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Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 104-B, Issue SUPP_11 | Pages 24 - 24
1 Nov 2022
Ray P Garg P Fazal M Patel S
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Abstract. Background. Multiple devices can stabilise the MTP joint for arthrodesis. The ideal implant should be easy to use, provide reproducible and high quality results, and ideally enable early rehabilitation to enable faster return to function, whilst lessening soft tissue irritation. We prospectively evaluated the combination of the IO-Fix (Extremity Medical, NJ, USA) device which consists of an intra-osseous post and lag screw that offers these features with full bearing of weight after surgery. Methods. 67 feet in 65 patients were treated over 31 months. After excluding patients lost to follow-up, undergoing revision arthrodesis, or concomitant first ray procedures, there were 54 feet in 52 patients available with a minimum 12 month follow-up with clinical and radiographic outcomes. All patients were treated using a similar operative technique with immediate bearing of weight in a rigid soled shoe. Results. The mean MOXFQ score improved from 46.4 (range 18 – 64) before surgery to 30.2 (range 0 – 54) at 6 months after surgery (p=0.02), and 18.4 (range 0 – 36) (p< 0.001) at latest follow-up. Arthrodesis across the MTP joint was achieved in 52 feet (96%), at a mean of 61 days (range 39–201). Non-union was observed in two feet; superficial wound infections in two feet; and metalwork impingement in three feet. Conclusions. In the largest reported series to date, the IO-Fix device achieved a union rate of 96% across the MTP joint when coupled with immediate bearing of weight. Significant improvements were seen in patient reported outcomes with low complication rates


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 103-B, Issue SUPP_6 | Pages 54 - 54
1 May 2021
Debuka E Wilson G Philpott M Thorpe P Narayan B
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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


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_2 | Pages 61 - 61
1 Jan 2016
Inoue T Yokokura T Yamamoto Y Nagamura K Nakanishi Y
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Cases of intertrochanteric hip fractures as a result of osteoporosis have been increasing in recent years. Treatment of these types of fractures is often performed with intramedullary (IM) nails or compression hip screws (CHS) . [1]. IM nails are composed of a stem, which is inserted into the medullary canal of the femur, and a lag screw that is placed inside the head of the femur. One problem with this type of device is that both the left and right femurs are fixed with IM nails that have right-hand threaded lag screws. Therefore, on left femurs, the right-handed threads may not provide satisfactory fixation in the bone. This insufficient fixation could cause rotary motion and slippage in the femoral head, which would inhibit fracture healing. This study used three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) to examine the fixation and rotational characteristics in reference to the thread direction of the lag screw and the relative angle between the stem and lag screw. In this study, a 3D CAD model of a left femur and four proximal femoral IM nail designs were analyzed in FEA for stress and displacement. An intertrochanteric femoral fracture was created so that the femoral head and diaphysis were separated. The four IM nails were designed to with either left or right-handed lag screw threads (figure .1) and with relative stem-lag screw angles of 125 or 135 degrees. (Traditional IM nails use a right-handed screw and a relative angle of 125 degrees.). The results showed the femoral head displacement was smaller when using the left-handed lag screw. It is thought that this difference between the left and right-handed screws is caused by the direction of rotation, which would cause the left-handed screw to tighten and the right-handed screw to loosen within the femoral head. The femoral head displacement also decreased with a screw-stem angle of 135 degrees in comparison to the standard 125 degree angle. The standard right-handed screw with 125 degree relative angle was shown to have the largest displacement of all four types of tested IM nails, whereas the left-handed, 135 relative degree design produced the smallest displacement of all four implants. These results show how using a left-handed lag screw with proper relative angles in the left femur, effectively reduces femoral head displacement when compared to traditional right-handed lag screw IM implants. This is important for the promotion of intertrochanteric fracture healing


