We present a series of ten hypertrophic nonunions in which bony alignment and length were restored and union induced by external fixation and callus distraction. The mean length gained was 3.5 cm (1 to 6) and the mean angular
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
The aims of this study were to identify means to quantify coronal plane displacement associated with distal radius fractures (DRFs), and to understand their relationship to radial inclination (RI). From posteroanterior digital radiographs of healed DRFs in 398 female patients aged 70 years or older, and 32 unfractured control wrists, the relationships of RI, quantifiably, to four linear measurements made perpendicular to reference distal radial shaft (DRS) and ulnar shaft (DUS) axes were analyzed: 1) DRS to radial aspect of ulnar head (DRS-U); 2) DUS to volar-ulnar corner of distal radius (DUS-R); 3) DRS to proximal capitate (DRS-PC); and 4) DRS to DUS (interaxis distance, IAD); and, qualitatively, to the distal ulnar fracture, and its intersection with the DUS axis.Aims
Methods
Due to the recent rapid expansion of scooter sharing companies, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of electric scooter (e-scooter) injuries. Our purpose was to conduct a systematic review to characterize the demographic characteristics, most common injuries, and management of patients injured from electric scooters. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases using variations of the term “electric scooter”. We excluded studies conducted prior to 2015, studies with a population of less than 50, case reports, and studies not focused on electric scooters. Data were analyzed using Aims
Methods
The aims of this study were to assess quality of life after hip fractures, to characterize respondents to patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and to describe the recovery trajectory of hip fracture patients. Data on 35,206 hip fractures (2014 to 2018; 67.2% female) in the Norwegian Hip Fracture Register were linked to data from the Norwegian Patient Registry and Statistics Norway. PROMs data were collected using the EuroQol five-dimension three-level questionnaire (EQ-5D-3L) scoring instrument and living patients were invited to respond at four, 12, and 36 months post fracture. Multiple imputation procedures were performed as a model to substitute missing PROM data. Differences in response rates between categories of covariates were analyzed using chi-squared test statistics. The association between patient and socioeconomic characteristics and the reported EQ-5D-3L scores was analyzed using linear regression.Aims
Methods
Prior to the availability of vaccines, mortality for hip fracture patients with concomitant COVID-19 infection was three times higher than pre-pandemic rates. The primary aim of this study was to determine the 30-day mortality rate of hip fracture patients in the post-vaccine era. A multicentre observational study was carried out at 19 NHS Trusts in England. The study period for the data collection was 1 February 2021 until 28 February 2022, with mortality tracing until 28 March 2022. Data collection included demographic details, data points to calculate the Nottingham Hip Fracture Score, COVID-19 status, 30-day mortality, and vaccination status.Aims
Methods
This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics and outcomes associated with culture-negative limb osteomyelitis patients. A total of 1,047 limb osteomyelitis patients aged 18 years or older who underwent debridement and intraoperative culture at our clinic centre from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2020 were included. Patient characteristics, infection eradication, and complications were analyzed between culture-negative and culture-positive cohorts.Aims
Methods
We have investigated how medical postponement, the time to surgery and the
The impact of concomitant injuries in patients with proximal femoral fractures has rarely been studied. To date, the few studies published have been mostly single-centre research focusing on the influence of upper limb fractures. A retrospective cohort analysis was, therefore, conducted to identify the impact and distribution of concomitant injuries in patients with proximal femoral fractures. A retrospective, multicentre registry-based study was undertaken. Between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2019, data for 24,919 patients from 100 hospitals were collected in the Registry for Geriatric Trauma. This information was queried and patient groups with and without concomitant injury were compared using linear and logistic regression models. In addition, we analyzed the influence of the different types of additional injuries.Aims
Methods
The modified Radiological Union Scale for Tibia (mRUST) fractures score was developed in order to assess progress to union and define a numerical assessment of fracture healing of metadiaphyseal fractures. This score has been shown to be valuable in predicting radiological union; however, there is no information on the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of this index for various cut-off scores. The aim of this study is to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and cut-off points of the mRUST score for the diagnosis of metadiaphyseal fractures healing. A cohort of 146 distal femur fractures were retrospectively identified at our institution. After excluding AO/OTA type B fractures, nonunions, follow-up less than 12 weeks, and patients aged less than 16 years, 104 sets of radiographs were included for analysis. Anteroposterior and lateral femur radiographs at six weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and final follow-up were separately scored by three surgeons using the mRUST score. The sensitivity and specificity of mean mRUST score were calculated using clinical and further radiological findings as a gold standard for ultimate fracture healing. A receiver operating characteristic curve was also performed to determine the cut-off points at each time point.Aims
