Dynamic external fixation for distal radius fractures

Thirty adult patients with closed comminuted and mostly intraarticular fractures of the distal radius were treated by closed reduction and immobilization with a dynamic external wrist fixator during a 2-year period. In 13 patients with severely comminuted and unstable fractures, additional Kirschner wires were used. After 10 to 14 days of rigid fixation in neutral position, the motion element was unlocked to allow up to 30 degrees flexion. Six weeks later, the fixator was removed. The patients then were observed for an average of 24 weeks. An excellent functional outcome was seen in 6 patients (20%), a good outcome in 20 patients (67%), and a fair outcome in 4 patients (13%). Anatomically, 15 patients (50%) had an excellent result, 14 (47%) a good outcome, and 1 (3%) a fair outcome. Only minimal loss of reduction averaging 1 degree palmar tilt was seen during mobilization. There were 2 major complications: 1 deep Kirschner wire tract infection and 1 index metacarpal fracture. Minor complications such as sensory disturbances and pin tenderness were present but recovered completely after removal of the fixator. This study provides promising data and offers an alternative method in the treatment of distal radius fractures with severe comminution. In cases with postreductive unstable fragments, additional Kirschner wires should be used to allow early mobilization of the wrist.     

Biological fixation of subtrochanteric fractures by external fixation

Fifty-one subtrochanteric fractures have been stabilized by external fixation over the last 9 years. Union occurred in all types of fractures, usually within 6 months. Soft tissue interposition led to non-union in three patients. Refracture in one patient and significant limb-length discrepancy in two patients was seen. The technique is versatile, easily reproducible and 'biological'. Protected weight-bearing is not necessary after removal.     

Long-term results of the external fixation of distal radius fractures

OBJECTIVES: Prostate cancer (PCa) has a familial predisposition imparting an increased risk of developing the disease in those with a family history. The pathologic characteristics are similar to sporadic cases; however, the disease-free survival rates of hereditary PCa have recently been disputed, with one major study suggesting that familial cases have higher recurrence rates. Our study seeks to support or refute this association and to evaluate the genetic biomarkers p53, bcl-2, Ki-67, and neovascularity between familial and sporadic disease. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 573 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy over an 11-year period. Of these, 474 patients had known family history data. Univariable statistical analysis using the Pearson chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival analysis was performed to identify any correlation between the tested variables and family history. Smaller subsets of this cohort that had available archival material for immunohistochemical staining and family history data were analyzed in a similar manner. RESULTS: The preoperative variables (prostate-specific antigen, prostatic acid phosphatase, clinical stage, highest biopsy Gleason sum, and glandular differentiation) and postoperative variables (stage, highest Gleason sum, and glandular differentiation) did not correlate with family history. Kaplan-Meier disease-free survival analysis revealed no differences between sporadic and familial cases. The analysis of p53, bcl-2, Ki-67, and angiogenesis revealed that only increasing p53 expression and positive family history of PCa approached significance (P = 0.057). CONCLUSIONS: Prognostic variables routinely used in PCa and selected genetic biomarker immunostaining abnormalities are not significantly different in men with and without a family history of PCa. Disease-free survival after radical prostatectomy is also unaffected by family history.     

Use of rigid external fixation in fractures of the mandibular condyle

In this article the use of a rigid external fixation system is proposed for the early treatment of condylar fractures. This method offers the advantage of not damaging the articular structures during reduction and allows early mobilization for a rapid recovery. In our Centre 28 patients have been treated with the rigid external fixation system, with good functional results. Of these 15 men and 13 women, 22 had a monocondylar fracture and 6 had a bicondylar fracture. In all the cases there was complete recovery of the occlusal stituation and of the mouth opening; no patient surgically treated with this method has ever presented problems of a local or general nature. The purpose of this report was to evaluate the use of external fixation for the treatment of extracapsular condylar fractures with luxation of the fragment out of the glenoid cavity.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of forearm fractures in children

