperation compared to those who did not. These are difficult fractures to manage, should not be underestimated and patients should be counselled that there is a 30% risk of reoperation and 20% of requiring multiple reoperations

The aim of the study was to report the survival of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of Vancouver B fractures associated with the Exeter Stem (ES) at a minimum of 5 years. This retrospective cohort study assessed 129 consecutive patients with Vancouver B type fractures treated with ORIF from 2008-2016 at a minimum of 5 years. Patient records were examined, and the following recorded: details of primary prosthesis, details of injury, Vancouver classification, details of operative management, complications, and requirement for reoperation. Data was analysed using SPSS. Survival analysis was undertaken using the endpoint ‘reoperation for any reason’. Mean age at fracture was 78.2 (SD10.6, 46-96) and 54 (43%) were female. Vancouver subclassifications were: 24% B1, 70.5% B2 and 5.5% B3. For all Vancouver B fractures, Kaplan Meier analysis demonstrated a 5 year survival free from reoperation of 88.8% (82.0-94.7 95%CI). Fourteen patients required reoperation, most commonly within the first year for non-union and plate fracture (5.4%). Five-year survival for any reoperation differed significantly according to fracture type (p=0.016) and was worst in B1s: B1 76.6% (61.3-91.9); B2 92.6% 986.9-98.3); and 100% of B3. Univariate analysis identified B1 type (p=0.008) and a transverse fracture pattern (p=0.003) to be significantly associated with the need for reoperation. Adopting a strategy of fixation of all Vancouver B fractures involving the ES where the fracture was anatomically reducible and the bone cement interface was well-fixed was associated with a 5 year survival, free from reoperation of 88.8%

Aims. This study evaluates risk factors influencing fracture characteristics for postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) around cemented stems in total hip arthroplasty. Methods. Data were collected for PFF patients admitted to eight UK centres between 25 May 2006 and 1 March 2020. Radiographs were assessed for Unified Classification System (UCS) grade and AO/OTA type. Statistical comparisons investigated relationships by age, gender, and stem fixation philosophy (polished taper-slip (PTS) vs composite beam (CB)). The effect of multiple variables was estimated using multinomial logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Surgical treatment (revision vs fixation) was compared by UCS grade and AO/OTA type. Results. A total of 584 cases were included. Median age was 79.1 years (interquartile range 72.0 to 86.0), 312 (53.6%) patients were female, and 495 (85.1%) stems were PTS. The commonest UCS grade was type B1 (278, 47.6%). The most common AO/OTA type was spiral (352, 60.3%). Metaphyseal split fractures occurred only with PTS stems with an incidence of 10.1%. Male sex was associated with a five-fold reduction in odds of a type C fracture (OR 0.22 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.41); p < 0.001) compared to a type B fracture. CB stems were associated with significantly increased odds of transverse fracture (OR 9.51 (95% CI 3.72 to 24.34); p < 0.001) and wedge fracture (OR 3.72 (95% CI 1.16 to 11.95); p = 0.027) compared to PTS stems. Both UCS grade and AO/OTA type differed significantly (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) between the revision and fixation groups but a similar proportion of B1 fractures underwent revision compared to fixation (45.3% vs 50.6%). Conclusion. The commonest fracture types are B1 and spiral fractures. PTS stems are exclusively associated with metaphyseal split fractures, but their incidence is low. Males have lower odds of UCS grade C fractures compared to females. CB stems have higher odds of bending type fractures (transverse and wedge) compared to PTS stems. There is considerable variation in practice when treating B1 fractures around cemented stems. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):466–475