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 105-B, Issue SUPP_2 | Pages 113 - 113
10 Feb 2023
Burrows K Lock A Smith Z McChesney S
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Failure of cephalomedullary fixation for proximal femur fractures is an uncommon event associated with significant morbidity to the patient and cost to the healthcare system. This institution changed nailing system from the PFNA (DePuy Synthes) to InterTan (Smith and Nephew) in February 2020. To assess for non-inferiority, a retrospective review was performed on 247 patients treated for unstable proximal femur fractures (AO 31 A2; A3). Patients were identified through manual review of fluoroscopic images. Stable fracture patterns were excluded (AO 31 A1). Pre/post operative imaging, demographic data, operative time and ASA scores assessed. Internal/external imaging and national joint registry data were reviewed for follow up. No significant difference was found in overall failure rate of PFNA vs InterTan (4.84% vs 3.23%; p = 0.748). Overall, short nails were more likely to fail by cut-out than long nails (7.5% vs 1.2%; p = 0.015). Nails which failed by varus cut-out had a higher tip/apex distance (TAD) (26.2mm vs 17.0mm; p < 0.001). Of concern, varus cut-out occurred in two InterTan nails with TAD of <25mm. The PFNA enjoyed a shorter operative time for both the short (59.1 vs 71.8 mins; p = 0.022) and long nails (98.8 vs 114.3 mins; p = 0.016) with no difference in 120-day survival rate. Overall failure rates of the PFNA and InterTan nailing systems were comparable. However, the failure rate of short nails in this study is concerning. Using long nails with a lag screw design for unstable intertrochanteric femoral fractures may reduce failure rates. Cumulative frequency analysis suggests stringent tip-apex distances of less than 21mm may reduce failure rates in lag-screw design cephulomedullary nails. This dataset suggests that unstable intertrochanteric fractures may be more reliably managed with a long cephalomedullary device


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 97-B, Issue SUPP_16 | Pages 41 - 41
1 Dec 2015
Silva MD Wircker P Leitão F Martins R Côrte-Real N
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The aim of this abstract is to show that acute osteomyelitis is one of the most feared complication of orthopedic surgery. A rapid and aggressive treatment is mandatory in order to avoid significant bone loss, joint destruction and, in most cases, salvage of the limb. After apparent cure of the infection, sequelae must be addressed. In this case, the joint destruction was important, so reconstruction procedures where impossible. In a superficial and relatively small joint such as the elbow, it is preferred to do an arthrodesis than an arthroplasty because the risk of reactivation of the infection with implant involvement is very important. We present a case report of a 69 years old woman, who had a supra-intra-condylar fracture (AO 13-C1) of the right humerus. She was treated with open reduction and internal fixation with 2 internal lag screws and 2 external lag screws. After 6 weeks, she was admitted with a dislocated elbow associated with pain, loss of limb function, cubita nerve palsy and a purulent discharge from the surgical wound. She started vancomycin and was submitted to surgery with debriment, hardware removal and fixation with an external fixator was used. The local signs of infection disappeared progressively. After normalization of the laboratory parameters of infection, the patient was submitted to an elbow arthrodesis using a posterior contour plate. The elbow achieved solid fixation and infection was eradicated, at least for the time being, allowing the patient to use the upper limb in her daily live activities. The treatment of post operative acute osteomyilits is challenging, In this case, after apparent solution of the infection, a solid fixation of the elbow was achieved, allowing the use of the upper limb in the patient daily activities


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 98-B, Issue SUPP_9 | Pages 4 - 4
1 May 2016
Lo H
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Introduction. Osteoporotic intertrochanteric fracture (ITF) is frequent injuries affecting elderly, osteoporotic patients leading to significant morbidity and mortality. Successful prognosis including union and alignment is challenging even though initial successful reduction with internal fixation. Although many factors are related to the patient's final prognosis. Well reduction with stable fracture fixation is still the goal of treatment to improve the quality of life and decrease morbidity in patients with hip fractures, but this in turn depends on the type of fracture and bone quality. Poor bone quality is responsible for common complications, such as failure of fixation, varus collapse and lag screw cut-out, in elderly patients. Kim et al. found that the complication rate when using conventional DHS in unstable ITFs can be as high as 50% because of screw cut-out. We used the dynamic hip screws (DHS) strengthened by calcium phosphate cement (CPC) for treatment femoral intertrochanteric fracture and review the prognosis of our patients. Materials and Methods. From January of 2011 to January of 2014, 42 patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture underwent surgery with DHS strengthened by CPC. Comparisons were made between the DHS plus CPC group with the other patients with only DHS used in our department. All patients were followed up for an average time of 14.8(6 to 24) months. X-ray was reviewed for the conditions of union and implant failure. Results. In DHS group, fixation failure happened in 3 case, delayed union and coax varus deformity in 2 cases. IN DHS plus CPC group, all fractures healed uneventfully, there is no non-union or malunion in this group. There is only 1 fixation cut-out and 1 secondary lag screw sliding was noted, however, union was still well over fracture site in this case, the patient had no clinical symptoms. Discussion. Residual bony defects present after DHS fixation in intertrochanteric fracture may lead to postoperative complications, including nonunion or implant failure. DHS strengthened by CPC is reliable fixation for old patients with intertrochanteric fracture, We demonstrated that augmentation of the bony defect with dynamic hip screw by reinforced calcium phosphate cement significantly improved the strength of osteoporotic bone, prevent screw loosening, and promote early healing of fracture. The patients can be decreased the risk of refracture and allow early weight bearing, especially in elderly patients with osteoporotic bone


