Introduction. IM (Intra Medullary) nail fixation is the standard treatment for diaphyseal femur fractures and also for certain types of proximal and distal femur fractures. Despite the advances in the tribology for the same, cases of failed IM nail fixation continue to be encountered routinely in clinical practice. Common causes are poor alignment or reduction, insufficient fixation and eventual implant fatigue and failure. This study was devised to study such patients presenting to our practice and develop a predictive model for eventual failure. Materials and Methods. 57 patients who presented with failure of IM nail fixation (± infection) between Jan 2011 – Jun 2020 were included in the study and hospital records and imaging reviewed. Those fixed with any other kinds of metalwork were excluded. Classification for failure of IM nails – Type 1: Failure with loss of contact of lag screw threads in the head due to backing out and then rotational instability, Type 2A: Failure of the nail at the nail and lag screw junction, Type 2B: Failure of the screws at the nail lag screw junction, Type 3: Loosening at the distal locking sites with or without infection. X-rays reviewed and causes/site of failure noted. Results. Total patients - 57. Demography - Average age - 58.9 years, 22 Males and 35 females. Eleven patients were noted to have an infection at the fracture site that needed oral or IV antibiotics.16 patients - at least 1 cerclage wire for fracture reduction and fixation + IM Nail. Subtrochanteric fractures (42/57) were the most common to fail. In those fractures with postero-medial comminution, locking of the lag screw in position thus preventing backout can prevent failure. In type 2 failures, preventing varus fixation by early open reduction and temporary fixation with plates and screws can achieve improved results. Those with type 3 failures with periosteal reaction should be considered to be infected until proven otherwise. Conclusions. This classification for failure of IM nails in the femur can be used as a predictive model for failures and allow early recognition and intervention to tackle them

Many pre-clinical models of atrophic non-union do not reflect the clinical scenario, some create a critical size defect, or involve cauterization of the tissue which is uncommonly seen in patients. Atrophic non-union is usually developed following high energy trauma leading to periosteal stripping. The most recent reliable model with these aspects involves creating a non-critical gap of 1mm with periosteal and endosteal stripping. However, this method uses an external fixator for fracture fixation, whereas intramedullary nailing is the standard fixation device for long bone fractures. OBJECTIVES. To establish a clinically relevant model of atrophic non-union using intramedullary nail and (1) ex vivo and in vivo validation and characterization of this model, (2) establishing a standardized method for leg positioning for a reliable x-ray imaging. Ex vivo evaluation: 40 rat's cadavers (adult male 5–6 months old), were divided into five groups (n=8 in each): the first group was fixed with 20G intramedullary nail, the second group with 18G nail, the third group with 4-hole plate, the fourth group with 6-hole plate, and the fifth group with an external fixator. Tibiae were harvested by leg disarticulation from the knee and ankle joints. Each group was then subdivided into two subgroups for mechanical testing: one for axial loading (n=4) and one for 4-point bending (n=4) using Zwick/Roell® machine. Statistical analysis was carried out by ANOVA with a fisher post-hoc comparison between groups. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. To maintain the non-critical gap, a spacer was inserted in the gap, the design was refined to minimize the effect on the healing surface area. In vivo evaluation was done to validate and characterize the model. Here, a 1 mm gap was created with periosteal and endosteal stripping to induce non-union. The fracture was then fixed by a hypodermic needle. A proper x-ray technique must show fibula in both views. Therefore, a leg holder was used to hold the knee and ankle joints in 90º flexion and the foot was placed in a perpendicular direction with the x-ray film. Lateral view was taken with the foot parallel to the x-ray film. Ex vivo: axial load stiffness data revealed that intramedullary nails are significantly stronger and stiffer than other devices. Bending load to failure showed that 18G nails are significantly stronger than 20G, thus it is used for the in vivo experiments. In vivo: final iteration revealed 3/3 non-union, and in controls with the periosteum and endosteum intact but with the 1mm non-critical gap, it progressed to 3/3 union. X-ray positioning: A-P view in supine position, there was an unavoidable degree of external rotation in the lower limb, thus the lower part of the fibula appeared behind the tibia. To overcome this, a P-A view of the leg was performed with the body in prone rather, this arrangement allowed both upper and lower parts of the fibula to appear clearly in both views. We report a novel model of atrophic non-union, the surgical procedure is relatively simple and the model is reproducible

