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. 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.Objectives
Methods
External fixators are the traditional fixation method of choice for contaminated open fractures. However, patient acceptance is low due to the high profile and therefore physical burden of the constructs. An externalised locking compression plate is a low profile alternative. However, the biomechanical differences have not been assessed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the axial and torsional stiffness of the externalised titanium locking compression plate (ET-LCP), the externalised stainless steel locking compression plate (ESS-LCP) and the unilateral external fixator (UEF). A fracture gap model was created to simulate comminuted mid-shaft tibia fractures using synthetic composite bones. Fifteen constructs were stabilised with ET-LCP, ESS-LCP or UEF (five constructs each). The constructs were loaded under both axial and torsional directions to determine construct stiffness.Objectives
Methods
Bisphosphonates are widely used as first-line treatment for primary and secondary prevention of fragility fractures. Whilst they have proved effective in this role, there is growing concern over their long-term use, with much evidence linking bisphosphonate-related suppression of bone remodelling to an increased risk of atypical subtrochanteric fractures of the femur (AFFs). The objective of this article is to review this evidence, while presenting the current available strategies for the management of AFFs. We present an evaluation of current literature relating to the pathogenesis and treatment of AFFs in the context of bisphosphonate use.Objectives
Methods
The monitoring of fracture healing is a complex process. Typically, successive radiographs are performed and an emerging calcification of the fracture area is evaluated. The aim of this study was to investigate whether different bone healing patterns can be distinguished using a telemetric instrumented femoral internal plate fixator. An electronic telemetric system was developed to assess bone healing mechanically. The system consists of a telemetry module which is applied to an internal locking plate fixator, an external reader device, a sensor for measuring externally applied load and a laptop computer with processing software. By correlation between externally applied load and load measured in the implant, the elasticity of the osteosynthesis is calculated. The elasticity decreases with ongoing consolidation of a fracture or nonunion and is an appropriate parameter for the course of bone healing. At our centre, clinical application has been performed in 56 patients suffering nonunion or fracture of the femur.Objectives
Materials and Methods
Neurogenic heterotopic ossification (NHO) is
a disorder of aberrant bone formation affecting one in five patients sustaining
a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. Ectopic bone forms
around joints in characteristic patterns, causing pain and limiting
movement especially around the hip and elbow. Clinical sequelae
of neurogenic heterotopic ossification include urinary tract infection,
pressure injuries, pneumonia and poor hygiene, making early diagnosis
and treatment clinically compelling. However, diagnosis remains
difficult with more investigation needed. Our pathophysiological
understanding stems from mechanisms of basic bone formation enhanced
by evidence of systemic influences from circulating humor factors
and perhaps neurological ones. This increasing understanding guides
our implementation of current prophylaxis and treatment including
the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, bisphosphonates,
radiation therapy and surgery and, importantly, should direct future, more
effective ones.
Small animal models of fracture repair primarily investigate
indirect fracture healing via external callus formation. We present
the first described rat model of direct fracture healing. A rat tibial osteotomy was created and fixed with compression
plating similar to that used in patients. The procedure was evaluated
in 15 cadaver rats and then Objectives
Methods