Methods
Complex joint fractures of the lower extremity are often accompanied by soft-tissue swelling and are associated with prolonged hospitalization and soft-tissue complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of vascular impulse technology (VIT) on soft-tissue conditioning in comparison with conventional elevation. A total of 100 patients were included in this prospective, randomized, controlled monocentre study allocated to the three subgroups of dislocated ankle fracture (n = 40), pilon fracture (n = 20), and intra-articular calcaneal fracture (n = 40). Patients were randomized to the two study groups in a 1:1 ratio. The effectiveness of VIT (intervention) compared with elevation (control) was analyzed separately for the whole study population and for the three subgroups. The primary endpoint was the time from admission until operability (in days).Aims
Methods
The primary aim of this study was to address the hypothesis that fracture morphology might be more important than posterior malleolar fragment size in rotational type posterior malleolar ankle fractures (PMAFs). The secondary aim was to identify clinically important predictors of outcome for each respective PMAF-type, to challenge the current dogma that surgical decision-making should be based on fragment size. This observational prospective cohort study included 70 patients with operatively treated rotational type PMAFs, respectively: 23 Haraguchi Type I (large posterolateral-oblique), 22 Type II (two-part posterolateral and posteromedial), and 25 (avulsion-) Type III. There was no standardized protocol on how to address the PMAFs and CT-imaging was used to classify fracture morphology and quality of postoperative syndesmotic reduction. Quantitative 3D-CT (Q3DCT) was used to assess the quality of fracture reduction, respectively: the proportion of articular involvement; residual intra-articular: gap, step-off, and 3D-displacement; and residual gap and step-off at the fibular notch. These predictors were correlated with the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) at two-years follow-up.Aims
Methods
Objectives. To determine the morbidity and mortality outcomes of patients
presenting with a fractured neck of femur in an Australian context.
Peri-operative variables related to unfavourable outcomes were identified
to allow planning of intervention strategies for improving peri-operative
care. Methods. We performed a retrospective observational study of 185 consecutive
adult patients admitted to an Australian metropolitan teaching hospital
with fractured neck of femur between 2009 and 2010. The main outcome
measures were 30-day and one-year mortality rates, major complications
and factors influencing mortality. . Results. The majority of patients were elderly, female and had multiple
comorbidities. Multiple peri-operative medical complications were
observed, including pre-operative hypoxia (17%), post-operative
delirium (25%), anaemia requiring blood transfusion (28%), representation
within 30 days of discharge (18%), congestive cardiac failure (14%),
acute renal impairment (12%) and myocardial infarction (4%). Mortality
rates were 8.1% at 30 days and 21.6% at one year. Factors predictive
of one-year mortality were American Society of Anesthesiologists
(ASA) score (odds ratio (OR) 4.2 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5
to 12.2)), general anaesthesia (OR 3.1 (95% CI 1.1 to 8.5)), age
>
90 years (OR 4.5 (95% CI 1.5 to 13.1)) and post-operative oliguria
(OR 3.6 (95% CI 1.1 to 11.7)). Conclusions. Results from an Australian metropolitan teaching hospital confirm
the persistently high morbidity and mortality in patients presenting
with a fractured neck of femur. Efforts should be aimed at medically
optimising patients pre-operatively and
We have reviewed a series of 56 consecutive patients treated by the Ilizarov circular fixator for various combinations of nonunion, malunion and infection of fractures. We used segmental excision, distraction osteogenesis and gradual
The aim of this study was to examine trends in the management of fractures of the distal radius in Ireland over a ten-year period, and to determine if there were any changes in response to the English Distal Radius Acute Fracture Fixation Trial (DRAFFT). Data was grouped into annual intervals from 2008 to 2017. All adult inpatient episodes that involved emergency surgery for fractures of the distal radius were includedAims
Patients and Methods
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of a salvage procedure using a 95° angled blade plate for failed osteosynthesis of atypical subtrochanteric femoral fractures associated with the long-term use of bisphosphonates. These were compared with those for failed osteosynthesis of subtrochanteric fractures not associated with bisphosphonate treatment. Between October 2008 and July 2016, 14 patients with failed osteosynthesis of an atypical subtrochanteric femoral fracture were treated with a blade plate (atypical group). Their mean age was 67.8 years (60 to 74); all were female. During the same period, 21 patients with failed osteosynthesis of a typical subtrochanteric fracture underwent restabilization using a blade plate (typical group). Outcome variables included the time of union, postoperative complications, Harris Hip Score, and Sanders functional rating scale.Aims
Patients and Methods