Aim. The treatment of fracture-related infections (FRI) focuses on obtaining fracture healing and eradicating infection to prevent osteomyelitis. Treatment guidelines include removal, exchange, or retention of the implants used according to the stability of the fracture and the time from the infection. Infection of a fracture in the process of healing with a stable fixation may be treated with implant retention, debridement, and antibiotics. Nonetheless, the retention of an intramedullary nail is a potential risk factor for failure, and it is recommended to exchange or remove the nail. This surgical approach implies additional life-threatening risks in elderly fragile hip fracture patients. Our study aimed to analyze the results of implant retention for the treatment of infected nails in elderly hip fracture patients. Methods. Our retrospective analysis included patients 65 years of age or older with an acute fracture-related infection treated with implant retention from 2012 to 2020 in 6 Spanish hospitals with a minimum 1-year follow-up. Patients that required open reduction during the initial fracture surgery were excluded. Variables included in our analysis were patient demographics, type of fracture, date of FRI diagnosis, causative microorganism, and outcome. Treatment success was defined as fracture healing with infection eradication without the need for further hospitalization. Results. A total of 48 patients were identified. Eight patients with open reduction were excluded and 11 did not complete a 1-year follow-up. Out of the 29 remaining patients, the mean age was 81.5 years, with a 21:9, female to male ratio. FRI was diagnosed between 10 and 48 days after initial surgery (mean 26 days). Treatment success was achieved in 24 patients (82.7%). Failure was objectivated in polymicrobial infections or infections caused by microorganisms resistant to antibiofilm antibiotics. Seven patients required more than one debridement with a success rate of 57%. Twelve patients had an infection diagnosed after 21 days from the initial surgery and implant retention was successful in all of them. Conclusion. Our results suggest implant retention is a valid therapeutic approach for fracture-related infection in elderly hip fracture patients treated by closed reduction and intramedullary nailing

Introduction. Femoral-shortening osteotomy for the treatment of leg length discrepancy is demanding technique. Many surgical technique and orthopaedic devises have been suggested to perform this procedure. Herein, we describe modified femoral shortening osteotomy over a nail, using a percutaneous multiple drill-hole osteotomy technique. Materials and Methods. We operated on six patients with LLD. Mean femoral shortening was 4.2 cm. Osteotomy was performed using a multiple drill-hole technique, and bone was stabilized using an intramedullary nail. Post-operative clinical and radiological data were reported. Results. Shortening was achieved, with a final LLD of < 1 cm in all patients. All patients considered the lengths of the lower limbs to be equal. No special surgical skills or instrumentation were needed. Intraoperative and post-operative complications were not recorded. Conclusions. Percutaneous femoral-shortening osteotomy over a nail using multiple drill-hole osteotomy technique was effective and safe in treating LLD

We report the results of using a combination of fixator-assisted nailing with lengthening over an intramedullary nail in patients with tibial deformity and shortening. Between 1997 and 2007, 13 tibiae in nine patients with a mean age of 25.4 years (17 to 34) were treated with a unilateral external fixator for acute correction of deformity, followed by lengthening over an intramedullary nail with a circular external fixator applied at the same operating session. At the end of the distraction period locking screws were inserted through the intramedullary nail and the external fixator was removed. The mean amount of lengthening was 5.9 cm (2 to 8). The mean time of external fixation was 90 days (38 to 265). The mean external fixation index was 15.8 days/cm (8.9 to 33.1) and the mean bone healing index was 38 days/cm (30 to 60). One patient developed an equinus deformity which responded to stretching and bracing. Another developed a drop foot due to a compartment syndrome, which was treated by fasciotomy. It recovered in three months. Two patients required bone grafting for poor callus formation. We conclude that the combination of fixator-assisted nailing with lengthening over an intramedullary nail can reduce the overall external fixation time and prevent fractures and deformity of the regenerated bone

