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Objective: This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for chronic perilunate dislocations using single-stage, two-stage, and salvage procedures. The study also compares these approaches with each other and with results from existing literature., Methods: A total of 15 patients with chronic perilunate injuries from 2013 to 2019 were included in the study. Pre-operative and post-operative assessments were conducted using plain radiographs, with CT scans performed selectively for detailed morphology and fracture pattern analysis. Among the patients, 13 underwent ORIF, while 2 underwent salvage procedures. Among the ORIF cases, single-stage procedures were performed in 4 patients, and two-stage procedures in 9 patients. External fixators, including unilateral uniplanar external fixators (UUEF) and bilateral uniplanar external fixators (BUEF), were applied in 5 and 4 patients, respectively. Our methodology of treating chronic perilunate injuries has evolved over the years. We started with single stage ORIF then graduated to a two staged procedure initially using a external fixator as a carpal distractor applied only on the radial side and finally settling down with bilateral carpal distraction using external fixators both on the radial and ulnar sides., Results: Among the 15 patients, 3 were lost to follow-up. Of these, one underwent four-corner fusion, while the remaining two had UUEF. The mean time interval between injury and surgery was 3.60 months. The post-operative mean scapholunate angle measured 52.46°, with a negative radio-lunate angle (indicating flexion) observed in two patients, while others showed a positive angle (indicating extension). Two cases exhibited nonunion and avascular necrosis (AVN) of the scaphoid, while one case presented with lunate AVN. Mid-carpal and radio-carpal arthritis was observed in 4 and 2 patients, respectively. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Mayo's wrist score categorized as good for two-stage BUEF cases and satisfactory for UUEF and single-stage procedures., Conclusion: Staged reduction utilizing the BUEF followed by open reduction has demonstrated superior outcomes when compared to UUEF, single-stage open reduction and salvage procedures., Level of Evidence: 4., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: To analyze recent literature comparing clinical outcomes of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF) treated with open reduction and internal fixation using the extensile lateral approach (ELA) vs the minimally invasive sinus tarsi approach (STA), with a focus on wound complications., Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies published between 2013 and 2022, level of evidence (LOE) I-III, head-to-head comparative studies reporting on clinical outcomes after DIACFs treated with ORIF using ELA versus STA, and literature with full-text written in English were included. Data collection included: publication year, study design, number of surgeons, number of participants, demographic data (mean age at time of surgery, percent male, body mass index, medical co-morbidities), preoperative data (mechanism of injury, Sanders classification, time from injury to surgical fixation), intraoperative data, and postoperative clinical and radiographic outcomes (Böhler angle, angle of Gissane, calcaneal height/length/width)., Results: A total of 21 articles (4 randomized control trials, 17 cohort studies) comprising of 2086 patients with calcaneal fractures, treated with either ELA (n = 1129) or STA (n = 957) met inclusion criteria. The risk of postoperative wound-related complications (RR 2.82, 95 % CI: 2.00-3.98, I 2 =27 %) and the risk of reoperation (RR 1.85, 95 % CI: 0.69-5.00, I2=67 %) was higher in ELA patients comparted to STA patients. However, the increased risk of postoperative wound-related complications with an ELA vs. STA was shown to be trending downward in recent publications. The ELA group also experienced longer time to surgery, extended operative times, and prolonged hospital stays when compared to the STA group. Radiographic measurements at final follow-up, including Böhler angle, angle of Gissane, as well as calcaneal height, length, and width, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups., Conclusion: Surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures utilizing the ELA continues to have an increased rate of complications and reoperation when compared to the less invasive STA, yet recent trends in the literature show that this rate is decreasing. Operative treatment of calcaneal fractures via either an ELA or STA can both achieve comparable postoperative radiographic outcomes., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None in relation to the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patient factors are known to contribute to decision making and treatment of ankle fractures. The presence of poor baseline mobility, diabetes, neuropathy, alcoholism, cognitive impairment, inflammatory arthritis or polytrauma can result in a higher risk of failure or complications. Limited evidence is available on the optimum