Cemented total hip replacement (THR) provides excellent outcomes and is cost-effective. Polished taper-slip (PTS) stems demonstrate successful results and have overtaken traditional composite-beam (CB) stems. Recent reports indicate they are associated with a higher risk of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) compared to CB stems. This study evaluates risk factors influencing fracture characteristics around PTS and CB cemented stems. Data were collected for 584 PFF patients admitted to eight UK centres from 25/05/2006-01/03/2020. Radiographs were assessed for Unified Classification System (UCS) grade and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type. Statistical comparisons investigated relationships by age, gender, and stem fixation philosophy (PTS versus CB). The effect of multiple variables was estimated using multinomial logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Median (IQR) age was 79.1 (72.0–86.0) years, 312 (53.6%) patients were female, and 495 (85.1%) stems were PTS. The commonest UCS grade was type B1 (278, 47.6%). The commonest AO/OTA type was spiral (352, 60.3%). Metaphyseal-split fractures occurred only with PTS stems with an incidence of 10.1%. Male gender was associated with a five-fold reduction in odds of a type C fracture (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.41, p<0.001) compared to a type B fracture. CB stems were associated with significantly increased odds of transverse fracture (OR 9.51, 95% CI 3.72 to 24.34, p <0.001) and wedge fracture (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.16 to 11.95, p <0.05) compared to PTS stems. This is the largest study investigating PFF characteristics around cemented stems. The commonest fracture types are B1 and spiral fractures. PTS stems are exclusively associated with metaphyseal-split fractures, but their incidence is low. Males have lower odds of UCS grade C fractures compared to females. CB stems had higher odds of bending type fractures (transverse and wedge) compared to PTS stems. Biomechanical testing is needed for validation and investigation of modifiable factors which may reduce the risk of unstable fracture patterns requiring complex revision surgery over internal fixation

Periprosthetic femoral fractures are becoming increasingly common and are a major complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and bipolar hemiarthroplasty (BHA). We report a retrospective review of the outcomes of treatment of 11 periprosthetic fractures after femoral revision using a long stem. Eleven female patients with a mean age of 79.2 years (70 to 91 years) were treated for a Vancouver type B1 fracture between 1998 and 2013. The status of the initial arthroplasty was THA in 5 patients and BHA in 6 patients. The original diagnosis was femoral neck fracture in 5 patients, osteoarthritis in 5 patients, and avascular necrosis of femoral head in 1 patient. Seven patients had had a cemented femoral component and 4 had had a cementless femoral component. The mean numbers of previous surgeries were 3.2 times (2 to 5 times). A previous history of fracture in the same femur was found in 7 hips including 5 femoral neck fractures, 3 periprosthetic fractures. The cause of the latest revision surgery was aseptic loosening in 6 hips, periprosthetic fracture in 3 hips, and infection in 2 hips. The average time to fracture after femoral revision using a long stem was 106.5 months (12 to 240 months). The average follow-up was 58.9 months (8 to 180 months). The fracture pattern was a transverse fracture in 6 hips and an oblique fracture in 5 hips. The type B1 fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation in 9 hips, 6 of which were reinforced with bone grafts. Seven patients were treated with a locking compression plate and cerclage wiring, and 2 patients were treated with a Dall-Miles system. Two other periprosthetic fractures were treated with femoral revision. One was revised because of stem breakage, and the other was a transverse fracture associated with very poor bone quality, which received a femoral revision with a long stem and a locking compression plate. All fractures except one achieved primary union. This failed case had a bone defect at the fracture site, and revision surgery using a cementless long stem and allografts was successful. These finding suggest that a type B1 fracture after revision using a long stem associated with very poor bone quality or bone loss might be considered as a type B3 fracture, and femoral revision might be the treatment of choice

Background. Stress fractures at tracker after computer navigated total knee replacement are rare. Periprosthetic fracture after Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis (MIPO) of stress fracture through femoral tracker is unique in orthopaedic literature. We are reporting this unique presentation of periprosthetic fractures after MIPO for stress fracture involving femoral pin site track in computer assisted total knee arthroplasty, treated by reconstruction nail (PFNA). Methods. A 75-year old female, who had computer navigated right total knee replacement, was admitted 6 weeks later with increasing pain over distal thigh for 3 weeks without trauma. Prior to onset of pain, she achieved a range of movements of 0–105 degrees. Perioperative radiographs did not suggest obvious osteoporosis, pre-existent benign or malignant lesion, or fracture. Radiographs demonstrated transverse fracture of distal third of femur through pin site track. We fixed the fracture with 11-hole combihole locking plate by MIPO technique. Eight weeks later, she was readmitted with periprosthetic fracture through screw hole at the tip of MIPO Plate and treated by Reconstruction Nail (PFNA), removal of locking screws and refixation of intermediate segment with unicortical locking screws. Then she was protected with plaster cylinder for 4 weeks and hinged brace for 2 months. Results. Retrograde nail for navigation pin site stress fracture entails intraarticular approach with attendant risks including scatches to prosthesis and joint infection. So we opted to fix by MIPO technique. Periprosthetic fracture at the top of MIPO merits fixation with antegrade nail in conjunction with conversion of screws in the proximal part of the plate to unicortical locking screws. Overlap of at least 3cms offers biomechanical superiority. She made an uneventful recovery and was started on osteoporosis treatment, pending DEXA scan. Conclusion. Reconstruction Nail (PFNA), refixation of intermediate segment with unicortical locking screws constitutes a logical management option for the unique periprosthetic fracture after MIPO of stress fracture involving femoral pin site track in computer assisted total knee replacement

