The effect of surgeon-controlled variables on construct stiffness in lateral locked plating of distal femoral fractures

Background

Nonunion following treatment of supracondylar femur fractures with lateral locked plates (LLP) has been reported to be as high as 21 %. Implant related and surgeon-controlled variables have been postulated to contribute to nonunion by modulating fracture-fixation construct stiffness. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of surgeon-controlled factors on stiffness when treating supracondylar femur fractures with LLPs:

Does plate length affect construct stiffness given the same plate material, fracture working length and type of screws?

Does screw type (bicortical locking versus bicortical nonlocking or unicortical locking) and number of screws affect construct stiffness given the same material, fracture working length, and plate length?

Does fracture working length affect construct stiffness given the same plate material, length and type of screws?

Does plate material (titanium versus stainless steel) affect construct stiffness given the same fracture working length, plate length, type and number of screws?

Methods

Mechanical study of simulated supracondylar femur fractures treated with LLPs of varying lengths, screw types, fractureworking lenghts, and plate/screw material. Overall construct stiffness was evaluated using an Instron hydraulic testing apparatus.

Results

Stiffness was 15 % higher comparing 13-hole to the 5-hole plates (995 N/mm849N vs. /mm, p = 0.003). The use of bicortical nonlocking screws decreased overall construct stiffness by 18 % compared to bicortical locking screws (808 N/mm vs. 995 N/mm, p = 0.0001). The type of screw (unicortical locking vs. bicortical locking) and the number of screws in the diaphysis (3 vs. 10) did not appear to significantly influence construct stiffness (p = 0.76, p = 0.24). Similarly, fracture working length (5.4 cm vs. 9.4 cm, p = 0.24), and implant type (titanium vs. stainless steel, p = 0.12) did also not appear to effect stiffness.

Discussion

Using shorter plates and using bicortical nonlocking screws (vs. bicortical locking screws) reduced overall construct stiffness. Using more screws, using unicortical locking screws, increasing fracture working length and varying plate material (titanium vs. stainless steel) does not appear to significantly alter construct stiffness. Surgeons can adjust plate length and screw types to affect overall fracture-fixation construct stiffness; however, the optimal stiffness to promote healing remains unknown.

Occult internal iliac arterial injury identified during open reduction internal fixation of an acetabular fracture: a report of two cases

We present two cases of occult internal iliac arterial injury identified during operative reduction of a widely displaced posterior column posterior wall acetabular fracture. This complication was not recognised until reduction of the column fracture. There were no preoperative signs or symptoms indicative of a vascular injury. These cases emphasise the heightened awareness one must have when treating widely displaced posterior column fractures of the acetabulum, especially those fractures with extension into the greater sciatic notch, as previously formed clot can become dislodged and hemostasis lost. We also present management options when this complication occurs. We believe any surgeon treating acetabular fractures should be aware of this serious and potentially fatal complication.

Analysis of usage and associated cost of external fixators at an urban level 1 trauma centre

OBJECTIVE

To determine the usage, indication, duration, and cost associated with external fixation usage. Additionally, to show the significant cost associated with external fixator use and reinvigorate discussions on external fixator reuse.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

A retrospective review of a prospectively gathered trauma database was undertaken to identify all patients treated with external fixation frames for pelvic and lower extremity injuries between September 2007 and July 2010.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

We noted the indications for frame use, and we determined the average duration of external fixation for each indication. The cost of each frame was calculated from implant records.

RESULTS

341 lower extremity and pelvic fractures were treated with external fixation frames during the study period. Of these, 92% were used as temporary external fixation. The average duration of temporary external fixation was 10.5 days. The cost of external fixation frame components was $670,805 per year. The average cost per external fixation frame was $5900.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of external fixators are intended as temporary frames, in place for a limited period of time prior to definitive fixation of skeletal injuries. As such, most frames are not intended to withstand physiologic loads, nor are they expected provide a precise maintenance of reduction. Given the considerable expense associated with external fixation frame components, the practice of purchasing external fixation frame components as disposable "single-use" items appears to be somewhat wasteful.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.

MR-compatible antibiotic interlocked nail fabrication for the management of long bone infections: first case report of a new technique

Successful management of intramedullary long bone osteomyelitis remains a challenge for both surgeons and patients. Patients are often immune-compromised and have endured multiple surgeries. Treatment principles include antibiotic administration (systemically +/- locally), surgical debridement of the infection site and stabilization. Since their description in 2002, antibiotic coated nails have become part of the armamentarium for the treatment of osteomyelitis allowing both local elution of antibiotics and stabilization of a debrided long bone. Limitations to their utilization have remained, in part from the technical difficulty of fabrication and MRI artifacts. We describe a new surgical technique of fabrication that has the advantages of being simple, reproducible, with an end product free of MRI artifacts.

End-stage posttraumatic osteoarthritis treated with THA in osteogenesis imperfecta

Osteogenesis imperfecta is an incurable genetic disorder manifested with altered bone quality that predisposes patients to a multitude of fractures throughout their lives, including acetabular fractures. The management of acetabular fractures in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta remains a challenging clinical problem, with a paucity of literature supporting treatments and their outcomes. Limited reports in the literature validate the use of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in patients with osteogenesis imperfecta, and they describe the adult population only.This article describes a case of delayed diagnosis of a transverse acetabular fracture and femoral head impaction fracture that led to posttraumatic end-stage hip osteoarthritis in a 16-year-old boy with osteogenesis imperfecta (Sillence Type I) that was sustained after minimal trauma. Clinical examination 3 months postinjury revealed a significant pelvic obliquity, severe pain with hip range of motion, and limited hip range of motion. Imaging studies revealed a complete loss of articular cartilage and significant joint effusion.The patient underwent THA. No postoperative complications occurred. Two-year follow-up showed an excellent clinical result. The patient's hip was pain free, and he was able to walk with no limp.The authors are unaware of any reported cases of children with osteogenesis imperfecta undergoing THA. Based on the reported literature and the authors' experience, THA can be a reliable surgical option for patients with osteogenesis imperfecta.