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 102-B, Issue SUPP_7 | Pages 41 - 41
1 Jul 2020
Tibbo M Houdek M Bakri K Sems S Moran S
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The rate of fracture and subsequent nonunion after radiation therapy for soft-tissue sarcomas and bone tumors has been demonstrated to quite high. There is a paucity of data describing the optimal treatment for these nonunions. Free vascularized fibular grafts (FVFG) have been used successfully in the treatment of large segmental bone defects in the axial and appendicular skeleton, however, their efficacy with respect to treatment of radiated nonunions remains unclear. The purpose of the study was to assess the 1) union rate, 2) clinical outcomes, and 3) complications following FVFG for radiation-induced femoral fracture nonunions. We identified 24 patients who underwent FVFG for the treatment of radiation-induced femoral fracture nonunion between 1991 and 2015. Medical records were reviewed in order to determine oncologic diagnosis, total preoperative radiation dose, type of surgical treatment for the nonunion, clinical outcomes, and postoperative complications. There were 11 males and 13 females, with a mean age of 59 years (range, 29 – 78) and a mean follow-up duration of 61 months (range, 10 – 183 months). Three patients had a history of diabetes mellitus and three were current tobacco users at the time of FVFG. No patient was receiving chemotherapy during recovery from FVFG. Oncologic diagnoses included unspecified soft tissue sarcomas (n = 5), undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) (n = 3), myxofibrosarcoma (n = 3), liposarcoma (n = 2), Ewing's sarcoma (n = 2), lymphoma (n = 2), hemangiopericytoma, leiomyosarcoma, multiple myeloma, myxoid chondrosarcoma, myxoid liposarcoma, neurofibrosarcoma, and renal cell carcinoma. Mean total radiation dose was 56.3 Gy (range, 39 – 72.5), given at a mean of 10.2 years prior to FVFG. The average FVFG length was 16.4 cm. In addition to FVFG, 13 patients underwent simultaneous autogenous iliac crest bone grafting, nine had other cancellous autografting, one received cancellous allograft, and three were treated with synthetic graft products. The FVFG was fixed as an onlay graft using lag screws in all cases, additional fixation was obtained with an intramedullary nail (n = 19), dynamic compression plate (n = 2), blade plate (n = 2), or lateral locking plate (n = 1). Nineteen (79%) fractures went on to union at a mean of 13.1 months (range, 4.8 – 28.1 months). Musculoskeletal Tumor Society scores improved from eight preoperatively to 22 at latest follow-up (p < 0.0001). Among the five fractures that failed to unite, two were converted to proximal femoral replacements (PFR), two remained stable pseudarthroses, and one was converted to a total hip arthroplasty. A 6th case did unite initially, however, subsequent failure lead to PFR. Seven patients (29%) required a second operative grafting. There were five additional complications including three infections, one wound dehiscence, and one screw fracture. No patient required amputation. Free vascularized fibular grafts are a reliable treatment option for radiation-induced pathologic femoral fracture nonunions, providing a union rate of 79%. Surgeons should remain cognizant, however, of the elevated rate of infectious complications and need for additional operative grafting procedures


