Percutaneous or Open Reduction of Closed Tibial Shaft Fractures During Intramedullary Nailing Does Not Increase Wound Complications, Infection or Nonunion Rates

Plating as a reduction aid prior to intramedullary nailing of tibia fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to analyse the literature on plate-assisted reduction during intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures and to compare the rates of infection and nonunion.

METHODS

The databases Medline, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from inception to February 2022 for literature comparing plate-assisted reduction during intramedullary nailing of extra-articular tibia fractures to standard, closed means of reduction. Data were extracted and pooled in a random effects meta-analysis for the primary outcomes of nonunion and infection risk.

RESULTS

Five comparative studies were identified including 520 total patients, of which 151 underwent tibial nailing with the use of plate-assisted reduction with an average follow-up time of 17.9 months. Approximately two-thirds of patients retained the plate used to assist reduction during intramedullary nailing (102 of 151). Pooled analysis of the infection rates found no significant difference with plate-assisted intramedullary nailing (Risk Ratio [RR] 0.90, 95% CI 0.49-1.65, p = 0.72), and for nonunion rates, there was also no significant difference with plate-assisted intramedullary nailing (Risk Ratio [RR] 0.80, 95% CI 0.40-1.60, p = 0.53).

CONCLUSIONS

Plate-assisted reduction during intramedullary nailing of tibia shaft fractures was not associated with an increased risk for nonunion or infection, and can be safely applied as an adjunct for reduction in challenging fracture patterns, without the need for later removal. However, evidence is quite limited and further investigation into the use of provisional plating as a technique is needed as its use in intramedullary nailing continues to expand.

Approach to Tibial Shaft Nonunions: Diagnosis and Management

The tibia is the most common long bone at risk for nonunion with an annual incidence ranging from 12% to 19%. This topic continues to be an area of research as management techniques constantly evolve. A foundational knowledge of the fundamental concepts, etiology, and risk factors for nonunions is crucial for success. Treatment of tibial shaft nonunions often requires a multidisciplinary effort. This article provides guidance based on the most recent literature that can be used to aid the treating provider in the diagnosis, workup, and management of tibial shaft nonunions.

Outcomes and their predictors in suprapatellar nailing for tibia fractures. Multivariable analysis of 293 consecutive cases

PURPOSE

Intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures is one of the most common procedures in orthopedic surgery. It can be technically demanding in proximal or distal fractures, which may be facilitated using semi-extended approaches. The aim of this study is to identify outcomes and their predictors using a semi-extended suprapatellar approach for tibial fracture nailing.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort of 293 patients who underwent intramedullary nail fixation of a tibial fracture through a suprapatellar approach, considering a postoperative follow-up of 1 year. Data on patient's baseline characteristics, injuries, treatments, and outcomes regarding alignment, fracture union, and complications were recorded. For multivariable analysis, hierarchical binary (logistic) regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

The mean patient age was 47.7 years (SD 18.9), with 42A1 the most frequent fracture pattern (n = 98, 33.5%). Correct or anatomical alignment (≤ 5º in both planes) was achieved in 272 (92.8%) of the patients. On multivariate analysis, surgical delay ≥ 7 days (OR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.3-8.1) and age over 50 years (OR = 3.2, 95% CI = 1.2-8.3) were found as predictors of fracture malalignment. Fracture healing was achieved in 97.6%, and reoperation rate was 6.14%. Overall complication's predictors were proximal fracture (OR = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.1-7.2), temporary external fixation (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.2-4.9), and fracture malalignment (OR = 2.9, 95% CI = 1.1-7.9).

CONCLUSION

The suprapatellar approach is a safe and useful technique for treating tibial fractures, leading to no less than correct reduction in almost all patients and achieving a high fracture healing rate, at very low rates of complications. Pre- and postoperative predictors identified must be taken into account to improve outcomes while treating these fractures.

Minimal Clinically Important Differences of Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function in Patients With Tibial Shaft Fracture

OBJECTIVE

To calculate the minimal clinically important differences (MCIDs) of patient-reported outcomes measurement information system physical function (PROMIS PF) scores for patients with operatively treated tibial shaft fractures.

