Objective. To investigate the outcomes of patients following the chipping procedures as an alternative to bone grafting in treatment of non-unions after long bone fracture. Patients. Sixteen patients with femoral or tibial non-union were included. The median follow-up was 24 months. Intervention. Non-unions were treated by the chipping procedure and re-install of an intramedullary nail or locked plate(s) without bone grafting. Main Outcome Measurements. Radiographic bone union, walking ability, and complication were evaluated. Results. Fourteen non-unions clinically and radiographically healed with a median time of 7.5 months. For these cases, patients were able to walk without walking aids within 9 months after surgery. Pre-existing deformities (e.g., varus and mal-external rotation) were anatomically corrected after the revision surgery for non-union. Radiographic consolidation could not been obtained for two cases within 12 months after chipping procedures; one nonunion after old osteomyelitis and another after supracondylar fracture. Lack of stability at chipping site may be one of the reasons for failure of the procedures. Post-operative temporal anemia and swelling of the thigh were common complications after surgery. Conclusions. Chipping the non-union site was likely to enhance fracture healing, and this technique was useful as an alternative to bone grafting in treatment of femoral non-union, especially for both atrophic and hypertrophic non-unions with deformities

Aims. The aims of this study were to assess the pre- and postoperative incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) using routine duplex Doppler ultrasound (DUS), to assess the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) using CT angiography, and to identify the factors that predict postoperative DVT in patients with a pelvic and/or acetabular fracture. Methods. All patients treated surgically for a pelvic and/or acetabular fracture between October 2016 and January 2020 were enrolled into this prospective single-centre study. The demographic, medical, and surgical details of the patients were recorded. DVT screening of the lower limbs was routinely performed using DUS before and at six to ten days after surgery. CT angiography was used in patients who were suspected of having PE. Age-adjusted univariate and stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis were used to determine the association between explanatory variables and postoperative DVT. Results. A total of 191 patients were included. A DVT was found preoperatively in 12 patients (6.3%), of which six were proximal. A postoperative DVT was found in 42 patients (22%), of which 27 were proximal. Eight patients (4.2%) had a PE, which was secondary to a DVT in three. None of the 12 patients in whom a vena cava filter was implanted prophylactically had a PE. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the association with the need for spinal surgery (odds ratio (OR) 19.78 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.12 to 348.08); p = 0.041), intramedullary nailing of a long bone fracture (OR 4.44 (95% CI 1.05 to 18.86); p = 0.043), an operating time > two hours (OR 3.28 (95% CI 1.09 to 9.88); p = 0.035), and additional trauma surgery (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.03 to 9.45); p = 0.045) were statistically the most relevant independent predictors of a postoperative DVT. Conclusion. The acknowledgement of the risk factors for the development of a DVT and their weight is crucial to set a threshold for the index of suspicion for this diagnosis by medical staff. We suggest the routine use of the DUS screening for DVT in patients with a pelvic and/or acetabular fracture before and six to ten days after surgery. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(2):283–289

Aims. To evaluate the effect of a single early high-dose vitamin D supplement on fracture union in patients with hypovitaminosis D and a long bone fracture. Patients and Methods. Between July 2011 and August 2013, 113 adults with a long bone fracture were enrolled in a prospective randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Their serum vitamin D levels were measured and a total of 100 patients were found to be vitamin D deficient (< 20 ng/ml) or insufficient (< 30 ng/mL). These were then randomised to receive a single dose of vitamin D. 3. orally (100 000 IU) within two weeks of injury (treatment group, n = 50) or a placebo (control group, n = 50). We recorded patient demographics, fracture location and treatment, vitamin D level, time to fracture union and complications, including vitamin D toxicity. Outcomes included union, nonunion or complication requiring an early, unplanned secondary procedure. Patients without an outcome at 15 months and no scheduled follow-up were considered lost to follow-up. The t-test and cross tabulations verified the adequacy of randomisation. An intention-to-treat analysis was carried out. Results. In all, 100 (89%) patients had hypovitaminosis D. Both treatment and control groups had similar demographics and injury characteristics. The initial median vitamin D levels were 16 ng/mL (interquartile range 5 to 28) in both groups (p = 0.885). A total of 14 patients were lost to follow-up (seven from each group), two had fixation failure (one in each group) and one control group patient developed an infection. Overall, the nonunion rate was 4% (two per group). No patient showed signs of clinical toxicity from their supplement. Conclusions. Despite finding a high level of hypovitaminosis D, the rate of union was high and independent of supplementation with vitamin D. 3. . Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2017;99-B:1520–5

Aims

Tobacco, in addition to being one of the greatest public health threats facing our world, is believed to have deleterious effects on bone metabolism and especially on bone healing. It has been described in the literature that patients who smoke are approximately twice as likely to develop a nonunion following a non-specific bone fracture. For clavicle fractures, this risk is unclear, as is the impact that such a complication might have on the initial management of these fractures.