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXV | Pages 188 - 188
1 Jun 2012
Phillips J Boulton C Moran C Manktelow A
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We have identified 69 patients with Vancouver B1 periprosthetic fractures around stable femoral implants. Open reduction internal fixation is the recommended treatment; however recent studies have revealed high rates of nonunion. We have reviewed the fixation techniques utilized to treat these patients, and identified outcomes in relation to rates of union, further surgery and mortality. Patients were identified from a prospective database of all trauma admissions at Nottingham University Hospitals from 1999 to 2010. Hospital notes were independently reviewed and data retrieved. 69 patients were identified. Mean age 77 years and 63% were female. 51 (74%) occurred around total hip replacements and 18 (26%) around hip hemiarthroplasty after a previous hip fracture. Periprosthetic fracture occurred around an Exeter stem (n=18), Charnley (n=10), Austin Moore (n=15), other (n=6). 20 patients had undergone previous revision surgery. The mean time from index surgery to fracture was 58 months (median 24) around primary stems, and 48 months (median 22) around revision stems. 6 patients (9%) were treated non-operatively. Five of these had undisplaced fractures (all healed but one required revision due to loosening) and one was too unwell. 63 patients (91%) were treated by open reduction internal fixation. Of these, single plate fixation was performed in 40 cases (64%). In the vast majority of cases, lag screw fixation of the fracture with a long (>12 hole) pre-contoured 4.5mm locking plate was utilised with cables. Both locking and cortical screws were used to achieve stable fixation (Figure 1). A double plate technique was used in 16 cases (25%), where plates were placed perpendicularly to each other (laterally and anteriorly). Strut grafts were used in 13 cases (21%). 7 patients (11%) were treated with cables alone. 23 patients have subsequently died (33%). Two have been lost to follow up and three are awaiting union. There is a mean follow-up of 35 months. Deep infection occurred in 4 cases (6%). Non-union occurred in four cases (6%). Two of these were infected and one was treated with cables alone. Malunion occurred in one case treated with cables. One patient had a dislocation and two superficial infections occurred. Further surgery took place in 8 patients (12%). Three of the infected cases were revised and one underwent wound washout. The two other non-unions were revised. Three further revisions were performed: one for malunion, one for aseptic loosening (treated non-operatively) and another for a second periprosthetic fracture. Superficial wound washout was performed in one case. Mortality was 10% at 3 months, 22% at 1 year and 47% at 3 years. We have identified that union can be achieved in the majority of cases after periprosthetic fracture fixation. Cable fixation was associated with a high complication rate (7 cases: two requiring revision surgery: one nonunion, one malunion). We recommend that Vancouver B1 periprosthetic fractures are treated with meticulous technique to achieve anatomical reduction and fracture compression using lag screw technique and plating. Further mechanical support can be provided through the use of a second plate, cables and/or strut grafts


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 97-B, Issue SUPP_7 | Pages 19 - 19
1 May 2015
Pease F Ward A Stevens A Cunningham J Sabri O Acharya M Chesser T
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Stable, anatomical fixation of acetabular fractures gives the best chance of a good outcome. We performed a biomechanical study to compare fracture stability and construct stiffness of three methods of fixation of posterior wall acetabular fractures. Two-dimensional motion analysis was used to measure fracture fragment displacement and the construct stiffness for each fixation method was calculated from the force / displacement data. Following 2 cyclic loading protocols of 6000 cycles, to a maximum 1.5kN, the mean fracture displacement was 0.154mm for the rim plate model, 0.326mm for the buttress plate and 0.254mm for the spring plate model. Mean maximum displacement was significantly less for the rim plate fixation than the buttress plate (p=0.015) and spring plate fixation (p=0.02). The rim plate was the stiffest construct 10962N/mm (SD 3351.8), followed by the spring plate model 5637N/mm (SD 832.6) and the buttress plate model 4882N/mm (SD 387.3). Where possible a rim plate with inter-fragmentary lag screws should be used for isolated posterior wall fracture fixation as this is the most stable and stiffest construct. However, when this method is not possible, spring plate fixation is a safe and superior alternative to a posterior buttress plate method


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 95-B, Issue SUPP_18 | Pages 5 - 5
1 Apr 2013
Daoud M Graham E Harding C Buecking B Williams D
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Treatment of trochanteric fractures is associated a high complication rate. This prospective multicenter study evaluates the new Zimmer Cephalomedullary Nail (CMN). Patients over 50 years sustaining a pertrochanteric or subtrochanteric femoral fracture were prospectively enrolled and patients with multiple injuries, pathological fractures or severe dementia were excluded. 101 patients (70% female, 30% male) from 5 different hospitals were prospectively recruited between January 2011 and August 2012. Mean age was 78 (51–98) years and mean Charlson Score was 2.6 (1–6). 65% of the trochanteric fractures were unstable, 35% were stable. There were 4 (5%) minor (3 superficial infections and 1 pain over distal locking screw) and 3 (4%) major (2 lag screw cut out, 1 nail breakage) complications Fracture healing was completed in 27 of 31 patients (87%) after 12 month (3 month: 14/42 (33%); 6 month: 27/39(69%)). The Barthel Index (85, SD 19) and EQ-5-D (0.61, SD 0.30) values reached prefracture level after 6 month. The study population and fracture type were comparable to other studies and complication and early union rates were also comparable. Technical complications were low and early functional results encouraging. Final results of this trial at one year follow up are awaited


