An alternative treatment for osteoporotic Su Type III periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures: Double locking plate fixation

Double plating is a suitable option for periprosthetic distal femur fracture compared to single plate fixation and distal femoral arthroplasty

Aims

The purpose of this study was to compare reoperation and revision rates of double plating (DP), single plating using a lateral locking plate (SP), or distal femoral arthroplasty (DFA) for the treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures (PDFFs).

Methods

All patients with PDFF primarily treated with DP, SP, or DFA between 2008 and 2022 at a university teaching hospital were included in this retrospective cohort study. The primary outcome was revision surgery for failure following DP, SP, or DFA. Secondary outcome measures included any reoperation, length of hospital stay, and mortality. All basic demographic and relevant implant and injury details were collected. Radiological analysis included fracture classification and evaluation of metaphyseal and medial comminution.

Results

A total of 111 PDFFs (111 patients, median age 82 years (interquartile range (IQR) 75 to 88), 86% female) with 32 (29%) Su classification 1, 37 (34%) Su 2, and 40 (37%) Su 3 fractures were included. The median follow-up was 2.5 years (IQR 1.2 to 5.0). DP, SP, and DFA were used in 15, 66, and 30 patients, respectively. Compared to SP, patients treated with DP were more likely to have metaphyseal comminution (47% vs 14%; p = 0.009), to be low fractures (47% vs 11%; p = 0.009), and to be anatomically reduced (100% vs 71%; p = 0.030). Patients selected for DFA displayed comparable amounts of medial/metaphyseal comminution as those who underwent DP. At a minimum follow-up of two years, revision surgery for failure was performed in 11 (9.9%) cases at a median of five months (IQR 2 to 9): 0 DP patients (0%), 9 SP (14%), and 2 DFA (6.7%) (p = 0.249).

Conclusion

Using a strategy of DP fixation in fractures, where the fracture was low but there was enough distal bone to accommodate locking screws, and where there is metaphyseal comminution, resulted in equivalent survival free from revision or reoperation compared to DFA and SP fixation.

A novel anatomical locked medial femoral condyle plate: a biomechanical study

BACKGROUND

Fixation with a distal lateral femoral plate is a standard approach in treating osteoporotic or comminuted supracondylar femur fractures. However, in clinical practice, this method may prove inadequate, necessitating the application of a plate on the medial side of the distal femur. The aim of this study is to perform a biomechanical evaluation of the newly manufactured anatomically locked plate applied to the distal medial femoral condyle.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The plate underwent 2 biomechanical tests by simulating an AO/OTA 33A3 type supracondylar fracture model on synthetic femur bones. The samples were divided into three groups. Fracture fixations were carried out on the medial side using the distal femur medial anatomical locking plate (DFMALP) in group A samples, on the lateral side using the distal femur lateral anatomical locking plate in group B samples, and on both sides in group C samples.

RESULTS

In the axial compression test, stability was preserved 23% more in group C than in group B. During the cyclic axial compression test, total displacement was 21% less in group C than in group B. Group A was collapsed at early cycle degrees.

CONCLUSION

In our study, it was observed that the application of DFMALP in conjunction with the lateral plate in AO/OTA 33A3 fragmented supracondylar femur fractures significantly enhanced biomechanical fracture stability.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

This is a Level 2 prospective, randomized controlled study.

Is augmented femoral lateral plating with helically shaped medial plates biomechanically advantageous over straight medial plates?

Dual plating of comminuted distal femoral fractures allows for early patient mobilization. An additional helically shaped medial plate avoids the medial vital structures of the thigh. The aim of this study is to investigate the biomechanical competence of an augmented lateral locking compression plate distal femur (LCP-DF) using an additional straight versus a helically shaped medial LCP of the same length. Ten pairs of human cadaveric femora were instrumented with a lateral anatomical 15-hole LCP-DF. Following, they were pairwise instrumented with either an additional medial straight 14-hole LCP (group 1) or a 90°-helical shape LCP (group 2). All specimens were biomechanically tested under quasi-static and progressively increasing combined cyclic axial and torsional loading until failure. Initial interfragmentary axial displacement and flexion under static compression were significantly smaller in group 1 (0.11 ± 0.12 mm and 0.21 ± 0.10°) versus group 2 (0.31 ± 0.14 mm and 0.68 ± 0.16°), p ≤ 0.007. Initial varus deformation under static compression remained not significantly different between group 1 (0.57 ± 0.23°) and group 2 (0.75 ± 0.34°), p = 0.085. Flexion movements during dynamic loading were significantly bigger in group 2 (2.51 ± 0.54°) versus group 1 (1.63 ± 1.28°), p = 0.015; however, no significant differences were observed in terms of varus, internal rotation, and axial and shear displacements between the groups, p ≥ 0.204. Cycles to failure and load at failure were higher in group 2 (25,172 ± 6376 and 3017 ± 638 N) compared to group 1 (22,277 ± 4576 and 2728 ± 458 N) with no significant differences between them, p = 0.195. From a biomechanical perspective, helical double plating may be considered a useful alternative to straight double plating, demonstrating ameliorated damping capacities during flexion deformation and safer application as the medial neurovascular structures of the thigh are avoided.