management for this challenging cohort of patients herein described as complex ankle fractures. This UK multicentre study assessed and evaluated the epidemiology of ankle fractures complicated by significant comorbidity and patient factors and use of specialist surgical techniques such as hindfoot nails (HFN) / tibiotalarcalcaneal (TCC) nails and enhanced open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF)., Patients and Methods: A UK-wide collaborative study was performed of adult distal AO43/AO44 fractures, associated with 1 or more of the patient factors listed above. Primary outcomes included patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical technique and implants. Secondary outcomes included surgical complications and early post-operative weight bearing instructions. Statistical analysis was performed to assess patient and fracture characteristics on outcome, including propensity matching., Results: One-thousand three hundred and sixty patients, with at least one of the above complex factors, from 56 centres were included with a mean age of 53.1 years. 90.2% (1227) patients underwent primary fixation which included 78.9% (1073) standard open reduction internal fixations (ORIF), 3.25% (43) extended ORIF and 8.1% (111) primary HFN / TCC. Overall wound complications and thromboembolic events were similar in the hindfoot nail group and the ORIF group (11.7% vs 10.7%). Wound complications were greater in diabetic patients versus non-diabetic patients independent of fixation method (15.8% vs 9.0%). After propensity matching for comorbidities and fracture type, overall complications were lower in the hindfoot nail (11.8%) and extended ORIF groups (16.7%), than the standard ORIF group (18.6%)., Conclusion: Only a minority of complex ankle fractures are treated with specialised techniques (HFN/TCC or extended ORIF). Though more commonly used in older and frail patients their perceived advantages are often negated by a reluctance to bear weight early. These techniques demonstrated a better complication profile to standard ORIF but hindfoot nail with joint preparation for fusion was associated with more complications than hindfoot nail for fixation., Level of Evidence: III., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest No author nor contributor has any financial or political conflict of interest to declare relating to this manuscript., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Introduction: Open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) and intramedullary nailing (IMN) have similar union rates for treating humerus shaft fractures, but IMN leads to increased incidence of shoulder impingement and reoperation. The difference in 30-day readmission rate and length of stay (LOS) between these procedures is unknown. The objective of the study was to compare 30-day unplanned readmissions and length of stay between humeral shaft fractures fixed with either ORIF or IMN., Methods: The nationwide readmissions database (NRD) was queried for patients with humeral shaft fractures treated with ORIF or IMN between 2015-2016. IMN cases were propensity matched to ORIF cases based on demographic and co-morbid variables. Multivariable logistic regression determined if treatment modality was an independent risk factor for 30-day readmission or length of stay >3 days., Results: There were 406 patients treated with IMN matched to 406 patients treated with ORIF. The 30-day readmission rate was 6.4% for IMN and 4.9% for ORIF (p = 0.45), and the median LOS was 3 days for each group (p = 0.45). Congestive heart failure (CHF)(OR=2.7, p = 0.04), depression (OR=3.3, p = 0.0008), and electrolyte abnormality (OR=3.6, p = 0.0003) were independent risk factors for readmission. Older age (OR=1.02, p = 0.03), CHF (OR=2.4, p = 0.03), electrolyte abnormality (OR=2.6, p = 0.0001), obesity (OR=2.8, p<0.0001), Medicaid (OR=2.1, p = 0.04), discharge to a facility (OR = 5.2, p<0.0001), discharge with home health services (OR=2.4, p = 0.0003), and open fracture (OR=2.3, p = 0.01) were independent risk factors for LOS >3 days. Procedure (ORIF vs. IMN) was not a predictor of 30-day readmission or LOS >3 days., Conclusion: Comorbid conditions are risk factors for 30-day readmission and increased LOS. Comorbidity, discharge disposition, and open fractures are risk factors for increased LOS. Treating humeral shaft fractures with either ORIF or IMN did not affect readmission or length of stay., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no relevant conflicts of interest. The senior author, Emmanuel M. Illical, was a paid consultant for Biocomposits Inc. (Wilmington, NC, USA). This does not pose a conflict of interest relevant to the submitted work., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Introduction: To establish normative data, long-term patient-reported functional outcome and health-related quality of life (HrQoL) after operative treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Secondly, to identify risk factors associated with functional outcome and HrQoL., Patients and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study at two Level I trauma centers. All adult patients with AO/OTA 41-C or Schatzker V/ VI tibial plateau fractures treated between 2001 and 2016 (n = 450) by open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). The survey was completed by 214 patients (48%). Primary outcome was patient-reported functional outcome assessed with the PROMIS Physical Function (PROMIS PF). Secondary outcomes were HrQoL measured with the EuroQol 5-Dimensions 3-Levels (EQ-5D-3 L), infection rate, and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) rate., Results: Infection occurred in 26 cases (12%) and TKA was performed in 6 patients (3%). The median PROMIS PF scores was 49.8 (IQR;42-54). The median EQ-5D-3 L was 0.83 (IQR;0.78-1.0).