Hip fractures are associated with high morbidity, mortality, and costs. One strategy for improving outcomes is to incentivize hospitals to provide better quality of care. We aimed to determine whether a pay-for-performance initiative affected hip fracture outcomes in England by using Scotland, which did not participate in the scheme, as a control. We undertook an interrupted time series study with data from all patients aged more than 60 years with a hip fracture in England (2000 to 2018) using the Hospital Episode Statistics Admitted Patient Care (HES APC) data set linked to national death registrations. Difference-in-differences (DID) analysis incorporating equivalent data from the Scottish Morbidity Record was used to control for secular trends. The outcomes were 30-day and 365-day mortality, 30-day re-admission, time to operation, and acute length of stay.Aims
Materials and Methods
Many authors have reported a shorter treatment time when using trifocal bone transport (TFT) rather than bifocal bone transport (BFT) in the management of long segmental tibial bone defects. However, the difference in the incidence of additional procedures, the true complications, and the final results have not been investigated. A total of 86 consecutive patients with a long tibial bone defect (≥ 8 cm), who were treated between January 2008 and January 2015, were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 45 were treated by BFT and 41 by TFT. The median age of the 45 patients in the BFT group was 43 years (interquartile range (IQR) 23 to 54).Aims
Patients and Methods
Stable fixation after a corrective supracondylar osteotomy in adults is difficult because of the irregularity of the area of bony contact, displacement of the fragments, the predominance of cortical bone, and the need for early mobilisation. We have used the Ilizarov apparatus for fixation in 15 patients who were treated by complex osteotomies with displacement of fragments for cubitus varus or valgus. Most patients with cubitus varus required medial displacement with rotation of the distal fragment. Those with cubitus valgus required lateral shift of the distal fragment to reduce the medial prominence of the elbow that would otherwise result. All osteotomies united within the expected time without loss of
Rotational deformity following intramedullary nailing may cause symptoms and require surgical
There is not adequate evidence to establish whether external
fixation (EF) of pelvic fractures leads to a reduced mortality.
We used the Japan Trauma Data Bank database to identify isolated
unstable pelvic ring fractures to exclude the possibility of blood
loss from other injuries, and analyzed the effectiveness of EF on
mortality in this group of patients. This was a registry-based comparison of 1163 patients who had
been treated for an isolated unstable pelvic ring fracture with
(386 patients) or without (777 patients) EF. An isolated pelvic
ring fracture was defined by an Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS) for
other injuries of <
3. An unstable pelvic ring fracture was defined
as having an AIS ≥ 4. The primary outcome of this study was mortality.
A subgroup analysis was carried out for patients who required blood
transfusion within 24 hours of arrival in the Emergency Department
and those who had massive blood loss (AIS code: 852610.5). Propensity-score
matching was used to identify a cohort like the EF and non-EF groups.Aim
Patients and Methods
The management of a significant bony defect following excision
of a diaphyseal atrophic femoral nonunion remains a challenge. We
present the outcomes using a combined technique of acute femoral
shortening, stabilized with a long retrograde intramedullary nail,
accompanied by bifocal osteotomy compression and distraction osteogenesis with
a temporary monolateral fixator. Eight men and two women underwent the ‘rail and nail’ technique
between 2008 and 2016. Proximal locking of the nail and removal
of the external fixator was undertaken once the length of the femur
had been restored and prior to full consolidation of the regenerate.Aims
Patients and Methods
We aimed to characterise the effect of expeditious hip fracture
surgery in elderly patients within 24 hours of admission on short-term
post-operative outcomes. Patients age 65 or older that underwent surgery for closed femoral
neck and intertrochanteric hip fractures were identified from the
American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement
Program between 2011 and 2014. Multivariable propensity-adjusted
logistic regressions were performed to determine associations between early
surgery within 24 hours and post-operative complications, controlling
for selection bias in patients undergoing early surgery based on
observable characteristics.Aims
Patients and Methods
To evaluate the effect of a single early high-dose vitamin D
supplement on fracture union in patients with hypovitaminosis D
and a long bone fracture. Between July 2011 and August 2013, 113 adults with a long bone
fracture were enrolled in a prospective randomised double-blind
placebo-controlled trial. Their serum vitamin D levels were measured
and a total of 100 patients were found to be vitamin D deficient
(<
20 ng/ml) or insufficient (<
30 ng/mL). These were then
randomised to receive a single dose of vitamin D3 orally
(100 000 IU) within two weeks of injury (treatment group, n = 50)
or a placebo (control group, n = 50). We recorded patient demographics,
fracture location and treatment, vitamin D level, time to fracture
union and complications, including vitamin D toxicity. Outcomes included union, nonunion or complication requiring an
early, unplanned secondary procedure. Patients without an outcome
at 15 months and no scheduled follow-up were considered lost to
follow-up. The Aims
Patients and Methods
To synthesise the literature and perform a meta-analysis detailing
the longitudinal recovery in the first two years following a distal
radius fracture (DRF) managed with volar plate fixation. Three databases were searched to identify relevant articles.