We retrospectively reviewed 16 children younger than 13 years with 17 fractures of the shafts of the radius or ulna or both who had undergone an open reduction-internal fixation (ORIF). ORIF was performed when a closed reduction was deemed unacceptable in 14 radius fractures and for three unstable open fractures of the radius. The average age was 9.4 +/- 2.3 years (range, 5.0-12.5). Of the 14 fractures with an unacceptable closed reduction, soft-tissue interposition was encountered in seven. Fixation was secured by plates and screws, percutaneous Steinmann pins, or intramedullary Steinmann pins. There were no delayed unions or nonunions, no infections, and no neurovascular injuries. The average follow-up was 12.3 months; all 17 fractures had excellent results (forearm rotation loss of < 10 degrees). Our study indicates that excellent results can be expected with no increased risk of complications if the treating physician elects to proceed with an ORIF in a pediatric forearm fracture with proper indications.     

Small wire external fixation of high energy tibial plateau fractures

Open plate osteosynthesis for high energy tibial plateau fractures with dissociation between the metaphysis and diaphysis has been plagued with frequent soft tissue complications. The Harbor-University of California at Los Angeles Medical Center's experience with small wire external fixation supplemented by limited internal fixation is examined. This alternative method of adequate stable fixation offers the advantage of minimal soft tissue compromise. Twenty-four patients with Schatzker Type VI tibial fractures were treated with small wire external fixation. Supplementary limited internal fixation was used with percutaneous screws in 10 patients and with open reduction in one patient. Sixteen patients had isolated fractures, and eight others suffered multiple injuries. Minimum followup was 12 months. All fractures healed. Complications included one septic knee, two infections at screw sites, and one 10 degrees knee flexion contracture. One knee had Grade 3 radiographic arthrosis, five had Grade 2, 10 had Grade 1, and eight showed no arthrosis. The outcomes (Knee Society clinical rating system) of this study compare favorably with outcomes described in reports published previously for this type of fracture, despite inclusion of eight multiply injured patients. This technique preserves the goals of early range of motion and stable fixation for these devastating injuries, while decreasing the observed major wound complications and nonunion rates. However, longer followup may reveal higher arthrosis rates, specifically in those fractures that were not anatomically reduced.     

Type-II external fixation, using new clamps and positive-profile threaded pins, for treatment of fractures of the radius and tibia in dogs

A new external fixation system for repair of fractures of the radius and tibia was developed that uses positive-profile threaded pins. This system allows for addition of a fixation clamp between 2 installed clamps, predrilling of pin holes through a drill sleeve, use of positive-profile threaded pins in all locations, and easier application of full pins. Type-II external fixators were applied, using this system, to fractures in 10 client-owned dogs, and outcome was evaluated. All fractures healed without complications. Duration of surgery, mean time until radiographic evidence of a bridging callus, and mean time until removal of the external fixator were shorter, and frequency of pin loosening were less than with other techniques. Pin loosening was uncommon. This system provides an important improvement in external skeletal fixation.     

Over-distraction of the radio-carpal and mid-carpal joints following external fixation of comminuted distal radial fractures

Seven patients with Frykman type 7 and 8 distal radial fractures, who had been treated with external fixation, were noted to have significant over-distraction of 5-8 mm in the radio-carpal and mid-carpal joints. One patient, who also had abnormal negative ulnar variance of 2 mm, had a fair result using modified Gartland and Werly (1951) criteria. The remaining six patients had good results, indicating that over-distraction does not significantly alter the final outcome, so long as a normal distal radio-ulnar relationship is maintained.     

Displaced fractures of the glenoid fossa. Results of open reduction and internal fixation

Displaced fractures of the glenoid fossa are an uncommon and anatomically diverse group of injuries. Failure to restore anatomy in these fractures results in poor outcome in most cases. The success of a treatment protocol that encompasses appropriate preoperative imaging, injury pattern assessment, prudent approach choice, and a comprehensive reduction and fixation tactic was evaluated. Twenty-seven patients were assessed clinically and radiographically at a mean followup interval of 43 months from surgery. Anatomic reconstruction was achieved in 24 (89%) patients. Three patients had residual joint incongruities measuring 2 mm or less. The only perioperative complication was a partial superficial wound dehiscence. Two additional patients had infraspinatus palsies of indeterminate origin. Functional rating revealed six (22%) excellent, 16 (60%) good, three (11%) fair, and two (7%) poor outcomes. The fair and poor outcomes largely were related to associated injuries. These findings show that anatomic surgical reconstruction with a low complication rate and good functional outcome can be obtained for most patients with glenoid fossa fractures.     

