Antegrade versus retrograde nailing techniques and trochanteric versus piriformis intramedullary nailing entry points for femoral shaft fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Nailing precision: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing piriformis and trochanteric entry points for femoral antegrade nailing

INTRODUCTION

Entry point selection, a crucial aspect of femoral antegrade nailing, can impact nail fit and consequently fracture reduction. In adults, the standard entry portals used are the piriformis fossa and the tip of the greater trochanter. Previous systematic reviews comparing the two techniques have not been limited to Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and have not consistently included the same available RCTs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of comparative studies regarding entry portal selection in femoral antegrade nailing was conducted on seven databases. Only Prospective RCTs comparing trochanteric and piriformis entry in the management of trochanteric or diaphyseal femur fractures were eligible for inclusion.

RESULTS

Ultimately, only 6 RCTs were found eligible for inclusion. Five of the six included studies reported on operative time. The resulting mean difference (MD) illustrated a significant decrease in operative time by approximately 21.26 min (95% CI  - 28.60 to  - 13.92, p < 0.001) using trochanteric entry. Fluoroscopy exposure was reported on by four studies, however, only two studies were included in the analysis due to different reporting methods. Trochanteric entry used significantly less fluoroscopy than piriformis entry (MD -50.33 s, 95% CI  - 84.441 to  - 16.22, p = 0. 004). No significant difference in malalignment rates, delayed union rates, nonunion rates, pain scores, or complication rates was found.

CONCLUSION

The significant differences found in operating time and fluoroscopy time align with those in other studies. While we were not able to pool the data on functional outcome scores, none of the included studies found a significant difference in scores by their last follow-up. Both approaches demonstrate comparable functional outcomes and safety profiles, indicating the choice of entry point should be at the discretion of the surgeon based on technique familiarity and fracture characteristics.

Surgical management of bifocal femoral fractures: a systematic review and pooled analysis of treatment with a single implant versus double implants

INTRODUCTION

Fractures of the proximal femur accompanied by a fracture of the femoral shaft are relatively rare, with a reported prevalence between 1 and 12%. Multiple surgical options are available, consisting of treatment with a single implant or with double implants. Controversy exists about the optimal management. A systematic review and pooled analysis were performed to assess the most reliable treatment for bifocal femoral fractures of the femur.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search was conducted on July 15, 2022. Selected studies were screened on title and abstract by two researchers independently, and full texts were read by both authors. Emphasis was put on adverse events such as postoperative infection, healing complications, malalignment, and functional outcome using either a single implant or double implants.

RESULTS

For the proximal femoral fractures, no significant difference could be confirmed for avascular necrosis of the femoral neck (5.1% for single implant and 3.8% for double implants), nonunion (6.4% for single implant and 7.8% for double implants), or varus malalignment (6.6% for single implant and 10.9% for double implants). This study also suggests that the number of implants is irrelevant for complications of the femoral shaft regarding the rates of postoperative infection and healing complications. Pooled rates of bone healing complications were 1.6-2.7-fold higher when patients were treated with a single implant, but statistical significance could not be confirmed. For hardware failure, revision surgery, leg length discrepancy, and functional outcome, no difference between the two groups was found either.

CONCLUSIONS

The pooled proportions of all postoperative complications had overlapping confidence intervals; thus, no inference about a statistically significant difference on the number of implants used for treating ipsilateral fractures of the femur can be made. Both treatment groups showed a similar functional outcome at the last moment of follow-up, with more than 75% of the patients reporting a good outcome.

Early outcome measurement of the effectiveness of conventional physical therapy versus continuous passive motion in knee function following retrograde femoral nailing-a prospective randomized controlled trial

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the efficacy of continuous passive motion (CPM) versus conventional physical therapy (CPT) in the early postoperative period following retrograde femoral nailing (RFILN). Based on the principles of operation of CPM, we hypothesized that it would improve knee function and decrease pain after open reduction and internal fixation with a retrograde femoral interlocking nail.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Eighty-eight patients over the age of 18 years who met the inclusion criteria got randomized into one of two groups. The experimental group had CPM, while the control group had CPT. Postoperative knee functions assessed were the degree of knee stiffness, the total arc of motion, and knee pain. Knee stiffness, defined as the range of motion ≤ 90° assessed one week, two weeks, and six weeks postoperatively, while knee pain was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) on days one, two, three, four, five, six and seven postoperatively.

RESULTS

The CPM group had a significantly lower incidence of knee stiffness at one week, two weeks, and six weeks postoperatively than the CPT group (all p < 0.0001). The VAS scores of the CPM group on days one, two, three, four, five, six and seven were significantly lower than those of the CPT group (p < 0.006 for day one and p < 0.001 for the remaining days). Similarly, the total arc of motion gained postoperatively was significantly greater in the CPM group than in the CPT (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The continuous passive motion effectively reduced the number of patients with knee stiffness and knee pain. It increased the total arc of motion in the early postoperative period compared to CPT. Therefore, we recommend CPM for patients undergoing retrograde femoral nailing use in the early postoperative period.