Weight-bearing Guidelines for Common Geriatric Upper and Lower Extremity Fractures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review paper is to summarize current weight-bearing guidelines for common geriatric fractures, around weight-bearing joints, of the upper and lower extremities.

RECENT FINDINGS

There is an increasing amount of literature investigating the safety and efficacy of early weight-bearing in geriatric fractures, particularly of the lower extremity. Many recent studies, although limited, suggest that early weight-bearing may be safe for geriatric distal femur and ankle fractures. Given the limited data pertaining to early weight-bearing in geriatric fractures, it is difficult to establish concrete weight-bearing guidelines in this population. However, in the literature available, early weight-bearing appears to be safe and effective across most injuries. The degree and time to weight-bearing vary significantly based on fracture type and treatment method. Future studies investigating postoperative weight-bearing protocols should focus on the growing geriatric population and identify methods to address specific barriers to early weight-bearing in these patients such as cognitive impairment, dependence on caregivers, and variations in post-acute disposition.

Distal Femoral Replacement versus Operative Fixation for Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and distal femoral replacement (DFR) have been utilized in the management of periprosthetic distal femur fractures. At present, much of the literature has been limited to small retrospective series. The purpose of the current investigation was to present the results of pooled data to determine the complication rates associated with ORIF and DFR.

METHODS

Publications from 2010 to 2020 describing 10 or more periprosthetic distal femur fractures treated with ORIF (ie, single plate, intramedullary nail, and dual fixation) or DFR were included, resulting in 32 publications and 1,258 fractures (977 ORIF and 281 DFR). Occurrence of surgical complications, reoperations, and medical complications were evaluated and compared.

RESULTS

The rate of surgical complications (ORIF versus DFR, 20.5 versus 14.9%, P = 1.0) and reoperations (12.9 versus 12.5%, P = 1.0) following DFR were similar. However, pooled analyses demonstrated that patients treated with DFR had a higher medical complication rate (ORIF versus DFR, 8.5 versus 23.1%, P = .0006).

CONCLUSION

ORIF and DFR for the treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures have similar surgical complication and reoperation profiles. While this review found an increased rate of medical complication following DFR, there are limitations in quality reporting in the literature, which should be considered when interpreting the study's findings. Failed ORIF can be salvaged with DFR, but the difficulty of this reoperation is dependent on the ORIF technique that was used. With future prospective studies, this review can help guide management of these fractures.

Impact of Alendronate Sodium plus Elcatonin on Postoperative Bone Pain in Patients with Osteoporotic Fractures

Objective

This research aims to investigate and analyze the impact of alendronate sodium (ALN) plus elcatonin (EC) in treating postoperative bone pain (BP) in patients with osteoporotic fractures (OPFs).

Methods

One hundred and thirty-eight cases of OPFs admitted between July 2018 and July 2021 were selected, of which 68 cases receiving ALN were set as the control group and 70 cases receiving ALN plus EC were set as the research group. Intercomparisons were performed in terms of BP, curative effect, complication rate, and serum bone metabolism indexes such as bone Gla protein (BGP), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP).

Results

Better postoperative BP relief, higher overall response rate, and lower complication rate were identified in the research group versus the control group. On the other hand, the research group presented with increased BGP and BALP after treatment, higher than those in the control group, while the posttreament PTH decreased obviously and was lower versus the control group.

Conclusions

For OPF patients, ALN plus EC contributes to significantly reduced postoperative BP, improved clinical efficacy, higher treatment safety, and better bone metabolism, which has high clinical application value.

Anatomical analysis of different helical plate designs for distal femoral fracture fixation

PURPOSE

Helical plates potentially avoid the medial neurovascular structures of the thigh. Two implant designs for additional medial 90° helical plate in double plate constructs for geriatric patients and 180° helical plate for single plating in young patients are potential alternatives to widely used standard straight plates.

