Aims. There is a lack of published evidence relating to the rate of nonunion seen in occult scaphoid fractures, diagnosed only after MRI. This study reports the rate of delayed union and nonunion in a cohort of patients with MRI-detected acute scaphoid fractures. Methods. This multicentre cohort study at eight centres in the UK included all patients with an acute scaphoid fracture diagnosed on MRI having presented acutely following wrist trauma with normal radiographs. Data were gathered retrospectively for a minimum of 12 months at each centre. The primary outcome measures were the rate of acute surgery, delayed union, and nonunion. Results. A total of 1,989 patients underwent acute MRI for a suspected scaphoid fracture during the study period, of which 256 patients (12.9%) were diagnosed with a previously occult scaphoid fracture. Of the patients with scaphoid fractures, six underwent early surgical fixation (2.3%) and there was a total of 16 cases of delayed or nonunion (6.3%) in the remaining 250 patients treated with cast immobilization. Of the nine nonunions (3.5%), seven underwent surgery (2.7%), one opted for non-surgical treatment, and one failed to attend follow-up. Of the seven delayed unions (2.7%), one (0.4%) was treated with surgery at two months, one (0.4%) did not attend further follow-up, and the remaining five fractures (1.9%) healed after further cast immobilization. All fractures treated with surgery had united at follow-up. There was one complication of surgery (prominent screw requiring removal). Conclusion. MRI-detected scaphoid fractures are not universally benign, with delayed or nonunion of scaphoid fractures diagnosed only after MRI seen in over 6% despite appropriate initial immobilization, with most of these patients with nonunion requiring surgery to achieve union. This study adds weight to the evidence base supporting the use of early MRI for these patients. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(4):387–393

Aims. Surgical reconstruction of deformed Charcot feet carries a high risk of nonunion, metalwork failure, and deformity recurrence. The primary aim of this study was to identify the factors contributing to these complications following hindfoot Charcot reconstructions. Methods. We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent hindfoot Charcot reconstruction with an intramedullary nail between January 2007 and December 2019 in our unit. Patient demographic details, comorbidities, weightbearing status, and postoperative complications were noted. Metalwork breakage, nonunion, deformity recurrence, concurrent midfoot reconstruction, and the measurements related to intramedullary nail were also recorded. Results. There were 70 patients with mean follow-up of 54 months (SD 26). Overall, 51 patients (72%) and 52 patients (74%) were fully weightbearing at one year postoperatively and at final follow-up, respectively. The overall hindfoot union rate was 83% (58/70 patients). Age, BMI, glycated haemoglobin, and prior revascularization did not affect union. The ratio of nail diameter and isthmus was greater in the united compared to the nonunited group (0.90 (SD 0.06) and 0.86 (SD 0.09), respectively; p = 0.034). In those with a supplementary hindfoot compression screw, there was a 95% union rate (19/20 patients), compared to 78% in those without screws (39/50 patients; p = 0.038). All patients with a miss-a-nail hindfoot compression screw went on to union. Hindfoot metalwork failure was seen in 13 patients (19%). An intact medial malleolus was found more frequently in those with intact metalwork ((77% (44/57 patients) vs 54% (7/13 patients); p = 0.022) and in those with union ((76% (44/58 patients) vs 50% (6/12 patients); p = 0.018). Broken metalwork occurred more frequently in patients with nonunions (69% (9/13 patients) vs 9% (5/57 patients); p < 0.001) and midfoot deformity recurrence (69% (9/13 patients) vs 9% (5/57 patients); p < 0.001). Conclusion. Rates of hindfoot union and intact metalwork were noted in over 80% of patients. Union after hindfoot reconstruction occurs more frequently with an isthmic fit of the intramedullary nail and supplementary hindfoot screws. An intact medial malleolus is protective against nonunion and hindfoot metalwork failure. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(6):703–708

