There has been an increasing use of early operative fixation for scaphoid fractures, despite uncertain evidence. We conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate up-to-date evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), comparing the effectiveness of the operative and nonoperative treatment of undisplaced and minimally displaced (≤ 2 mm displacement) scaphoid fractures. A systematic review of seven databases was performed from the dates of their inception until the end of March 2021 to identify eligible RCTs. Reference lists of the included studies were screened. No language restrictions were applied. The primary outcome was the patient-reported outcome measure of wrist function at 12 months after injury. A meta-analysis was performed for function, pain, range of motion, grip strength, and union. Complications were reported narratively.Aims
Methods
Following cast removal for nonoperatively treated distal radius fractures, rehabilitation facilitated by advice leaflet and advice video were compared to a course of face-to-face therapy. Adults with an isolated, nonoperatively treated distal radius fracture were included at six weeks post-cast removal. Participants were randomized to delivery of rehabilitation interventions in one of three ways: an advice leaflet; an advice video; or face-to-face therapy session(s). The primary outcome measure was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score at six weeks post intervention and secondary outcome measures included DASH at one year, DASH work subscale, grip strength, and range of motion at six weeks and one year.Aims
Methods
Coronal plane fractures of the posterior femoral
condyle, also known as Hoffa fractures, are rare. Lateral fractures are
three times more common than medial fractures, although the reason
for this is not clear. The exact mechanism of injury is likely to
be a vertical shear force on the posterior femoral condyle with
varying degrees of knee flexion. These fractures are commonly associated
with high-energy trauma and are a diagnostic and surgical challenge. Hoffa
fractures are often associated with inter- or supracondylar distal
femoral fractures and CT scans are useful in delineating the coronal
shear component, which can easily be missed. There are few recommendations
in the literature regarding the surgical approach and methods of
fixation that may be used for this injury. Non-operative treatment
has been associated with poor outcomes. The goals of treatment are
anatomical reduction of the articular surface with rigid, stable
fixation to allow early mobilisation in order to restore function.
A surgical approach that allows access to the posterior aspect of
the femoral condyle is described and the use of postero-anterior
lag screws with or without an additional buttress plate for fixation
of these difficult fractures. Cite this article:
We investigated the stability of seven Schatzker type II fractures of the lateral tibial plateau treated by subchondral screws and a buttress plate followed by immediate partial weight-bearing. In order to assess the stability of the fracture, weight-bearing inducible displacements of the fracture fragments and their migration over a one-year period were measured by differentially loaded radiostereometric analysis and standard radiostereometric analysis, respectively. The mean inducible craniocaudal fracture fragment displacements measured −0.30 mm (−0.73 to 0.02) at two weeks and 0.00 mm (−0.12 to 0.15) at 52 weeks. All inducible displacements were elastic in nature under all loads at each examination during follow-up. At one year, the mean craniocaudal migration of the fracture fragments was −0.34 mm (−1.64 to 1.51). Using radiostereometric methods, this case series has shown that in the Schatzker type II fractures investigated, internal fixation with subchondral screws and a buttress plate provided adequate stability to allow immediate post-operative partial weight-bearing, without harmful consequences.
This is a retrospective study of six children with ununited scaphoid fractures treated conservatively. Their mean age was 12.8 years (9.7 to 16.3). Five had no early treatment. Radiological signs of nonunion were found at a mean of 4.6 months (3 to 7) after injury. Treatment consisted of cast immobilisation until clinical and radiological union. The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was for 67 months (17 to 90). We assessed the symptoms, the range of movement of the wrist and the grip strength to calculate the Modified Mayo Wrist score. The fracture united in all patients after a mean period of immobilisation of 5.3 months (3 to 7). Five patients were pain free; one had mild pain. All returned to regular activities, and had a range of movement and grip strength within 25% of normal, resulting in an excellent Modified Mayo Wrist score. Prolonged treatment with cast immobilisation resulted in union of the fracture and an excellent Modified Wrist Score in all patients.