Intrafocal (Kapandji) pinning of distal radius fractures with and without external fixation

This paper describes the most significant diseases of farmed deer which have emerged over the last 30 or so years. It describes their characteristic signs, how control measures have evolved, their current status and gives an indication of future diagnostic and control measures. Overall, it shows that wild deer brought into a farming environment have developed some of the production limiting diseases which affect sheep and cattle, such as parasitism and trace element deficiencies. In addition, farmed deer are susceptible to potentially fatal diseases such as tuberculosis, malignant catarrhal fever and yersiniosis. A disease which has recently emerged and has the potential to be more serious than any of the above is Johne's disease. In North America, Chronic Wasting Disease occurs in captive and wild deer in only two states but has the potential to be a serious threat to wild and farmed deer elsewhere if it spreads. The zoonotic risks of diseases affecting deer are discussed, as well as stress, welfare and deer restraint. The productivity of farmed deer can be maximised by using a well-designed deer health programme integrated with good management and feeding.     

Dynamic axial external fixation in the surgical treatment of tibia vara

Osteotomy is the well-established treatment of Blount's disease (tibia vara), although the types of fixation used vary considerably. The use of dynamic axial external fixation to stabilize osteotomies for tibia vara until solid union occurs without the use of supplemental casting has not been reported by other authors. From 1985 until the present, we have used osteotomy with dynamic axial external fixation as treatment of 31 tibiae in 23 patients. All osteotomies healed and there was no postoperative loss of correction. There was an average correction of 20 degrees between the pre- and postoperative mechanical axis. Advantages of dynamic axial external fixation include ease of application, adjustability, early weight bearing, the ability to lengthen the extremity, and no second operation for removal of hardware. Based on our results, we believe that dynamic axial external fixation is an excellent form of osteotomy stabilization in the surgical treatment of tibia vara.     

Orthofix external fixation of distal radius fractures: complications associated with screw size

We did a retrospective analysis of 28 patients who were treated with the Orthofix external fixation system for complex fractures of the distal radius to study complications associated with screw size. The 14 patients in group 1 had a 4.5/3.5-mm tapered screw placed in the metacarpal bone; the 14 patients in group 2 had a 3.5/3.3-mm tapered screw placed in the metacarpal bone. Both groups had 4.5/3.5-mm tapered screws placed in the radius. Two patients in group 1 had metacarpal pin tract infections; no patients in group 2 had a distal pin tract infection. Two patients in group 1 had a fracture of the metacarpal; only one patient in group 2 had a fracture of the metacarpal. In both groups two patients had proximal pin tract infections at the radius screw fixation site. There was no screw breakage in either group. The unique design of the tapered Orthofix screw allows it to be removed almost painlessly in the clinic. At installation in the operating room, however, the surgeon must remember not to back the threaded pin out for fine adjustment of bony penetration. Any reverse excursion of the threaded shaft will loosen the tapered screw and cause early failure of the fixation. We no longer use the 4.5/3.5-mm screw when managing wrist fractures with the Orthofix external fixation system. It is now our policy to use the 3.5/3.3-mm screw for fixation of the Orthofix external frame to both the metacarpal bone and the radius.     

Static external fixation of the wrist

Historical evolution in concepts, indications, application, reduction techniques, and the rehabilitation program and complications of external fixation of the wrist are discussed. Indirect reduction techniques using overdistraction and flexion are recommended. Additional stabilization of the epiphysis allows immediate reduction of overdistraction, thus eliminating the potential complications related to overdistraction. Used with the due attention to detail, external fixation of the wrist is a rewarding and efficient treatment method.     