%). The multivariable regression model revealed female gender, diabetes, and worse HrQoL were correlated with worse functional outcome. The multivariable regression model revealed smoking, diabetes, and the subsequent need for TKA to be correlated with worse HrQoL., Conclusion: The PROMIS PF and EQ-5D-3L did not reach a minimum clinically important difference. The PROMIS PF items revealed patients had no difficulty in walking more than a mile or climbing a flight of stairs. However, patients were limited in doing vigorous activities and patients should be counseled about the expected long-term outcomes. This study emphasizes the correlation between injury specific functional outcome measures and general health measures., Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no competing interests, (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Adult isolated ulnar shaft fractures (IUSF) are rare. There remains a need to establish the best methods to manage these fractures. The aim of this study was to compare two forms of treatment for IUSF: intramedullary stabilization by k-wire (IMF) versus Open Reduction Internal Fixation by plating (ORIF), in order to identify differences in clinical (1) and radiological outcomes (2), as well as comparative costs (3)., Hypothesis: The hypothesis of this study was assessing whether intramedullary stabilization was as feasible as plating in the treatment of isolated ulnar shaft fractures in clinical practice., Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis was undertaken on patients diagnosed IUSF between January 2015 and March 2017 with a minimum of 2 years follow-up. They were treated with IMF (group 1) or ORIF (group 2). Demographic information, clinical outcomes and complications were collected. Cost, including implant cost, operative time, sterilization and inpatient stay were compared. Radiographs were reviewed to evaluate axial angulation, shortening, displacement and residual deformity., Results: 54 patients with a mean age of 41.2 years were treated by IMF (27/54) and ORIF (27/54). The mechanism of injury included high-energy (55%) and low-energy falls (45%). AO/OTA 2018 fracture classification was simple (39/54), wedge (14/54) and complex (1/54). The locations were 37/54 (70%) distal third and 17/54 (30%) mid-shaft fractures. There was no significant difference pre and post-operatively between the 2 groups regarding radiologic criteria. 3 cases of non-union, 4 delay-union and 1 regional complex syndrome occurred in group 2. No complication was reported in group 1. The function determined by range of motion (ROM) at wrist and elbow was excellent in 72% (group 1) and 80% (group2), 18% satisfactory in group 1 and 20% in group 2. There was no difference for QuickDASH and pain. Implant removal was necessary in 70% of patients without sequelae in nailing, 11% after plating. Average operation time was 29 ± 5 min for ORIF and 18 ± 6 min for IMF. Total estimated cost per patient was 3678.4€ for IMF and 7051.9€ for ORIF., Conclusions: Compared with ORIF, IMF significantly reduced the operation time and cost with lower complications., Type of Study: Retrospective study., Type of Proof: Level 4., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

When a coronal fracture affects the capitellum and the trochlea, the Kocher lateral approach may be inadequate for the correct visualisation, reduction and fixation of the fracture. In such cases an associated medial elbow approach may be required, or a posterior transolecranon approach may be preferred. The anterior limited approach to the elbow (ALAE) could be a valid option when treating these types of fracture, as it does not involve the detachment of any muscle group or ligament, thereby facilitating the recovery process. We can also treat associated injuries such as fractures of the radial head or coronoid process with this approach. We describe the surgical technique and the functional outcome of eight patients with a mean of 66 years of age (range, 53-76) who where treated with open reduction and internal fixation for capitellar and trochlear fractures through the ALAE. Patient outcomes were assessed with physical and radiological evaluation, range-of-motion measurements with a follow-up from 24 to 60 months. Two different quality of life questionnaires were carried out: the EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the patient-answered questionnnaire of the Liverpool Elbow Score patient (PAQ-LES). Four fractures involved the capitellum, one