Aims. Several previously identified patient-, injury-, and treatment-related factors are associated with the development of nonunion in distal femur fractures. However, the predictive value of these factors is not well defined. We aimed to assess the predictive ability of previously identified risk factors in the development of nonunion leading to secondary surgery in distal femur fractures. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with traumatic distal femur fracture treated with lateral locking plate between 2009 and 2018. The patients who underwent secondary surgery due to fracture healing problem or plate failure were considered having nonunion. Background knowledge of risk factors of distal femur fracture nonunion based on previous literature was used to form an initial set of variables. A logistic regression model was used with previously identified patient- and injury-related variables (age, sex, BMI, diabetes, smoking, periprosthetic fracture, open fracture, trauma energy, fracture zone length, fracture comminution, medial side comminution) in the first analysis and with treatment-related variables (different surgeon-controlled factors, e.g. plate length, screw placement, and proximal fixation) in the second analysis to predict the nonunion leading to secondary surgery in distal femur fractures. Results. We were able to include 299 fractures in 291 patients. Altogether, 31/299 fractures (10%) developed nonunion. In the first analysis, pseudo-R. 2. was 0.27 and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.81. BMI was the most important variable in the prediction. In the second analysis, pseudo-R. 2. was 0.06 and AUC was 0.67. Plate length was the most important variable in the prediction. Conclusion. The model including patient- and injury-related factors had moderate fit and predictive ability in the prediction of distal femur fracture nonunion leading to secondary surgery. BMI was the most important variable in prediction of nonunion. Surgeon-controlled factors had a minor role in prediction of nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):584–593

Aims. This observational cross-sectional study aimed to answer the following questions: 1) how has nonunion incidence developed from 2009 to 2019 in a nationwide cohort; 2) what is the age and sex distribution of nonunions for distinct anatomical nonunion localizations; and 3) how high were the costs for surgical nonunion treatment in a level 1 trauma centre in Germany?. Methods. Data consisting of annual International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 diagnosis codes from German medical institutions from 2009 to 2019, provided by the Federal Statistical Office of Germany (Destatis), were analyzed. Nonunion incidence was calculated for anatomical localization, sex, and age groups. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were determined and compared with a two-sample z-test. Diagnosis-related group (DRG)-reimbursement and length of hospital stay were retrospectively retrieved for each anatomical localization, considering 210 patients. Results. In 2019, a total of 11,840 nonunion cases (17.4/100,000 inhabitants) were treated. In comparison to 2018, the incidence of nonunion increased by 3% (IRR 1.03, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.53 to 1.99, p = 0.935). The incidence was higher for male cases (IRR female/male: 0.79, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.82, p = 0.484). Most nonunions occurred at the pelvic and hip region (3.6/100,000 inhabitants, 95% CI 3.5 to 3.8), followed by the ankle and foot as well as the hand (2.9/100,000 inhabitants each). Mean estimated DRG reimbursement for in-hospital treatment of nonunions was highest for nonunions at the pelvic and hip region (€8,319 (SD 2,410), p < 0.001). Conclusion. Despite attempts to improve fracture treatment in recent years, nonunions remain a problem for orthopaedic and trauma surgery, with a stable incidence throughout the last decade. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2022;11(8):541–547

Aims. This study aims to report the outcomes in the treatment of unstable proximal third scaphoid nonunions with arthroscopic curettage, non-vascularized bone grafting, and percutaneous fixation. Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of 20 patients. All cases were delayed presentations (n = 15) or failed nonoperatively managed scaphoid fractures (n = 5). Surgery was performed at a mean duration of 27 months (7 to 120) following injury with arthroscopic debridement and arthroscopic iliac crest autograft. Fracture fixation was performed percutaneously with Kirschner (K)-wires in 12 wrists, a headless screw in six, and a combination of a headless screw and single K-wire in two. Clinical outcomes were assessed using grip strength, patient-reported outcome measures, and wrist range of motion (ROM) measurements. Results. Intraoperatively, established avascular necrosis of the proximal fragment was identified in ten scaphoids. All fractures united within 16 weeks, confirmed by CT. At a mean follow-up of 31 months (12 to 64), there were significant improvements in the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, Mayo Wrist Score, abbreviated Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, wrist ROM, grip strength, and the patients’ subjective pain score. No peri- or postoperative complications were encountered. Conclusion. Our data indicate that arthroscopic bone grafting and fixation with cancellous autograft is a viable method in the treatment of proximal third scaphoid nonunions, regardless of the vascularity of the proximal fragment. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(8):946–952