AIMS

(1) assess the distances to adjacent anatomical structures being at risk when applying medial 90° and 180° helical plates with MIPO technique to the femur, (2) compare these distances with medial straight plates, and (3) correlate measurements performed during surgical dissection with CT angiography.

METHODS

MIPO was performed in ten human cadaveric femoral pairs using either a 90° helical 14-hole LCP (Group 1) or a 180° helical 15-hole LCP-DF (Group 2). Using CT angiography, distances between femoral arteries and plates as well as distances between plates and perforating vessels were evaluated. Following, specimens were dissected and distances determined again. All plates were removed and measurements were repeated with straight medial plates (Group 3).

RESULTS

Overall closest distances between plates and femoral arteries were 14.5 mm (11-19 mm) in Group 1, 21.6 mm (15-24 mm) in Group 2 and 6.5 mm (5-8 mm) in Group 3, with significant differences between Group 3 and both other groups (p < 0.001). Distances to the nearest perforating vessels were 22.4 mm (15-30 mm) in Group 1 and 1.2 mm (1-2 mm) in Group 2. Measurement techniques (visual after surgical disection and CT angiography) demonstrated a strong correlation (p < 0.010).

CONCLUSIONS

Inserting 90° and 180° helical plates with MIPO technique is safe, however, attention must be paid to the medial neurovascular structures with 90° helical plates and to the proximal perforating vessels with 180° helical plates. Helical plates can avoid irritation of medial neurovascular structures - compared with straight plates - although care must be taken during their distal insertion. Measurements during surgical dissection correlate with CT angiography.

Double fixation for complex distal femoral fractures

For complex distal femoral fractures, a single lateral locking compression plate or retrograde intramedullary nail may not achieve a stable environment for fracture healing.

Various types of double fixation constructs have been featured in the current literature. Double-plate construct and nail-and-plate construct are two common double fixation constructs for distal femoral fractures.

Double fixation constructs have been featured in studies on comminuted distal femoral fractures, distal femoral fracture with medial bone defects, periprosthetic fractures, and distal femoral non-union.

A number of case series reported a generally high union rate and satisfactory functional outcomes for double fixation of distal femoral fractures.

In this review, we present the state of the art of double fixation constructs for distal femoral fractures with a focus on double-plate and plate-and-nail constructs.

Stable internal fixation with dual plate technique for osteoporotic distal femur fractures

Background

Material and methods

Results

Conclusion

•

Osteoporotic distal femur fractures are difficult in terms of fracture treatment and recovery.

•

The minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) with the dual plate technique can provide rigid fixation for osteoporotic distal femur fractures.

•

This stable and rigid fixation may allow early mobilization and return to pre-fracture activity in elderly patients.

•

The MIPO with the dual plate technique could be useful treatment option for osteoporotic distal femur fractures.

Union rates and functional outcome of double plating of the femur: systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

The optimal treatment strategy for the surgical management of femur fractures and non-unions remains unknown. The aim of this study is to assess union rates, complications and outcome after femoral double plating. Treatment of shaft, distal, periprosthetic fractures and pathological proximal femur fractures as well as femoral non-unions with double plating were evaluated.

METHODS

A systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement was conducted. Published literature reporting on the treatment and clinical outcome of femoral fractures and non-unions with double plating was identified. In total, 24 studies with 436 cases of double plating, 64 cases of single plating, 84 cases of intramedullary nailing (IM), and 1 interfragmentary screw treatment met the inclusion criteria of this systematic review. The evaluated literature was published between 1991 and 2020.

RESULTS

Double plating of femoral fractures achieved high healing rates and few complications were reported. It displayed significantly less intraoperative haemorrhage, shorter surgery time reduced risk of malunion in polytraumatised patients when compared to IM. Fracture healing rate of double-plating distal femoral fractures was 88.0%. However, there were no significant differences regarding fracture healing, complication or functional outcome when compared to single plating. Treatment of periprosthetic fractures with double plating displayed high healing rates (88.5%). Double plating of non-unions achieved excellent osseous union rates (98.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The literature provides evidence for superior outcomes when using double plating in distal femoral fractures, periprosthetic fractures and femoral non-unions. Some evidence suggests that the use of double plating of femoral fractures in polytraumatised patients may be beneficial over other types of fracture fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Very Distal Femoral Periprosthetic Fractures: Replacement Versus Fixation: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To synthesize all-cause reoperations and complications data as well as secondary clinical and functional outcomes, after the management of very distal femur periprosthetic fractures (vDFPFs) in a geriatric patient population with either a distal femoral locking plate (DFLP) or distal femoral replacement (DFR).

