Aims

The aim of this study was to determine the trajectory of recovery following fixation of tibial plateau fractures up to five-year follow-up, including simple (Schatzker I-IV) versus complex (Schatzker V-VI) fractures.

Purpose: Problem: Tibia plateau fractures may lead to end-stage post-traumatic arthritis that requires reconstructive surgery. The incidence of this problem is unknown but has been estimated at 20–40% by studies that were limited by small sample sizes, potential follow-up bias, and the limitations of using radiographic arthritis as a chosen outcome (not correlated to function). The use of administrative data bases to follow the care of a large number patients for robust end points such as surgery, offers an opportunity to address these limitations. Purpose: to determine the minimum ten year incidence of post-traumatic arthritis necessitating reconstructive surgery following tibia plateau fractures.

Method: We queried our prospectively collected Orthopedic Trauma Data base to identify operatively treated patients with tibia plateau fractures. These cases were cross-referenced with the data from our Province’s administrative health database and tracked over time for the performance of reconstructive knee surgery. Each individual’s exposure/follow-up period was limited by end of health plan coverage on record or date of death from vital statistics data. The minimum follow-up was ten years.

Results: Between 1987 and 1994, 378 patients with a tibia plateau fracture were treated at our institution. The average age was 46 years (sd=18, range 14–87), while 56% of patients were males. Seventeen out-of-Province residents were excluded, along with forty-six others whose “Medical Services Plan” numbers could not be identified. Of which seven were WCB patients and one who was affiliated with the military. The study cohort therefore consisted of 311 patients with 314 tibia plateau fractures. Four individuals (1.3%) we treated tibia plateau fractures have required reconstructive knee surgery for end-stage post-traumatic knee arthritis at 10 years. Of these 3 of 4 were type VI fractures and 1 of 4 was open.

Conclusion: Patients who require surgical treatment of tibia plateau fractures may be counseled on their long-term risk of requiring reconstructive knee surgery for endstage knee arthritis based on a clinical study. Based on our findings, the proportion of those who have required a total knee surgery, ten years following their injury, is lower than previously published.

Introduction: Surgical fixation of intra-articular distal femoral fractures has been associated with nonunion & varus collapse. The soft tissuestripping associated with this fracture andthe surgical exposure have been factors associated with delayed union & infection. The limited soft tissue exposure has been lauded the as a solution to this fracture. However, it has occurred with the new fixation as well.(Locked Plate)

Aims: This study is an attempt to look at the fixation. Does the LISS system improve the results of this difficult fracture? Is there truly a difference in the outcome of this fracture utilizing the Locked plate system or is the percieved difference due to the surgical mini invasive approach.

Patients & Methods: One hunderd & forty patients were screened, only 53 were randomized and fixed in six academic centers over 5 years. All C3 fractures were excluded as they were felt not to be treatable by the DCS device, but they were treated appropiately. 35 females and 18 males were included in the study and randomized appropiatley.

Results: Fifty-three patients were randomized, 28 had the LISS implant and 25 had the DCS utilized. There were 3 nonunions in the LISS group plus two patients with early loss of reduction that required reoperation in the early post operative period. One patient developed arthrofibrosis requiring arthroscopic release and subsequently the implant failed necessitating refixation. In the DCS group, only one nonunion reported & required second surgery. This translated to a reoperation rate of 21% in the LISS group compared to 4% with DCS.

Conclusion: This prospective randomized multicentre trial showed a difference when comparing the LISS to the DCS in the supracondylar distal femur fractures.

Purpose: To conduct a study to identify differences in complication rates and outcomes between previously recognized sub-groups commonly treated for limb length discrepancies (LLD).

Method: Forty-two males and 13 females were treated for LLD at two level-one trauma centres. Mean LLD was 4.4 cm (range 1.8 to 18cm). There were 44 femoral segments (in 41 patients) and 14 tibia segments lengthened. Forty were post-traumatic, and 18 congenital/ developmental. Objective data regarding complications, length achieved, and lengthening duration was collected from patient records. Two groups were compared for differences: Developmental (congenital and developmental etiology combined; LLD occurred prior to skeletal maturity and treatment involved creating new length) versus post-traumatic (restoration of previously existing length), and tibia versus femoral lengthening.

