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Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 3, Issue 7 | Pages 589 - 595
1 Jul 2022
Joo PY Chen AF Richards J Law TY Taylor K Marchand K Clark G Collopy D Marchand RC Roche M Mont MA Malkani AL

Aims. The aim of this study was to report patient and clinical outcomes following robotic-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) at multiple institutions with a minimum two-year follow-up. Methods. This was a multicentre registry study from October 2016 to June 2021 that included 861 primary RA-TKA patients who completed at least one pre- and postoperative patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) questionnaire, including Forgotten Joint Score (FJS), Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcomes Score for Joint Replacement (KOOS JR), and pain out of 100 points. The mean age was 67 years (35 to 86), 452 were male (53%), mean BMI was 31.5 kg/m. 2. (19 to 58), and 553 (64%) cemented and 308 (36%) cementless implants. Results. There were significant improvements in PROMs over time between preoperative, one- to two-year, and > two-year follow-up, with a mean FJS of 17.5 (SD 18.2), 70.2 (SD 27.8), and 76.7 (SD 25.8; p < 0.001); mean KOOS JR of 51.6 (SD 11.5), 85.1 (SD 13.8), and 87.9 (SD 13.0; p < 0.001); and mean pain scores of 65.7 (SD 20.4), 13.0 (SD 19.1), and 11.3 (SD 19.9; p < 0.001), respectively. There were eight superficial infections (0.9%) and four revisions (0.5%). Conclusion. RA-TKA demonstrated consistent clinical results across multiple institutions with excellent PROMs that continued to improve over time. With the ability to achieve target alignment in the coronal, axial, and sagittal planes and provide intraoperative real-time data to obtain balanced gaps, RA-TKA demonstrated excellent clinical outcomes and PROMs in this patient population. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(7):589–595


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 105-B, Issue 7 | Pages 743 - 750
1 Jul 2023
Fujii M Kawano S Ueno M Sonohata M Kitajima M Tanaka S Mawatari D Mawatari M

Aims

To clarify the mid-term results of transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum (TOA), a type of spherical periacetabular osteotomy, combined with structural allograft bone grafting for severe hip dysplasia.

Methods

We reviewed patients with severe hip dysplasia, defined as Severin IVb or V (lateral centre-edge angle (LCEA) < 0°), who underwent TOA with a structural bone allograft between 1998 and 2019. A medical chart review was conducted to extract demographic data, complications related to the osteotomy, and modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS). Radiological parameters of hip dysplasia were measured on pre- and postoperative radiographs. The cumulative probability of TOA failure (progression to Tönnis grade 3 or conversion to total hip arthroplasty) was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier product-limited method, and a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify predictors for failure.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 106-B, Issue 7 | Pages 705 - 712
1 Jul 2024
Karlsson T Försth P Öhagen P Michaëlsson K Sandén B

Aims

We compared decompression alone to decompression with fusion surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis, with or without degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS). The aim was to evaluate if five-year outcomes differed between the groups. The two-year results from the same trial revealed no differences.

Methods

The Swedish Spinal Stenosis Study was a multicentre randomized controlled trial with recruitment from September 2006 to February 2012. A total of 247 patients with one- or two-level central lumbar spinal stenosis, stratified by the presence of DS, were randomized to decompression alone or decompression with fusion. The five-year Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes were the EuroQol five-dimension questionnaire (EQ-5D), visual analogue scales for back and leg pain, and patient-reported satisfaction, decreased pain, and increased walking distance. The reoperation rate was recorded.