DESIGN

Retrospective Cohort Study.

SETTING

A Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS

All operatively treated tibial shaft fractures identified by Current Procedural Terminology codes.

INTERVENTION

Enrolled patients treated acutely with operative fixation of their tibia.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

MCIDs were calculated by distribution-based and anchor-based methods, calculated from PROMIS PF scores completed at least at two-time points postoperatively. MCIDs were calculated at different time points including overall, 7-12 weeks, 3-6 months, and 6-24 months. MCIDs were calculated for different subgroups including open fractures, closed fractures, any complications, and no complications.

RESULTS

MCID for PROMIS PF scores was 5.7 in the distribution-based method and 7.84 (SD 18.65) in the anchor-based method. At 6-24 postoperatively, the months the distribution-based MCID was 5.95 from a postoperative baseline 27.83 (8.74) to 42.85 (9.61), P < 0.001. At 6-24 months, the anchor-based MCID was 10.62 with a score difference between the improvement group of 16.03 (10.73) and the no improvement group of 5.41 (15.75), P < 0.001. Patients with open fractures (distribution-based 6.22 and anchor-based 8.05) and any complications (distribution-based 5.71 and anchor-based 9.29) had similar or higher MCIDs depending on the methodology used than the overall cohort MCIDs.

CONCLUSION

This study identified distribution-based MCID of 5.7 and anchor-based MCID of 7.84 calculated from PROMIS PF scores in operative tibial shaft fractures. Distribution-based methods yielded smaller MCIDs than anchor-based methods. These MCID scores provide a standard to compare clinical and investigational outcomes.

Comparison of mini-open reduction and autologous bone grafting with closed reduction and intramedullary device insertion for tibial shaft fractures: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

We compared the clinical efficacy of mini-open reduction and autologous bone grafting (G_M) and closed reduction (G_C) using intramedullary nailing for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 70 tibial shaft fractures treated with G_M or G_C between January 2018 and December 2021. The demographic characteristics and clinical outcomes were compared between the two treatment methods.

RESULTS

This study included 70 patients who were followed-up for 12.4 months. In total, 31 and 39 patients were treated with G_M and G_C, respectively. The operative duration was significantly shorter for G_M (95.2 ± 19.3 min) than for G_C (105.5 ± 22.2 min, p = 0.0454). The number of radiation times was significantly lower for G_M (14.7 ± 6.3) than for G_C (22.2 ± 9.2, p < 0.005). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of the wound complication or infection rates. The malunion and nonunion rates were high after G_C than after G_M, but there are no significant differences between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Closed reduction and intramedullary nailing remains the first choice for tibial shaft fractures. G_M is a safe and effective treatment worth considering. Future prospective randomized controlled trials are warranted.

Is the traction table necessary to treat femoral fractures with intramedullary nailing? A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The traction table is generally used in femoral intramedullary nailing surgery. Recently, some published studies have shown that the same or better treatment effects can be gotten without a traction table. It remains no consensus on this issue.

METHODS

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guideline was applied in this study. We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases for eligible studies. The random-effect model was used to calculate the standardized mean difference (SMD) and risk ratios with 95% CIs. Trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed to verify the results.

RESULTS

The pooled estimates of seven studies, including 266 cases each in the manual traction group and traction table group, indicated that manual traction could shorten operative time [SMD, - 0.77; 95% CI (- 0.98, - 0.55); P < 0.00001] and preoperative set-up time [SMD, - 2.37; 95% CI (- 3.90, - 0.84); P = 0.002], but it would not reduce intraoperative blood loss volume and fluoroscopy time. No statistical difference was found in their fracture healing time, postoperative Harris scores, and malunion rate. The use of a Traction repositor could reduce the set-up time [SMD, - 2.48; 95% CI (- 4.91, - 0.05); P < 0.00001].

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with manual traction, the traction table in femoral intramedullary nailing surgery lengthened operative time and preoperative set-up time. At the same time, it did not show significant advantages in reducing blood loss volume and fluoroscopy time, or improving prognosis. In clinical practice, the optimal surgical plan must be made on a case-by-case basis to avoid unnecessary traction table use.