Results: A mean of 4.4 cm of length was achieved over a mean duration of 83 days, for a mean lengthening index of 18.9 days/cm. Superficial pin tract infections were the most common complication, occurring in 33 segments (56%). Deep infection occurred in six segments (10%). Three of these six had a history of open fracture, and a fourth had a history of infection during initial fracture management. All were successfully treated with irrigation and debridement, and exchange nailing. The developmental group had significantly greater incidence of flexion contracture (13% versus 78%, p< 0.001), and surgical correction for a contracture deformity (5% versus 61%, p< 0.001). The post-traumatic group had a significantly higher rate of painful hardware requiring removal following successful treatment of their LLD (45% versus 16%, p=0.04). Tibia segments had a significantly greater lengthening index (29 d/cm versus 18 d/cm, p=0.03).

Conclusion: Limb lengthening is an involved process with potential for serious complications. Patients who had limb-lengthening for congenital/ developmental discrepancies had a higher rate of adjacent joint contrac-ture and subsequent requirement for surgical release. Patients with post-traumatic lengthening had a higher rate of hardware removal, and the lengthening index was greater for tibiae than femora. Deep infection remains a significant concern. This study provides information for physicians and patients on the rate and type of complications that can be expected both overall, and within specific LLD treatment groups.

To determine if intraoperative positioning in the supine or lateral position affects morbidity and mortality in orthopaedic trauma patients with femur fractures.

Retrospective cohort study of 991 patients representing 1030 femoral shaft fractures admitted to our level one trauma center between the years of 1987 to 2006. Primary outcome measures included mortality and admission to ICU. Secondary outcome measures included length of stay in hospital, length of time admitted to the intensive care unit and discharge disposition. Logistic regression analysis was performed to compare to effect of intraoperative position in addition to other known dependent variables on primary and secondary outcome measures.

Intraoperative position in the supine or lateral position had no effect on morbidity or mortality in orthopaedic trauma patients with femur fractures.

There is no difference in immediate mortality or morbidity between patients with femur fractures treated with IM nails in either the lateral or supine position. We conclude that either position is safe for the surgical stabilization of femur fractures and intraoperative position should be determined by surgeon preference.

Bone transport/limb lengthening with circular external fixation has been associated with a prolonged period of time in the frame and a significant major complication rate following frame removal. We examined the results of bone transport in fifty-one limbs using the “monorail” technique and found a dramatically improved lengthening index (24.5 days/cm. – time in frame /cm. of length gained) and an absence of refracture or angulatory deformity following fixator removal. This technique is our treatment of choice for limb lengthening/bone transport.

We sought to determine patient oriented outcome and complication rates following b one transport using an external fixator placed over an intramedullary nail (the “monorail” technique).

Bone transport using the monorail technique is associated with a dramatically improved lengthening index and a lower major complication rate than traditional ring fixator methods. Patient satisfaction with the procedure was high.

Our study confirms the significant advantages of the monorail technique for bone transport/limb lengthening. The time in the fixator is dramatically reduced, and complications associated with earlier techniques such as angulatory deformity or refracture were not seen.

We identified forty-nine patients (fifty-one limbs) who had undergone bone transport using the monorail technique (external fixator placed over an intramedullary nail). There were thirty-five men and fourteen women with a mean age of thirty-five years (range 17–50). Pre-operative diagnoses included post traumatic length discrepancy/bone defect (forty-one), congenital short stature (six) and other (four). All patients had a unilateral fixator placed over an implanted intramedullary nail. Once length correction was achieved, the fixator was removed and the nail “locked”. The mean amount of lengthening was 5.5 cm. (range 2 – 18 cm.). The lengthening index was 24.5 days /cm. (duration of external fixation/cm. bone length gained), with a range from ten to fifty days /cm. There were nineteen complications (thirty-seven percent): nine premature consolidations, four infected pin sites, two hardware failures, two osteomyelitis, one DVT, one nonunion. There were no refractures, angulatory deformities or cases of intramedullary sepsis.