Knee arthrodesis is a potencial salvage procedure for limb preservation in patients with multiple failures of Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) with massive bone loss and extensor mechanism deficiency. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the outcome of bridging knee arthrodesis using a modular and non cemented intramedullary nail in patients with septic failure Total Knee Arthroplasty. Between 2005 and 2013 (9 years), 15 patients (13 female and 2 male) with mean age 71.1 years (range 41 to 85) were treated at our Institution with septic two- stage knee arthrodesis using a modular and non- cemented intramedullary nail after multiple failures of septic Total Knee Arthroplasty. Mean follow- up was 70.1 months (24 to 108 months) with a minimum follow- up of 24 months. We evaluated the erradication of infection clinically and with normalization of laboratory parameters (ESR and CRP), limb length discrepancies and complications (periimplant fractures, amputation rates, wound healing disturbances) and the subjective evaluation of the patients after knee arthrodesis. We reported 11 cases of resolution of the infection (73.3 %), with good tolerance of the implant and a mean limb length discrepancies of 15 mm. Of these, 8 patients had been monitored over 5 years without recurrence of the infection. The mean number of previous operations was 4.9 (range 2 to 9). Two patients (13.3 %) required multiples surgical debridements for uncontrolled sepsis and finally underwent knee amputation. Coagulase- negative Staphylococci (SCN) were the most commom pathogen (53.3 %) followed by polimicrobian infections (26.7 %). One patient continues suppressive antibiotic treatment and 1 patient was treated with a one- stage custom- made arthrodesis nail exchange. Bridging knee arthrodesis using a modular and non- cemented intramedullary nail is a salvage procedure with acceptable results in terms of erradication of infection after septic faliure Total Knee Arthroplasty with restoration of limb length discrepancy. Despite these satisfactory results it is not without serious complications such as knee amputation

Aim. Open fractures with bone defects and skin lesions carry a high risk of infection potentially leading to prolonged hospitalization and complication requiring revision procedures. Treatment options for diaphyseal fractures with soft tissue lesions are one- or two-stage approaches using external fixation or intramedullary nailing. We describe a surgical technique combining intramedullary nailing with an antibiotic-eluting biphasic bone substitute (BBS) applied both at the fracture site, for dead-space management and infection prevention, and on the nail surface for the prophylaxis of implant-related infection. Method. Adult patients with an increased risk of bony infection (severe soft tissue damage and open fractures of Gustilo-Anderson grades I and II) were treated with debridement followed by application on the intramedullary nail surface, in the canal and at the fracture site of a BBS with prolonged elution (to 28 days) of either gentamicin or vancomycin. All patients also received systemic antibiotic prophylaxis following surgery. Data on infections and other adverse events were collected throughout the follow-up period. Bone union was determined by radiographic assessment of 4 cortices in radiographs obtained 1 year after surgery. Results. In this prospective, non-randomized case series a total of 6 patients were treated: 4 tibia (2 male, 2 female), 1 femur (female) and 1 humerus (male). The mean age of the patients was 28 years (range 18–51 years). Two patients had a history of smoking and 1 patient had a history of diabetes. Minimal Follow up was 12 months (range: 12 – 30 months). One to two weeks postoperatively, partial load bearing (20 kg) was allowed with free mobility of joints. Bone samples from the fracture site following debridement showed the presence of bacteria in 2 cases. No infections were observed during follow-up. Radiographs showed that the bone substitute was resorbed and also a gradual bony union of the fractures. All patients had good clinical outcomes. Conclusions. The addition of a BBS which elutes antibiotic locally in the dead-space of exposed fractures and at the implant surface prevents bacterial colonization and biofilm formation. The injectable composite we used enhances safety in higher risk patients, is easy to use in combination with intramedullary nailing and offers the opportunity for a one-stage procedure. Local administration of antibiotics at the fracture site provides an additional tool to manage difficult-to-treat complex fractures and implant-related infections. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results. *CERAMENT G or V, BONESUPPORT AB

