Locked nailing for shortened subtrochanteric nonunions: a one-stage treatment

Aseptic femoral nonunion treated with exchange locked nailing with intramedullary augmentation cancellous bone graft

Background

Closed reamed locked intramedullary nailing has been the treatment of choice for most of femoral shaft fractures. A high union rate with a low complication rate is generally predictable. For an aseptic femoral shaft nonunion with a prior inserted intramedullary nail, exchange nailing is one of favored surgical techniques for treatment. However, a greatly varied success rate of 72–100% has been reported. To improve the success rate of exchange femur nailing, a modified bone grafting technique was developed. The purpose of this retrospective study intended to evaluate outcomes of such a revised technique.

Methods

From July 2011 to March 2019, 48 consecutive adult patients (average, 38 years; range, 19–67 years) with aseptic femoral shaft nonunions after intramedullary nailing treatment were studied. All femoral shaft fractures were initially caused by traffic accidents, which were treated by a closed or open intramedullary nailing technique at various hospitals. The current revision treatment was performed after an average of 2.2 years (range 1.1–6.2 years) from initial injuries. In the surgery, the prior nail was removed and the marrow cavity was reamed widely (at least 2 mm as possible). Sufficient cancellous bone grafts harvested on the trochanteric marrow wall from the inside were placed in the marrow cavity of the junction of nonunion fragments. A new 1-mm smaller size locked intramedullary nail was inserted. Whether the dynamic or static mode of nails were used mainly depended on the nonunion level. Postoperatively, protected weight bearing with crutches was allowed for all patients.

Results

Forty-one patients were followed for an average of 2.8 years (85.4%; range, 1.9–4.5 years) and all fractures healed. The union rate was 100% (41/41, p < 0.001) with a union time of an average of 3.4 months (range, 2.5–5.0 months). There were no complications of deep infection, nonunions, malunions, implant failures or an avulsed trochanter tip fracture. The satisfactory knee function improved from 73.2% (30/41) preoperatively to 92.7% (38/41) at the latest follow-up (p = 0.019).

Conclusions

The described modified bone grafting technique may effectively improve a union rate of exchange femur nailing while the surgical procedure is not complicated. It may therefore be used concomitantly in all aseptic femoral shaft nonunions when exchange nailing is performed.

Management of Subtrochanteric Femoral Fracture Nonunions

Compared with other proximal femoral fractures, subtrochanteric fractures are at a higher risk for nonunion because of the high deforming forces in this region, the associated increased risk of malreduction, and the risk of poor bone healing secondary to bisphosphonate use frequently associated with these fractures. Further understanding of nonunion of subtrochanteric fractures is of increasing importance given the rise in incidence of subtrochanteric hip fractures. Surgeons should be aware of risk factors for nonunion and techniques for prevention as well as surgical management and complications associated with surgical implantation devices. Surgeons should also consider using adjuncts including bone-grafting and biologic agents.

Poller (blocking) screw with intramedullary femoral nailing for subtrochanteric femoral non-unions: clinical outcome and review of concepts

INTRODUCTION

Surgery to treat nonunion resulted from malalignment is challenging since correction and bone union should be achieved simultaneously. To report the clinical outcomes achieved through reconstruction of sub-trochanteric femoral fractures by femoral nailing using a poller screw and to review the current concepts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fourteen patients (11 men and 3 women; mean age 56.4 years) who were diagnosed with non-union of subtrochanteric femoral fractures and who underwent intramedullary nailing with blocking screws between August 2013 and March 2019, with at least 1 year follow-up, were analyzed retrospectively. The preoperative and postoperative Centrum-Collum-Diaphyseal angle and anterior angulation angle were measured. Bone union time, position and number of poller screws used, and complications were analyzed. Functional assessment was performed by evaluating the Harris hip score. The related literature was searched, and 14 clinical studies on the treatment of sub-trochanteric non-union were analyzed.

RESULTS

Bone union was achieved in 12/14 cases (85.7%) at the final follow-up within a mean of 6.52 (3-12) months. Bone union was also achieved in two patients lacking bone union at the final follow-up through bone grafting and augmented plating. No cases developed complications, including infection and bone necrosis, and the varus deformity and anterior angulation significantly improved from a preoperative mean of 12.4° and 9.4° to postoperative mean 3.8° and 2.4°, respectively. The mean Harris hip score at the final follow-up was 87.07 (73-98) points. Analysis of published literature revealed high rates of bone union (78-100%) through various fixation methods.

CONCLUSION

Correction with blocking screws and rigid fixation with intramedullary nailing to treat sub-trochanteric-non-union-caused malalignment can yield good clinical and radiological outcomes.