Aims. The benefit of MRI in the preoperative assessment of scaphoid proximal fragment vascularity remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to compare preoperative MRI findings to intraoperative bleeding of the proximal scaphoid. Methods. A retrospective review of 102 patients who underwent surgery for scaphoid nonunion between January 2000 and December 2020 at a single institution were identified. Inclusion criteria were: isolated scaphoid nonunion; preoperative MRI assessing the proximal fragment vascularity; and operative details of the vascularity of the proximal fragment with the tourniquet deflated. MRI results and intraoperative findings were dichotomized as either ‘yes’ or ‘no’ for the presence of vascularity. A four-fold contingency table was used to analyze the utility of preoperative MRI with 95% confidence intervals. Relative risk was calculated for subgroups to analyze the association between variables and MRI accuracy. Results. Preoperative MRI identified 55 proximal scaphoid fragments with ischaemia and 47 with vascularized proximal fragments. After the proximal fragment was prepared, the tourniquet was deflated and assessed for bleeding; 63 proximal fragments had no bleeding and 39 demonstrated bleeding. MRI was not reliable or accurate in the assessment of proximal fragment vascularity when compared with intraoperative assessment of bleeding. No patient or MRI factors were identified to have a statistical impact on MRI accuracy. Conclusion. Current preoperative MRI protocols and diagnostic criteria do not provide a high degree of correlation with observed intraoperative assessment of proximal fragment bleeding. While preoperative MRI may assist in surgical planning, intraoperative assessment remains the best means for assessing proximal fragment vascularity in scaphoid nonunion. Future efforts should focus on the development of objective measures of osseous blood flow that may be performed intraoperatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(6):657–662

Aims. The purpose of this systematic review was to determine the rates of union for vascularized versus non-vascularized grafting techniques in the operative management of scaphoid nonunion. Secondary aims were to determine the effect of the fixation techniques used, the source of grafting, as well as the influence of fracture location (proximal pole) and avascular necrosis (AVN). Methods. A search of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase was performed in June 2021 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses statement and registered using the PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews. The primary outcome was union rate. Results. There were 78 studies that met the inclusion criteria with a total of 7,671 patients (87.8% male, 12.2% female). The mean age was 27.9 years (SD 3.8) and the mean follow-up was 30.9 months (SD 25.9). The mean union rate was 88.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 85.0 to 92.5) for non-vascularized grafts versus 87.5% (95% CI 82.8 to 92.2) for vascularized grafts (p = 0.685). Pooled analysis of trial data alone found a mean union rate of 82.4% (95% CI 66.9% to 97.9%) for non-vascularized grafts and 89.4% (95% CI 84.1% to 94.7%) for vascularized grafts (p = 0.780). No significant difference was observed in union rates between any of the fixation techniques used in the studies (p = 0.502). Distal radius and iliac crest graft source had comparable mean union rates (86.9% (95% CI 83.1 to 90.7) vs 87.6% (95% CI 82.2 to 92.9); p = 0.841). Studies that excluded patients with both proximal pole fractures and AVN (n = 14) had a mean union rate of 96.5% (95% CI 94.2 to 98.9) that was significantly greater than the mean union rate of 86.8% (95% CI 83.2 to 90.4) observed in the remaining studies (p < 0.001). Conclusion. Current evidence suggests vascularized bone grafting does not yield significantly superior results to non-vascularized grafting in scaphoid nonunion management. However, potential selection bias lessens the certainty of these findings. The fixation type or source of the graft used was not found to influence union rates either. Sufficiently designed and powered prospective randomized controlled trials in this area are needed. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(5):549–558