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 5 | Pages 681 - 688
1 May 2015
Wagener ML de Vos MJ Hannink G van der Pluijm M Verdonschot N Eygendaal D

Unlinked, linked and convertible total elbow arthroplasties (TEAs) are currently available. This study is the first to report the clinical results of the convertible Latitude TEA. This was a retrospective study of a consecutive cohort of 63 patients (69 primary TEAs) with a mean age of 60 years (23 to 87). Between 2006 and 2008 a total of 19 men and 50 women underwent surgery. The mean follow-up was 43 months (8 to 84). The range of movement, function and pain all improved six months post-operatively and either continued to improve slightly or reached a plateau thereafter. The complication rate is similar to that reported for other TEA systems. No loosening was seen. Remarkable is the disengagement of the radial head component in 13 TEAs (31%) with a radial head component implanted. Implantation of both the linked and the unlinked versions of the Latitude TEA results in improvement of function and decreased pain, and shows high patient satisfaction at mid-term follow-up. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:681–8


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 102-B, Issue 7 | Pages 918 - 924
1 Jul 2020
Rosslenbroich SB Heimann K Katthagen JC Koesters C Riesenbeck O Petersen W Raschke MJ Schliemann B

Aims. There is a lack of long-term data for minimally invasive acromioclavicular (AC) joint repair. Furthermore, it is not clear if good early clinical results can be maintained over time. The purpose of this study was to report long-term results of minimally invasive AC joint reconstruction (MINAR) and compare it to corresponding short-term data. Methods. We assessed patients with a follow-up of at least five years after minimally invasive flip-button repair for high-grade AC joint dislocation. The clinical outcome was evaluated using the Constant score and a questionnaire. Ultrasound determined the coracoclavicular (CC) distance. Results of the current follow-up were compared to the short-term results of the same cohort. Results. A total of 50 patients (three females, 47 males) were successfully followed up for a minimum of five years. The mean follow-up was 7.7 years (63 months to 132 months). The overall Constant score was 94.4 points (54 to 100) versus 97.7 points (83 to 100) for the contralateral side showing a significant difference for the operated shoulder (p = 0.013) The mean difference in the CC distance between the operated and the contralateral shoulder was 3.7 mm (0.2 to 7.8; p = 0.010). In total, 16% (n = 8) of patients showed recurrent instability. All these cases were performed within the first 16 months after introduction of this technique. A total of 84% (n = 42) of the patients were able to return to their previous occupations and sport activities. Comparison of short-term and long-term results revealed no significant difference for the Constant Score (p = 0.348) and the CC distance (p = 0.974). Conclusion. The clinical outcome of MINAR is good to excellent after long-term follow-up and no significant differences were found compared to short-term results. We therefore suggest this is a reliable technique for surgical treatment of high-grade AC joint dislocation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7):918–924


Bone & Joint Open
Vol. 2, Issue 1 | Pages 58 - 65
22 Jan 2021
Karssiens TJ Gill JR Sunil Kumar KH Sjolin SU

Aims

The Mathys Affinis Short is the most frequently used stemless total shoulder prosthesis in the UK. The purpose of this prospective cohort study is to report the survivorship, clinical, and radiological outcomes of the first independent series of the Affinis Short prosthesis.

Methods

From January 2011 to January 2019, a total of 141 Affinis Short prostheses were implanted in 127 patients by a single surgeon. Mean age at time of surgery was 68 (44 to 89). Minimum one year and maximum eight year follow-up (mean 3.7 years) was analyzed using the Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) at latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis was performed with implant revision as the endpoint. Most recently performed radiographs were reviewed for component radiolucent lines (RLLs) and proximal humeral migration.


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 75-B, Issue 6 | Pages 904 - 913
1 Nov 1993
Hernigou P Delepine G Goutallier D Julieron A

From 1984 to 1988 we implanted 127 massive allografts irradiated with a dose of 25,000 grays. These were reviewed at a minimum follow-up of three years to determine the effect of irradiation on infection, the complications and the functional result. No bacteriological infection was seen in the 44 patients who had allografts for revision of joint arthroplasty or for a tumour with no adjuvant therapy. For the 83 patients who also had chemotherapy or radiotherapy or both for a bone tumour, the rate of infection was 13%. The major mechanical complications were nonunion in seven grafts (5.5%) and fracture in eight (6%). These rates do not differ greatly from those reported for non-irradiated grafts. Our results suggest that irradiation, which remains the most convenient and acceptable method of sterilisation, does not jeopardize the clinical results


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 69-B, Issue 1 | Pages 45 - 55
1 Jan 1987
Engh C Bobyn J Glassman A

