Closed retrograde multiple intramedullary Kirschner wires fixation for humeral shaft fractures with the limb flexed over an articulated support

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results of multiple closed intramedullary Kirschner wiring via a supracondylar entry point for humeral shaft fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The charts of 37 patients with humeral shaft fractures treated with the Hackethal's technique between January 2007 and December 2011 were reviewed retrospectively. The operation was performed with the patient lying in supine (n = 22) or lateral (n = 15) position. The elbow was flexed over an articulated support with the arm kept in a vertical position. Thirty-three patients were available for final evaluation with a mean follow-up delay of 14 (range, 6-24) months. We were concerned about fracture union, range of motion of the shoulder and the elbow, and complications. Final evaluation used the criteria by Qidwai.

RESULTS

Bone union rate was 94%. Restriction of ranges of motion of the shoulder more than 20° was noticed in two patients due to protruding wires. Three patients developed limitation of elbow extension owing to backing out of the wires. The overall results were excellent (n = 26; 79%), good (n = 4; 12%), and poor (n = 3; 9%).

CONCLUSION

Closed Hackethal's technique using K-wires gives satisfactory results in terms of bone union and elbow and shoulder function in selected humeral shaft fractures. The articulated support precludes the transolecranon traction.

Distal femoral fractures treated with condylar buttress plate in a West African hospital

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective study was to present our experience using condylar buttress plate in the treatment of distal femoral fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with condylar buttress plates for distal femoral fractures from October 2000 through May 2010. Patient demographics, type of fracture, treatment, complications, results achieved, and follow-up assessment were reviewed. The fractures were classified with the AO system. The functional outcome was rated according to Schatzker and Lambert criteria.

RESULTS

There were 22 men and 10 women with an average age was 44 (range 19-87) years. The fractures were classified as A1 (n = 7; 21.8%), A2 (n = 4; 12%), A3 (n = 5; 15.6%); C1 (n = 4; 12.5%), C2 (n = 6; 18.8%), and C3 (n = 6; 18.8%). The mean delay from injury to operation was 15 (range 1-27) days. Iliac bone graft was performed in four patients. Postoperatively, a posterior splint or a plaster cast was applied for 3 weeks. No patient had an intra-articular step-off of more than 2 mm. Sepsis of the operative wound occurred in two patients. Fractures healed in 22 (91.7%) patients with a mean duration of 4 (range 3-8) months. Twenty-four patients were followed up on an average of 15 (range 7-28) months. Varus deformity (>10°) was observed in five (20.8%) patients. Knee flexion was less than 90° in 11 (45.3%) cases. Non-union occurred in two (8.3%) patients. Functional results were good to excellent in 11 (45.8%) patients and considered as fair or failure in 13 (54.2%).

CONCLUSION

The current report also identifies varus deformity as a major concern of this implant. The main finding of this study was the ensuing knee stiffness after a prolonged immobilization and delay in performing surgery and rehabilitation program due to socioeconomic and logistic reasons.