Aims. Excision of chronic osteomyelitic bone creates a dead space which must be managed to avoid early recurrence of infection. Systemic antibiotics cannot penetrate this space in high concentrations, so local treatment has become an attractive adjunct to surgery. The aim of this study was to present the mid- to long-term results of local treatment with gentamicin in a bioabsorbable ceramic carrier. Methods. A prospective series of 100 patients with Cierny-Mader Types III and IV chronic ostemyelitis, affecting 105 bones, were treated with a single-stage procedure including debridement, deep tissue sampling, local and systemic antibiotics, stabilization, and immediate skin closure. Chronic osteomyelitis was confirmed using strict diagnostic criteria. The mean follow-up was 6.05 years (4.2 to 8.4). Results. At final follow-up, six patients (six bones) had recurrent infection; thus 94% were infection-free. Three infections recurred in the first year, two in the second year, and one 4.5 years postoperatively. Recurrence was not significantly related to the physiological class of the patient (1/20 Class A (5%) vs 5/80 Class B (6.25%); p = 0.833), nor was it significantly related to the aetiology of the infection, the organisms which were cultured or the presence of nonunion before surgery (1/10 with nonunion (10%) vs 5/90 without nonunion (5.6%); p = 0.570). Organisms with intermediate or high-grade resistance to gentamicin were significantly more likely in polymicrobial infections (9/21; 42.8%) compared with monobacterial osteomyelitis (7/79 (8.9%); p < 0.001). However, recurrence was not significantly more frequent when a resistant organism was present (1/16 for resistant cases (6.25%) vs 5/84 in those with a microbiologically sensitive infection (5.95%); p = 0.958). Conclusion. We found that a single-stage protocol, including the use of a high-delivery local antibiotic ceramic carrier, was effective over a period of several years. The method can be used in a wide range of patients, including those with significant comorbidities and an infected nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2022;104-B(9):1095–1100

We studied retrospectively the radiographs of 33 patients with late symptoms after scaphoid nonunion in an attempt to relate the incidence of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse (SNAC) to the level of the original fracture. We found differing patterns for nonunion at the proximal, middle and distal thirds. The mean intervals between fracture and complaint were 20.9, 6.7 and 12.6 years and obvious degenerative changes occurred in 85.7%, 40.0% and 33.3%, for the six proximal-, eight middle- and two distal-third nonunions, respectively. Nonunion at the proximal and middle thirds showed the first degenerative changes at the radioscaphoid joint, and this was followed by narrowing of the scaphocapitate and then the lunocapitate joints. In our two nonunions of the distal third degenerative changes were seen only at the lunocapitate joint. Most patients with SNAC and nonunion of the middle or distal third showed dorsal intercalated instability; few patients with nonunion of the proximal third developed this deformity. We discuss the initial management of nonunion of the scaphoid at different levels in the light of our findings, and make recommendations

Aims. Fixation of scaphoid nonunion with a volar locking plate and cancellous bone grafting has been shown to be a successful technique in small series. Few mid- or long-term follow-up studies have been reported. The aim of this study was to report the mid-term radiological and functional outcome of plate fixation for scaphoid nonunion. Methods. Patients with a scaphoid nonunion were prospectively enrolled and treated with open reduction using a volar approach, debridement of the nonunion, and fixation using a locking plate and cancellous bone grafting, from the ipsilateral iliac crest. Follow-up included examination, functional assessment using the patient-rated wrist/hand evaluation (PRWHE), and multiplanar reformation CT scans at three-month intervals until union was confirmed. Results. A total of 49 patients with a mean age of 31 years (16 to 74) and a mean duration of nonunion of 3.6 years (0.4 to 16) were included. Postoperatively, the nonunion healed in 47 patients (96%) as shown on CT scans. The mean time to union was 4.2 months (3 to 12). Due to impingement of the plate on the volar rim of the radius and functional limitation, the hardware was removed in 18 patients. At a median follow-up of 38 months in 34 patients, the mean active range of motion (ROM) improved significantly from 89° to 124° (SD 44°; p = 0.003). The mean grip strength improved significantly from 52% to 79% (SD 28%; p < 0.001) of the contralateral side. The mean PRWHE score improved significantly from 66 to 17 points (SD 25; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Locking plate fixation supplemented with autologous cancellous bone grafting is a successful form of treatment for scaphoid nonunion. Functional outcomes improve with the passage of time, and mid-term results are excellent with a significant improvement in ROM, grip strength, and functional outcome as measured by the PRWHE. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1697–1702