Total hip replacement using porous-coated cobalt-chrome femoral implants designed for biological fixation has been evaluated in 307 patients after two years and in 89 patients after five years. Histological study of 11 retrieved specimens showed bone ingrowth in nine and fibrous tissue fixation in two. Fixation by bone ingrowth occurred in 93% of the cases in which a press fit of the stem at the isthmus was achieved, but in only 69% of those without a press fit. The clinical results at two years were excellent. The incidence of pain and limp was much lower when there was either a press fit of the stem or radiographic evidence of bone ingrowth. Factors such as age, sex, and the disease process did not influence the clinical results. Most cases showed only slight resorptive remodelling of the upper femur, but in a few cases with a larger, more rigid stem, more extensive bone loss occurred. The results after five years showed no deterioration with time. Fixation by the ingrowth of bone or of fibrous tissue both appeared to be stable, but bone ingrowth gave better clinical results


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_15 | Pages 50 - 50
1 Mar 2013
De Biase CF Delcogliano M Borroni M Gumina S Postacchini F Castagna A
Full Access

Introduction. the aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical results of the shoulder prosthesis revision procedure to reverse implant without removing the humeral stem using a modular system (Lima LTD) and determine if this procedure is beneficial for the patients. Methods. e selected only the patients where a revision to reverse (RSA) of hemiarthroplasty (Hemi) originally implanted for fracture (Group I) and revision to reverse (RSA) of anatomical total prosthesis (TSA) were performed. From 2004 to 2009 26 cases responding to these parameters were identified: 18 cases in Group I (failed hemiarthroplasty for tuberosities resorptions or rotator cuff failure) and 8 in Group II (failed TSA for rotator cuff omplication). The mean follow-up was 32 months (min 18–max 76) and the mean age was 72 (min 65–max 80). Clinical assessment was performed with preoperative and postoperative Constant score rating scale (CS) and range of motion evaluation (ROM). Radiological assessment was performer by AP and Axial X-ray views. Operative time was calculated. Results. overall pre-op CS was 24 (min 18–max 30), post-op CS was 47,8 (min 35–max 60). In Group I the mean improvement of CS was 25,3; in Group II was 17. All patients had a clinical improvement of the range of motion. X-Rays study did not show radiolucent lines related to implant mobilization. No major complications were observed in all the cases. Discussion and Conclusion. Revision surgery for failed Hemi or TSA is commonly related to a relatively increase of complication and/or poorer out come if compared to a primary RSA implant. Our study results demonstrate that using a full modular system from the first implant allows to skip the humeral stem removal/reimplant step in case of conversion of a shoulder prosthesis to a reverse with good clinical result, no radiological signs of mobilization and non major complication probably related to a shorter and less aggressive operative time and procedure


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 84-B, Issue 6 | Pages 861 - 864
1 Aug 2002
Nakagawa K Wada Y Minamide M Tsuchiya A Moriya H

We examined an39 patients (45 knees) who had undergone Elmslie-Trillat procedure for recurrent or habitual dislocation of the patella with a follow-up of more than ten years. The mean age at the time of surgery was 18.4 years; the mean follow-up was 161 months (120 to 238). Using Fulkerson’s functional knee score, 41 knees (91%) had an excellent or good result at a mean follow-up of 45 months, and this was maintained in 29 (64%) at the final review. The main cause of deterioration in the clinical results was the onset or worsening of patellofemoral joint pain, not patellar instability


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 96-B, Issue 10 | Pages 1359 - 1365
1 Oct 2014
Large R Tambe A Cresswell T Espag M Clark DI

Medium-term results of the Discovery elbow replacement are presented. We reviewed 51 consecutive primary Discovery total elbow replacements (TERs) implanted in 48 patients. The mean age of the patients was 69.2 years (49 to 92), there were 19 males and 32 females (37%:63%) The mean follow-up was 40.6 months (24 to 69). A total of six patients were lost to follow-up. Statistically significant improvements in range movement and Oxford Elbow Score were found (p < 0.001). Radiolucent lines were much more common in, and aseptic loosening was exclusive to, the humeral component. Kaplan–Meier survivorship at five years was 92.2% (95% CI 74.5% to 96.4%) for aseptic loosening. In four TERs, periprosthetic infection occurred resulting in failure. A statistically significant association between infection and increased BMI was found (p = 0.0268). Triceps failure was more frequent after the Mayo surgical approach and TER performed after previous trauma surgery. No failures of the implant were noted.