1. Stress fractures of the femoral neck in twenty-five patients are described. 2. Two distinct radiological types, compression fractures and transverse fractures, are described. A clinical distinction cannot be made in the early stages. 3. The importance of the early differential diagnosis between the two types is emphasised because the transverse stress fracture of the femoral neck will become displaced. 4. The morbidity after a displaced transverse fracture of the femoral neck can be severe

Aims

Posterior column plating through the single anterior approach reduces the morbidity in acetabular fractures that require stabilization of both the columns. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of posterior column plating through the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIP) in the management of acetabular fractures.

The February 2023 Trauma Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: Masquelet versus bone transport in infected nonunion of tibia; Hyperbaric Oxygen for Lower Limb Trauma (HOLLT): an international multicentre randomized clinical trial; Is the T-shaped acetabular fracture really a “T”?; What causes cut-out of proximal femur nail anti-rotation device in intertrochanteric fractures?; Is the common femoral artery at risk with percutaneous fragility pelvis fixation?; Anterior pelvic ring pattern predicts displacement in lateral compression fractures; Differences in age-related characteristics among elderly patients with hip fractures.

Despite being one of the most common injuries around the elbow, the optimal treatment of olecranon fractures is far from established and stimulates debate among both general orthopaedic trauma surgeons and upper limb specialists. It is almost universally accepted that stable non-displaced fractures can be safely treated nonoperatively with minimal specialist input. Internal fixation is recommended for the vast majority of displaced fractures, with a range of techniques and implants to choose from. However, there is concern regarding the complication rates, largely related to symptomatic metalwork resulting in high rates of implant removal. As the number of elderly patients sustaining these injuries increases, we are becoming more aware of the issues associated with fixation in osteoporotic bone and the often fragile soft-tissue envelope in this group. Given this, there is evidence to support an increasing role for nonoperative management in this high-risk demographic group, even in those presenting with displaced and/or multifragmentary fracture patterns. This review summarizes the available literature to date, focusing predominantly on the management techniques and available implants for stable fractures of the olecranon. It also offers some insights into the potential avenues for future research, in the hope of addressing some of the pertinent questions that remain unanswered.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):112–123.

Aims: To investigate the clinical importance of the fracture of lumbar vertebral transverse processes and to þnd out if any correlations exists between the side and the level of the transverse processes fractures and speciþc intraabdominal organ injuries. Methods: 106 patients, sustained different kinds of trauma between January 2000 and January 2001, were included in the study. All patients were operated for intra abdominal causes. Of these 62 (%58) had one or more fractured lumbar transverse processes documented (group I) and remaining 44 had not (group II). Age, gender, additional skeletal and intra abdominal injuries, ISS, laboratory tests results at presentation, transfusion needs and the end results were compared using SPSS 10,0 package. Results: Patients with transverse process fractures were older (38 versus 27, p=0,001). Trauma causes, ISS, additional systemic traumas, skeletal traumas were not different between groups (p values are; 0,148, 0,125, 0,423, 0,673 respectively). However, hemoglobin levels, intra abdominal organ injuries, total hospital stay and end results were signiþcantly different in group I (p= 0,005, 0,042, 0,002 and 0,012). Left sided fractures were well correlated with the spleen, and right sided fractures were similarly correlated with the presence of hepatic injuries. Conclusions: Although lumbar transverse process fractures do not directly relate with vertebral stability, the presence of such a fracture should alert physicians. Especially in multiply injured patients, lumbar vertebra transverse process fracture predisposes more serious intra or retroperitoneal organ injuries