The June 2024 Wrist & Hand Roundup. 360. looks at: One-year outcomes of the anatomical front and back reconstruction for scapholunate dissociation; Limited intercarpal fusion versus proximal row carpectomy in the treatment of SLAC or SNAC wrist: results after 3.5 years; Prognostic factors for clinical outcomes after arthroscopic treatment of traumatic central tears of the triangular fibrocartilage complex; The rate of nonunion in the MRI-detected occult scaphoid fracture: a multicentre cohort study; Does correction of carpal malalignment influence the union rate of scaphoid nonunion surgery?; Provision of a home-based video-assisted therapy programme in thumb carpometacarpal arthroplasty; Is replantation associated with better hand function after traumatic hand amputation than after revision amputation?; Diagnostic performance of artificial intelligence for detection of scaphoid and distal radius fractures: a systematic review

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. Methods. A consecutive series of 647 patients who underwent intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphyseal fractures were identified from a trauma database. Demographic data, comorbidities, smoking status, alcohol consumption, use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and steroid use were documented. Details regarding mechanism of injury, fracture classification, complications, and further surgery were recorded. Nonunion was defined as the requirement for revision surgery to achieve union. Delayed union was defined as a RUST score < 10 at six months postoperatively. Results. There were 41 nonunions (6.3%), of which 13 were infected (31.7%), and 77 delayed unions (11.9%). There were 127 open fractures (19.6%). Adjusting for confounding variables, NSAID use (odds ratio (OR) 3.50; p = 0.042), superficial infection (OR 3.00; p = 0.026), open fractures (OR 5.44; p < 0.001), and high-energy mechanism (OR 2.51; p = 0.040) were independently associated with nonunion. Smoking (OR 1.76; p = 0.034), open fracture (OR 2.82; p = 0.001), and high-energy mechanism (OR 1.81; p = 0.030) were independent predictors associated with delayed union. The RUST score at six-week follow-up was highly predictive of nonunion (sensitivity and specificity of 75%). Conclusion. NSAID use, high-energy mechanisms, open fractures, and superficial infection were independently associated with nonunion in patients with tibial diaphyseal fractures treated with intramedullary nailing. The six-week RUST score may be useful in identifying patients at risk of nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(4):227–235

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). Methods. The study involved a retrospective analysis of 23 patients. All had a previous, operatively managed, femoral shaft fracture with malunion due to hardware failure. They were treated with a clamshell osteotomy between May 2015 and March 2020. The mean age was 42.6 years (26 to 62) and 15 (65.2%) were male. The mean follow-up was 2.3 years (1 to 5). Details from their medical records were analyzed. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the quality of correction of the deformity, functional recovery, the healing time of the fracture, and complications. Results. The mean length of time between the initial injury and surgery was 4.5 years (3 to 10). The mean operating time was 2.8 hours (2.05 to 4.4)), and the mean blood loss was 850 ml (650 to 1,020). Complications occurred in five patients (21.7%): two with wound necrosis, and three with deep vein thrombosis. The mean coronal deformity was significantly corrected from 17.78° (SD 4.62°) preoperatively to 1.35° (SD 1.72°) postoperatively (p < 0.001), and the mean sagittal deformity was significantly corrected from 20.65° (SD 5.88°) preoperatively to 1.61° (SD 1.95°; p < 0.001) postoperatively. The mean leg length discrepancy was significantly corrected from 3.57 cm (SD 1.27) preoperatively to 1.13 cm (SD 0.76) postoperatively (p < 0.001). All fractures healed at a mean of seven months (4 to 12) postoperatively. The mean Lower Extremity Functional Scale score improved significantly from 45.4 (SD 9.1) preoperatively to 66.2 (SD 5.5) postoperatively (p < 0.001). Partial cortical nonunion in the deformed segment occurred in eight patients (34.8%) and healed at a mean of 2.4 years (2 to 3) postoperatively. Conclusion. A clamshell osteotomy combined with IMN fixation in the treatment of patients with a femoral shaft fracture and a previous post-traumatic femoral malunion achieved excellent outcomes. Partial cortical nonunions in the deformed segment also healed satisfactorily. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):449–454