Our comparison shows that the Discovery has early clinical results that are similar to other semi-constrained TERs. We found continued radiological surveillance with particular focus on humeral lucency is warranted and has not previously been reported. Despite advances in the design of total elbow replacement prostheses, rates of complication remain high.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:1359–65


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 98-B, Issue 8 | Pages 1086 - 1092
1 Aug 2016
de Vos MJ Wagener ML Hannink G van der Pluijm M Verdonschot N Eygendaal D

Aims

Revision total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) is often challenging. The aim of this study was to report on the clinical and radiological results of revision arthroplasty of the elbow with the Latitude TEA.

Patients and Methods

Between 2006 and 2010 we used the Latitude TEA for revision in 18 consecutive elbows (17 patients); mean age 53 years (28 to 80); 14 women. A Kudo TEA was revised in 15 elbows and a Souter-Strathclyde TEA in three.

Stability, range of movement (ROM), visual analogue score (VAS) for pain and functional scores, Elbow Functional Assessment Scale (EFAS), the Functional Rating Index of Broberg and Morrey (FRIBM) and the Modified Andrews’ Elbow Scoring System (MAESS) were assessed pre-operatively and at each post-operative follow-up visit (six, 12 months and biennially thereafter). Radiographs were analysed for loosening, fractures and dislocation. The mean follow-up was 59 months (26 to 89).


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_4 | Pages 15 - 15
1 Jan 2016
Shishido T Kubo K Tateiwa T Masaoka T Yamamoto K
Full Access

Introduction

In most cases of revision acetabular total hip arthoplasty (THA), some degree of bone loss will be accompanied. If the bone loss is massive, the management of bone defect is more challenging problem. We consider that using cementless accetabular cup for revision acetabular reconstruction is good indication when stable interface fit between the acetabular cup and bone is achieved. The purpose of this study is to review the result of revision hip arthroplasty using cementless acetabular cup with and without bone graft.

Materials and methods

Between 1998 and 2012, 65 revisions using cementless acetabular cup (Mallory-Head 4 Finned component) were performed in 64 patients, whose mean age was 64.9 years. The cases of revision are aseptic loosening (53 joints), and infection (12 joints). All patients were followed up for a minimum period of 24.0 months (mean, 84 months) and were divided into two groups as follows: in group A, revisions without bone graft (28 joints); in group B, revisions with bone graft (37 joints). We compared clinical and radiographical results of group A with group B.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 88-B, Issue SUPP_I | Pages 161 - 161
1 Mar 2006
Sosin P Dutka J Libura M Skowronek P
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Aims: Evaluation of: 1/ type and incidence of pelvic ring injuries, 2/ type and incidence of associated injuries, 3/ type of pelvic ring injuries pathomechanism, 4/ influence of pelvic ring injuries on trauma severity score, 5/ analysis of clinical long term results. Material and methods: Retrospective evaluation of 257 patients with pelvic ring injuries treated between 1989–2003 had been made. Mean patients age was: 65 y.o. (Range: 32–61 y.o.). Mean follow-up time: 57,5 months (range: 18–192 m.). All patients were treated no operatively: bed-rest, hamaque suspension, and skeletal traction. Analysis of pelvic injuries was made by Tiles classification. Evaluation of pelvic injuries pathomechanism was made by Young-Burgess classification. Clinical end results were evaluated by Iowa Pelvic Score. In polytraumatized patients trauma severity was evaluated by AIS and ISS. Results: Incidence of pelvic injury in hospitalized patients was 1,3%. In study group there were following pelvic injury types: type A – 14 %, type B – 77 % and type C – 9%. Pathomechanisms of pelvic injuries in study group were following: type LC – 61%, type APC – 30%, type VS – 2%, type CMI – 7%. Long term clinical results in Iowa pelvic Score were for pelvic ring injuries: type A – 92 p., type B – 86 p., type C – 67 p. Mean value of ISS index in patients with pelvic ring injuries was 23p, mean value of ISS index in patients without pelvic ring injuries was 19p. Conclusions: 1/ pelvic ring injuries in standard orthopedic and traumatic department are rare, 2/ pelvic ring injuries are frequent in polytraumatized patients, 3/ type C according to Tile’s classification is the most frequent type of pelvic ring injury, 4/ type LC according to Young-Burgess classification is the most frequent type of pelvic ring injury pathomechanism, 5/ incidence of pelvic ring injury in polytraumatized patient increases ISS index, 6/ long term clinical results suggested that most pelvic ring injuries can be successfully treated nonoperatively