We reviewed the results of sixteen patients with three and four part proximal humerus fractures treated with the Locking Proximal Humerus Plate (LPHP) in two trauma centres. All fractures were radiographically healed by six weeks. We found a high rate of fixation failure 4/16 cases within two weeks of surgery and range of motion results similar to previously reported techniques. This device has not demonstrated its clear superiority when used in trauma centres which commonly treat proximal humerus fractures. A randomised control trial comparing it to classical techniques and using outcome-based measures would seem appropriate.

Proximal humerus fractures with poor functional outcomes are expected to increase in frequency owing to an active ageing population. New angle stable devices have been developed to address the frequently associated osteoporosis and loss of fixation.

This study reviews the early experience of fixation with an angle stable device, the LPHP (Synthes Canada).

Three and four part fractures treated with the LPHP were identified from the database of two trauma centres. Demographics, patient activity level, mechanism of injury, fracture type were collected. Early complications, maintenance of reduction, and ROM were reviewed.

Sixteen fractures treated with the LPHP. Male to female ratio was 1.3:1. Mean age was 51.5 (29–77) Activity: 12/16 sedentary, 4/16 manual labourers. Mechanism: four Low and twelve High-energy injuries. Fracture classification: Five three part, and Eleven four part fractures.

Early complications: one wound haematoma,one re-operation for intra-articular hardware, and four of sixteen pts pulled off the greater tuberosity fixation within two weeks of surgery. Union was achieved in all sixteen by six weeks. The mean forward elevation was 60° at six weeks and 80° at three months.

This review of the early experience with the LPHP shows a significant rate of fixation failure (4/16 cases) and functional ROM results similar to other previously described techniques. Although a “learning curve effect” is possible, this device has not demonstrated clear superiority with surgeons who commonly treat proximal humerus fractures. A randomised control trial comparing it to classical techniques would seem appropriate.

Antegrade intramedullary nailing via a piriformis fossa start point is the treatment of choice for most femoral shaft fractures in adults. Recently alternate approaches for intramedullary nailing of the femur have been advocated, including retrograde nailing and trochanteric start point antegrade nailing. Reasons cited for considering altenative starting points to the piriformis fossa include a concern about the damage to the hip abductor muscles that may occur during access to the piriformis fossa. There is very little literature about long- term muscle function after standard antegrade intramedullary nailing and the conclusions of the available studies are conflicting.

The purpose of this study was to document the hip abductor muscle strength following standard antegrade intramedullary nailing utilizing two different objective measures (KinCom and gait analysis).

Objective evidence of hip abductor muscle strength will assist in planning new nailing techniques.

Twenty-two patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures who were treated with standard antegrade reamed interlocking intramedullary nailing and who had a minimum one year follow-up were identified. The patients were examined for muscle strength, range of motion and limb length. All of the patients answered a questionnaire and completed the SF-36 and Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment outcome measures. All patients had isokinetic muscle testing of their hip abductors, hip extensors and knee extensors using the KinCom muscle testing machine. Ten of the patients also underwent formal gait lab analysis.

Isokinetic muscle testing showed no significant difference from the uninjured contralateral side in hip abduction, hip extension or knee extension. The gait lab analysis failed to show any important changes in gait pattern. SF-36 scores were comparable to norms. MFA scores did not indicate any significant long term disability.

Antegrade reamed interlocking intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures utilizing a standard piri-formis fossa starting point is not associated with any significant long term hip abductor muscle strength deficit. Gait pattern returns to normal following femoral shaft fracture treated with this technique and functional outcomes are good.

The long-term results of patients with multiple knee ligament injuries, i.e. at least 3 ligament ruptures, including both cruciates, in patients entered prospectively onto the trauma database between 1985 and 1999, were reviewed. Forty patients with this injury had modified Lysholm scores at long term follow-up a mean of 8 years post-injury. The mode of operative treatment fell into 3 groups: direct suture or screw fixation of avulsions (Group 1), mid-substance ruptures treated with cruciate reconstruction with hamstring tendons (Group 2), or suture repairs of mid-substance ruptures (Group 3). All operative procedures were undertaken within 2 weeks of injury. Non-operative treatment involved a cast or spanning external fixator (2–4 weeks) followed by bracing. Statistical analysis was performed on the Lysholm scores.

