Aims

There is ambiguity surrounding the degree of scaphoid union required to safely allow mobilization following scaphoid waist fracture. Premature mobilization could lead to refracture, but late mobilization may cause stiffness and delay return to normal function. This study aims to explore the risk of refracture at different stages of scaphoid waist fracture union in three common fracture patterns, using a novel finite element method.

1. A series of twenty-one cases of re-fracture of the femoral shaft has been examined and analysed. 2. Liability to re-fracture may be increased if the original injury is caused by great violence, but it does not seem to be affected by the method of primary treatment. 3. Over 60 per cent of the re-fractures were avoidable. In some, re-fracture was caused by premature institution of vigorous mobilisation; in others, warning cracks were visible on radiographs before re-fracture. 4. In the remaining patients re-fracture appears to be unpredictable and unavoidable. 5. Re-fracture is best treated by the simplest methods

The February 2024 Wrist & Hand Roundup. 360. looks at: Occupational therapy for thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis?; Age and patient-reported benefits from operative management of intra-articular distal radius fractures: a meta-regression analysis; Long-term outcomes of nonsurgical treatment of thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: a cohort study; Semi-occlusive dressing versus surgery in fingertip injuries: a randomized controlled trial; Re-fracture in partial union of the scaphoid waist?; The WALANT distal radius fracture: a systematic review; Endoscopic carpal tunnel release with or without hand therapy?; Ten-year trends in the level of evidence in hand surgery

We carried out a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the evidence regarding the clinical results of the Ilizarov method in the treatment of long bone defects of the lower limbs. Only 37 reports (three non-randomised comparative studies, one prospective study and 33 case-series) met our inclusion criteria. Although several studies were unsatisfactory in terms of statistical heterogeneity, our analysis appears to show that the Ilizarov method of distraction osteogenesis significantly reduced the risk of deep infection in infected osseous lesions (risk ratio 0.14 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10 to 0.20), p < 0.001). However, there was a rate of re-fracture of 5% (95% CI 3 to 7), with a rate of neurovascular complications of 2.2% (95% CI 0.3 to 4) and an amputation rate of 2.9% (95% CI 1.4 to 4.4).The data was generally not statistically heterogeneous. Where tibial defects were > 8 cm, the risk of re-fracture increased (odds ratio 3.7 (95% CI 1.1 to 12.5), p = 0.036). . The technique is demanding for patients, illustrated by the voluntary amputation rate of 1.6% (95% CI 0 to 3.1), which underlines the need for careful patient selection. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1673–80

Periprosthetic fracture of the femur is an uncommon complication after total hip replacement, but appears to be increasing. We undertook a nationwide observational study to determine the risk factors for failure after treatment of these fractures, examining patient- and implant-related factors, the classification of the fractures and the outcome. Between 1979 and 2000, 1049 periprosthetic fractures of the femur were reported to the Swedish National Hip Arthroplasty Register. Of these, 245 had a further operation after failure of their initial management. Data were collected from the Register and hospital records. The material was analysed by the use of Poisson regression models. It was found that the risk of failure of treatment was reduced for Vancouver type B2 injuries (p = 0.0053) if revision of the implant was undertaken (p = 0.0033) or revision and open reduction and internal fixation (p = 0.0039) were performed. Fractures classified as Vancouver type B1 had a significantly higher risk of failure (p = 0.0001). The strongest negative factor was the use of a single plate for fixation (p = 0.001). The most common reasons for failure in this group were loosening of the femoral prosthesis, nonunion and re-fracture. It is probable that many fractures classified as Vancouver type B1 (n = 304), were in reality type B2 fractures with a loose stem which were not recognised. Plate fixation was inadequate in these cases. The difficulty in separating type B1 from type B2 fractures suggests that the prosthesis should be considered as loose until proven otherwise