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 66-B, Issue 3 | Pages 355 - 361
1 May 1984
Lettin A Kavanagh T Craig D Scales J

We review 210 Stanmore knee replacements in 163 patients to assess the survival of the prostheses and the long-term results. The annual rate of failure reached a maximum of 4.6% in the fourth year after operation; thereafter it declined to reach zero by the eighth year. Between two and eight years after operation, 66.3% of the surviving knees were completely free of pain and 30.2% had mild retropatellar pain. Fixed flexion deformities present before operation were completely corrected in 73% of the knees, and varus or valgus deformities were invariably corrected. Stability was always restored to unstable knees and 80.8% of knees flexed to 90 degrees or more after replacement. Aseptic loosening (8.1%), prosthetic infection (4.3%) and femoral fracture (2.9%) led to 8.5% of the prostheses being revised or removed over eight years. Modifications in prosthetic design and operative techniques have been introduced to minimise such complications in the future.


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 92-B, Issue SUPP_IV | Pages 535 - 535
1 Oct 2010
Daniilidis K Fischer F Skuginna A Skwara A Tibesku C
Full Access

Aim: Cementation of tibial implants in total knee arthroplasty is a gold-standard considering the high loosening rates of cementless implants. In contrast, only sparse data exist regarding unicondylar arthroplasty due to limited use. In this study, we compare cemented with cementless unicondylar knee arthroplasty and aim to define both clinical and radiological differences in treatment outcome. Materials and Methods: In a retrospective study, 106 patients who had undergone a medial unicondylar replacement were examined after a mean postoperative period of 8 years. Of these, 42 patients (median age 81±7 years) had received a cemented and 64 (median age 73±7 years) a cementless knee arthroplasty by the same surgeon while 7 patients were deceased or could not be reached. Well-established clinical (VAS, HSS, KSS, UCLA, WOMAC) and quality of life (SF-36) scores were used to evaluate treatment outcome. X-rays were performed to evaluate periprosthetic loosening zones, according to Ewald’s criteria. Results: The cementless patient group presented significantly better clinical scores (HSS, KSS, UCLA, WOMAC), except in the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain assessment. The quality of life was significantly better in the cementless group except in the subgroups concerning physical function, vitality and social role, which resembled normal population. Moreover, radiographic analysis using antero-posterior X-rays revealed significantly more and larger periprosthetic loosening areas in tibial zone 2 in the cementless group. Conclusion: The inferior clinical results characterising the cemented group could be attributed to the higher mean age. Regarding the radiological loosening zones, we did not detect any differences in the techniques of fixation, although physical activity and mechanical stresses were higher in the cementless group