The 40 patients in the study group were predominantly young males, 40% had polytrauma, 33% had isolated injuries. Thirteen patients (33%) had non-operative management, the remainder had early operative treatment of their ligament injuries, tailored to the type of ligament injuries identified.

Long-term patient outcome data shows statistically significant differences (p< 0.05) between the best results, in patients with direct fixation of bony avulsions (mean = 89), followed by those who had early hamstring reconstruction (mean = 79), followed by those who underwent simple ligament repairs (mean = 65). There was a statistically significant difference (p< 0.05) between the overall scores for the operative group (mean = 80) compared with the non-operative group (mean = 50).

Operative treatment of multiple ligament injuries, particularly fixation of avulsions and primary reconstruction of the posterior cruciate ligament appears to yield better results than non-operative or simple repair in the long term follow-up in this group with significant knee injuries.

This prospective randomized multicenter study compares two methods of bone defect treatment in tibial plateau fractures: a bioresorbable calcium phosphate paste (Alpha-BSM) that hardens at body temperature to give structural support versus Autogenous iliac bone graft (AIBG).

One hundred and eighteen patients were enrolled with a 2:1 randomization, Alpha-BSM to AIBG. There was a significant increased rate of non-graft related adverse affects and a higher rate of late articular subsidence (three to nine month period) in the AIBG group.

A bioresorbable calcium phosphate material is recommended in preference to the gold standard of AIBG for bone defects in tibial plateau fractures.

This prospective randomized multicenter study was undertaken to compare two methods of bone defect treatment: a bioresorbable calcium phosphate paste (Alpha-BSM –DePuy, Warsaw, IN) that hardens at body temperature to give structural support and is gradually resorbed by a cell-mediated bone regenerating mechanism versus Autogenous iliac bone graft (AIBG).

One hundred and eighteen adult acute closed tibial plateau fractures, Schatzker grade two to six were enrolled prospectively from thirteen study sites in North America from 1999 to 2002. Randomization occurred at surgery with a FDA recommendation of a 2–1 ratio, Alpha BSM (seventy-eight fractures) to AIBG (forty fractures). Only internal fixation with standard plate and screw constructs was permitted. Follow-up included standard radiographs and functional studies at one year, with a radiologist providing independent radiographic review.

The two groups exhibited no significant differences in randomization as to age, sex, race, fracture patterns or fracture healing. There was however, a significant increased rate of non-graft related adverse affects in the AIBG group. There was an unexpected significant finding of a higher rate of late articular subsidence in the three to nine month period in the AIBG group.

Recommendations for the use of AIBG for bone defects in tibial plateau fractures should be discouraged in favor of bioresorbable calcium phosphate material with the properties of Alpha BSM. We believe further randomized studies using AIBG as a control group for bone defect support of articular fractures are unjustified.

A bioresorbable calcium phosphate material is recommended in preference to the gold standard of AIBG for bone defects in tibial plateau fractures.

Funding: DePuy, Warsaw, IN.

Purpose: Fractures of the femoral head are relatively uncommon injuries and usually occur following a traumatic dislocation of the hip joint. The purpose of this study was to evaluate self-reported functional outcome of patients who have sustained a femoral head fracture.

Methods: A search of the trauma database at a Level I trauma center between the years 1987–2003 was conducted. Sixty two patients, sustaining 63 femoral head fractures were identified. Two patient-based outcome measures, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Short Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment (SMFA) were used to evaluate functional outcome. Forty patients were lost to follow-up including three deaths.