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_II | Pages 118 - 118
1 Feb 2012
Karthikeyan S Wainwright D Krikler S
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Management of periprosthetic femoral fractures above a Total Knee Arthroplasty remains a challenge. The different treatment options available include casting for undisplaced fractures, ORIF for a displaced fracture with a well-fixed implant or revision arthroplasty for a very distal fracture and for a fracture with a loose implant. We describe our experience in treating a very distal displaced supracondylar fracture above a well-fixed femoral component in a 68-year-old woman who was recently diagnosed with breast carcinoma and awaiting mastectomy. There was no evidence of metastatic disease. The knee replacement was done 4 years before and the patient did not have any symptoms in the knee prior to the fall. Conventional ORIF with IM nailing or plate osteosynthesis was not possible due to the very distal site of the fracture. We used a custom modified 95 degree angled blade plate in which a slot was cut in the middle of the blade halfway along its length to accommodate the pegs of the femoral component in the distal fragment. The fracture was reduced and fixed with the angled blade plate restoring length, alignment, and providing coronal stability. The patient had a satisfactory union at 3 months without deformity giving a good range of pain free movement in the knee. DCS and 95 degree angled blade plate have been used in the past with mixed results. The lag screw or the blade has to be inserted more proximally to avoid the femoral component and so the distal fixation is often sub optimal. In our case modification of the blade allowed more distal placement providing optimal fixation and avoiding complex revision surgery


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXIX | Pages 164 - 164
1 Sep 2012
Gibson D Keogh C Morris S
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Introduction. Lag screw cut-out following fixation of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in osteoporotic bone remains an unsolved challenge. A novel new device is the X-Bolt which is an expanding type bolt that may offer superior fixation in osteoporotic bone compared to the standard DHS screw type device. Aims. The aim of this study was to test if there was a difference in cut-out using the X-Bolt implant compared with the standard DHS system. Methods. Specimens of low density surrogate bone (5pcf) were inserted into a simplified biomechanical fracture model and had either an X-Bolt or DHS implant inserted. There were eight samples in each group. The fracture model was tested with an incremental cyclical loading programme in a Material Test System. Displacement, cycle count and force exerted were continuously recorded until cut-out of the implant. Results. All of the specimens failed by varus collapse with superior cut-out and resulted in an automatic stop of the MTS. Specimens with the X-Bolt implant inserted lasted longer on cyclical count and withstood a greater force at cut-out compared with DHS specimens. The mean number of cycles to cutout in the DHS specimens was 4345 and in specimens with the X-Bolt inserted was 6898. The mean force at which cutout occurred in the DHS group was 1.025kN and in specimens with the X-Bolt inserted was 1.275kN. A statistically significant difference was observed with a P-value of 0.005 and a power of 87.2% with respect to cycle count and a P-value of 0.008 and power 84.8% with respect to force exerted at failure when comparing between the two groups. Conclusion. This study shows that the X-Bolt device demonstrated superior cut-out resistance and withstood greater loads compared to the DHS in low density surrogate bone in an unstable fracture model under cyclical axial loading


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXIX | Pages 36 - 36
1 Sep 2012
Ahmad M Obakponovwe O Mokawem M Kanakaris N Giannoudis P
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Background. The management of non-unions of subtrochanteric femoral fractures with associated implant failure is challenging. This study assessed the outcome of a cohort of patients treated according to the diamond concept. Methods. Between 2005–2010 all patients with subtrochanteric aseptic non-unions presented post implant failure (Gamma Nail breakage) were eligible in the absence of severe systemic pathologies and comorbidities. Demographics, initial fracture pattern, method of stabilisation, mode of failure of metal work, time to revision of fixation, complications, time to union, and functional outcome were recorded over a minimum period of follow-up of 12 months. The revision strategy was based on the “diamond concept;” optimising the mechanical and biological environment (revision of fixation, osteoinduction/BMP-7, osteoconduction/RIA harvested graft, and osteogenicity/concentrate of bone marrow aspirate). Results. Out of 280 nailing procedures 12 (4.3%) cases met the inclusion criteria. A consistent mode of metalwork failure was recorded with initial breakage of the proximal distal locking screw followed by nail breakage at the lag screw level. Biomechanical SEM analysis of the nails revealed no structural damage besides the standard fatigue striation. Varus mal-reduction was present in all cases, with an average of 7.3 degrees (5–11). The average time to screw failure was 4.3 months (2–6) and nail failure was 5.9 months (4–10). All but one of the cases were revised to a 95 degrees blade plate and one to an Affixus nail. Time to union was 6.5 months (5–10). All but one of the cases by 12 months have returned to their preinjury level of mobilisation. Conclusion. Varus mal-reduction must be avoided in the initial stabilisation of subtrochanteric fractures. Proximal distal screw failure is predictive of future fracture non-union and subsequent nail breakage. The diamond concept for optimising mechanics and bone biology is a successful method for managing complex sub-trochanteric non-unions with failed metalwork