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 99-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 17 - 17
1 Mar 2017
Steppacher S Milosevic M Lerch T Tannast M Ziebarth K Siebenrock K
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Introduction. Hips following in-situ pinning for slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) have an altered morphology of the proximal femur with cam type deformity. This deformity can result in femoroacetabular impingement and early joint degeneration. The modified Dunn procedure allows to reorientate the slipped epiphysis to restore hip morphology and function. Objectives. To evaluate (1) hip pain and function, (2) 10-year survival rate and (3) subsequent surgeries and complications in hips undergoing modified Dunn procedure for SCFE. Methods. Between April 1998 and December 2005 we performed the modified Dunn procedure for 43 patients (43 hips) with SCFE. Twenty-five hips (58) presented with an acute or acute on chronic slip. The mean slip angle was 43° (range, 15° – 80°). A majority of 53% of procedures were performed in male patients and the mean age at operation was 13 years (10 – 19 years). We could followup all except one hip (followup of 5.5 year) for a minimum of 10 years (mean followup 13 [10 – 18 years]). We used the anterior impingement test to assess pain and the Merle d'Aubigné- ostel score to assess function. Survivorship calculation was performed using the method of Kaplan and Meier and any of the following factors as a definition of failure: radiographic evidence of worsening osteoarthritis (OA), or a Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score less than 15. Results. (1) The prevalence of a positive anterior impingement test decreased from 100% to 16% (p<0.001). The mean Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score improved from 13 (7 – 14) to 17 (14 – 18) at most recent followup (p<0.001). (2) Four hips (9%) showed progression of OA and three hips (7%) had a Merle d'Aubigné-Postel score of less than 15 at most recent followup. This resulted in a 93% survival rate at 10-year followup. (3) No hip developed avascular necrosis. Five hips (12%) had complications with reosteosynthesis due to screw breakage or nonunion. Another nine hips (21%) had subsequent surgeries including acetabular rim trimming / offset creation in 5 hips and screw removal in 4 hips. Conclusion. The modified Dunn procedure is a safe method to correct the morphology of the proximal femur in hips with SCFE. Ninety-free percent of the hips showed no progression of OA and a good clinical result at the 10-year followup. Twelve percent required revision surgery for complications all including screw breakage with nonunion of the greater trochanter


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 85-B, Issue 6 | Pages 933 - 933
1 Aug 2003
GRELSAMER R


The Bone & Joint Journal
Vol. 97-B, Issue 7 | Pages 890 - 898
1 Jul 2015
Renkawitz T Weber M Springorum H Sendtner E Woerner M Ulm K Weber T Grifka J

We report the kinematic and early clinical results of a patient- and observer-blinded randomised controlled trial in which CT scans were used to compare potential impingement-free range of movement (ROM) and acetabular component cover between patients treated with either the navigated ‘femur-first’ total hip arthroplasty (THA) method (n = 66; male/female 29/37, mean age 62.5 years; 50 to 74) or conventional THA (n = 69; male/female 35/34, mean age 62.9 years; 50 to 75). The Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, the Harris hip score, the Euro-Qol-5D and the Mancuso THA patient expectations score were assessed at six weeks, six months and one year after surgery. A total of 48 of the patients (84%) in the navigated ‘femur-first’ group and 43 (65%) in the conventional group reached all the desirable potential ROM boundaries without prosthetic impingement for activities of daily living (ADL) in flexion, extension, abduction, adduction and rotation (p = 0.016). Acetabular component cover and surface contact with the host bone were > 87% in both groups. There was a significant difference between the navigated and the conventional groups’ Harris hip scores six weeks after surgery (p = 0.010). There were no significant differences with respect to any clinical outcome at six months and one year of follow-up. The navigated ‘femur-first’ technique improves the potential ROM for ADL without prosthetic impingement, although there was no observed clinical difference between the two treatment groups.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:890–8.


The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery British Volume
Vol. 76-B, Issue 1 | Pages 23 - 29
1 Jan 1994
Ingman A Waters D

We report our experience with a modified implant and a new technique for locked intramedullary nailing of the humerus in 41 patients. Locking was by cross-screws placed from lateral to medial in the proximal humerus, and anteroposteriorly in the distal humerus. Early in the series, 11 nails were inserted at the shoulder, but we found that rehabilitation was faster after retrograde nailing through the olecranon fossa, which was used for the other 30. We used a closed technique for 29 of the nailings. Of the 41 patients treated, 21 had acute fractures, five had nonunion, and 15 had pathological fractures. Secure fixation was obtained for comminuted and osteoporotic fractures in any part of the humeral shaft, which allowed the early use of crutches and walking frames. Two nails were locked at only one end, and one of these became the only failure of union after an acute fracture.