Management of open tibial fractures remains controversial. We hypothesised that unreamed intramedullary nail offers inherent advantages of nail as well as external fixation. We undertook a prospective randomised study to compare the results of management of open tibial fractures with either an external fixator or an undreamed intramedullary nail until fracture union or failure. Our study included 30 consecutive open tibial fractures (Gustilo I, II & IIIA) between 4 cm distal to knee and 4 cm proximal to ankle in skeletally mature adults, who presented to a level-1 trauma centre. Alternate patients were treated by either external fixation and unreamed nailing i.e. 15 in each group. Standard protocol for debridement and fixation was followed in all cases. All external fixators were removed at 6 weeks. All cases were followed up until fracture union, the main outcome measurement. 26 (87%) were males and 4 (13%) females; age range was 20-60 years (average 33.8). All fractures in both groups united. Time to union averaged 7.9 months for both groups. Incidence of wound problems, infection, hardware failure and delayed union were comparable. However, there was higher incidence of angular deformities and stiffness of knee and ankle in external fixation group, although not statistically significant. We found no statistically significant difference between unreamed intramedullary nailing and external fixation for the management of open tibial diaphyseal fractures, although ease of weight bearing as well as absence of angular deformities and joint stiffness were distinct advantages in the nail group. Therefore we recommend unreamed nail for Gustilo I, II and IIIA open tibial fractures

Purpose of study. The addition of interlocking screws to intramedullary nails adds greatly to the stability of these constructs, yet the placement of distal screws accounts for a significant proportion of the total fluoroscopy and operative times. The Sureshot® (Smith and Nephew™) is a computerised system that allows placement of distal screws without fluoroscopy by using electromagnetic guided imagery. The purpose of this study is to compare traditional free-hand technique to the Sureshot® technique in terms of operating time, radiation dose and accuracy. Methods. Between September 2011 and March 2012 we prospectively randomised 66 consecutive patients presenting to us with femur shaft fractures requiring intramedullary nails to either free-hand (n=33) or Sureshot® assisted (n=28) distal locking. Fractures warranting only one distal locking screw, or those requiring retrograde or cephalo-medullary nailing, were excluded. Five patients' data was not suitable for analysis. The two groups were assessed for distal locking time, distal locking radiation and accuracy of distal locking. Results. The average total operative time was 51 minutes (range 25–88) for the free-hand group and 59 minutes (range 40–103) for the Sureshot® group. The average time for distal locking time was 10 minutes (range 4–16) with free-hand and 11 minutes (range 6–28) with Sureshot®. The average radiation dose for distal locking was 746.27 μGy (range 200–2310) for the free-hand group and 262.54 μGy (range 51–660) for the Sureshot® group. There were 2 misplaced drill bits in the free-hand group and 3 in the SureShot® group. Conclusion. SureShot® assisted distal locking reduces radiation exposure, but in a high-volume institution like ours it didn't reduce operative time or improve our accuracy. The benefits of this reduction in radiation still need to be quantified. The slightly higher number of misplaced drill bits and screws may represent our learning curve with SureShot®. NO DISCLOSURES

Limb lengthening by callus distraction and external fixation has a high rate of complications. We describe our experience using an intramedullary nail (Fitbone) which contains a motorised and programmable sliding mechanism for limb lengthening and bone transport. Between 2001 and 2004 we lengthened 13 femora and 11 tibiae in ten patients (seven men and three women) with a mean age of 32 years (21 to 47) using this nail. The indications for operation were short stature in six patients and developmental or acquired disorders in the rest. The mean lengthening achieved was 40 mm (27 to 60). The mean length of stay in hospital was seven days (5 to 9). The mean healing index was 35 days/cm (18.8 to 70.9). There were no cases of implant-related infection or malunion

