Minimally Invasive Internal Fixation of Femoral Shaft Fractures-A Biomechanical Study with a Disruptive Technique

Biomechanical analysis of combi-hole locking compression plate during fracture healing: A numerical study of screw configuration

Locking compression plates (LCPs) have become a widely used option for treating femur bone fractures. However, the optimal screw configuration with combi-holes remains a subject of debate. The study aims to create a time-dependent finite element (FE) model to assess the impacts of different screw configurations on LCP fixation stiffness and healing efficiency across four healing stages during a complete fracture healing process. To simulate the healing process, we integrated a time-dependent callus formation mechanism into a FE model of the LCP with combi-holes. Three screw configuration parameters, namely working length, screw number, and screw position, were investigated. Increasing the working length negatively affected axial stiffness and healing efficiency (p < 0.001), while screw number or position had no significant impact (p > 0.01). The time-dependent model displayed a moderate correlation with the conventional time-independent model for axial stiffness and healing efficiency (ρ ≥ 0.733, p ≤ 0.025). The highest healing efficiency (95.2%) was observed in screw configuration C125 during the 4-8-week period. The results provide insights into managing fractures using LCPs with combi-holes over an extended duration. Under axial compressive loading conditions, the use of the C125 screw configuration can enhance callus formation during the 4-12-week period for transverse fractures. When employing the C12345 configuration, it becomes crucial to avoid overconstraint during the 4-8-week period.

Submuscular Plating Versus Elastic Intramedullary Nailing in Children with Femoral Shaft Fracture; a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is currently the technique of choice for pediatric femoral fractures. Submuscular plating (SMP) allows reliable healing associated with an early range of motion. The following systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out to reveal the functional and surgical outcomes of SMP and ESIN for fixation of pediatric femoral fractures and to aid in the decision-making processes for those who perform these procedures.

Methods

An extensive systematic literature review was implemented from inception to 23 February 2022. All clinical studies included had patients that were younger than 18 years old with femoral shaft fractures that compared outcomes between SMP and ESIN. Studies including patients with pathological fractures, closed femoral physis, multiple fractures, or refractures were excluded.

Results

This meta-analysis included six articles encompassing 568 patients. Of them, 206 patients were treated with SMP, while 362 were subjected to ESIN procedure. There was significantly more blood loss among patients treated with SMP (MD -45.45; 95% -61.62, -29.27; p < 0.001). The risk of postoperative adverse surgical events was significantly higher among patients subjected to the ESIN (RR 2.97 19.5; 95% 1.27, 6.98; p = 0.01). The mean hospital stay was significantly shorter among patients subjected to ESIN (SMD -1.47; 95% -2.43, -0.51; p = 0.003). Patients subjected to SMP showed significantly more EFOs when comparing Flynn Scores (OR 0.24; 95% 0.09, 0.64; p = 0.004). There was no significant difference between SMP and ESIN regarding the mean operation time, limb length discrepancy, and mean time to union.

Conclusions

Children with femoral shaft fractures can be managed effectively and safely with SMP. There was a similar surgical outcome between SMP and ESIN, but SMP had more EFOs. While SMP was associated with a low risk of postoperative adverse surgical events, it was associated with a more significant blood loss and prolonged hospital stays.