Following eligibility screening and quality assessment, data were
extracted and outcomes were assimilated at the post-operative time
points of interest. A state-of-the-art longitudinal mixed-effects
meta-analysis model was employed to analyse the data.Aims
Materials and Methods
Periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) following total hip arthroplasty
(THA) are devastating complications that are associated with functional
limitations and increased overall mortality. Although cementless
implants have been associated with an increased risk of PFF, the
precise contribution of implant geometry and design on the risk
of both intra-operative and post-operative PFF remains poorly investigated.
A systematic review was performed to aggregate all of the PFF literature
with specific attention to the femoral implant used. A systematic search strategy of several journal databases and
recent proceedings from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
was performed. Clinical articles were included for analysis if sufficient
implant description was provided. All articles were reviewed by
two reviewers. A review of fundamental investigations of implant
load-to-failure was performed, with the intent of identifying similar
conclusions from the clinical and fundamental literature.Aims
Patients and Methods
We present an audit comparing our level I major trauma centre’s
data for a cohort of patients with hip fractures in the National
Hip Fracture Database (NHFD) with locally held data on these patients. A total of 2036 records for episodes between July 2009 and June
2014 were reviewed. Aims
Patients and Methods
Fractures of the hip are common, often occurring
in frail elderly patients, but also in younger fit healthy patients following
trauma. They have a significant associated mortality and major social
and financial implications to patients and health care providers.
Many guidelines are available for the management of these patients,
mostly recommending early surgery for the best outcomes. As a result,
healthcare authorities now put pressure on surgical teams to ‘fast
track’ patients with a fracture of the hip, often misquoting the
available literature, which in itself can be confusing and even
conflicting. This paper has been written following an extensive review of
the available literature. An attempt is made to clarify what is
meant by early surgery (expeditious Cite this article:
Tibial nonunion represents a spectrum of conditions
which are challenging to treat, and optimal management remains unclear
despite its high rate of incidence. We present 44 consecutive patients
with 46 stiff tibial nonunions, treated with hexapod external fixators
and distraction to achieve union and gradual deformity correction.
There were 31 men and 13 women with a mean age of 35 years (18 to
68) and a mean follow-up of 12 months (6 to 40). No tibial osteotomies
or bone graft procedures were performed. Bony union was achieved
after the initial surgery in 41 (89.1%) tibias. Four persistent
nonunions united after repeat treatment with closed hexapod distraction,
resulting in bony union in 45 (97.8%) patients. The mean time to
union was 23 weeks (11 to 49). Leg-length was restored to within
1 cm of the contralateral side in all tibias. Mechanical alignment
was restored to within 5° of normal in 42 (91.3%) tibias. Closed
distraction of stiff tibial nonunions can predictably lead to union
without further surgery or bone graft. In addition to generating
the required distraction to achieve union, hexapod circular external
fixators can accurately correct concurrent deformities and limb-length
discrepancies. Cite this article:
This is a prospective randomised study which compares the radiological
and functional outcomes of ring and rail fixators in patients with
an infected gap (>
3 cm) nonunion of the tibia. Between May 2008 and February 2013, 70 patients were treated
at our Institute for a posttraumatic osseocutaneous defect of the
tibia measuring at least 3 cm. These were randomised into two groups
of 35 patients using the lottery method. Group I patients were treated
with a ring fixator and group II patients with a rail fixator. The
mean age was 33.2 years (18 to 64) in group I and 29.3 years (18
to 65) in group II. The mean bone gap was 5.84 cm in group I and 5.78
cm in group II. The mean followup was 33.8 months in group I and 32.6 months
in group II. Bone and functional results were assessed using the
classification of the Association for the Study and Application
of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI). Functional results were also
assessed at six months using the short musculoskeletal functional
assessment (SMFA) score.Aims
Patients and Methods
We aimed to determine whether there is evidence of improved patient
outcomes in Major Trauma Centres following the regionalisation of
trauma care in England. An observational study was undertaken using the Trauma Audit
and Research Network (TARN), Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) and
national death registrations. The outcome measures were indicators
of the quality of trauma care, such as treatment by a senior doctor
and clinical outcomes, such as mortality in hospital.Aims
Patients and Methods
This article presents a unified clinical theory
that links established facts about the physiology of bone and homeostasis,
with those involved in the healing of fractures and the development
of nonunion. The key to this theory is the concept that the tissue
that forms in and around a fracture should be considered a specific
functional entity. This ‘bone-healing unit’ produces a physiological
response to its biological and mechanical environment, which leads
to the normal healing of bone. This tissue responds to mechanical
forces and functions according to Wolff’s law, Perren’s strain theory
and Frost’s concept of the “mechanostat”. In response to the local
mechanical environment, the bone-healing unit normally changes with
time, producing different tissues that can tolerate various levels
of strain. The normal result is the formation of bone that bridges
the fracture – healing by callus. Nonunion occurs when the bone-healing
unit fails either due to mechanical or biological problems or a
combination of both. In clinical practice, the majority of nonunions
are due to mechanical problems with instability, resulting in too
much strain at the fracture site. In most nonunions, there is an
intact bone-healing unit. We suggest that this maintains its biological
potential to heal, but fails to function due to the mechanical conditions.