Evaluation and management of atypical femoral fractures: an update of current knowledge

Atypical femoral fractures are often attributed to the use of anti-resorptive medications such as bisphosphonates (BP). Whilst they have proven effects on fragility fracture prevention, clinical and laboratory evidence is evolving linking BP-related suppression of bone remodelling to the development of atypical stress-related sub-trochanteric fractures (Shane et al. in JBMR 29:1-23, 2014; Odvina et al. in JCEM 90:1294-301, 2005; Durchschlag et al. in JBMR 21(10):1581-1590, 2006; Donnelly et al. in JBMR 27:672-678, 2012; Mashiba et al. in Bone 28(5):524-531, 2001; Dell et al. in JBMR 27(12):2544-2550, 2012; Black et al. in Lancet 348:1535-1541, 1996; Black et al. in NEJM 356:1809-1822, 2007; Black et al. in JAMA 296:2927-2938, 2006; Schwartz et al. in JBMR 25:976-82, 2010). Injuries may present asymptomatically or with prodromal thigh pain and most can be successfully managed with cephalomedullary nailing and discontinuation of BP therapy. Such injuries exhibit a prolonged time to fracture union with high rates of non-union and metal-work failure when compared to typical subtrochanteric osteoporotic femoral fractures. Despite emerging literature on AFFs, their management continues to pose a challenge to the orthopaedic and extended multi-disciplinary team. The purpose of this review includes evaluation of the current evidence supporting the management of AFFs, clinical and radiological features associated with their presentation and a review of reported surgical strategies to treat and prevent these devastating injures.

Bifocal treatment for peri-articular femoral nonunions: A retrospective case series review

Aim

This is a retrospective review of complex periarticular femoral nonunions where bone loss from comminution at original fracture, subsequent infection or lysis was identified and treated by radical excision, internal fixation, and concurrent femoral lengthening from a different level.

Material and Method

Sixteen patients with a mean age of 41 years were treated. There were 6 infected nonunions. Ten nonunions were located in the distal femur and the remaining proximal. Case notes and radiograph review were used to determine fracture union, lengthening achieved, and complications. Patient outcome was assessed using the SF-12, Tegner-Lysholm Knee Score, and Oxford Hip Score.

Results

Fracture union was achieved in all patients. The mean lengthening performed was 51 mm (range 30-80) with a fixator time averaging 39 weeks (range 17-80). The bone healing index was 1.9 months/cm. All but 2 patients were restored to within 5 mm of opposite leg length; 1 patient subsequently underwent contralateral limb shortening. The SF-12 had a mean Physical Health Composite Score of 40.0 (22.4-52.9) and a mean Mental Health Composite Score of 49 (30.7-62.0). The Oxford Hip Score was scored at a mean of 39 (21-47) and the Tegner-Lysholm score had a mean of 71 (36-94). There were 3 cases of fracture/deformity from the lengthened bone column (regenerate) and 2 patients required a quadricepsplasty for knee stiffness that was present prior to the treatment for the nonunion.

Conclusion

Bifocal treatment of complex periarticular femoral nonunions offers a single solution for dealing with bone loss, nonunion, and instability. The method is safe and reliable but has, as with all methods involving distraction osteogenesis, a significant complication rate. Despite this caution, the patients' outcomes were satisfactory.

"Revision of subtrochanteric femoral nonunions after intramedullary nailing with dynamic condylar screw"

BACKGROUND

Nonunions of the subtrochanteric region of the femur after previous intramedullary nailing can be difficult to address. Implant failure and bone defects around the implant significantly complicate the therapy, and complex surgical procedures with implant removal, extensive debridement of the nonunion site, bone grafting and reosteosynthesis usually become necessary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the records of a series of patients with subtrochanteric femoral nonunions who were treated with dynamic condylar screws (DCS) regarding their healing rate, subsequent revision surgeries and implant-related complications.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with aseptic femoral subtrochanteric nonunions after failed intramedullary nailing. Nonunion treatment consisted of nail removal, debridement of the nonunion, and restoration of the neck shaft angle (CCD), followed by DCS plating. Supplemental bone grafting was performed in all atrophic nonunions. All patients were followed for at least six months after DCS plating.

RESULTS

Between 2002 and 2017, we identified 40 patients with a mean age of 65.4 years (range 34-91 years) who met the inclusion criteria. At a mean follow-up period of 26.3 months (range 6-173), 37 of the 40 (92.5%) nonunions healed successfully (secondary procedures included). The mean healing time of the 37 patients was 11.63 months (± 12.4 months). A total of 13 of the 40 (32.5%) patients needed a secondary revision surgery; one patient had a persistent nonunion, nine patients had persistent nonunions leading to hardware failure, two patients had deep infections requiring revision surgery, and one patient had a peri-implant fracture due to low-energy trauma four days after the index surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that revision surgery of subtrochanteric femoral nonunions after intramedullary nailing with dynamic condylar screws is a reliable treatment option overall. However, secondary revision surgery may be indicated before final healing of the nonunion.

The efficacy of single-stage open intramedullary nailing of neglected femur fractures

BACKGROUND

Neglected femur fractures are not rare in the developing world. Treatment options include single-stage open reduction and intramedullary nailing, or open release, skeletal traction, and then second-stage open intramedullary nailing, with bone grafting. Single-stage procedures have the potential advantage of avoiding neurovascular complications secondary to acute lengthening, but they require a second operation, with potentially increased resource use and infection risk.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We sought to determine the (1) likelihood of union, (2) complications and reoperations, and (3) functional results with single-stage open intramedullary nailing without bone grafting in patients with neglected femur fractures.