Locked intramedullary nailing of diaphyseal femur fractures without intraoperative fluoroscopy, fracture table and power reaming: retrograde affords greater procedural efficiency than antegrade approach

PURPOSE

To compare the intraoperative procedural efficiency of antegrade and retrograde locked intramedullary nailing of diaphyseal femur fractures without intraoperative fluoroscopy, power reaming devices and fracture tables.

METHODS

A secondary analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted on 238 isolated diaphyseal femur fractures fixed with SIGN Standard and Fin nails within three weeks of injury. The data included baseline patient and fracture characteristics, nail type and diameter, fracture reduction methods, operative times and outcome measures.

RESULTS

There were 84 and 154 fractures in the antegrade and retrograde groups respectively. Both groups were similar vis-a-vis baseline patient and fracture characteristics. Closed reduction of the fractures was significantly easier for retrograde than an antegrade approach. The retrograde approach more readily permitted the use of Fin nails. The mean nail diameter used for retrograde was significantly larger than that for antegrade. The time taken to achieve retrograde nailing was significantly lesser than that of antegrade. There was no statistically significant difference between the outcomes of the two groups.

CONCLUSION

In the absence of expensive fracture-surgery gadgets, retrograde nailing offers many procedural advantages over antegrade, such as easier closed reduction and canal reaming, the greater possibility of using the Fin nail with fewer interlocking screws and shorter operative times. However, we acknowledge the lack of randomisation and the presence of an unequal number of fractures in the two groups as limitations of this study.

Assessment of clinical and radiographic outcomes following retrograde versus antegrade nailing of infraisthmic femoral shaft fractures without the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy in Tanzania

To compare clinical and radiographic outcomes following antegrade versus retrograde intramedullary nailing of infraisthmic femoral shaft fractures.

Design

Secondary analysis of prospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary hospital in Tanzania.

Participants

Adult patients with infraisthmic diaphyseal femur fractures.

Intervention

Antegrade or retrograde SIGN intramedullary nail.

Outcomes

Health-related quality of life (HRQOL), radiographic healing, knee range of motion, pain, and alignment (defined as less than or equal to 5 degrees of angular deformity in both coronal and sagittal planes) assessed at 6, 12, 24, and 52 weeks postoperatively.

Results

Of 160 included patients, 141 (88.1%) had 1-year follow-up and were included in analyses: 42 (29.8%) antegrade, 99 (70.2%) retrograde. Antegrade-nailed patients had more loss of coronal alignment (P = .026), but less knee pain at 6 months (P = .017) and increased knee flexion at 6 weeks (P = .021). There were no significant differences in reoperations, HRQOL, hip pain, knee extension, radiographic healing, or sagittal alignment.

Conclusions

Antegrade nailing of infraisthmic femur fractures had higher incidence of alignment loss, but no detectable differences in HRQOL, pain, radiographic healing, or reoperation. Retrograde nailing was associated with increased knee pain and decreased knee range of motion at early time points, but this dissipated by 1 year. To our knowledge, this is the first study to prospectively compare outcomes over 1 year in patients treated with antegrade versus retrograde SIGN intramedullary nailing of infraisthmic femur fractures.Level of Evidence: III.

Impact of Bone Fracture on Muscle Strength and Physical Performance-Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Low muscle strength and poor physical performance are associated with high risk of fracture. Many studies assessed clinical and functional outcomes of fractures. Fewer studies analyzed the impact of fractures on muscle strength and physical performance.

RECENT FINDINGS

Vertebral fractures (especially multiple and severe ones) are associated with back pain, back-related disability, lower grip strength, lower strength of lower limbs, lower gait speed, and poor balance. Patients with hip fracture have slower gait and lower quadriceps strength. Non-vertebral fractures were associated with lower strength of the muscles adjacent to the fracture site (e.g., grip strength in the case of distal radius fracture, knee extensors in the case of patellar fracture) and poor physical function dependent on the muscles adjacent to the fracture site (e.g., limited range of motion of the shoulder in the case of humerus fracture, gait disturbances in the case of the ankle fracture). Individuals with a fracture experience a substantial deterioration of muscle strength and physical performance which exceeds that related to aging and is focused on the period close to the fracture occurrence. After fracture, muscle strength increased and physical performance improved. The rate of normalization depended partly on the therapeutic approach and on the rehabilitation program. A subgroup of patients, mainly the elderly, never returns to the pre-fracture level of physical performance. The permanent decline of physical function after fracture may be related to the limitation of movements due to pain, low physical activity, poor health before the fracture, and reduced efficacy of retraining after immobilization.

Augmentation plating leaving the nail in situ is an excellent option for treating femoral shaft nonunion after IM nailing: a multicentre study

PURPOSE

In recent years, plate augmentation over a retained intramedullary (IM) nail has been shown to be an effective option for managing femur fracture nonunions because it improves the biomechanical environment of the fracture site without causing additional biological damage. In the current study, we present outcome data from 22 consecutive patients treated with plate augmentation for femoral shaft nonunion leaving the nail in situ.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2015 and 2018, 22 consecutive patients with femoral shaft aseptic nonunion after IM nailing were treated with plate augmentation over a retained nail at four different institutions. Nonunion was categorized based on its anatomical location and was classified according to the Weber and Cech classification. Cortical defects greater than 1.0 cm, the type of nailing procedure, and the number of previous interventions were recorded. Patients were assessed clinically and radiographically to measure the healing of nonunion sites. The time to fracture union and complications were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used when applicable.