The theory predicts the healing pattern of multifragmentary fractures
and the observed morphological characteristics of different nonunions.
It suggests that the majority of nonunions will heal if the correct
mechanical environment is produced by surgery, without the need
for biological adjuncts such as autologous bone graft. Cite this article:
We define the long-term outcomes and rates of
further operative intervention following displaced Bennett’s fractures
treated with Kirschner (K-) wire fixation between 1996 and 2009.
We retrospectively identified 143 patients (127 men and 16 women)
with a mean age at the time of injury of 33.2 years (18 to 75).
Electronic records were examined and patients were invited to complete
the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire
in addition to a satisfaction questionnaire. The time since injury
was a mean of 11.5 years (3.4 to 18.5). In total 11 patients had
died, one had developed dementia and 12 patients were lost to follow-up.
This left 119 patients available for recruitment. Of these, 57 did
not respond, leaving a study group of 62 patients. Patients reported
excellent functional outcomes and high levels of satisfaction at
follow-up. Median satisfaction was 94% (interquartile range 91.5
to 97.5) and the mean DASH score was 3.0 (0 to 38). None of the patients
had undergone salvage procedures and none of the responders had
changed occupation or sporting activities. Long-term patient reported
outcomes following displaced Bennett’s fractures treated by closed
reduction and K-wire fixation show excellent functional results
and a high level of patient satisfaction. The rate of infection
is low and similar to other surgical procedures with percutaneous
K-wires. Cite this article:
MicroRNAs (miRNAs ) are small non-coding RNAs
that regulate gene expression. We hypothesised that the functions
of certain miRNAs and changes to their patterns of expression may
be crucial in the pathogenesis of nonunion. Healing fractures and
atrophic nonunions produced by periosteal cauterisation were created
in the femora of 94 rats, with 1:1 group allocation. At post-fracture
days three, seven, ten, 14, 21 and 28, miRNAs were extracted from
the newly generated tissue at the fracture site. Microarray and
real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses of day 14 samples
revealed that five miRNAs, miR-31a-3p, miR-31a-5p, miR-146a-5p,
miR-146b-5p and miR-223-3p, were highly upregulated in nonunion.
Real-time PCR analysis further revealed that, in nonunion, the expression
levels of all five of these miRNAs peaked on day 14 and declined
thereafter. Our results suggest that miR-31a-3p, miR-31a-5p, miR-146a-5p,
miR-146b-5p and miR-223-3p may play an important role in the development
of nonunion. These findings add to the understanding of the molecular mechanism
for nonunion formation and may lead to the development of novel
therapeutic strategies for its treatment. Cite this article:
A rigorous approach to developing, delivering and documenting
rehabilitation within randomised controlled trials of surgical interventions
is required to underpin the generation of reliable and usable evidence.