involved the capitellum with the lateral ridge of the trochlea, and three involved the capitellum and trochlea as separate fragments. The patients presented a favorable clinical evolution at a median of 33 months (range, 24-60), with an average of motion of 10-138°. Four patients presented a fracture of the head of the radius (Mason type 2) and 3 fractures of the coronoid (Bryan-Morrey Type 1) associated. All the patients presented radiological consolidation without signs of osteonecrosis, being the average EQ-5D 0.857 (range, 0.36-1.0) and the PAQ-LES of 35 (range 17 to 36). Patients with isolated capitellar fractures had better results than those with trochlear involvement. The presence of associated fractures does not seem to worsen the results. We believe that the ALAE is a technical option to consider for the open surgical treatment of a capitellar fracture with or without involvement of the trochlea. LEVEL OF EVIDENCEIS: Therapeutic Level III., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have received no financial assistance in the preparation of this paper. The authors have also signed no agreement to receive benefits or fees from any commercial entity. No commercial entity has paid or will pay any foundations, educational institutions or other non-profit organisations with which the authors have affiliations., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Treatment for proximal humerus fractures remains controversial. Studies of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) rarely account for reduction quality, while surgeon experience and sagittal plane reduction remain unstudied. In a retrospective case series analysis of AO/OTA C-type proximal humerus fractures treated with ORIF using a locking plate, we hypothesized that reduction quality would be associated with outcome, and reductions would improve with experience., Methods: We retrospectively identified 41 3- and 4-part proximal humerus fractures treated with ORIF by a single orthopaedic traumatologist. Two blinded traumatologists assessed injury and post-operative radiographs for medial calcar disruption and five measures of deformity. Major complications and functional outcome were assessed., Results: Outcome by ASES score was similar to previous reports (mean 73.6, std dev 22.5). Eleven of 35 patients (31.4%) with greater than six months follow-up experienced a complication. Post-reduction sagittal HSa<25° (RR = =9.44, p = =0.024) and medial calcar disruption (RR = =3.82, p = =0.009) were associated with complications. Post-reduction coronal and sagittal HSa improved with experience (p < 0.001 and p = =0.032, respectively) as did the likelihood of overall anatomic reduction (p = =0.006). ROC analysis found a threshold for superior reduction quality after 23 cases (AUC = =0.873, p < 0.001)., Conclusion: Sagittal reduction quality and medial calcar disruption were associated with complications. Additionally, reduction quality improved with experience. Future studies of proximal humerus ORIF should include multiplanar assessments of reduction while accounting for surgeon experience., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest Dr. Bernstein is a consultant for Smith and Nephew and Nuvasive; Dr. Harkin's immediate family member is a paid employee of Globus Medical; The remaining authors have no financial disclosures or potential conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: The application of computer-assisted virtual surgical technology in preoperative planning for distal femoral fractures has been rarely presented. This study aimed to evaluate the intra-operative realization of this technology and the clinical outcomes based on it for distal femoral fractures., Methods: Between February 2014 and May 2017, 32 patients with distal femoral fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation were included and divided into 2 groups on the basis of preoperative planning methods: conventional (N = 17) and virtual surgical (N = 15). The time required for virtual segmentation, reduction, and fixation of the fracture fragments in virtual surgical group were analyzed. Operation time, intra-operative blood loss, times of fluoroscopy during operation and days of hospital stay in two groups were compared. Postoperative functional outcomes were assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS), Short Form-36 (SF-36) scoring systems, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain., Results: Mean total planning time for 33-A, 33-B, and 33-C fractures in virtual surgical group were 43.0 ± 1.7, 23.0 ± 1.3, and 51.4 ± 3.7 min, respectively. Compared with the conventional group, Patients in virtual surgical group had lower blood loss, fewer fluoroscopic images, less operative time, and shorter days of hospital stay (P < 0.05). No significant difference could detected in the KSS, SF-36, or VAS scores between the two groups at the final follow-up (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: Computer-assisted virtual surgical technology could rapidly complete surgical treatment protocol, improve operative efficiency, and provide satisfying clinical and radiographic outcomes for distal