RESULTS

One site location was supra-isthmic, 12 were isthmic, and 9 were infra-isthmic. There were 10 cases of vascular nonunion and 12 cases of avascular nonunion. A cortical defect greater than 1.0 cm was observed in three patients. Antegrade nailing was performed in 11 patients, and retrograde nailing was performed in 11 patients. Reaming was performed in 12 patients. In eight patients, the fracture was openly reduced during the IM nailing index procedure. The average number of previous interventions before augmentation plating was 1.6 (1-4). Bone union was achieved in 19 patients after augmentation plating with an average follow-up of 23.5 months (12-51 months). Excellent and good clinical results were observed in all patients. There was no plate or screw breakage, and no patient developed infection.

CONCLUSION

Augmentation plating leaving the nail in situ is an excellent option for treating femoral shaft nonunion after IM nailing, with a high union rate and few complications. We believe the technique should gradually replace exchange nailing as the standard of care for the majority of femoral shaft nonunions that occur after IM nailing.

Greater trochanteric versus piriformis fossa entry nails for femur shaft fractures: Resolving the controversy

BACKGROUND

Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for shaft of femur fractures in adults. Antegrade nails involve entry through either piriformis fossa (PE) or greater trochanteric (GT) tip. The superiority of one entry point over the other is a matter of debate, and the present review was done to determine the same.

RESEARCH QUESTION

Is GT entry for antegrade femur nailing superior to the PE for shaft femur fractures in adults?

OBJECTIVE

The present systematic review was conducted to determine the superiority of one entry point over the other by comparing the outcome parameters like operative time, exposure to fluoroscopy, mal-unions, non unions, abductor weakness, varus malalignment and Harris Hip scores (HHS).

METHODOLOGY

Three databases of PubMed, EMBASE and SCOPUS were searched for relevant articles that directly compared GT with PE for nailing in shaft femur fractures in adults.

RESULTS

We analysed a total of 9 studies published between the years 2011-2017. There were 5 retrospective and 4 prospective studies, out of which 3 were randomised. The total number of patients was 256 in GT group and 460 in PE group.

OUTCOMES

There was significant superiority of GT entry over PE on meta analysis; lesser operation time: standard mean difference (SMD): -21.01; lesser exposure to fluoroscopy : SMD: 36.36; lesser incidence of abductor weakness: Odd's ratio (OR): 14.35; better functional outcome (HHS): SMD -2.48.

CONCLUSION

GT entry nails are superior to PE nails for treating shaft of femur fractures in adults. They have a shorter learning curve and better functional outcomes, however the rates of union are comparable in both.

[Femoral shaft fractures]

Femoral shaft fractures after completion of growth predominantly affect young people with healthy bones. The causes are mostly high-velocity traffic accidents, crushing or running over mechanisms and falls from a great height. Gunshot wounds are relatively rare in Germany but have a certain importance internationally and in military medicine. Accompanying injuries in local or other regions are frequent. The predominant fracture types are transverse, wedge, segment and comminuted fractures. Spiral fractures are a sign of indirect force and are therefore frequently found in older patients with osteoporosis. Atypical fractures under or following bisphosphonate treatment are a new entity, which are typically subtrochanteric and begin on the lateral side of the bone. The characteristics of pathological fractures, femoral shaft fractures in childhood and adolescence as well as periprosthetic fractures are not dealt with in this article.

Incidence of deep infection, union and malunion for open diaphyseal femoral shaft fractures treated with IM nailing: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

and purpose: We have undertaken a systematic review to evaluate the clinical results of intramedullary nailing (IMN) for open diaphyseal femoral fractures on the rates of union, delayed union, malunion, superficial and deep infection and bone grafting.

METHODS

We searched the electronic databases of EMBASE, MEDLINE, from their inception until December 1st, 2017 with no language restrictions. The reference lists of all included articles and relevant reviews were also examined for potentially eligible studies. Hand search using electronic database of recent major orthopaedic journals was also carried. Two reviewers working independently extracted study characteristics and data to estimate the diagnostic odds ratio and 95% confidence interval for each result.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies were eligible. Pooled estimate of effect size for union rate was 97% (95% CI: 94-99%). Deep infection rate was 6% (95% CI: 3-9.3%) and more prominent in Gustilo type III injuries; superficial infection was 5.6% (95% CI: 3-9.3%). Delayed union rate 3% (95% CI: 1-5.6%) while, malunion rate was 8.4% (95% CI: 5.7-11.6%). The need for bone grafting ranged from 0 to 9%.

CONCLUSIONS

IMN remains the treatment of choice for open femoral diaphyseal fractures with very good union rates. Gustilo grade III injuries demonstrate a distinct higher deep infection rate and strict adherence to established surgical debridement and fixation protocols is advocated. The need for bone grafting can be as high as 9% and patients should be made aware of the possibility of requiring this additional procedure.