This article describes the key processes used to ensure provision
of good quality and comparable rehabilitation to all participants
of a multi-centre randomised controlled trial comparing surgery
with conservative treatment of proximal humeral fractures in adults. These processes included the development of a patient information
leaflet on self-care during sling immobilisation, the development
of a basic treatment physiotherapy protocol that received input
and endorsement by specialist physiotherapists providing patient
care, and establishing an expectation for the provision of home
exercises. Specially designed forms were also developed to facilitate
reliable reporting of the physiotherapy care that patients received.Objectives
Methods
The Essex-Lopresti injury (ELI) of the forearm
is a rare and serious condition which is often overlooked, leading
to a poor outcome. The purpose of this retrospective case study was to establish
whether early surgery can give good medium-term results. From a group of 295 patients with a fracture of the radial head,
12 patients were diagnosed with ELI on MRI which confirmed injury
to the interosseous membrane (IOM) and ligament (IOL). They were
treated by reduction and temporary Kirschner (K)-wire stabilisation
of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). In addition, eight patients
had a radial head replacement, and two a radial head reconstruction. All patients were examined clinically and radiologically 59 months
(25 to 90) after surgery when the mean Mayo Modified Wrist Score
(MMWS) was 88.4 (78 to 94), the mean Mayo Elbow Performance Scores
(MEPS) 86.7 (77 to 95) and the mean disabilities of arm, shoulder
and hand (DASH) score 20.5 (16 to 31): all of these indicate a good outcome. In case of a high index of suspicion for ELI in patients with
a radial head fracture, we recommend the following: confirmation
of IOM and IOL injury with an early MRI scan; early surgery with
reduction and temporary K-wire stabilisation of the DRUJ; preservation
of the radial head if at all possible or replacement if not, and
functional bracing in supination. This will increase the prospect
of a good result, and avoid the complications of a missed diagnosis
and the difficulties of late treatment. Cite this article:
This paper investigates whether cortical comminution
and intra-articular involvement can predict displacement in distal
radius fractures by using a classification that includes volar comminution
as a separate parameter. A prospective multicentre study involving non-operative treatment
of distal radius fractures in 387 patients aged between 15 and 74
years (398 fractures) was conducted. The presence of cortical comminution
and intra-articular involvement according to the Buttazzoni classification
is described. Minimally displaced fractures were treated with immobilisation
in a cast while displaced fractures underwent closed reduction with
subsequent immobilisation. Radiographs were obtained after reduction,
at 10 to 14 days and after union. The outcome measure was re-displacement
or union. In fractures with volar comminution (Buttazzoni type 4), 96%
(53 of 55) displaced. In intra-articular fractures without volar
comminution (Buttazzoni 3), 72% (84 of 117) displaced. In extra-articular
fractures with isolated dorsal comminution (Buttazzoni 2), 73% (106
of 145) displaced while in non-comminuted fractures (Buttazzoni
1), 16 % (13 of 81 ) displaced. A total of 32% (53 of 165) of initially minimally displaced fractures
later displaced. All of the initially displaced volarly comminuted
fractures re-displaced. Displacement occurred in 31% (63 of 205)
of fractures that were still in good alignment after 10 to 14 days. Regression analysis showed that volar and dorsal comminution
predicted later displacement, while intra-articular involvement
did not predict displacement. Volar comminution was the strongest
predictor of displacement. Cite this article:
Unstable bicondylar tibial plateau fractures
are rare and there is little guidance in the literature as to the
best form of treatment. We examined the short- to medium-term outcome
of this injury in a consecutive series of patients presenting to
two trauma centres. Between December 2005 and May 2010, a total
of 55 fractures in 54 patients were treated by fixation, 34 with
peri-articular locking plates and 21 with limited access direct
internal fixation in combination with circular external fixation
using a Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF). At a minimum of one year post-operatively,
patient-reported outcome measures including the WOMAC index and
SF-36 scores showed functional deficits, although there was no significant
difference between the two forms of treatment. Despite low outcome scores,
patients were generally satisfied with the outcome. We achieved
good clinical and radiological outcomes, with low rates of complication.
In total, only three patients (5%) had collapse of the joint of
>
4 mm, and metaphysis to diaphysis angulation of greater than 5º,
and five patients (9%) with displacement of >
4 mm. All patients
in our study went on to achieve full union. This study highlights the serious nature of this injury and generally
poor patient-reported outcome measures following surgery, despite
treatment by experienced surgeons using modern surgical techniques.
Our findings suggest that treatment of complex bicondylar tibial
plateau fractures with either a locking plate or a TSF gives similar
clinical and radiological outcomes. Cite this article:
Exsanguination is the second most common cause
of death in patients who suffer severe trauma. The management of
haemodynamically unstable high-energy pelvic injuries remains controversial,
as there are no universally accepted guidelines to direct surgeons
on the ideal use of pelvic packing or early angio-embolisation.
Additionally, the optimal resuscitation strategy, which prevents
or halts the progression of the trauma-induced coagulopathy, remains
unknown. Although early and aggressive use of blood products in
these patients appears to improve survival, over-enthusiastic resuscitative
measures may not be the safest strategy. This paper provides an overview of the classification of pelvic
injuries and the current evidence on best-practice management of
high-energy pelvic fractures, including resuscitation, transfusion
of blood components, monitoring of coagulopathy, and procedural
interventions including pre-peritoneal pelvic packing, external
fixation and angiographic embolisation. Cite this article:
This study explores the relationship between
delay to surgical debridement and deep infection in a series of
364 consecutive patients with 459 open fractures treated at an academic
level one trauma hospital in North America. The mean delay to debridement for all fractures was 10.6 hours
(0.6 to 111.5). There were 46 deep infections (10%). There were
no infections among the 55 Gustilo-Anderson grade I open fractures.