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science were searched for English language articles from inception to March 16, 2020, in accordance to the PRISMA guidelines.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies reporting the management of vDFPFs in adults older than 65 years with either a DFLP or DFR were included. To ensure this review solely focused on very distal femoral periprosthetic fractures, only fractures of the following classifications were included: (1) Lewis and Rorabeck type II or III, (2) Su and Associates' Classification of Supracondylar Fractures of the Distal Femur type III, (3) Backstein et al type F2, and/or (4) Kim et al type II or III.

DATA EXTRACTION

Three reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies. Study validity was assessed using the methodological index for nonrandomized studies (MINORS), a quality assessment tool for nonrandomized controlled studies in surgery.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Twenty-five studies with 649 vDFPFs were included for analysis. There were 440 knees in the DFLP group (mean age range: 65.9-88.3 years) and 209 knees in the DFR group (mean age range: 71.0-84.8 years). Because of the literature's heterogeneity, the data were qualitatively synthesized.

CONCLUSIONS

vDFPFs in the elderly treated with DFR underwent fewer reoperations relative to DFLP (0%-45% vs. 0%-77%, respectively). Time to weight-bearing was observably shorter in DFR studies relative to DFLP studies. Functional outcomes and postoperative range of motion indicated a trend for DFLP knees to outperform DFR knees. Future research should include prospective studies and cost-effectiveness evaluations to better understand the utility of DFR for these fractures.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The Treatment of Periprosthetic Distal Femoral Fractures After Total Knee Replacement: A Critical Analysis Review

Periprosthetic distal femoral fracture after total knee arthroplasty carries substantial morbidity and mortality regardless of fixation technique. Surgical treatment is favored in most patients compared with conservative therapy because of high rates of nonunion, malunion, and reoperation after casting or bracing. Internal fixation techniques including retrograde intramedullary nailing and locked plating are favored for surgical treatment in most fractures when bone stock in the distal fragment allows for appropriate fixation. In the setting of deficient distal femoral bone stock or femoral component loosening, revision arthroplasty with distal femoral replacement is the favored technique. Further studies with regard to the use of intramedullary nailing, locked plating, and distal femoral replacement are necessary to refine the indications for each technique and to define the use of combinations of these fixation techniques.

Dual Plating of the Distal Femur: Indications and Surgical Techniques

Dual-plating of the distal femur is required in some cases to achieve stable fixation. The indications of a medial plate in addition to the lateral plate are medial supracondylar bone loss, low trans-condylar bicondylar fractures, medial Hoffa fracture, peri-prosthetic distal femur fractures, non-union after failed fixation with single lateral plate, poor bone quality and comminuted distal femur fractures (AO type C3). We recommend orthogonal plate configuration with locked plates by a single incision or dual incision approach as per surgeon choice.

Management and clinical outcomes of periprosthetic fractures after total knee arthroplasty with a stem extension

There is little information about the management and clinical outcomes of the periprosthetic fracture after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with a stem extension. The purposes of this study were to demonstrate management of the periprosthetic fractures after TKA with a stem extension, to report treatment outcomes, and to determine whether dual-plate fixation is superior to single-plate fixation regarding the radiographic bone union time and incidence of metal failure.This retrospective study included 15 knees with periprosthetic fractures after TKA using a stem extension. We demonstrated the fracture characteristics and management according to the fracture location and implant stability. The radiographic union time was determined. Complications, range of motion, and functional outcomes, including Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index and Knee Society Score were assessed. Periprosthetic fractures after TKA with stem extension were 1 metaphyseal fracture without implant loosening, 7 diaphyseal fractures adjacent to the stem without implant loosening, 3 diaphyseal fractures away from the stem without implant loosening, and 4 fractures with implant loosening.Treatment included immobilization using a long leg cast, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and re-revision TKA. There was no difference in functional outcomes and range of motion pre- and posttreatment. The complications included 2 cases of subsequent implant loosening. Patients in the dual-plating required a shorter bony union time than those in the single-plating (2.4 ± 1.1 vs 7.4 ± 2.2 months; P = .003).Periprosthetic fractures after TKA with stem extension could be managed individually according to the fracture location and implant stability. Complications were not uncommon even if patients were able to return to their preinjury functional level posttreatment. To avoid complications after ORIF, the dual plate was superior to the single plate, and subtle implant loosening should not be overlooked.