Distraction osteogenesis is widely used for leg lengthening, but often requires a long period of external fixation which carries risks of pin-track sepsis, malalignment, stiffness of the joint and late fracture of the regenerate. We present the results of 20 cases in which, in an attempt to reduce the rate of complications, a combination of external fixation and intramedullary nailing was used. The mean gain in length was 4.7 cm (2 to 8.6). The mean time of external fixation was 20 days per centimetre gain in length. All distracted segments healed spontaneously without refracture or malalignment. There were three cases of deep infection, two of which occurred in patients who had had previous open fractures of the bone which was being lengthened. All resolved with appropriate treatment. This method allows early rehabilitation, with a rapid return of knee movement. There is a lower rate of complications than occurs when external fixation is used on its own. The time of external fixation is shorter than in other methods of leg lengthening. The high risk of infection calls for caution

Infected nonunion of the femur or tibia diaphysis requires resection of infected bone, stabilization of bone and reconstruction of bone defect. External fixation of the femur is poorly tolerated by patients. In 2004 authors introduced in therapy for infected nonunions of tibia and femur diaphysis coating of IMN with a layer of antibiotic loaded acrylic cement (ALAC) containing 5% of culture specific antibiotic. Seven patients with infected nonunion of the diaphysis of femur (2) and tibia (2) were treated, aged 20–63 years, followed for 2–9 years (average 5,5 years). All have been infected with S. aureus (MSSA: 2 and MRSA: 4) or Staph. epidermidis (1) and in one case with MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. All patients underwent 3 to 6 operations before authors IMN application. Custom-made IMN coated with acrylic cement (Palamed) loaded fabrically with gentamycin with admixture of 5% of culture-specific antibiotic: vancomycin (7 cases) and meropeneme (1 case) was used for bone stabilization. Static interlocking of IMN was applied in 4 cases and dynamic in 2 cases. In 1 case the femur was stabilized with IMN without interlocking screws. In 2 cases IMN was used for fixation of nonunion at docking site after bone transport. In 3 cases ALAC was used as temporary defect filling and dead space management. In one case after removal of IMN coated with ALAC, a new custom made Gamma nail and tubular bone allograft ranging 11 cm was used for defect reconstruction. Infection healing was achieved in all 7 cases, bone union was achieved in 4 from 7 cases. In 1 case of segmental diaphyseal defect ranging over 12 cm infection was healed, but bone defect was not reconstructed. This patient is waiting for total femoral replacement. In another case of segmental defect of 11 cm infection is healed, but allograft substitution and remodeling by host bone is poor. In the 3rd case of lacking bone healing, the 63 year old patients was noncooperative and not willing to walk in walker with weight bearing. This patient refused further treatment. Custom-made intramedullary nail coated with a layer of acrylic cement loaded with 5% of culture specific antibiotic can provide local infection control, offer comfortable bone stabilization, and replace standard IM nail in therapy for difficult to treat infected diaphyseal nonunion of femur or tibia

Background. Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures constitute up to 5.4% of all fractures in children under 16 years of age in the United Kingdom. Most can be managed with closed reduction and cast immobilisation. Surgical fixation options include flexible intramedullary nailing and plating. However, the optimal method is controversial. Objectives. The main purpose of this study was to systematically search for and critically appraise articles comparing functional outcomes, radiographic outcomes and complications of nailing and plating for both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. Methods. A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE and Cochrane library databases using specific search terms and limits was undertaken. The critical appraisal checklist (adapted from Critical Appraisal Skills Programme-CASP, Oxford; Guyatt et al) for an article on treatment was used to aid assessment. Results. All 7 studies identified were retrospective, comparative and non-randomized. They all included patients with similar baseline characteristics. There were no statistically significant differences in group outcomes for range of forearm movement, time to fracture union and complication rates. Less operative time and better cosmesis was noted in the IM nailing groups. Some studies showed post-operative radial bow was significantly abnormal in the IM nailing groups, but did not affect forearm movement. Conclusion. Based on similar functional and radiographic outcomes, nailing seems to be a safe and effective option when compared to plating for forearm fractures in children. However, critical appraisal of the studies in this review identified some methodological deficiencies and further prospective, randomized trials are recommended