Results: To date twenty-three subjects (13 male, mean age 37.3 +/− 15.6), with 24 femoral head fractures have complete functional outcome data. Ten hips (42%) were classified as Pipkin type I, 12 (50%) type II, 1 (4%) type III, and 1 (4%) type IV. The mean follow-up was 10.3 +/− 5.4 yrs. Mechanism of injury included motor vehicle collisions (18/24), and falls from height (6/24). The mean ISS was 11.3 +/− 5.3. Fifteen subjects were treated operatively (13 internal fixation, 1 excision, 1 open reduction only). Four hips failed initial treatment and required delayed total hip arthroplasty (THA). Subjects (n=20) not having a THA functioned below the Canadian normal population for SF-36 physical component score (mean 44.5 +/− 11.0, p < 0.03).

Conclusions: This is the first report of patient-based functional outcome following treatment of femoral head fractures. Physical function was significantly lower when compared to Canadian population norms.

There are a variety of surgical approaches available for open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures. Some centres have avoided the use of the triradiate approach in the belief that it may result in a significantly higher rate of heterotopic ossification. This has not been our experience. In contrast to many centres, acetabular fractures are treated in an emergent manner, with surgery usually undertaken within the first few days post injury. It is the investigators’ belief that this may in part result in a lower rate of heterotopic ossification.

The triradiate approach has fallen out of favour in the treatment of acetabular fractures due to concerns with both wound healing and heterotopic ossification. This approach however has been utilised frequently at the Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) in the treatment of acetabular fractures. The purpose of this study was to review the results and complications of this approach experienced in the large series at VGH.

We concluded that the results of this approach are acceptable with the exposure allowing anatomical fracture reduction in the vast majority of cases. The complication rate was low, as was the rate of heterotopic ossification.

The significance of this study is to highlight that this approach remains extremely useful in the treatment of acetabular fractures, due to its ability to give excellent exposure while still having an acceptably low complication rate. We believe that the ability of our unit to operate on these injuries in an emergent manner may impart the low rate of heterotopic ossification that we have observed.

There were a total of one hundred and sixty-one acetabular fractures that were treated operatively with the triradiate approach over the period 1989 to 2001. Of these, the majority were two column injuries (79 or 49%), T type fractures (34 or 21%) and transverse fractures (17 or 11%). The average age of the patients was thirty-seven years and the average time to surgery was three days. Our early complications included five cases of failure of fixation or loss of reduction of the fracture, two cases of neurovascular injury, two cases of superficial wound infection, one case of deep wound infection and one case of wound breakdown.

The study involved examining patient hospital records and radiographs and included fracture types, patient ages, delay to surgery, post-operative complications and degree of fracture reduction and healing. Grading of heterotopic ossification was performed by reviewing the anteroposterior radiographs and using Gruen’s classification system.

Purpose: To evaluate early and late perioperative complications and long term quality of life outcomes in patients having undergone immediate open reduction and internal fixation of acute high-energy tibial plateau fractures (AO C3).

Methods: Retrospective review of 70 AO C3 tibial plateau fractures managed with immediate open reduction and internal fixation at the Vancouver General Hospital from December 1987 to April 2004. Chart and database review was conducted for early and late perioperative complications, and patients were surveyed using three quality of life instruments: SF36, SMFA, and WOMAC.

Results: 3(4.3%) patients had died at the time of follow-up. Of the remaining 67, 49(73%) could be located and were contacted for follow-up. 28 of the 49 subjects (57%) completed the mail-out surveys (20 male, 8 female). Mean age of respondents at time of follow-up was 45.2±9.0 years. 10(36%) patients were pedestrians or cyclists struck by cars, 9(32%) were injured as a result of a fall, 5(18%) were motor vehicle collisions, 2(7%) were sustained by a direct blow, and 2(7%) were sustained by twisting mechanisms. Mean time from injury to OR was 56.0+84.3 hours. Duration of follow-up was 8.9+5.3 years. 4(14%) patients had open fractures. Fixation methods included immediate ORIF with a single plate in 24(86%) cases, dual plating in 3(11%) cases, and screws alone in one (3%) case. ISS and LOS scores were 11.4+6.8 and 15.7+8.0 respectively. One patient (3%) experienced an early perioperative complication of excessive soft tissue tension post ORIF requiring delayed skin closure. Late perioperative complications included 9(32%) cases of painful hardware, 2(7%) non-unions, 2(7%) superficial infections, 1(3%) osteomyelitis and 1(3%) mal-union. No patients required amputation. SMFA and WOMAC scores were 55.3+9.6 and 29.44+23.22. SF36v scores were 40.6+10.4(PCS) and 45.1+15.8(MCS).