Effect of pharmacist intervention on antibiotic prophylaxis in orthopedic internal fixation: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Despite the availability of guidelines and official policies, antibiotic prophylaxis in clean surgery remains suboptimal.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effects and cost-effectiveness of pharmacist-led intervention in the perioperative anti-infection prophylaxis of patients undergoing orthopedic internal fixation.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis based on the medical records of internal fixation surgery in a tertiary hospital from July 2019 to June 2020. Data were divided into two groups based on whether a full-time pharmacist participated in the treatment. The research parameters included use of antibiotics, rationality of medication, postoperative complications, and related cost. To deal with selection bias, propensity score matching method was employed at a ratio of 1:1. Meanwhile, a cost-effectiveness analysis was used to evaluate the impact of pharmacist intervention on antibiotic prevention in internal fixation surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 537 participants were included in this study. After matching, 236 patients were comparable in each group. During the pharmacist intervention period, less pharmacologic prophylaxis (96.6% vs 100.0%, p = 0.007) and shorter prophylaxis duration (1.60 vs 2.28 days, p < 0.001) were observed. The reasonable rate increased dramatically in usage and dosage (96.6% vs 83.9%, p < 0.001), timing of administration (94.5% vs 78.4%, p < 0.001) and medication duration (64.4% vs 37.7%, p < 0.001). In addition, pharmacist intervention yielded net economic benefits. A remarkable reduction was observed in average length of stay (10.43 vs 11.14 days, p = 0.012), drug cost ($610.57 vs $706.60, p = 0.001) and defined daily doses (2.31 vs 3.27, p < 0.001). The cost-effectiveness ratios, divided drug cost savings by cost of pharmacist time, were 28:1 for drug and 2:1 for antibiotics, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacist-driven antibiotic stewardship for orthopedic internal fixation patients improved compliance with peri-procedure antibiotic prophylaxis, and reduced the cost and utilization of antibiotics. This helped to bring significant clinical and economic benefits.

Combination of radiographic apparent bone gap and nonunion risk determination score improves accuracy of prediction of tibial shaft delayed union

BACKGROUND

There is a need for a novel therapeutic strategy for an earlier prediction of long bone union failure as compared to previous methodologies. This study aimed to determine whether a combination of two diagnostic tools would result in a more accurate diagnosis of delayed union.

METHODS

The inclusion criteria were as follows: patients with tibial shaft fracture who underwent treatment with intramedullary nailing (IMN) as definitive internal fixation (IF). The study included a total of 114 patients with 116 tibial shaft fractures treated with IMN as definitive IF. Radiographic apparent bone gap (RABG) and nonunion risk determination score (NURDS) can be used to predict nonunion. However, this study aimed to determine whether combination of RABG and NURDS could help deduce a more accurate prediction of delayed union.

RESULTS

The union rate was found to be 85% (99 fractures), the delayed union rate was found to be 15% (17 fractures), and the rate of nonunion requiring additional surgical intervention was estimated to be 4% (5 out of the 17 delayed union cases). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of RABG were found to be 82.3%, 76.0%, 36.8%, and 96.2%, respectively, when an RABG cutoff value of 5.0 mm was applied to our patient cohort. The sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of NURDS were found to be 47.1%, 82.0%, 30.8%, and 90.1%, respectively, when a NURDS cutoff value of 8.0% was applied to our patient cohort. When RABG and NURDS were above their respective cutoff values, the sensitivity and PPV were estimated to be 90.0% and 56.3%, respectively. When RABG and NURDS were below their respective cutoff values, the specificity and NPV were estimated to be 90.1% and 98.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of RABG and NURDS evaluation immediately after surgery helps surgeons identify patients who are at a high risk of delayed union, facilitating careful monitoring of these patients and consideration of additional treatments.

Multiplanar fracture reducer versus manual traction in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures with intramedullary nails

OBJECT

The purpose of this study was to propose a new traction device, a multiplanar fracture reducer (MFR), for the treatment of tibial shaft fractures with intramedullary nails (IMN). The efficiencies of the multiplanar fracture reducer and manual traction (MT) in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures with IMN were compared.