Introduction. Clavicle fractures accounting for 3–5% of all adult fractures are usually treated non-operatively. There is an increasing trend towards their surgical fixation. Objective. The aim of our study was to investigate the outcome following titanium elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for midshaft non-comminuted clavicle fractures with >20mm shortening/displacement. Methods. 38 patients, which met inclusion criteria, were reviewed retrospectively. There were 32 males and 6 females. The mean age was 27.6 years. The patients were assessed for clinical/radiological union and by Oxford Shoulder and QuickDASH scores. 71% patients required open reduction. Results. 100% union was achieved at average of 11.3 weeks. The average follow-up was 12 months. The average Oxford Shoulder and QuickDASH scores were 45.6 and 6.7 respectively. 47% patients had nail removal. One patient had lateral nail protrusion while other required its medial trimming. Conclusion. In our hands, ESIN is safe and minimally invasive with good patient satisfaction, cosmetic appearance and overall outcome

Displaced fractures of the radial neck in children can lead to limitation of elbow and forearm movements if left untreated. Several management techniques are available for the treatment of radial neck fractures in children. Open reduction can disturb the blood supply of the soft tissue surrounding the radial head epiphysis and is associated with more complications. We report our experience of treating 14 children between the age of 4 and 13 years, who had severely displaced radial neck fractures (Judet type 111 and 1V). 12 patients were treated with indirect reduction and fixation using the Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nail (ESIN) technique, (3 with assisted percutaneous K-wire reduction) and 2 had open reduction followed by ESIN fixation of the radial head fragment. This method reduces the need for open reduction and thus the complication rate. Three patients had associated fractures of the same forearm which was also treated surgically at the same time. We routinely immobilised the forearm for two weeks and removed the nail in all cases in an average of 12 weeks. We had no complication with implant removal. All 14 patients have been followed up for average of 28 months. One patient (7%) developed asymptomatic avascular necrosis (AVN) of the head of radius. Thirteen patients (93%) had excellent result on final review. One patient had neuropraxia of the posterior interosseous nerve which recovered within 6 weeks. In conclusion we advocate ESIN for the closed reduction and fixation of severely displaced radial neck fractures in children. It remains a useful fixation method even if open reduction is required and allows early mobilisation

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic results of a interlocking nail with a releasing antibiotic core of PMMA with a standard interlocking nail for the treatment of open fractures of the tibia. Prospective, controlled trial, randomized by surgeon preference, including 30 patients with open fractures of the tibia. Patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment method: Group I (STD), consisting of 14 patients treated by delayed interlocking standard nailing, after an antibiotic treatment and bed rest. Group II (SAFE) comprising 16 patients treated with a interlocking intramedullary nail with a core of PMMA cement with antibiotics, 5 of which had a temporary stabilization with an external fixator. Antibiotics chosen to impregnate the SAFE nail in cases without prior bacteriology were vancomycin (2gr) and flucloxacillin (2gr). There were no statistically significant differences between groups with respect to demographic data (age, gender), type of fracture and degree of exposure (p>0,05). The mean follow-up was 2.4 years (5 months to 4 years) for the STD group and 2.1 years (4 months to 3 years) for the SAFE group. 15 of the 30 patients had positive bacteriology, including 13 cases with aggressive agents predominating Enterobacter, Enterococcus, Pseudomonas and MSSA groups. The infection rate after nailing was 43% (6/14 patients) for the STD group and 6% (1/16 cases) to the SAFE group, a statistically significant difference (p=0.02). The mean time to union was 7.5 months (3 months to 1.5 years) for the STD group and 4.5 months (2 months to 8.5 months) for the SAFE group, a statistically significant difference (p=0.02). The complication rate was 64% (9/14) in the STD group and 25% (4/16) for the SAFE, including a infection rate of 43% in the STD group and 6% in the SAFE group, a statistically significant difference (p=0.03). We observed that the open fractures of the tibia treated with SAFE nails presented a statistically significant lower rate of infection, faster consolidation and fewer complications compared with treatment with deferred standard nails. Compared to similar devices available on the market, it has the advantage of allowing selection of the type and dose of antibiotics, it allows fixation with screws of intermediate bone segments, it shorten the period of hospitalization and treatment time, reducing the costs associated with the treatment of this pathology