Between 2005 and 2010 ten consecutive children with high-energy open diaphyseal tibial fractures were treated by early reduction and application of a programmable circular external fixator. They were all male with a mean age of 11.5 years (5.2 to 15.4), and they were followed for a mean of 34.5 months (6 to 77). Full weight-bearing was allowed immediately post-operatively. The mean time from application to removal of the frame was 16 weeks (12 to 21). The mean deformity following removal of the frame was 0.15° (0° to 1.5°) of coronal angulation, 0.2° (0° to 2°) sagittal angulation, 1.1 mm (0 to 10) coronal translation, and 0.5 mm (0 to 2) sagittal translation. All patients achieved consolidated bony union and satisfactory wound healing. There were no cases of delayed or nonunion, compartment syndrome or neurovascular injury. Four patients had a mild superficial pin site infection; all settled with a single course of oral antibiotics. No patient had a deep infection or re-fracture following removal of the frame. The time to union was comparable with, or better than, other published methods of stabilisation for these injuries. The stable fixator configuration not only facilitates management of the accompanying soft-tissue injury but enables anatomical post-injury alignment, which is important in view of the limited remodelling potential of the tibia in children aged > ten years. Where appropriate expertise exists, we recommend this technique for the management of high-energy open tibial fractures in children

We have reviewed 402 traumatic fractures of the femoral shaft, 320 of which had been treated by operation and had a long follow-up. Of these, 228 closed fractures and 37 open fractures had been stabilised by plating. There was no significant difference in healing between those stabilised early and those having delayed internal fixation. Re-fracture after removal of the implant occurred more often after early operation. All 55 fractures treated by intramedullary nailing healed and there were no re-fractures after nail removal. We found no correlation between delay before operation and the incidence of postoperative infection

Abstract

The medial malleolus, once believed to be the primary stabilizer of the ankle, has been the topic of conflicting clinical and biomechanical data for many decades. Despite the relevant surgical anatomy being understood for almost 40 years, the optimal treatment of medial malleolar fractures remains unclear, whether the injury occurs in isolation or as part of an unstable bi- or trimalleolar fracture configuration. Traditional teaching recommends open reduction and fixation of medial malleolar fractures that are part of an unstable injury. However, there is recent evidence to suggest that nonoperative management of well-reduced fractures may result in equivalent outcomes, but without the morbidity associated with surgery. This review gives an update on the relevant anatomy and classification systems for medial malleolar fractures and an overview of the current literature regarding their management, including surgical approaches and the choice of implants.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:512–521.

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia (CPT) is a rare but well recognised condition. Obtaining union of the pseudarthrosis in these children is often difficult and may require several surgical procedures. The treatment has changed significantly since the review by Hardinge in 1972, but controversies continue as to the best form of surgical treatment. This paper reviews these controversies.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1027–34.

Aims

The aim of this study was to report the clinical, functional and radiological outcomes of children and adolescents with tibial fractures treated using the Ilizarov method.

Most surgeons favour removing forearm plates in children. There is, however, no long-term data regarding the complications of retaining a plate. We present a prospective case series of 82 paediatric patients who underwent plating of their forearm fracture over an eight-year period with a minimum follow-up of two years. The study institution does not routinely remove forearm plates. A total of 116 plates were used: 79 one-third tubular plates and 37 dynamic compression plates (DCP). There were 12 complications: six plates (7.3%) were removed for pain or stiffness and there were six (7.3%) implant-related fractures. Overall, survival of the plates was 85% at 10 years. Cox regression analysis identified radial plates (odds ratio (OR) 4.4, p = 0.03) and DCP fixation (OR 3.2, p = 0.02) to be independent risk factors of an implant-related fracture. In contrast ulnar plates were more likely to cause pain or irritation necessitating removal (OR 5.6, p = 0.04).

The complications associated with retaining a plate are different, but do not occur more frequently than the complications following removal of a plate in children.

The February 2014 Foot & Ankle Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: optimal medial malleolar fixation; resurfacing in the talus; predicting outcome in mobility ankles; whether mal-aligned ankles can be successfully replaced; cartilage colonisation in bipolar ankle grafts; CTs and proof of fusion; recalcitrant Achilles tendinopathy; and recurrent fifth metatarsal stress fractures.

Aims

This is a prospective randomised controlled trial comparing the functional outcomes of plate fixation and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of completely displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle in the active adult population.

The management of children’s fractures has evolved as a result of better health education, changes in lifestyle, improved implant technology and the changing expectations of society. This review focuses on the changes seen in paediatric fractures, including epidemiology, the increasing problems of obesity, the mechanisms of injury, non-accidental injuries and litigation. We also examine the changes in the management of fractures at three specific sites: the supracondylar humerus, femoral shaft and forearm. There has been an increasing trend towards surgical stabilisation of these fractures. The reasons for this are multifactorial, including societal expectations of a perfect result and reduced hospital stay. Reduced hospital stay is beneficial to the social, educational and psychological needs of the child and beneficial to society as a whole, due to reduced costs.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:442–8.