METHODS

From January 2019 to January 2020, a total of 79 patients were enrolled in this study, among whom 38 were treated with MFR while 41 were treated with MT. Their demographics and fracture characteristics, surgical data, and prognostic data between the two groups were compared.

RESULTS

The mean number of intra-operative fluoroscopies in the MFR group was less than that in the MT group (19.4 vs 21.2, p < 0.001); surgical procedures involving open reduction were more in the MT group than in MFR group (0 vs 5, p = 0.026); there were less assistants in the MFR group than in the MT group (1 vs 1.9, p < 0.001), while the average Lysholm Knee Function Score and knee flexion were 92.7 ± 2.0 and 128.8 ± 1.4 in the MFR group, and 91.9 ± 2.1 and 127.5 ± 1.8 in the MT group, respectively. Both LKFS and knee flexion in the MFR group were significantly better than those in the MT group (p = 0.032 and p < 0.001). The remaining data between the two groups were comparable.

CONCLUSION

MFR is a safe and effective device for the minimal invasive treatment of tibial shaft fractures fixed with IMN.

Application of the multiplanar fracture redactor in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures with intramedullary nails

This prospective study aimed to introduce the application of the multiplanar fracture redactor (MFR) in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures with intramedullary nails (IMNs). From February to June 2018, a total of 18 patients with tibial shaft fractures were recruited. MFR was used to help achieve the reduction of tibial shaft fractures with IMN in all patients. The demographic and fracture characteristics, surgical data, postoperative complications and prognostic indicators of 16 patients were recorded. All operations were performed under closed reduction, excellent radiological and functional outcomes were observed. The average duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, number of intraoperative assistants, and duration of postoperative hospital stay were 91.2 ± 26.1 min, 95.0 ± 58.3 ml, 19.2 ± 2.3 times, 1 (1-2), and 7.8 ± 2.6 days, respectively. The mean Lysholm Knee Function Score (LKFS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores at one year after surgery were 96.8 ± 2.1, 94.8 ± 2.9, and 1 (0-3), respectively. Wound infection, non-union, malunion or complications associated with MFR were not observed in this study. Thus, MFR was a safe and neater method to achieve and maintain the reduction of tibial shaft fractures with IMN.

Reduction techniques for intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures: a comparative study

Objectives:

To assess the impact of various reduction techniques on postoperative alignment following intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of tibial shaft fractures.

Design:

Retrospective comparative study.

Setting:

Level I trauma center.

Patients:

Four hundred twenty-eight adult patients who underwent IMN fixation of a tibial shaft fracture between 2008 and 2017.

Intervention:

IMN fixation with use of one or more of the following reduction techniques: manual reduction, traveling traction, percutaneous clamps, provisional plating, or blocking screws.

Main outcome measures:

Immediate postoperative coronal and sagittal plane alignment, measured as deviation from anatomic axis (DFAA); coronal and sagittal plane malalignment (defined as DFAA >5° in either plane).

Results:

Four hundred twenty-eight patients met inclusion criteria. Manual reduction (MR) alone was used in 11% of fractures, and adjunctive reduction aids were used for the remaining 89%. After controlling for age, BMI, and fracture location, the use of traveling traction (TT) with or without percutaneous clamping (PC) resulted in significantly improved coronal plane alignment compared to MR alone (TT: 3.4°, TT+PC: 3.2°, MR: 4.5°, P = .007 and P = .01, respectively). Using TT+PC resulted in the lowest rate of coronal plane malalignment (13% vs 39% with MR alone, P = .01), and using any adjunctive reduction technique resulted in decreased malalignment rates compared to MR (24% vs 39%, P = .02). No difference was observed in sagittal plane alignment between reduction techniques. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) results indicated excellent intraobserver reliability on both planes (both ICC>0.85), good inter-observer reliability in the coronal plane (ICC = 0.7), and poor inter-observer reliability in the sagittal plane (ICC = 0.05).