Objectives. A successful outcome following treatment of nonunion requires the correct identification of all of the underlying cause(s) and addressing them appropriately. The aim of this study was to assess the distribution and frequency of causative factors in a consecutive cohort of nonunion patients in order to optimise the management strategy for individual patients presenting with nonunion. Methods. Causes of the nonunion were divided into four categories: mechanical; infection; dead bone with a gap; and host. Prospective and retrospective data of 100 consecutive patients who had undergone surgery for long bone fracture nonunion were analysed. Results. A total of 31% of patients had a single attributable cause, 55% had two causes, 14% had three causes and 1% had all four. Of those (31%) with only a single attributable cause, half were due to a mechanical factor and a quarter had dead bone with a gap. Mechanical causation was found in 59% of all patients, dead bone and a gap was present in 47%, host factors in 43% and infection was a causative factor in 38% of patients. In all, three of 58 patients (5%) thought to be aseptic and two of nine (22%) suspected of possible infection were found to be infected. A total of 100% of previously treated patients no longer considered to have ongoing infection, had multiple positive microbiology results. Conclusion. Two thirds of patients had multiple contributing factors for their nonunion and 5% had entirely unexpected infection. This study highlights the importance of identifying all of the aetiological factors and routinely testing tissue for infection in treating nonunion. It raises key points regarding the inadequacy of a purely radiographic nonunion classification system and the variety of different definitions for atrophic nonunion in the current mainstream classifications used for nonunion. Cite this article: L. Mills, J. Tsang, G. Hopper, G. Keenan, A. H. R. W. Simpson. The multifactorial aetiology of fracture nonunion and the importance of searching for latent infection. Bone Joint Res 2016;5:512–519. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.510.BJR-2016-0138

The use of external fixation in the management of long bone fractures has long been recognised. The aim of this study was to compare 3 differing constructs of Hoffman-2 and Hoffman-3 External Fixator systems to assess which potentially withstood the greatest load. Three different constructs (2, 3 and 4-bar) of Hoffman 2 and 3 External Fixation systems were tested. A UHMWPE tube was utilised as a bone substitute to construct a biomechanically reproducible model which could be tested on an MTS testing jig. Each construct was loaded to 3, 5, 8, 12 and 15mm of displacement at the fracture gap. Each construct was cyclically loaded 200 times for each test and repeated 5 times. The results demonstrate that the Hoffman-3 configurations withstood a load of at least twice that of the Hoffman 2 configurations across all displacements. Using a 2-way ANOVA test at all displacements the 2-bar configuration withstood greater load than the 3 bar (P<0.0001). With Hoffman 2 the 2-bar configuration withstood a greater load than the 4 bar diamond configuration. These results demonstrate that Hoffman-3 External Fixation Device has a greater axial loading capacity than its Hoffman-2 predecessor

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the safety and clinical outcome of patients with a femoral shaft fracture and a previous complex post-traumatic femoral malunion who were treated with a clamshell osteotomy and fixation with an intramedullary nail (IMN).

Aims

Fracture-related infections (FRIs) are a devastating complication of fracture management. However, the impact of FRIs on mental health remains understudied. The aim of this study was a longitudinal evaluation of patients’ psychological state, and expectations for recovery comparing patients with recurrent FRI to those with primary FRI.

Aims

This is a multicentre, prospective assessment of a proportion of the overall orthopaedic trauma caseload of the UK. It investigates theatre capacity, cancellations, and time to surgery in a group of hospitals that is representative of the wider population. It identifies barriers to effective practice and will inform system improvements.

Aims

This study estimated trends in incidence of open fractures and the adherence to clinical standards for open fracture care in England.

Objective. To determine what factors affect fracture healing with low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) for delayed unions and nonunions. Patients. A consecutive cohort of 101 delayed unions and 50 nonunions after long bone fractures treated with LIPUS between May 1998 and April 2007. Main Outcome and Measurements. Radiographic determination of osseous bone union within one year after start of LIPUS therapy. Recognition of predictable factors that affect treatment results of LIPUS. Main Results. 1) Delayed union group (n=101): Seventy-five delayed union (74.3%) united without an additional major surgical intervention. Failure of LIPUS therapy was associated with types of nonunion (atrophic vs. hypertrophic, RR 23.72 [95%CI: 1.20–11.5], p<0.01), instability at fracture site (unstable vs. stable, RR 3.03 [1.67–5.49], p<0.001), and maximum fracture gap size not less than 9 mm (RR 3.30 [1.68–6.45]). 2) Nonunion group (n=50): Thirty-four nonunions (68.0%) united without an additional major surgical intervention. Failure of LIPUS therapy was associated with method of fixation (IM nail vs. others, RR 4.50 [95%CI: 1.69–12.00], p<0.001), instability at fracture site (unstable vs. stable, RR 4.56 [2.20–9.43], p<0.0001), and maximum fracture gap size not less than 8 mm (RR 5.09 [1.65–15.67]). Conclusions. LIPUS should be applied as an adjuvant therapy in combination with surgical intervention for an established atrophic nonunion with instability and/or with larger fracture gap