Among the grade II and III injuries, a statistically significant
increase in the rate of deep infection was found for each hour of
delay (OR = 1.033: 95% CI 1.01 to 1.057). This relationship shows
a linear increase of 3% per hour of delay. No distinct time cut-off
points were identified. Deep infection was also associated with
tibial fractures (OR = 2.44: 95% CI 1.26 to 4.73), a higher Gustilo-Anderson
grade (OR = 1.99: 95% CI 1.004 to 3.954), and contamination of the
fracture (OR = 3.12: 95% CI 1.36 to 7.36). These individual effects
are additive, which suggests that delayed debridement will have
a clinically significant detrimental effect on more severe open
fractures. Delayed treatment appeared safe for grade 1 open fractures. However,
when the negative prognostic factors of tibial site, high grade
of fracture and/or contamination are present we recommend more urgent
operative debridement. Cite this article:
A total of 118 consecutive patients with a fracture of the distal radius were treated with a volar locking plate; 50 patients had no ulnar styloid fracture, 41 had a basal ulnar styloid fracture, and 27 had a fracture of the tip of the ulnar styloid. There were no significant differences in radiological and clinical results among the three groups. The outcome was good and was independent of the presence of a fracture of the ulnar styloid. A total of five patients (4.2%) had persistent ulnar-sided wrist pain at final follow-up. Nonunion of the ulnar styloid fracture did not necessarily lead to ulnar wrist pain. Patients with persistent ulnar pain had a higher mean initial ulnar variance and increased post-operative loss of ulnar variance. The presence of an associated ulnar styloid fracture of the ulnar styloid does not adversely affect the outcome in patients with a fracture of the distal radius treated by volar plating.
The aim of this study was to report the pattern
of severe open diaphyseal tibial fractures sustained by military personnel,
and their orthopaedic–plastic surgical management. Cite this article:
Fracture-dislocations of the tarsometatarsal (Lisfranc) joints are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed at initial presentation. This is a comparative cohort study over a period of five years comparing primary open reduction and internal fixation in 22 patients (23 feet) with secondary corrective arthrodesis in 22 patients (22 feet) who presented with painful malunion at a mean of 22 months (1.5 to 45) after injury. In the first group primary treatment by open reduction and internal fixation for eight weeks with Kirschner-wires or screws was undertaken, in the second group treatment was by secondary corrective arthrodesis. There was one deep infection in the first group. In the delayed group there was one complete and one partial nonunion. In each group 20 patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 36 months (24 to 89) after operation. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society midfoot score was 81.4 (62 to 100) after primary treatment and 71.8 (35 to 88) after corrective arthrodesis (t-test; p = 0.031). We conclude that primary treatment by open reduction and internal fixation of tarsometatarsal fracture-dislocations leads to improved functional results, earlier return to work and greater patient satisfaction than secondary corrective arthrodesis, which remains a useful salvage procedure providing significant relief of pain and improvement in function.
We reviewed 59 bone graft substitutes marketed
by 17 companies currently available for implantation in the United Kingdom,
with the aim of assessing the peer-reviewed literature to facilitate
informed decision-making regarding their use in clinical practice.
After critical analysis of the literature, only 22 products (37%)
had any clinical data. Norian SRS (Synthes), Vitoss (Orthovita),
Cortoss (Orthovita) and Alpha-BSM (Etex) had Level I evidence. We question
the need for so many different products, especially with limited
published clinical evidence for their efficacy, and conclude that
there is a considerable need for further prospective randomised
trials to facilitate informed decision-making with regard to the
use of current and future bone graft substitutes in clinical practice. Cite this article:
We have reviewed our experience in managing 11 patients who sustained an indirect sternal fracture in combination with an upper thoracic spinal injury between 2003 and 2006. These fractures have previously been described as ‘associated’ fractures, but since the upper thorax is an anatomical entity composed of the upper thoracic spine, ribs and sternum joined together, we feel that the term ‘fractures of the upper transthoracic cage’ is a better description. These injuries are a challenge because they are unusual and easily overlooked. They require a systematic clinical and radiological examination to identify both lesions. This high-energy trauma gives severe devastating concomitant injuries and CT with contrast and reconstruction is essential after resuscitation to confirm the presence of all the lesions. The injury level occurs principally at T4–T5 and at the manubriosternal joint. These unstable fractures need early posterior stabilisation and fusion or, if treated conservatively, a very close follow-up.