Conclusions:

The use of adjunctive reduction techniques during IMN fixation of tibia fractures is associated with a lower incidence of coronal plane malalignment when compared to manual reduction alone.

Level of evidence:

Therapeutic Level III.

Staying Out of Trouble With Intramedullary Nailing of Distal Tibia Fractures

As the biologically friendly and biomechanically sound technique of intramedullary fixation has been increasingly applied to distal tibia diaphyseal fractures, challenges with the technique have emerged. Malalignment, most often valgus and recurvatum, is more common than with mid-diaphyseal patterns, given the lack of endosteal fit, and this can be challenging to prevent. Key technical steps can ensure success. These include recognition and initial fixation of intra-articular fracture planes, the use of percutaneous clamps, a slightly lateral terminal nail position, and the use of blocking wires or screws to prevent malalignment after nail passage. With thorough preoperative planning and early recognition of troublesome patterns, a variety of techniques can be applied to obtain and maintain a stable reduction throughout the procedure.

Intra-individual variance of bilateral femoro-tibial leg rotation: a CT study of 105 healthy subjects

PURPOSE

In cases of suspected rotational deformity of the lower limb, in particular in post-traumatic malalignment following closed nailing, there is a lack of adequate reference values. Available publications on leg rotation have either small sample sizes or do not include bilateral or whole leg rotation of healthy legs. This study aimed to determine side-specific reference values of lower limb rotation in a large healthy sample. This may be helpful in acute clinical settings as well as for medical expert opinion.

METHODS

226 consecutive bilateral lower limb computed tomography (CT) angiographies were screened. 105 patients (210 legs) were included (40 females, 65 males, mean age 67 ± 12 years). Bilateral axial femoral and tibial rotation alignment were independently measured and overall leg rotation was computed by two methods. Distributions, sex, and side differences were analyzed.

RESULTS

Two-sided paired t tests showed significant differences between right and left for all measurements. The left side showed a more pronounced mean anteversion in the femur of 2.2° (p = 0.002) and the right side higher mean external rotation in the tibia of 2.8° (p < 0.001). Overall leg rotation showed 5.1° more mean external rotation on the right side (p < 0.001) with both methods. Absolute side-to-side whole leg rotation difference was 9.5°. Absolute differences between both methods were 3.3°. The variance was high. 23 femora were retroverted, 1 tibia internally rotated, and 9 legs were overall internally rotated. No variables differed between female and male subjects except for femoral version (right p = 0.003 and left p = 0.002). Correlation coefficients were high (rho 0.550-0.934, all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

There is a significant prevalence of side-to-side asymmetry in femoro-tibial torsion. Although side-to-side differences are not extraordinary, comparative axial femoro-tibial rotation alignment should always be interpreted with caution.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Diagnostic, retrospective cohort study, level III.

Prevalence and influencing factors of nonunion in patients with tibial fracture: systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of nonunion in patients with tibia fracture and the association between influencing factors and tibia fracture nonunion.

METHOD

A database searches of PubMed, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Weipu database, and Wanfang database from inception until June 2019 was conducted. The pooled prevalence, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated with Stata software.

RESULTS

In this study, 111 studies involving 41,429 subjects were included. In the study of the relationship between influencing factors and tibia fracture nonunion, 15 factors significantly influenced the fracture union, including > 60 years old, male, tobacco smoker, body mass index > 40, diabetes, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) user, opioids user, fracture of middle and distal tibia, high-energy fracture, open fracture, Gustilo-Anderson grade IIIB or IIIC, Müller AO Classification of Fractures C, open reduction, fixation model, and infection.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of nonunion in patients with tibia fracture was 0.068 and 15 potential factors were associated with the prevalence. Closed reduction and minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) have the low risks of nonunion for the treatment of tibial fractures.

Open Reduction of Closed Pediatric Tibial Shaft Fractures Treated With Intramedullary Stabilization Does Not Increase Risk of Postoperative Complications

OBJECTIVE

To compare union and complication rates in pediatric patients presenting with tibial shaft fractures treated with closed or open reduction before intramedullary stabilization.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Multiple pediatric trauma centers.

