Suprapatellar Nailing of Tibial Shaft Fractures in Total Knee Arthroplasty

Staged Approach to Tibial Nail Removal Poses Increased Risk for Infection in the Setting of Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

While previous research has addressed conversion arthroplasty scenarios, there is limited data on outcomes of staged or concurrent removal of intramedullary (IM) nails during total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our study aimed to explore the association between the timing of IM nail removal and the incidence of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), surgical site infection (SSI), manipulation under anesthesia (MUA), and aseptic revision at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years after TKA when IM nail removal is performed in either a (1) staged or (2) concurrent manner.

METHODS

We queried a national, all-payer database of all patients who underwent a primary TKA and hardware removal of an IM tibial nail. The group was separated into mutually exclusive cohorts with removal performed either (1) in a staged manner (n = 287) or (2) on the same day of TKA (n = 2,958). Surgical complications included the following: PJIs, SSIs, MUAs, and aseptic revisions. Surgical complications were collected at 90-day, 1 year, and 2-year time points.

RESULTS

Patients who had staged nail removal before TKA demonstrated the highest incidence of PJI at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years (13.9, 16.7, and 17.1%, respectively). Adjusted multivariate regression analyses demonstrated significantly higher odds of a PJI, SSI, and MUA at 90 days, 1 year, and 2 years for all patients who had staged nail removal TKA (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

There was an observed association between concurrent IM nail removal and a decreased risk of PJI, SSI, and MUA when compared to patients who had nail removal in a staged fashion. However, this does not discount the utility of the staged approach, as it may be necessary for patients less tolerant to longer operative times.

Preoperative and Intraoperative Considerations Using Intramedullary Nails for the Treatment of Tibial Shaft Fractures Below Total Knee Arthroplasty

SUMMARY

Periprosthetic tibial shaft fractures below total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are relatively rare, with an incidence of approximately 1%. However, as the rates of arthroplasty increase, orthopaedic surgeons are likely to see a corresponding increase in these types of fractures. Native tibial shaft fractures are routinely treated with either nails or plates, and the success of intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures has been well described in the literature. In this article, we seek to describe a case series of tibial shaft fractures in patients with ipsilateral TKA treated with infrapatellar intramedullary nailing. We will focus on preoperative considerations including templating and measurement of the anterior cortical implant distance on the lateral radiograph to ensure space for safe nail passage. We will also discuss intraoperative technical tricks, including Kirschner wire insertion for sounding the start point, utilization of the curved awl, use of hand reamers, and rotation of the nail to bypass the implant. Using meticulous preoperative planning and technical intraoperative tricks, patients with tibial shaft fractures below TKA may be successfully treated with intramedullary nailing.

Periprosthetic tibial fracture after total knee arthroplasty with popliteal artery injury-A case report

We present the case of a 79-year-old woman who presented at our center with a periprosthetic tibial fracture with a popliteal artery injury after total knee arthroplasty. Anastomosis of the popliteal artery was performed on the day of injury, and was later treated by open reduction and internal fixation. The patient was able to walk 3 months after injury. The present case was difficult to treat because of the arterial injury associated with periprosthetic fracture. Although revision of the implant was considered, open reduction and internal fixation was selected because of the severity of soft-tissue damage. The mechanism of injury is not uncommon, and it is expected that similar fractures will become more prevalent in the future as the number of knee replacement surgeries increases.

Management of Tibial Shaft Fractures Distal to TKA Prosthesis by Intramedullary Nail: A Report of Three Cases

INTRODUCTION

Diaphyseal tibial fractures distal to a well-fixed tibial component although rare present a significant challenge and optimal treatment remains controversial. Displaced periprosthetic tibial shaft fractures are ideally treated with open reduction internal fixation with plate osteosynthesis. However, this treatment method is associated with weight-bearing restrictions, which can be difficult for elderly patients with multiple comorbidities and balance impairment. We present our experience of internal fixation with an intramedullary nail that uses an inferior entry point, standard intramedullary tibial nail, and conventional instrumentation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between 2017 and 2018, three patients with acute tibial shaft fractures distal to a TKA (Felix Type 3A) were treated with an intramedullary nail. Preoperative planning involved assessing proximal tibia to ensure adequate room for implant and instrumentation. The average patient age was 66.3 years (range 59-72 years) and all patients were males. All the patients sustained fractures of distal tibial and fibula diaphysis, after a road traffic accident. There were no complications intraoperatively, and all procedures were completed uneventfully. One patient underwent additional fixation of the fibula.

RESULTS

All patients achieved a radiological fracture union after an average of 20.6 weeks. There were no fixation failures, or nonunions postoperatively. There were no new symptoms relative to the TKA that could be attributed to the tibial nailing procedure.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that this technique can be used primarily for this fracture pattern distal to a TKA, provided there is adequate space to accommodate the nail and instrumentation proximally anterior to the tibial tray.

Suprapatellar nailing of fractures of the tibia

OBJECTIVE

Intramedullary nailing of tibia fractures via a suprapatellar, transarticular approach with the knee joint in 20-30° of flexion and the use of specific protection tubes to preserve intra-articular structures.

INDICATIONS

Extra-articular fractures of the proximal tibia; simple and comminuted fractures of the tibia diaphysis; segmental diaphyseal fractures of the tibia; extra-articular fractures of the distal tibia and fractures with simple intra-articular distal extension; floating knee injuries.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Gustilo grade 3C open fractures of the tibia; severe soft tissue laceration, contamination or infection in the suprapatellar area; ipsilateral knee joint prosthesis; knee arthrodesis; implants blocking the nail entry point.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE

Via a suprapatellar, transarticular approach an intramedullary tibia nail is inserted after anatomical reposition of the tibial fracture with the knee joint in 20-30° of flexion. Use of specific protection tubes to preserve intra-articular structures. The proximal and distal locking configuration depends upon the specific fracture characteristics.

RESULTS

In all, 61 patients underwent suprapatellar tibia nailing and were under follow-up at least until fracture union. Twelve patients suffered from an open fracture. A total of 17 patients had a distal third fracture, 8 sustained a proximal third fracture and 36 had a shaft fracture. Follow-up focused on patients with distal fractures; 6/17 patients sustained open fractures. Average time to union was 9 weeks. One fracture did not heal and required exchange nailing. Two patients complained about anterior knee pain. Functionally, full range of motion was regained in all patients.

Intramedullary Nailing for Pilon Nonunions

Nonunions are uncommon sequelae of tibial pilon fractures, but they can present a challenging problem to the treating surgeon. Treatment strategies can range from isolated bone grafting to revision plating depending on the type of nonunion and patient factors. Here, we present our technique and clinical results for intramedullary nailing of tibial pilon nonunions.