Conclusions: Immediate open reduction and internal fixation with careful attention to soft tissues can be a viable management option for many high energy tibial plateau fractures. Complication rates are comparable to those of delayed definitive management of these injuries.

Introduction and Aims: Recently alternate approaches for intra-medullary femoral nailing have been advocated, including retrograde nailing and trochanteric start point antegrade nailing in an attempt to avoid damage to the hip abductor muscles that may occur during access to the piriformis fossa. The aim of this study was to document the hip abductor muscle strength following standard antegrade intra-medullary nailing utilising two different objective measures.

Method: Twenty-two patients with isolated femoral shaft fractures who were treated with standard ante-grade reamed interlocking intra-medullary nailing and who had a minimum one-year follow-up were identified. The patients were examined for muscle strength, range of motion and limb length. All of the patients answered a questionnaire and completed the SF-36 and Musculoskeletal Functional Assessment outcome measures. All patients had isokinetic muscle testing of their hip abductors, hip extensors and knee extensors using the KinCom muscle testing machine. Eleven of the patients also underwent formal gait lab analysis.

Results: Isokinetic muscle testing showed no significant difference from the uninjured contralateral side in hip abduction, hip extension or knee extension. The gait lab analysis failed to show any important changes in gait pattern in the time spatial and hip moment parameters. SF-36 scores were comparable to norms (mean physical component score 53 and mean mental component 51). MFA scores did not indicate any significant long-term disability.

Conclusion:Antegrade reamed interlocking intra-medullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures utilising a standard piriformis fossa starting point is not associated with any significant long-term hip abductor muscle strength deficit. Gait pattern returns to normal following femoral shaft fracture treated with this technique and functional outcomes are good.

Introduction and Aims: The use of the triradiate approach has been associated with high rates of wound dehiscence, wound infection and significant heterotopic ossification. This approach has been the favoured extensile exposure at the Vancouver General Hospital for many years. We will review the outcomes of the use of this approach in the treatment of acetabular fractures.

Method: Patients were identified from the database at Vancouver General Hospital who had their acetabular fractures treated through a triradiate approach from the period January 1989 through to December 2001. Patients with a delay of greater than three weeks from injury were excluded. A retrospective review of the hospital and out-patient records and all available radiographs was performed. Patients were contacted to determine if they required any further surgery and to assess their current functional status with appropriate outcome scores. Patients were also invited to undergo repeat radiographic assessment.

Results: Of a total of 407 acetabular fractures treated surgically, 152 open reductions were performed through the triradiate approach. The average age of these patients was 38 years and 114 (75%) of these were male. Patients referred from other hospitals totalled 128 (84%). Wound outcomes were known in 138 cases. Wound complications included five cases of wound dehiscence, of which four resolved with no undue effects. There were three cases of superficial wound infection and five cases of deep wound infection. Two of the patients with deep wound infection had sustained compound acetabular injuries and a further two had significant risk factors for infection (septicaemia from chest infection and significant soft tissue necrosis). Trochanteric osteotomy was performed in 139 (91%) cases. There were only two cases of trochanteric non-union in this series, however 21 cases required removal of painful trochanteric screws. With respect to heterotopic ossification, there was a 15% Broker III/IV incidence. In this group, the injury severity scores were higher, there was a greater delay to surgery and there was a greater need for mechanical ventilation due to multiple injuries. In the group, 24 hip reconstructions were required over the period.

Conclusion: In our centre, we found a low rate of wound dehiscence and deep wound infection associated with the triradiate approach in the treatment of acetabular fractures. Both open acetabular fractures developed deep infection. Trochanteric irritation was a problem in a number of the patients. The rate of significant hetero-topic ossification was low.