PATIENTS

Pediatric patients presenting with tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary stabilization.

INTERVENTION

Intramedullary stabilization after closed or open reduction (percutaneous and open approach).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Union rates, infection rate (superficial and deep), and unplanned return to the operating room (OR).

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-six patients were included in this study. One hundred thirty-six patients presented with closed fractures, and 30 patients presented with open tibial shaft fractures. Thirty-seven of the 136 patients (27%) with closed fractures had their fracture specifically opened during surgical fixation. There was no statistical difference in radiographic union at 6 months between fractures electively opened and those treated with closed reduction alone 97% versus 98% (P = 0.9). No patient who underwent an open reduction developed infections or wound-healing concerns, whereas 2 of the 99 (2%) patients treated closed had superficial surgical site infections requiring additional treatment (P = 0.999). There was no difference in unplanned return to OR between those who underwent open reduction at the time of intramedullary stabilization (P = 0.568).

CONCLUSION

Performing an open reduction in a closed pediatric tibial shaft fracture before intramedullary fixation does not increase the risk of surgical site infections or wound issues, delayed union, or unplanned return to the OR. An open reduction of a closed tibial shaft fracture for purposes of improving a reduction before intramedullary stabilization may be a safe and effective clinical practice.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

The economic burden of infections following intramedullary nailing for a tibial shaft fracture in England

OBJECTIVES

Determine the impact of infections on direct costs and healthcare resource use in England for patients undergoing intramedullary nailing (IMN) for tibial shaft fractures.

DESIGN

Non-concurrent cohort based on retrospectively collected data with 2-year follow-up.

SETTING

England.

PARTICIPANTS

The study population included adult patients (≥18 years) in England with a diagnosis of tibial shaft fracture (International Classification of Diseases-10, S822) in the inpatient setting between May 2003 and June 2017 followed by a procedure for IMN for tibial shaft fracture within 30 days. Patient data were derived from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink linked to National Health Service Hospital Episode Statistics datasets.

PRIMARY INDEPENDENT VARIABLE

Infection.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was total inpatient costs from index stay admission through 1 year of follow-up. Secondary outcome included cumulative total healthcare costs, and resource utilisation at 30 days, 90 days, 1 year and 2 years.

RESULTS

Overall, 805 patients met the inclusion criteria. At index inpatient stay, 3.7% had a post-IMN infection, rising to 11.7% at 1 year. One-year inpatient costs were 80% higher for patients with infection (p<0.001). Total costs were estimated to be £14 756 (95% CI £13 123 to £16 593) for patients with infection versus £8279 (95% CI £7946 to £8626). Length of stay (LOS), readmission and reoperation were the key drivers of healthcare costs (all p<0.001). After adjustment, LOS was higher by 109% (95% CI 62% to 169%), from 10.5 days to 21.9 days, for patients with infection. The odds of being readmitted or requiring reoperation were higher by 5.18 times (95% CI 3.01 to 9.13) and 2.47 times (95% CI 1.48 to 4.09), respectively, for patients with infection versus those without infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Post-IMN infection significantly increases inpatient costs, LOS, readmissions and reoperations associated with tibial fracture fixation. Healthcare burden could be reduced through novel surgical site infection prevention strategies.