Introduction. Neonatal fractures are often quite distressing to parents and medical teams involved. Their management can be daunting due to the small size of the patient, the concern of the new parents and the fear of the obstetric staff about litigation and deformity or long term disability of the neonate. Aim. This study assesses the radiological and functional outcome of neonatal fractures up to two years post injury. Methods. We reviewed the notes of neonates at our hospital who sustained fractures spanning a 4 year period. Clavicle and humeral fractures were treated in a swaddling bandage for 3 weeks. Femoral fractures were treated in a gallows traction for 2–3 weeks. Xrays were taken once weekly. Patients were examined two years following their injury and function of the affected limb was assessed and compared with the unaffected side. Radiographs of the previously fractured bones were also taken at the 2 years follow up. Results. Eighteen (18) neonates sustained fractures predominantly due to birth trauma. There were four clavicle fractures, one fracture of a humerus, three femoral and 10 skull fractures. All seven (7) patients extremity fractures healed satisfactorily clinically and radiologically, with no residual deformity, limb length discrepancy or functional impairment at 2 years follow up. All parents were very satisfied with the outcome. Discussion and Conclusion. Neonatal fractures occur in <1% of births. Causes include birth trauma and congenital bone disease. Neonates with fractures are referred for Orthopaedic management which can be intimidating due to the infrequency of management of this cohort of patients. In our study all of our neonates with long bone fractures had good radiological results and no functional deficit when reviewed after 2 year. Clinicians can be reassured that neonatal fractures have a propensity to heal rapidly without residual functional or radiological abnormality as long as alignment is grossly maintained initially

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate the rehabilitation outcome of children following operative and non-operative stabilisation of long bone fractures sustained in conjunction with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Materials and Methods. Between 1996 and 2002, children up to 16 years of age who were admitted to the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with an ABI and concomitant tibial or femoral shaft fractures were considered eligible for inclusion. Children who died or were unable to walk before the accident were excluded. All data relating to the sustained injuries, the duration of PICU inpatient stay, the fracture treatment and the functional outcome were collected prospectively. The severity of the injuries was assessed using the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS). The duration of time was taken from admission to reaching rehabilitation milestones; the ability to sit, stand and walk was then assessed. Total duration of hospital inpatient stay and mobility on discharge were also recorded. Operative skeletal stabilisation included external or internal fixation, as well as flexible intramedullary nailing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U Test. Results. From 300 children admitted to the PICU for treatment of ABI, thirty-seven fulfilled the criteria for inclusion into the study. For both groups (operative vs nonoperative treatment) the mean age of patients was 9 years (range 1–15yrs) and the ISS, GCS scores and the mean stay in PICU were similar. There was a total of 21 femoral fractures (11 treated conservatively and 10 operatively) and 16 tibial fractures (7 conservatively and 9 operatively). Overall, the results showed a reduction in the mean time taken to reach all rehabilitation milestones following operative fracture stabilisation when compared to those treated non-operatively. The mean time to sitting was reduced from 27.1 days to 17.8. The mean time to standing was reduced from 50.1 to 35.6 and to walking, from 67.1 to 45.7 days. The Mann-Whitney U Test demonstrated a statistically significant reduced time to walk in the operatively treated group (p<0.05). Due to the small size of the sample group, significant statistical data for the other parameters measured was not evident. Conclusion. This study was specifically aimed at the short to medium term gains of operative treatment of tibial and femoral fractures in association with ABI. It has been shown that a co-ordinated rehabilitation programme plus operative stabilisation of children's tibial and femoral shaft fractures sustained in association with ABI, hastens rehabilitation, as it allowed aggressive rehabilitation programme to commence at a much earlier stage without risk of loss of fracture reduction

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess whether it is possible to predict the mortality, and the extent and time of neurological recovery from the time of the onset of symptoms and MRI grade, in patients with the cerebral fat embolism syndrome (CFES). This has not previously been investigated.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to identify independent predictors associated with nonunion and delayed union of tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. The secondary aim was to assess the Radiological Union Scale for Tibial fractures (RUST) score as an early predictor of tibial fracture nonunion.

Aims

It has been generally accepted that open fractures require early skeletal stabilization and soft-tissue reconstruction. Traditionally, a standard gauze dressing was applied to open wounds. There has been a recent shift in this paradigm towards negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes in patients with open tibial fractures receiving standard dressing versus NPWT.

Aims

The primary aim of this study was to develop a reliable, effective radiological score to assess the healing of humeral shaft fractures, the Radiographic Union Score for HUmeral fractures (RUSHU). The secondary aim was to assess whether the six-week RUSHU was predictive of nonunion at six months after the injury.

Aims

To evaluate interobserver reliability of the Orthopaedic Trauma Association’s open fracture classification system (OTA-OFC).

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the role of quantitative histological analysis in the diagnosis of fracture-related infection (FRI).

Aims

To compare the early management and mortality of older patients sustaining major orthopaedic trauma with that of a younger population with similar injuries.