Aims

Computer hexapod assisted orthopaedic surgery (CHAOS), is a method to achieve the intra-operative correction of long bone deformities using a hexapod external fixator before definitive internal fixation with minimally invasive stabilisation techniques.

The aims of this study were to determine the reliability of this method in a consecutive case series of patients undergoing femoral deformity correction, with a minimum six-month follow-up, to assess the complications and to define the ideal group of patients for whom this treatment is appropriate.

The use of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) for the treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia has been investigated in only one previous study, with promising results. The aim of this study was to determine whether rhBMP-2 might improve the outcome of this disorder. We reviewed the medical records of five patients with a mean age of 7.4 years (2.3 to 21) with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia who had been treated with rhBMP-2 and intramedullary rodding. Ilizarov external fixation was also used in four of these patients. Radiological union of the pseudarthrosis was evident in all of them at a mean of 3.5 months (3.2 to 4) post-operatively. The Ilizarov device was removed after a mean of 4.2 months (3.0 to 5.3). These results indicate that treatment of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia using rhBMP-2 in combination with intramedullary stabilisation and Ilizarov external fixation may improve the initial rate of union and reduce the time to union.

Further studies with more patients and longer follow-up are necessary to determine whether this surgial procedure may significantly enhance the outcome of congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia, considering the refracture rate (two of five patients) in this small case series.

Lengthening of the humerus is now an established technique. We compared the complications of humeral lengthening with those of femoral lengthening and investigated whether or not the callus formation in the humerus proceeds at a higher rate than that in the femur. A total of 24 humeral and 24 femoral lengthenings were performed on 12 patients with achondroplasia. We measured the pixel value ratio (PVR) of the lengthened area on radiographs and each radiograph was analysed for the shape, type and density of the callus. The quality of life (QOL) of the patients after humeral lengthening was compared with that prior to surgery. The complication rate per segment of humerus and femur was 0.87% and 1.37%, respectively. In the humerus the PVR was significantly higher than that of the femur. Lower limbs were associated with an increased incidence of concave, lateral and central callus shapes. Humeral lengthening had a lower complication rate than lower-limb lengthening, and QOL increased significantly after humeral lengthening. Callus formation in the humerus during the distraction period proceeded at a significantly higher rate than that in the femur.

These findings indicate that humeral lengthening has an important role in the management of patients with achondroplasia.

Injuries to the foot in athletes are often subtle and can lead to a substantial loss of function if not diagnosed and treated appropriately. For these injuries in general, even after a diagnosis is made, treatment options are controversial and become even more so in high level athletes where limiting the time away from training and competition is a significant consideration.

In this review, we cover some of the common and important sporting injuries affecting the foot including updates on their management and outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1299–1311.

We reviewed 78 femoral and tibial nonunions treated between January 1992 and December 2003. Of these, we classified 41 in 40 patients as complex cases because of infection (22), bone loss (6) or failed previous surgery (13). The complex cases were all treated with Ilizarov frames. At a mean time of 14.1 months (4 to 38), 39 had healed successfully.

Using the Association for the Study and Application of the Methods of Ilizarov scoring system we obtained 17 excellent, 14 good, four fair and six poor bone results. The functional results were excellent in 14 patients, good in 14, fair in two and poor in two. A total of six patients were lost to follow-up and two had amputations so were not evaluated for final functional assessment. All but two patients were very satisfied with the results. The average cost of treatment to the treating hospital was approximately £30 000 per patient.

We suggest that early referral to a tertiary centre could reduce the morbidity and prolonged time off work for these patients. The results justify the expense, but the National Health Service needs to make financial provision for the reconstruction of this type of complex nonunion.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to compare the results and complications of tibial lengthening over an intramedullary nail with treatment using the traditional Ilizarov method.

The June 2014 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: plaster wedging in paediatric forearm fractures; the medial approach for DDH; Ponseti – but not as he knew it?; Salter osteotomy more accurate than Pemberton in DDH; is the open paediatric fracture an emergency?; bang up-to-date with femoral external fixation; indomethacin, heterotopic ossification and cerebral palsy hips; lengthening nails for congenital femoral deformities, and is MRI the answer to imaging of the physis?