Introduction. To compare the union rates and post-operative mobility of antegrade intramedullary nailing of osteoporotic traumatic supracondylar femoral fractures (AO classification A to C2) with those of plating. Materials/Methods. We studied any traumatic intra or extra-articular supracondylar femoral fracture from 2005–2010. Patients were either admitted directly to our level 1 trauma centre or were referred from another hospital. Nineteen patients were identified, consisting of primarily fixation with five antegrade nails and fourteen plates. We defined osteoporotic bone as being present in anyone over sixty years old or who had a clinical diagnosis. One nail and six plates were excluded due to young age or fracture severity. This left four nails, six less invasive stabilisation system plates and two dynamic condylar screw plates. Both groups were comparable with respect to age, sex and AO fracture classification. Results. There was a significant difference in achieving union between the two groups (p=0.040). Union occurred within three months in all four fractures in the nail group but only three fractures (38%) united after primary fixation in the plate group. There were two failures due to screw pullout, one failure due to screw breakage, one broken plate after delayed-union and one screw breakage after non-union. The patients in the nail group had better mobility and less pain than the plate group but the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusion. We have shown that for patients with osteoporotic, supracondylar femoral fractures, fixation with an antegrade IM nail provides significantly better healing compared to plate fixation

Aim. The aim of this study was to compare the results of humerus intramedullary nail (IMN) and dynamic compression plate (DCP) for the management of diaphyseal fractures of humerus. Material & methods. 47 patients with diaphyseal fracture of shaft humerus were randomised prospectively and treated by open reduction and internal fixation with IMN or DCP. The criteria for inclusion were Grade 1.2a compound fractures; Polytrauma; Early failure of conservative treatment; Unstable fracture. Patients with pathological fracture, Grade 3 open fracture, refracture or old neglected fracture of humerus were excluded from the study. 23 patients underwent internal fixation by IMN and 24 by DCP. Reamed antegrade nailing was done in all cases. DCP was done through an anterolateral or posterior approach. Results. The outcome was assessed in terms of union time, union rate, functional outcome and incidence of complications. Functional outcome was assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Score (ASES). On comparing the results by independent samples t test, there was no significant difference in ASES score between the two groups. The average union time was found to be significantly lower for IMN compared to DCP(P<.05). The union rate was found to be similar in both the groups. Complications like infection were found to be higher with DCP compared to IMN, while shortening of the arm (1.5-4cm) and restriction of shoulder movements due to impingement of the nail were found to be higher with DCP compared with IMN. However, this improved in all patients following removal of the nail once the fracture healed. Conclusion. This study proves that IMN can be considerd as a better surgical option for these fractures as it offers shorter union time and less incidence of serious complications like infection. However, there appears to be no difference between two groups in union rate and functional outcome