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. Patients and Methods. Initially, 20 patients with radiographs six weeks following a humeral shaft fracture were selected at random from a trauma database and scored by three observers, based on the Radiographic Union Scale for Tibial fractures system. After refinement of the RUSHU criteria, a second group of 60 patients with radiographs six weeks after injury, 40 with fractures that united and 20 with fractures that developed nonunion, were scored by two blinded observers. Results. After refinement, the interobserver intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was 0.79 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67 to 0.87), indicating substantial agreement. At six weeks after injury, patients whose fractures united had a significantly higher median score than those who developed nonunion (10 vs 7; p < 0.001). A receiver operating characteristic curve determined that a RUSHU cut-off of < 8 was predictive of nonunion (area under the curve = 0.84, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.94). The sensitivity was 75% and specificity 80% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 65% and a negative predictive value of 86%. Patients with a RUSHU < 8 (n = 23) were more likely to develop nonunion than those with a RUSHU ≥ 8 (n = 37, odds ratio 12.0, 95% CI 3.4 to 42.9). Based on a PPV of 65%, if all patients with a RUSHU < 8 underwent fixation, the number of procedures needed to avoid one nonunion would be 1.5. Conclusion. The RUSHU is reliable and effective in identifying patients at risk of nonunion of a humeral shaft fracture at six weeks after injury. This tool requires external validation but could potentially reduce the morbidity associated with delayed treatment of an established nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1300–1306

The December 2022 Foot & Ankle Roundup. 360. looks at: Evans calcaneal osteotomy and multiplanar correction in flat foot deformity; Inflammatory biomarkers in tibialis posterior tendon dysfunction; Takedown of ankle fusions and conversion to total ankle arthroplasty; Surgical incision closure with three different materials; Absorbable sutures are not inferior to nonabsorbable sutures for tendo Achilles repair; Zadek’s osteotomy is a reliable technique for treating Haglund’s syndrome; How to best assess patient limitations after acute Achilles tendon injury; Advances in the management of infected nonunion of the foot and ankle

The February 2023 Wrist & Hand Roundup. 360. looks at: ‘Self-care’ protocol for minimally displaced distal radius fractures; Treatment strategies for acute Seymour fractures in children and adolescents: including crushed open fractures; Routinely collected outcomes of proximal row carpectomy; Moving minor hand surgeries in the office-based procedure room: a population-based trend analysis; A comparison between robotic-assisted scaphoid screw fixation and a freehand technique for acute scaphoid fracture: a randomized, controlled trial; Factors associated with conversion to surgical release after a steroid injection in patients with a trigger finger; Two modern total wrist arthroplasties: a randomized comparison; Triangular fibrocartilage complex suture repair reliable even in ulnar styloid nonunion

Aims. The study objective was to prospectively assess clinical outcomes for a pilot cohort of tibial shaft fractures treated with a new tibial nailing system that produces controlled axial interfragmentary micromotion. The hypothesis was that axial micromotion enhances fracture healing compared to static interlocking. Methods. Patients were treated in a single level I trauma centre over a 2.5-year period. Group allocation was not randomized; both the micromotion nail and standard-of-care static locking nails (control group) were commercially available and selected at the discretion of the treating surgeons. Injury risk levels were quantified using the Nonunion Risk Determination (NURD) score. Radiological healing was assessed until 24 weeks or clinical union. Low-dose CT scans were acquired at 12 weeks and virtual mechanical testing was performed to objectively assess structural bone healing. Results. A total of 37 micromotion patients and 46 control patients were evaluated. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of age, sex, the proportion of open fractures, or NURD score. There were no nonunions (0%) in the micromotion group versus five (11%) in the control group. The proportion of fractures united was significantly higher in the micromotion group compared to control at 12 weeks (54% vs 30% united; p = 0.043), 18 weeks (81% vs 59%; p = 0.034), and 24 weeks (97% vs 74%; p = 0.005). Structural bone healing scores as assessed by CT scans tended to be higher with micromotion compared to control and this difference reached significance in patients who had biological comorbidities such as smoking. Conclusion. In this pilot study, micromotion fixation was associated with improved healing compared to standard tibial nailing. Further prospective clinical studies will be needed to assess the strength and generalizability of any potential benefits of micromotion fixation. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):825–833