The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiology of fractures of the distal radius in the Swedish population and to review the methods used to treat them between 2005 and 2010.

The study population consisted of every patient in Sweden who was diagnosed with a fracture of the wrist between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2010. There were 177 893 fractures of the distal radius. The incidence rate in the total population was 32 per 10 000 person-years. The mean age of the patients was 44 years (0 to 104). The proportion of fractures treated operatively increased from 16% in 2005 to 20% in 2010. The incidence rate for plate fixation in the adult population increased 3.61 fold. The incidence rate for external fixation decreased by 67%. The change was greatest in the 50 years to 74 years age group.

In Sweden, there is an increasing tendency to operate on fractures of the distal radius. The previously reported increase in the use of plating is confirmed: it has increased more than threefold over a five-year period.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:963–9.

Although gradual bone transport may permit the restoration of large-diameter bones, complications are common owing to the long duration of external fixation. In order to reduce such complications, a new technique of bone transport involving the use of an external fixator and a locking plate was devised for segmental tibial bone defects.

A total of ten patients (nine men, one woman) with a mean age at operation of 40.4 years (16 to 64) underwent distraction osteogenesis with a locking plate to treat previously infected post-traumatic segmental tibial defects. The locking plate was fixed percutaneously to bridge proximal and distal segments, and was followed by external fixation. After docking, percutaneous screws were fixed at the transported segment through plate holes. At the same time, bone grafting was performed at the docking site with the external fixator removed.

The mean defect size was 5.9 cm (3.8 to 9.3) and mean external fixation index was 13.4 days/cm (11.8 to 19.5). In all cases, primary union of the docking site and distraction callus was achieved, with an excellent bony result. There was no recurrence of deep infection or osteomyelitis, and with the exception of one patient with a pre-existing peroneal nerve injury, all achieved an excellent or good functional result.

With short external fixation times and low complication rates, bone transport with a locking plate could be recommended for patients with segmental tibial defects.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:1667–72.

We have managed 21 patients with a fracture of the tibia complicated by bone and soft-tissue loss as a result of an open fracture in 10, or following debridement of an infected nonunion in 11, by resection of all the devitalised tissues, acute limb shortening to close the defect, application of an external fixator and metaphyseal osteotomy for re-lengthening. The mean bone loss was 4.7 cm (3 to 11). The mean age of the patients was 28.8 years (12 to 54) and the mean follow-up was 34.8 months (24 to 75).

All the fractures united with a well-aligned limb. The mean duration of treatment for the ten grade-III A+B open fractures (according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification) was 5.7 months (4.5 to 8) and for the nonunions, 7.6 months (5.5 to 12.5). Complications included one refracture, one transient palsy of the peroneal nerve and one equinus contracture of 10°.

Symptomatic cobalt toxicity from a failed total hip replacement is a rare but devastating complication. It has been reported following revision of fractured ceramic components, as well as in patients with failed metal-on-metal articulations. Potential clinical findings include fatigue, weakness, hypothyroidism, cardiomyopathy, polycythaemia, visual and hearing impairment, cognitive dysfunction, and neuropathy. We report a case of an otherwise healthy 46-year-old patient, who developed progressively worsening symptoms of cobalt toxicity beginning approximately six months following synovectomy and revision of a fractured ceramic-on-ceramic total hip replacement to a metal-on-polyethylene bearing. The whole blood cobalt levels peaked at 6521 µg/l. The patient died from cobalt-induced cardiomyopathy. Implant retrieval analysis confirmed a loss of 28.3 g mass of the cobalt–chromium femoral head as a result of severe abrasive wear by ceramic particles embedded in the revision polyethylene liner. Autopsy findings were consistent with heavy metal-induced cardiomyopathy.

We recommend using new ceramics at revision to minimise the risk of wear-related cobalt toxicity following breakage of ceramic components.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2013;95-B:31–7.

This pilot study analysed the outcome of open versus endoscopic curettage and bone grafting for the treatment of simple calcaneal bone cysts. A total of 26 patients were evaluated into two equal groups: group 1 was treated with traditional open curettage and bone grafting and group 2 was treated with endoscopic curettage and percutaneous bone grafting. Cyst size, operating time, length of stay, time to healing, complications, further surgery and radiological healing were recorded and differences were statistically compared.