Intramedullary Nailing of Lower-Extremity Periarticular Fractures

Intramedullary nailing is used to stabilize distal femoral, proximal tibial, and distal tibial periarticular fractures with short proximal or distal segments, as well as some intra-articular fractures in which a stable articular block can be created. Intramedullary nailing may be beneficial in complex fracture patterns with diaphyseal extension, segmental injuries, or patients who might benefit from a decreased incision burden. Step 1: Preoperative planning. Review imaging and make sure there is a nail with adequate interlocks. Consider the use of adjunctive techniques to obtain and maintain alignment, and how intra-articular fracture lines will be stabilized. Step 2: Position and prepare the patient. Step 3: Exposure for nailing via suprapatellar, infrapatellar, or knee arthrotomy approaches. Limited exposure of fracture planes may also be necessary for adjunctive techniques. Step 4: Convert an OTA/AO C-type fracture to an A-type fracture if needed. Step 5: Obtain appropriate starting point and trajectory with the nail starting wire and use the opening reamer. Step 6: Obtain reduction, if not yet done, and pass the ball-tipped reaming wire across the fracture. Step 7: Ream while holding reduction. Step 8: Pass nail. Step 9: Verify reduction is maintained and correct if needed. Step 10: Place interlocks, preferably multiplanar, in the short segment. Create a fixed angle construct if desired and convert adjunctive techniques/provisional fixation to definitive fixation as needed. Step 11: Perform final checks. Step 12: Closure. Step 13: Postoperative plan. For extra-articular fractures, one may expect healing with maintained alignment from what was present at the case end intraoperatively in the vast majority of cases. For intra-articular fractures, development of posttraumatic arthritis is an additional concern.

Pearls and Pitfalls With Intramedullary Nailing of Proximal Tibia Fractures

Intramedullary fixation of proximal tibia fractures remains a challenging surgical technique, with malalignment reported as high as 84%. The pull from the extensor mechanism, the hamstring and iliotibial band, in addition to the lack of endosteal fit from the nail, has made surgical fixation of these fractures difficult. Commonly held principles to reduce angular deformity include ensuring adequate imaging, obtaining an optimal start and trajectory for the implant, and obtaining and maintaining a reduction throughout the duration of the procedure. Some adjunctive techniques to assist in the application of these principles include use of a semiextended technique, clamping, blocking screws/wires, and unicortical plates. Understanding the challenges involved in intramedullary nailing of proximal tibia fractures and considering a wide array of techniques in the orthopaedic surgeon's armamentarium to combat these challenges is important.

Complications and its impact in patients with closed and open tibial shaft fractures requiring open reduction and internal fixation

Aim: To evaluate the rates of infection and nonunion and determine the impact of infections on healthcare resource use and costs following open and closed fractures of the tibial shaft requiring open reduction internal fixation. Methods: Healthcare use and costs were compared between patients with and without infections following pen reduction internal fixation using MarketScan^® databases. Results: For commercial patients, the rates of infection and nonunion ranged from 1.82 to 7.44% and 0.48 to 8.75%, respectively, over the 2-year period. Patients with infection had significantly higher rates of hospital readmissions, emergency room visits and healthcare costs compared with patients without infection. Conclusion: This real-world study showed an increasing rate of infection up to 2 years and infection significantly increased healthcare resource use and costs.

Avoiding Neurovascular Risk During Percutaneous Clamp Reduction of Spiral Tibial Shaft Fractures: An Anatomic Correlation With Computed Tomography

The use of percutaneous clamps is often a helpful tool to aid reduction and intramedullary nailing of distal tibial spiral diaphyseal fractures. However, the anterior and posterior neurovascular bundles are at risk without careful clamp placement. We describe our preferred technique of percutaneous clamp reduction for distal spiral tibial fractures with a distal posterolateral fracture spike, with care to protect the adjacent neurovascular structures. We also investigated the relationship between these neurovascular structures and the site of common percutaneous clamp placement. Preoperative computed tomography images of surgically managed patients who sustained this specific common fracture pattern (distal third spiral diaphyseal tibia fracture with a posterolateral fragment) were retrospectively reviewed. On computed tomography, we extrapolated the ideal virtual clamp site on the posterolateral fracture fragment to facilitate reduction. The average distance of this clamp position from the anterior neurovascular bundle was 14 mm (SD = 7.6), with a range of 6-32 mm. The average distance of the clamp site from the posterior neurovascular bundle was 19 mm (SD = 6.1), with a range of 11-30 mm. In 31% of patients, the distal fragment's apex extended anterior to the interosseous membrane, and in 69% of patients, the apex was posterior to the interosseous membrane. We also describe our preferred surgical technique with percutaneous clamping and tibial nailing, which involves sliding the posterolateral tine of the percutaneous clamp along the lateral tibial cortex to prevent neurovascular bundle injury.