The Fixion expandable nailing system provides an intramedullary fracture fixation solution without the need for locking screws. Proponents of this system have demonstrated shorter surgery times with rapid fracture healing, but several centres have reported suboptimal results with loss of fixation. This is the largest comparative series to be reported to date. We compared outcomes between 50 consecutive diaphyseal tibial fractures treated with a Fixion device at our institution to an age, sex and fracture configuration matched series of 57 fractures at a neighbouring hospital treated with a conventional interlocked intramedullary nail. Minimum follow up time was 2 years. Operating time was significantly reduced in the Fixion group (mean 61 minutes, range 20–99) compared to the interlocked group (88 minutes, 52–93), p< 0.00001. The union rate was no different between the Fixion group (93.9%) and the interlocked group (96.5%), p=0.527. Time to clinical and radiological union was significantly faster in the Fixion group (median 85 days, range 42–243) compared to the interlocked group (119, 70–362), p< 0.0001. The overall reoperation rate was lower in the Fixion series (24.5% vs 38.6%, p=0.121), although the majority of reoperations in the interlocked group were more minor, for screw removal. 3 Fixion nails were revised for fixation failure and 2 manipulations were required for rotational deformities after falls; all of these patients were non-compliant with post-operative instructions. There were no fixation failures in the interlocked group. 3 fractures were noted to propagate during inflation of Fixion nails. The Fixion nail is faster to implant and allows more physiological loading of the fracture, with a faster union time. However, these advantages are offset by a reduction in construct stability. Our results have demonstrated a learning curve with a reduction in complications as our indications were narrowed, avoiding osteoporotic, multifragmentary, unstable fractures and non-compliant patients

The advent of Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing has revolutionised the conservative treatment of long human bone fractures in children (Metaizeau, 1988; Metaizeau et al., 2004). Unfortunately, failures still occur due to excessive bending and fatigue (Linhart et al., 1999; Lascombes et al., 2006), bone refracture or nail failure (Bråten et al., 1993; Weinberg et al., 2003). Ideally, during surgery, nail insertion into the diaphyseal medullary canal should not interrupt or injure cartilage growth; nails should provide an improved rigidity and fracture stabilisation.

This study aims at comparing deflections and stiffnesses of nail-bone assemblies: standard cylindrically-shaped nails (MI) vs. new cylindrical nails (MII) with a flattened face across the entire length allowing more inertia and a curved tip allowing better penetration into the cancellous bone of the metaphysis (Figure 1). MII exhibits a section with two parameters: a diameter C providing nail stiffness and a height C' providing practical dimension when both nails are crossed at the isthmus of the diaphysis: C/C' is set to 1.25 for all MII nails.

A CT scan of a patient aged 22 years was used to segment a 3D model of a 471mm-long right femur model. The medullary canal diameters at the isthmus are 10.8mm and 11.4mm in the ML and AP direction, respectively. Titanium-made CAD models of MI (Ø=4mm) and MII (flat face: Ø=5mm) were pre-curved to maintain their flat face and carefully placed and positioned according to surgeon's instructions. Both nails were inserted via lateral holes in the distal femur with their extremities either bumping against the cortex or lying in the trabecular bone.

Transverse and comminuted fractures were simulated (Figure 1). For each assembly, a Finite Element (FE) tetrahedral mesh was generated (∼100181 nodes and 424398 elements). Grey-scale levels were used to assign heterogeneous material properties to the bone (E=6850 ρ^1.49 (Morgan et al., 2003)). Two modes of loading were considered: 4-point bending (varus and recurvatum: F_max=6000N) and internal torsion (M_max=70kNmm). This led to the simulation of 15 FE models, including a reference intact femur.

Results show that in valgus, for the transverse (comminuted) fracture, the mean displacement of the assembly decreased by around 50%: from 15.24mm (27.49mm) to 8.15mm (13.85mm) for MI and MII, respectively, compared to 3.59mm for the intact bone. The assembly stiffness increased by 87% and 99% for transverse and comminuted fracture, respectively (Table 1). Similar trends were found in recurvatum with higher increases in assembly stiffness of 170% and 143% for transverse and comminuted fracture, respectively (Table 1). In torsion, for the transverse (comminuted) fracture, the measured angle of rotation decreased from: 0.43rad (0.66rad) to 0.22rad (0.43rad) for MI and MII, respectively, compared to 0.09rad for the intact bone. This corresponded to an increase of 95% and 55% in assembly stiffness for transverse and comminuted fracture, respectively.

In conclusion, using the 5mm-diameter new nails (MII) for the same intramedullar space, during either bending or torsion, assemblies were always stiffer than when using standard cylindrical nails.