Open reduction without fixation of dislocated condylar process fractures: long-term clinical and radiologic analysis

PURPOSE: This study evaluates the long-term results of open reduction without fixation for displaced fractures of the condylar process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Clinical and radiologic examinations were performed on 27 patients with 29 operated joints an average of 6.7 years postoperatively. The postoperative result was evaluated on the basis of occlusal and joint function, as well as radiographic assessment of condylar changes. RESULTS: Clinically, satisfactory results were achieved. Radiologically, despite correct intraoperative alignment of the fractured segments, a slight medial deviation of the condylar process was found on the posteroanterior radiograph. However, in only two cases was a 20-degree deviation observed. On final follow-up, 48% of the cases had a normal condylar configuration radiologically, and in the remaining cases, normal function was established even though there were condylar changes. Fully exposed and devascularized condylar processes generally showed more severe changes than those in which partial vascularization was maintained. CONCLUSION: The surgical management described enables a satisfactory outcome to be achieved with dislocated condylar process fractures.     

Intra-articular calcaneal fractures: effect of open reduction and internal fixation on the contact characteristics of the subtalar joint

Intra-articular calcaneal fractures are associated with significant long-term morbidity, and considerable controversy exists regarding the optimum method of treating them. The contact characteristics in the intact subtalar joint were determined at known loads and for different positions of the ankle and subtalar joint, using pressure-sensitive film (Super Low; Fuji, Itochu Canada Ltd, Montreal, Quebec). We measured the contact area to joint area ratio (pressure > 5 kg force/cm2 [kgf/cm2]) which normalizes for differences in joint size and the ratio of high pressure zone (>20 kgf/cm2) as a reflection of overall increase in joint pressure. Three simulated fracture patterns were then created and stabilized with either 1 or 2 mm of articular incongruity. Eight specimens were prepared with a primary fracture line through the posterior facet, eight with a joint depression-type fracture, and six with a central joint depression fracture. A measure of 1 to 2 mm of incongruity in the posterior facet for all three fracture patterns produced significant unloading of the depressed fragment, with a redistribution of the overall pattern of pressure distribution to parts of the facet that were previously unloaded.     

胸腰椎爆裂骨折后路椎弓根钉内固定结合病椎骨水泥强化固定的应用

目的:探讨胸腰椎骨折后路椎弓根钉内固定结合病椎骨水泥强化固定的临床疗效.方法:对2007～7/2010～10收治的22例胸腰段椎体爆裂骨折采用后路减压内固定结合病椎骨水泥强化固定重建脊柱即刻稳定的临床资料进行总结,通过比较术前、术后第3天进行疼痛视觉类比评分(VAS)判断疼痛改善程度,测量椎体前缘、后缘高度的变化判断椎体高度恢复程度,有无脊髓、神经损伤等并发症.所有结果采用SPSS 11.5进行统计分析.结果:22例患者术前、术后第3天的VAS 评分明显改善(P<0.05),手术前后骨折椎体前缘的高度明显增高(P <0.05)经5～12个月随访,无腰部疼痛,椎管无占位,无继发性后凸畸形发生,内固定无断裂及松动移位等并发症.结论:胸腰椎骨折后路椎弓根钉内固定结合病椎骨水泥强化固定术能很早解决疼痛,实现重建脊柱的即刻稳定性,适合于椎体骨折的脊柱稳定性重建和早期功能恢复.     

Predictors of early failure of fixation in the treatment of displaced subcapital hip fractures

Malignant hyperthermia is a rare complication in clinical anesthesia, especially associated with the administration of succinylcholine or inhalation anesthetics. A 19-year-old patient, suffering from traumatic mandible fracture, underwent open reduction under general anesthesia. Unfortunately, following administration of succinylcholine, he also suffered severe facial twitch and the first episode of hypercapnia. After adequate management, the symptoms subsided. However, two hours later, the hypercapnia recurred, combined with progressive elevation of body temperature. After administration of intravenous dantrolene 120 mg, the patient's condition became stable and the procedure was completed without sequelae. As the muscle contracture test is not available in Taiwan, the clinical grading scale is presented as an alternative diagnostic method for malignant hyperthermia.