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXI | Pages 80 - 80
1 May 2012
T. S S. C S. T M. C
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Introduction. Ulnar shortening osteotomy has become an accepted treatment for a variety of ulnar sided wrist disorders. We have been performing ulnar shortening with an oblique osteotomy cut with the aid of a commercially available jig. The osteotomy is then fixed with a Dynamic Compression Plate. The aim of this study was to report the complications following ulnar shortening. Methods. We retrospectively analysed 56 consecutive ulnar shortening osteotomies. There were 36 female and 19 male patients. The mean age was 45 years. The mean follow-up was 399 days. 25 patients had pre-operative MRI scans and in 34 arthroscopy of the wrist had been performed. 22 tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex were recorded on arthroscopy. In all cases shortening had been performed with the aid of a jig and bone resection performed in an oblique orientation. Dynamic Compression Plates were used for fixation and a lag screw was inserted through one of the plate-holes and across the osteotomy site. Radiographs were evaluated for pre-operative and post-operative ulnar variances and post-operatively for bony union. Results. The average post-operative ulna variance was 0.12mm. The average time for osteotomy union was 82 days. There were four delayed unions. There were three non-unions. The average time of revision surgery was ten months. All cases have gone onto radiographic union. 19 patients underwent a second operation to have their plates removed. Average time to plate removal was 494 days. There were two cases of re-fracture following plate removal. Conclusion. The rate of delayed and non-union following ulnar shortening osteotomy is higher in our series when compared to the literature. We also noted a higher incidence of plate removal and re-fracture through the osteotomy site. These complications are under-reported in the literature and more emphasis should be given when consent is taken for this procedure


Orthopaedic Proceedings
Vol. 94-B, Issue SUPP_XXXVIII | Pages 132 - 132
1 Sep 2012
Vasarhelyi EM Yach J
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Purpose. Anterior column screw fixation has been a useful tool in the management of acetabular fractures, either alone or in combination with other fixation techniques. Percutaneous insertion may be advantageous by limiting surgical dissection but little has been reported on its safety. The purpose of this study is to report on the efficacy and safety of percutaneous anterior column stabilization. Method. In a consecutive series of 122 operatively treated acetabular fractures, 56 patients were treated with antegrade percutaneous anterior column stabilization either alone or in combination with other fixation techniques by a single surgeon (JY). The technique was selected when the anterior column portion of the fracture was undisplaced or could be reduced via indirect methods. Intraoperative fluoroscopy was used to guide the placement of either a 6.5 mm or 7.3 mm cannulated antegrade anterior column lag screw. Postoperative radiographs (anteroposterior and Judet views) were obtained in the recovery room, prior to discharge and at clinic follow up. Results. The mean age of patients in the series was 52 years (range 17 91). Mean follow up was 13 months. There was one death from associated injuries. Based on the classification system described by Letournel, there were 22 anterior column, 8 transverse, 11 transverse / posterior wall, 9 anterior column / posterior hemitransverse, 1 associated both column and 5 T-type fractures. There were no vascular, neurologic, or urologic complications in the series. There were no cases of intraarticular screw placement. In two cases, the screw did not completely cross the entire fracture line on postoperative radiographs. There were no cases of hardware failure or loss of reduction. There were two cases of hardware removal for hardware prominence. There was one case of chronic proximal femur osteomyelitis, and two cases requiring subsequent total hip arthroplasty for associated injuries. All fractures healed. Conclusion. This study supports percutaneous anterior column stabilization as a safe and effective technique in the treatment of selected acetabular fractures