Aims. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for the failure of exchange nailing in nonunion of tibial diaphyseal fractures. . Patients and Methods. A cohort of 102 tibial diaphyseal nonunions in 101 patients with a mean age of 36.9 years (15 to 74) were treated between January 1992 and December 2012 by exchange nailing. Of which 33 (32%) were initially open injuries. The median time from primary fixation to exchange nailing was 6.5 months (interquartile range (IQR) 4.3 to 9.8 months). . The main outcome measures were union, number of secondary fixation procedures required to achieve union and time to union. . Univariate analysis and multiple regression were used to identify risk factors for failure to achieve union. . Results. Multiple causes for the primary nonunion were found for 28 (27%) tibiae, with infection present in 32 (31%). Six patients were lost to follow-up. Further surgical procedures were required in 35 (36%) nonunions. Other fixation modalities were required in five fractures. A single nail exchange procedure achieved union in 60/96 (63%) of all nonunions. Only 11 out of 31 infected nonunions (35.4%) healed after one exchange nail procedure. Up to five repeated exchange nailings, with or without bone grafting, ultimately achieved union in 89 (93%) fractures. The median time to union after exchange nailing was 8.7 months (IQR 5.7 to 14.0 months). Univariate analysis confirmed that an oligotrophic/atrophic pattern of nonunion (p = 0.002), a bone gap of 5 mm or more (p = 0.04) and infection (p < 0.001), were predictive for failure of exchange nailing Multiple regression analysis found that infection was the strongest predictor of failure (p < 0.001). . Conclusion. Exchange nailing is an effective treatment for aseptic tibial diaphyseal nonunion. However, in the presence of severe infection with a highly resistant organism, or extensive sclerosis of the bone, other fixation modalities, such as Ilizarov treatment, should be considered. Take home message: Exchange nailing is an effective treatment for aseptic tibial diaphyseal nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:534–41

Aims. The underlying natural history of suspected scaphoid fractures (SSFs) is unclear and assumed poor. There is an urgent requirement to develop the literature around SSFs to quantify the actual prevalence of intervention following SSF. Defining the risk of intervention following SSF may influence the need for widespread surveillance and screening of SSF injuries, and could influence medicolegal actions around missed scaphoid fractures. Methods. Data on SSF were retrospectively gathered from virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) across a large Scottish Health Board over a four-year period, from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2021. The Bluespier Electronic Patient Record System identified any surgical procedure being undertaken in relation to a scaphoid injury over the same time period. Isolating patients who underwent surgical intervention for SSF was performed by cross-referencing the unique patient Community Health Index number for patients who underwent these scaphoid procedures with those seen at VFCs for SSF over this four-year period. Results. In total, 1,739 patients were identified as having had a SSF. Five patients (0.28%) underwent early open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). One patient (0.06%) developed a nonunion and underwent ORIF with bone grafting. All six patients undergoing surgery were male (p = 0.005). The overall rate of intervention following a SSF was 0.35%. The early intervention rate in those undergoing primary MRI was one (0.36%), compared with three in those without (0.27%) (p > 0.576). Conclusion. Surgical intervention was rare following a SSF and was not required in females. A primary MRI policy did not appear to be associated with any change in primary or secondary intervention. These data are the first and largest in recent literature to quantify the prevalence of surgical intervention following a SSF, and may be used to guide surveillance and screening pathways as well as define medicolegal risk involved in missing a true fracture in SSFs. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;5(4):312–316

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