The mean age of the patients was 22.9 years (18 to 28) and the mean follow-up was 28.7 months (24 to 36). There were no statistically significant differences in regard to age of patients, cyst size and the follow-up periods in the two groups. The operating time and mean length of stay of group 2 patients was significantly shorter than group 1 patients (p <  0.001). The time to healing was similar in the two groups. The overall success rates for groups 1 and 2 were 92.3% (12 of 13) and 100% (13 of 13), respectively, and there were no statistically significant differences regarding radiological healing. This pilot study suggests that endoscopic curettage and percutaneous grafting is a simple and safe form of treatment, with similar results to those following open treatment.

Objectives

The use of two implants to manage concomitant ipsilateral femoral shaft and proximal femoral fractures has been indicated, but no studies address the relationship of dynamic hip screw (DHS) side plate screws and the intramedullary nail where failure might occur after union. This study compares different implant configurations in order to investigate bridging the gap between the distal DHS and tip of the intramedullary nail.

This study evaluated the effect of limb lengthening on longitudinal growth in patients with achondroplasia. Growth of the lower extremity was assessed retrospectively by serial radiographs in 35 skeletally immature patients with achondroplasia who underwent bilateral limb lengthening (Group 1), and in 12 skeletally immature patients with achondroplasia who did not (Group 2). In Group 1, 23 patients underwent only tibial lengthening (Group 1a) and 12 patients underwent tibial and femoral lengthening sequentially (Group 1b).

The mean lengthening in the tibia was 9.2 cm (59.5%) in Group 1a, and 9.0 cm (58.2%) in the tibia and 10.2 cm (54.3%) in the femur in Group 1b. The mean follow-up was 9.3 years (8.6 to 10.3). The final mean total length of lower extremity in Group 1a was 526.6 mm (501.3 to 552.9) at the time of skeletal maturity and 610.1 mm (577.6 to 638.6) in Group 1b, compared with 457.0 mm (411.7 to 502.3) in Group 2. However, the mean actual length, representing the length solely grown from the physis without the length of distraction, showed that there was a significant disturbance of growth after limb lengthening. In Group 1a, a mean decrease of 22.4 mm (21.3 to 23.1) (4.9%) was observed in the actual limb length when compared with Group 2, and a greater mean decrease of 38.9 mm (37.2 to 40.8) (8.5%) was observed in Group 1b when compared with Group 2 at skeletal maturity.

In Group 1, the mean actual limb length was 16.5 mm (15.8 to 17.2) (3.6%) shorter in Group 1b when compared with Group 1a at the time of skeletal maturity. Premature physeal closure was seen mostly in the proximal tibia and the distal femur with relative preservation of proximal femur and distal tibia.

We suggest that significant disturbance of growth can occur after extensive limb lengthening in patients with achondroplasia, and therefore, this should be included in pre-operative counselling of these patients and their parents.

We present the results of the surgical correction of lower-limb deformities caused by metabolic bone disease. Our series consisted of 17 patients with a diagnosis of hypophosphataemic rickets and two with renal osteodystrophy; their mean age was 25.6 years (14 to 57). In all, 43 lower-limb segments (27 femora and 16 tibiae) were osteotomised and the deformity corrected using a monolateral external fixator. The segment was then stabilised with locked intramedullary nailing. In addition, six femora in three patients were subsequently lengthened by distraction osteogenesis. The mean follow-up was 60 months (18 to 120). The frontal alignment parameters (the mechanical axis deviation, the lateral distal femoral angle and the medial proximal tibial angle) and the sagittal alignment parameters (the posterior distal femoral angle and the posterior proximal tibial angle) improved post-operatively. The external fixator was removed either at the end of surgery or at the end of the lengthening period, allowing for early mobilisation and weight-bearing. We encountered five problems and four obstacles in the programme of treatment.

The use of intramedullary nails prevented recurrence of deformity and refracture.