METHODS

Between January 2003 and December 2007, 17 consecutive patients presented to our practice with neglected femoral shaft fractures. All were treated with single-stage nailing without bone grafting. There were 15 men and two women with a median age of 27 years. The average time from fracture to treatment was 13 weeks (range, 4-44 weeks). Eleven patients underwent open nailing with interlocked nails and six were treated with cloverleaf Kuntscher nails. Patients were followed for a minimum of 6 months (mean, 33 months; range, 6-72 months). The mean preoperative ROM of the knee was 28° (range, 10°-150°) and femoral length discrepancy was 3.1 cm (range, 1-5 cm).

RESULTS

All fractures united and the mean time to union was 16 weeks (range, 7-32 weeks). There were no neurologic complications secondary to acute lengthening. The mean postoperative ROM of the knee was 130° (range, 60°-150°). All patients were able to return to preinjury work. Sixteen patients regained their original femoral length.

CONCLUSIONS

One-stage open intramedullary nailing of neglected femoral diaphyseal fractures without bone grafting was safe and effective, and obviated the need for a two-stage approach. Although the findings need to be replicated in larger numbers of patients, we believe this technique may be useful in treating patients with this injury, and may offer advantages in resource-constrained environments.

Waking up the healing potential of the bone:subtrochanteric non-union in femoral dysplasia successfully treated after 40 years of pain and disability

We describe a successful valgus osteotomy for a subtrochanteric non-union in a dysplastic femur that had not healed in 40 years despite many earlier attempts. The optimisation of biology and biomechanics in the subtrochanteric area shows that even in a longstanding and complex deformity around the hip salvage is possible.

Subtrochanteric fracture non-unions with implant failure managed with the "Diamond" concept

BACKGROUND

Subtrochanteric femoral non-unions in the setting of failed metalwork pose a challenging clinical problem. This study assessed the clinical outcome of patients treated according to the principles of the "Diamond" concept.

METHODS

Between 2007 and 2011 all patients presented with a subtrochanteric atrophic aseptic non-union in the setting of metalwork failure (broken cephalomedullary reconstruction nail), and treated in a single tertiary referral unit were included to this study. The hypertrophic and the non-unions of pathologic fractures were excluded. The revision strategy was based on the "Diamond concept"; optimisation of the mechanical and the biological environment (implantation of growth factor (rhBMP-7), scaffold (RIA bone graft from contralateral femur) and concentrated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) harvested from the iliac crest). The minimum follow up was 26 months (16-48).

RESULTS

Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria. A specific sequence of metalwork failure was noted with initial breakage of the distal locking screws followed by nail breakage at the lag screw level. The intraoperative examination of the removed nails revealed no gross structural damage indicative of inappropriate drilling at the time of the initial intramedullary nailing. Varus mal-alignment was present in the majority of the cases, with an average of 5.2 degrees (0-11). The average time to distal locking screw failure was 4.4 months (2-8.5) and nail failure was 6.5 months (4-10). The time to union after the revision surgery was 6.8 months (5-12). Complications included two deaths in elderly patients (due to unrelated causes), one pulmonary embolism, one myocardial infarction, one below the knee deep vein thrombosis and one blade plate failure that required further revision with double plating and grafting.

CONCLUSION

Varus mal-alignment must be avoided in the initial stabilisation of subtrochanteric fractures. Distal locking screw failure is predictive of future fracture non-union and nail breakage. In the absence of sepsis, a single stage procedure based on the "Diamond concept" that simultaneously optimizes the mechanical and biological environment is a successful method for managing complex subtrochanteric atrophic non-unions with failed metalwork.

Subtrochanteric fracture treatment: a retrospective study of 46 patients

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether or not reconstruction of the medial cortex in subtrochanteric fracture can reduce the risks of internal fixation failure, fracture malunion, and nonunion.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Between 2005 and 2008, 46 patients with subtrochanteric fracture were treated with intramedullary nailing and followed up. The average age was 42 years. According to the Seinsheimer classification, 26 patients were type IIIA, 7 were type IIIB, 11 were type IV and 2 were type V. Medial cortex alignment was achieved under traction in 40 cases. In 5 cases, the medial fractures were too far away and we used minimally invasive open reduction with wire or titanium cable cerclage. In 1 case of type IIIA subtrochanteric fracture, the displaced medial fracture was not reconstructed and was fixed with a long Gamma nail. We reviewed all patients' radiographs before and after treatment to evaluate bone healing.

RESULTS

The 46 patients were followed up for an average of 24.3 months. Bone union was achieved within an average of 18.7 weeks in 45 cases. One case, a type IIIA fracture nonunion with displaced medial fracture, was not reconstructed. Instead, we used a free fibular transplantation on the medial side and fracture union was achieved 6 months after revision surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

In reconstructing the medial cortex in subtrochanteric fracture treatment, continuity and integrity are important. They can reduce the failure of internal fixation and the incidence of nonunion.