The Relation between the Radial Collapse and the Number of Metaphyseal Screws for Distal Radius Fractures

Introduction

The purpose of this study is the evaluation of radial collapse, based on the number of screws used in the metaphyseal region and by distal dorsal distance (DDD) and lunate facet distance (LFD) measurement.

Materials and methods

Between 2015 and 2019, 60 patients who were being treated with volar locking plates due to isolated distal radius fracture were evaluated. Control radiographs were taken on the first day and at 3rd-, 6th- and 12th-month follow-ups. Distal dorsal cortex distance and lunate facet distance were measured in the lateral radiographs. The number of screws used in the metaphyseal region was also evaluated. According to the number of screws, the amount of collapse was analysed based on both the LFD and the DDD.

Results

The mean age of patients was 43.5±12.7 years. Thirty-three of the patients included in the study were male and 27 were female, and the minimum follow-up period was one year. According to the mean number of screws, groups were defined as up to 6 screws or 7 screws and above. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of DDD collapse at the 6th-month and 12th-month follow-ups (p<0.005). It was observed that the radial collapse and decrease in DDD and LFD were lower in plates with seven screws and above.

Conclusion

Decreases in either DDD or LFD, or radial collapse were observed less in patients who had seven or more metaphyseal screws inserted. These findings might be useful for surgeons treating distal radius fractures to reduce radial collapse.

Is Compressive Intramedullary Nailing an Effective Method in Aseptic Humerus Nonunions without Bone Defects?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY Treatment of nonunion of humerus continues to be a matter of debate. For this purpose, many treatment methods have been reported. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate the results of patients who underwent revision surgery with compressive intramedullary nailing implemented a single type of surgical technique in aseptic humeral nonunions without bone defects. MATERIAL AND METHODS Data of 15 patients with humerus nonunion, all were treated with compressive intramedullary nailing between 2000 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. Three patients were hypertrophic and 12 were atrophic types. The mean ages of patients at the surgery was 47.3±18 years. In all cases, maximal bone contact was created between the proximal and distal bone fragments after reaming and debridement, and fixation was performed with compressive intramedullary nailing. Radiological assessment of union was performed based on the RUSHU criteria, and functional outcomes were assessed according to Constant-Murley scoring criteria. RESULTS The ten out of 15 patients were male. The radiological union was achieved at a mean duration of 16.6±2.3 weeks in 14 patients. The average time of follow-up after nonunion treatment was 25.2±8.8 months. Twelve out of 15 patients implemented bone grafting taken form iliac bone with spongiosa obtained via reaming. The functional results were made according to the Constant-Murley score and excellent functional results were obtained in nine patients, good in four patients and poor functional results in one patient. Implant failure was not observed. One patient has had post-operative transient ulnar nerve palsy and another patient developed transient radial nerve palsy. CONCLUSIONS Compressive intramedullary nailing is a useful method that provides excellent union in the surgical treatment of aseptic non-union of the humerus, without bone defects. Key words: intramedullary compressive humeral nail, nonunion, failed intramedullary nailing humerus fracture, fracture fixation, autologous bone grafting.