We undertook a retrospective study of 50 consecutive patients (41 male, 9 female) with an infected nonunion and bone defect of the femoral shaft who had been treated by radical debridement and distraction osteogenesis. Their mean age was 29.9 years (9 to 58) and they had a mean of 3.8 (2 to 19) previous operations. They were followed for a mean of 5.9 years (2.0 to 19.0). The mean duration of the distraction osteogenesis was 24.5 months (2 to 39). Pin-track infection was observed in all patients. The range of knee movement was reduced and there was a mean residual leg-length discrepancy of 1.9 cm (0 to 8) after treatment. One patient required hip disarticulation to manage intractable sepsis. In all, 13 patients had persistant pain. Bony union was achieved in 49 patients at a mean of 20.7 months (12 to 35).

Although distraction osteogenesis is commonly used for the treatment of infected femoral nonunion with bone defects, it is associated with a high rate of complications.

Displaced fractures of the lateral end of the clavicle in young patients have a high incidence of nonunion and a poor functional outcome after conservative management. Operative treatment is therefore usually recommended. However, current techniques may be associated with complications which require removal of the fixation device. We have evaluated the functional and radiological outcomes using a novel technique of open reduction and internal fixation. A series of 16 patients under 60 years of age with displaced fractures of the lateral end were treated by open reduction and fixation using a twin coracoclavicular endobutton technique. They were followed up for the first year after their injury.

At one year the mean Constant score was 87.1 and the median Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 3.3. All fractures had united, except in one patient who developed an asymptomatic fibrous union. One patient had post-traumatic stiffness of the shoulder, which resolved with physiotherapy. None required re-operation.

This technique produces good functional and radiological outcomes with a low prevalence of complications and routine implant removal is not necessary.

The results of the treatment of 31 open femoral fractures (29 patients) with significant bone loss in a single trauma unit were reviewed. A protocol of early soft-tissue and bony debridement was followed by skeletal stabilisation using a locked intramedullary nail or a dynamic condylar plate for diaphyseal and metaphyseal fractures respectively. Soft-tissue closure was obtained within 48 hours then followed, if required, by elective bone grafting with or without exchange nailing.

The mean time to union was 51 weeks (20 to 156). The time to union and functional outcome were largely dependent upon the location and extent of the bone loss. It was achieved more rapidly in fractures with wedge defects than in those with segmental bone loss. Fractures with metaphyseal defects healed more rapidly than those of comparable size in the diaphysis. Complications were more common in fractures with greater bone loss, and included stiffness of the knee, malunion and limb-length discrepancy.

Based on our findings, we have produced an algorithm for the treatment of these injuries. We conclude that satisfactory results can be achieved in most femoral fractures with bone loss using initial debridement and skeletal stabilisation to maintain length, with further procedures as required.

Ten patients, who were unsuitable for limb lengthening over an intramedullary nail, underwent lengthening with a submuscular locking plate. Their mean age at operation was 18.5 years (11 to 40). After fixing a locking plate submuscularly on the proximal segment, an external fixator was applied to lengthen the bone after corticotomy. Lengthening was at 1 mm/day and on reaching the target length, three or four screws were placed in the plate in the distal segment and the external fixator was removed. All patients achieved the pre-operative target length at a mean of 4.0 cm (3.2 to 5.5). The mean duration of external fixation was 61.6 days (45 to 113) and the mean external fixation index was 15.1 days/cm (13.2 to 20.5), which was less than one-third of the mean healing index (48 days/cm (41.3 to 55). There were only minor complications.

Lengthening with a submuscular locking plate can successfully permit early removal of the fixator with fewer complications and is a useful alternative in children or when nailing is difficult.

Fractures of the proximal humerus with concomitant vascular injury are rare in children. We describe the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of a fracture of the proximal humerus in association with an axillary artery injury in a child.

Between November 1994 and June 1999, 35 patients referred to our Problem Fracture Service with chronic diaphyseal osteomyelitis were treated using a closed double-lumen suction irrigation system after reaming and arthroscopic debridement of the intramedullary canal. This is a modified system based on that of Lautenbach.

Between June and July 2007 the patients were reviewed by postal questionnaire and telephone and from the case notes. At a mean follow-up of 101 months (2 to 150), 26 had no evidence of recurrence and four had died from unrelated causes with no evidence of recurrent infection. One had been lost to follow-up at two months and was therefore excluded. Four had persisting problems with sinus discharge and one had his limb amputated for recurrent metaplastic change.