femoral fractures., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest in this study., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Introduction: Osteopetrosis is a heritable disease characterized by the dysfunction of osteoclasts, resulting in decreased bone resorption and increased bone density. Fractures are a common complication of osteopetrosis, which are challenging for orthopedic surgeons to treat because the condition renders canal reaming and screw placement difficult., Materials and Methods: Data of patients with osteopetrosis from 2011 to 2019, which were available from an electronic medical database, were retrospectively analyzed. Inclusion criteria were patients with osteopetrosis having subtrochanteric fractures who were followed up for at least 72 months; 2 patients were identified., Results: Case 1 was a 38-year-old male and Case 2 was a 79-year-old female. Both had left subtrochanteric fractures identified using X-ray that were classified as AO 32-A3.3 and AO 31-A3.3 and treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a reversed distal femoral locking compression plate (DePuy Synthes, Obedors, Switzerland). For Case 1, fracture union was confirmed 8 months after surgery and the patient recovered the ability to walk independently using a cane, which was consistent with his pre-injury functioning. Complications were not observed during the 7-year follow-up period. For Case 2, fracture union was confirmed 9 months after surgery. She was able to walk using a crutch, which was consistent with her pre-injury functioning. Complications were not observed during the 8-year follow-up period., Conclusions: We propose that there is a greater need for anatomic reduction when treating subtrochanteric fracture in patients with osteopetrosis. In order to address this issue, we recommend the surgical option involving internal fixation with a locking plate that is conducted in the lateral decubitus position. This position could benefit patients with osteopetrosis having proximal femoral fractures because anatomic reduction and plate stabilization minimize the potential injury to the abductor mechanism., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest All authors have and declare that: (i) no support, financial or otherwise, has been received from any organization that may have an interest in the submitted work; and (ii) there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To investigate demographics and outcomes of Vancouver type C periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFF) treated with open reduction and internal fixation., Methods: Patient data were obtained from medical charts of cases reported to the Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Register and/or from the National Patient Register. Vancouver type C fractures undergoing surgery between 2001 and 2011, in patients who had received their primary THR between 1979 and 2011, were included. Any further reoperation performed between 2001 and 2013 and related to the PPFF constituted the primary outcome., Results: A total of 632 patients with 639 Vancouver type C fractures were identified. The majority of the patients were women (84%) and they had a fracture distal to a cemented stem (95%). The mean age at the time of fracture was 72 years. Treatment was performed with a locking plate (363 cases), a conventional plate (184 cases), an intramedullary nail (62 cases), or with double plating (30 cases). The overall reoperation rate was 17%, and mortality within one year of the operation was 16%. Locking plates had a significantly lower reoperation rate than conventional plates (p<0.001) and intramedullary nailing (p = 0.005). Interprosthetic femoral fractures did not have a statistically different outcome compared with non-IPFFs., Conclusions: The lowest reoperation rate was observed using locking plates in Vancouver type C fractures when compared with conventional plates or intramedullary nailing. The presence of an ipsilateral knee prosthesis did not influence the outcome of the surgical treatment., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Wound healing complications are a major concern after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in patients with calcaneal fractures. Microcirculation is known to play a key role in bone and soft tissue healing. The present study aimed to characterize and contrast the dynamics of changes in microcirculation comparing two different surgical procedures: A) ORIF and B) a minimally invasive approach (MIA)., Methods: Blood flow (BF[AU]), oxygen saturation (sO 2 [%]) and relative amount of haemoglobin (rHb[AU]) were measured at two depths (2 mm and 8 mm) non-invasively by spectrophotometry (Micro-Lightguide O2C®, LEA Medizintechnik, Giessen, Germany) before surgery and every 24 h after surgery for a duration of six days. A linear mixed model (LMM) was used to analyse longitudinal data and repeated measurements., Results: Nineteen patients (44 years, range 21.9-71.0 years) were enrolled in the study. Surgical treatment consisted of ORIF (n = =15) and MIA (n = =9). The postoperative BF and sO 2 at the 2 mm and 8 mm depths were higher in the ORIF group (BF: p < 0.001, p = =0.003; sO 2 : p = =0.001, p = =0.011). The BF at the 2 mm and 8 mm depths increased after surgery (2 mm: p = =0.003, 8 mm: p = =0.001) in both groups. This increase did not correlate with the surgical technique. sO 2 and rHb values at the 8 mm depth decreased after surgery (sO 2 : p = =0.008, rHb: p < 0.001) in both groups, whereas sO 2 at the 2 mm depth increased after surgery (p = =0.003). Furthermore, the surgical technique correlated with the postsurgical course of sO 2 values at the 2 mm depth (p = =0.042)., Conclusions: The spectrophotometry results were in line with the generally accepted phases of soft tissue wound healing. Postsurgical changes in microcirculation are predominantly independent of surgical techniques and may be primarily determined by wound and fracture healing. Future studies should focus on the potential of spectrophotometry to monitor wound healing after surgery. Moreover, studies with longer observation periods are needed in order to examine the changes in microcirculation during all wound-healing phases., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Introduction: Minimal invasive plating (MIPO) techniques for humeral shaft fractures appear to have fewer complications and higher union rates compared to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). It is questionable if this also applies to simple humeral shaft fractures, as simple fractures are generally treated with absolute stability which cannot be obtained with MIPO. This raises the question whether biology or biomechanics is more important in fracture healing. This study was developed to investigate the biomechanical part of this equation. The aim of the study was to compare relative stability to absolute stability in simple humeral shaft fractures with regard to fracture healing METHODS: This was a retrospective study of all patients treated with plate fixation for AO/OTA type A1-B3 humeral shaft fractures. Patients were categorized into two groups: absolute stability and relative stability. Both groups were compared with regard to time to radiological union and full weight bearing RESULTS: Thirty patients were included in the relative-stability-group with either an AO/OTA type A (n = 18) or type B (n = 12) humeral shaft fracture and a mean age of 55 (SD 21) years. A total of 46 patients were included in the absolute-stability-group: 27 patients had a type A and 19 type B fracture. The mean age in this group was 45 (SD 19) years. Median follow-up was 12 months (IQR 8-13). Minimally invasive approach was used in 15 (50%) patients in the relative stability group. Time to radiological union was significantly shorter in the absolute-stability-group with a median of 14 (IQR 12-22) versus 25 (IQR17-36) weeks and HR 2.60 (CI 1.54-4.41)(p < 0.001). This difference remained significant after correction for type of approach (adjusted HR 3.53 CI 1.72-7.21) (p 0.001). There was no significant difference in time to full weight bearing. The addition of lag screws in the absolute stability group did not influence time to radiological healing or full weight bearing., Conclusion: Absolute stability for simple humeral shaft fractures leads to a significantly shorter time to radiological union compared to relative stability. The addition of lag screws to gain interfragmentary compression does not reduce fracture healing time., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: We introduced the intraoperative radiological indicator to assess the reduction adequacy without additional procedure or instrument, and propose the optimal syndesmotic screw trajectory., Methods: Thirty adult cadavers (15 males and 15 females) without ankle problems were enrolled and subjected to continuous 0.75 mm-slice computed tomography (CT) scans. CT images were imported into Mimics ® software to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) model of ankle. Using free 360° rotations with magnification, the 3D mutual relationships of ankle syndesmosis were assessed, and the fibular congruency of incisura was evaluated to determine the optimal screw trajectory. By reformatting the CT scanning plane along the screw direction, the coronal relation of ankle syndesmosis was evaluated to verify the distance between the adjacent bones., Results: The fibula was placed in the concentric position of fibular incisura in the 20 models (concentric group) and 40 models, in an eccentric position (eccentric group). Despite this variant, all fibulas were changed into the concentric position in the proximal part of syndesmotic footprint, which might be the ideal height for syndesmotic screw in our study. The fibular bisecting screw trajectory associated with the ideal height of screw was parallel to the ground if the tibial tubercle was directed to the superior and nearly vertical to the ground floor (TT view). Through the reformatted scanning plane parallel to the screw, the lateral border of talus was always placed more medial than the lateral border of distal tibia in the coronal image. All models had a perfectly equidistant and parallel joint space except the medial aspect., Conclusion: The lateral border of talus in the TT view was