We have carried out a retrospective review of 20 patients with segmental fractures of the tibia who had been treated by circular external fixation. We describe the heterogeneity of these fractures, their association with multiple injuries and the need for multilevel stability with the least compromise of the biology of the fracture segments. The assessment of outcome included union, complications, the measurement of the functional IOWA knee and ankle scores and the general health status (Short-form 36). The mean time to union was 21.7 weeks (12.8 to 31), with no difference being observed between proximal and distal levels of fracture. Complications were encountered in four patients. Two had nonunion at the distal level, one a wire-related infection which required further surgery and another shortening of 15 mm with 8° of valgus which was clinically insignificant. The functional scores for the knee and ankle were good to excellent, but the physical component score of the short-form 36 was lower than the population norm. This may be explained by the presence of multiple injuries affecting the overall score.
We describe 261 peripheral nerve injuries sustained
in war by 100 consecutive service men and women injured in Iraq
and Afghanistan. Their mean age was 26.5 years (18.1 to 42.6), the
median interval between injury and first review was 4.2 months (mean
8.4 months (0.36 to 48.49)) and median follow-up was 28.4 months
(mean 20.5 months (1.3 to 64.2)). The nerve lesions were predominantly
focal prolonged conduction block/neurapraxia in 116 (45%), axonotmesis
in 92 (35%) and neurotmesis in 53 (20%) and were evenly distributed
between the upper and the lower limbs. Explosions accounted for
164 (63%): 213 (82%) nerve injuries were associated with open wounds.
Two or more main nerves were injured in 70 patients. The ulnar,
common peroneal and tibial nerves were most commonly injured. In
69 patients there was a vascular injury, fracture, or both at the
level of the nerve lesion. Major tissue loss was present in 50 patients:
amputation of at least one limb was needed in 18. A total of 36 patients
continued in severe neuropathic pain. This paper outlines the methods used in the assessment of these
injuries and provides information about the depth and distribution
of the nerve lesions, their associated injuries and neuropathic
pain syndromes.
We describe our early operative experience with a new pelvic reduction frame and the standard of reduction of fractures of the pelvic ring which we achieved in the first 35 consecutive patients, with 34 acute fractures and one nonunion. The pre-operative and immediate post-operative radiographs were measured, using two methods, to find the maximum radiological displacement of the fracture and the quality of the reduction according to the criteria of Tornetta and Matta. There were 19 vertical shear fractures and 16 compression injuries. The mean age of the patients was 33.5 years (10 to 59) and mean delay to surgery was 4.6 days (0 to 16) in the 34 acute injuries. The mean operative time in isolated procedures was 103.4 minutes ( The frame was shown to be effective, allowing the surgeon to obtain a satisfactory reduction and fixation of acute displaced disruptions of the pelvic ring.
We present the prevalence of multiple fractures
in the elderly in a single catchment population of 780 000 treated over
a 12-month period and describe the mechanisms of injury, common
patterns of occurrence, management, and the associated mortality
rate. A total of 2335 patients, aged ≥ 65 years of age, were prospectively
assessed and of these 119 patients (5.1%) presented with multiple
fractures. Distal radial (odds ratio (OR) 5.1, p <
0.0001), proximal humeral
(OR 2.2, p <
0.0001) and pelvic (OR 4.9, p <
0.0001) fractures
were associated with an increased risk of sustaining associated
fractures. Only 4.5% of patients sustained multiple fractures after
a simple fall, but due to the frequency of falls in the elderly
this mechanism resulted in 80.7% of all multiple fractures. Most
patients required admission (>
80%), of whom 42% did not need an
operation but more than half needed an increased level of care before
discharge (54%). The standardised mortality rate at one year was
significantly greater after sustaining multiple fractures that included
fractures of the pelvis, proximal humerus or proximal femur (p <
0.001). This mortality risk increased further if patients were <
80 years of age, indicating that the existence of multiple fractures after
low-energy trauma is a marker of mortality.
Our aim was to assess the reproducibility and the reliability of the Weber classification system for fractures of the ankle based on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs. Five observers with varying clinical experience reviewed 50 sets of blinded radiographs. The same observers reviewed the same radiographs again after an interval of four weeks. Inter- and intra-observer agreement was assessed based on the proportion of agreement and the values of the kappa coefficient. For inter-observer agreement, the mean kappa value was 0.61 (0.59 to 0.63) and the proportion of agreement was 78% (76% to 79%) and for intra-observer agreement the mean kappa value was 0.74 (0.39 to 0.86) with an 85% (60% to 93%) observed agreement. These results show that the Weber classification of fractures of the ankle based on two radiological views has substantial inter-observer reliability and intra-observer reproducibility.