Our results represent a clearance of infection of 85.3% (29 of 34), with recurrence in 11.8% (4 of 34). They are comparable to the results of the Papineau and Belfast techniques, but with considerably less surgical insult to the patient.

Femoral lengthening using the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor is a new technique. However, with intramedullary distraction the surgeon has less control over the lengthening process. Therefore, 33 femora lengthened with this device were assessed to evaluate the effect of operative variables under the surgeon’s control on the course of lengthening. The desired lengthening was achieved in 32 of 33 limbs. Problems encountered included difficulty in achieving length in eight femora (24%) and uncontrolled lengthening in seven (21%). Uncontrolled lengthening was more likely if the osteotomy was placed with less than 80 mm of the thick portion of the nail in the distal fragment (p = 0.052), and a failure to lengthen was more likely if there was over 125 mm in the distal fragment (p = 0.008). The latter problem was reduced with over-reaming by 2.5 mm to 3 mm. Previous intramedullary nailing also predisposed to uncontrolled lengthening (p = 0.042), and these patients required less reaming.

Using the Intramedullary Skeletal Kinetic Distractor, good outcomes were obtained; problems were minimised by optimising the position of the osteotomy and the amount of over-reaming performed.

We investigated patterns of refracture and their risk factors in patients with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia after Ilizarov osteosynthesis. We studied 43 cases in 23 patients. Temporal and spatial patterns of refracture and refracture-free survival were analysed in each case. The refracture-free rate of cumulative survival was 47% at five years and did not change thereafter. Refracture occurred at the previous pseudarthrosis in 16 of 19 cases of refracture. The risk of refracture was significantly higher when osteosynthesis was performed below the age of four years, when the tibial cross-sectional area was narrow, and when associated with persistent fibular pseudarthrosis. Refracture occurs frequently after successful osteosynthesis in these patients. Delaying osteosynthesis, maximising the tibial cross-sectional area and stabilising the fibula may reduce the risk of refracture.

We assessed the outcome of patients with Vancouver type B2 and B3 periprosthetic fractures treated with femoral revision using an uncemented extensively porous-coated implant. A retrospective clinical and radiographic assessment of 22 patients with a mean follow-up of 33.7 months was performed. The mean time from the index procedure to fracture was 10.8 years. There were 17 patients with a satisfactory result. Complications in four patients included subsidence in two, deep sepsis in one, and delayed union in one. Concomitant acetabular revision was required in 19 patients. Uncemented extensively porous-coated femoral stems incorporate distally allowing stable fixation. We found good early survival rates and a low incidence of nonunion using this implant.

We reviewed 13 patients with infected nonunion of the distal femur and bone loss, who had been treated by radical surgical debridement and the application of an Ilizarov external fixator. All had severely restricted movement of the knee and a mean of 3.1 previous operations. The mean length of the bony defect was 8.3 cm and no patient was able to bear weight.

The mean external fixation time was 309.8 days. According to Paley’s grading system, eight patients had an excellent clinical and radiological result and seven excellent and good functional results. Bony union, the ability to bear weight fully, and resolution of the infection were achieved in all the patients. The external fixation time was increased when the definitive treatment started six months or more after the initial trauma, the patient had been subjected to more than four previous operations and the initial operation had been open reduction and internal fixation.

The literature on fracture repair has been reviewed. The traditional concepts of delayed and nonunion have been examined in terms of the phased and balanced anabolic and catabolic responses in bone repair. The role of medical manipulation of these inter-related responses in the fracture healing have been considered.

Between January 1995 and December 2000, 112 children with a closed displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus without vascular deficit, were managed by elevated, straight-arm traction for a mean of 22 days. The final outcome was assessed using clinical (flexion-extension arc, carrying angle and residual rotational deformity) and radiographic (metaphyseal-diaphyseal angle and humerocapitellar angle) criteria. Excellent results were achieved in 71 (63%) patients, 33 (29%) had good results, 5 (4.4%) fair, and 3 (2.6%) poor. All patients with fair or poor outcomes were older than ten years of age.

Elevated, straight-arm traction is safe and effective in children younger than ten years. It can be effectively used in an environment that can provide ordinary paediatric medical care and general orthopaedic expertise. The outcomes compare with supracondylar fractures treated surgically in specialist centres.