intraoperatively used as the radiological indicator for ankle syndesmosis widening because it was always placed more medial than the lateral border of distal tibia. The optimal syndesmotic screw trajectory was placed around the proximal syndesmotic footprint and parallel to the ground via the TT view., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Precise placement of sustentaculum tali screw(s) is essential for restoring anatomy and biomechanical stability of the calcaneus. This can be challenging due to the small target area and presence of neurovascular structures on the medial side. The aim was to evaluate the precision of positioning of the subchondral posterior facet screw and processus anterior calcanei screw with or without a Screw Targeting Clamp. The secondary aim was to evaluate the added value of peroperative 3D imaging over 2D radiographs alone., Methods: Twenty Anubifix™ embalmed, human anatomic lower limb specimens were used. A subchondral posterior facet screw and a processus anterior calcanei screw were placed using an extended lateral approach. A senior orthopedic trauma surgeon experienced in calcaneal fracture surgery and a senior resident with limited experience in calcaneal surgery performed screw fixation in five specimens with and in five specimens without the clamp. 2D lateral and axial radiographs and a 3D recording were obtained postoperatively. Anatomical dissection was performed postoperatively as a diagnostic golden standard in order to obtain the factual screw positions. Blinded assessment of quality of fixation was performed by two surgeons., Results: In 2D, eight screws were considered malpositioned when placed with the targeting device versus nine placed freehand. In 3D recordings, two additional screws were malpositioned in each group as compared to the golden standard. As opposed to the senior surgeon, the senior resident seemed to get the best results using the Screw Targeting Clamp (number of malpositioned screws using freehand was eight, and using the targeting clamp five). In nine out of 20 specimens 3D images provided additional information concerning target area and intra-articular placement. Based on the 3D assessment, five additional screws would have required repositioning. Except for one, all screw positions were rated equally after dissection when compared with 3D examinations., Conclusion: This study does not show a substantial benefit between the Screw Targeting Clamp and the freehand technique as well between experienced and inexperienced surgeons. Data suggest that the clamp might help positioning sustentaculum tali screws, especially for inexperienced surgeons. Perioperative 3D recordings facilitate identification of malpositioned screws., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The three currently used methods of treatment: namely open reduction plate osteosynthesis (ORPO), Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO), antegrade intramedullary nailing(IMN) are all reported as satisfactory procedures for treatment of humeral shaft fractures. However none of the published reports have a comparison of superiority of one procedure over the other. We evaluated the clinical, radiological and functional outcome of the three procedures., Materials and Methods: We studied adult patients with humerus shaft fractures over a period of 2 years from May 2014 to May 2016 in a level 1 trauma center. Forty-four were treated with IMN, 34 treated with ORPO, and 34 with MIPO. The null hypothesis tested in this study is that there is no difference between IMN, ORPO, MIPO with respect to union time, surgical time, complication rate, non-union rate and functional outcome. Functional outcome was studied by comparing the UCLA shoulder and MEP scores in the three groups., Results: 112 patients were studied consisting of 83 males and 29 females with mean age of 39 years (range 18-70). IMN group showed early union with mean of 12.73 weeks compared to MIPO (14.45 weeks) and ORPO(13.58 weeks), (p<0.05). MIPO had no events of non-union, as compared to ORPO (5 non-unions) and IMN (10 non-unions), (p=0.04). The range of movement at the shoulder with the UCLA score was significantly better with a score of 32.26 in MIPO as compared to 27.54 in IMN and 28.82 in ORPO (p<0.05). The difference in MEPS score in the three groups was not significant (p=0.31). IMN required a mean of 117.95 minutes intraoperatively as compared to 131 and 150.58 mins in MIPO, ORPO respectively., Conclusion: MIPO is overall better with respect to non-union, functional outcome and complications rate. The surgical time depends on the surgeons' skill and learning curve. Thus considering the advantages and risks involved in the various procedure and surgical acumen, each case should be individualized to have a good outcome. We advocate that MIPO can be safely used as an alternative in treating these fractures., (© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The anterior only surgical procedure including discectomy, open reduction and fusion is used as a recommended approach in the treatment of unilateral cervical facet dislocations, but is difficult to achieve satisfactory anterior open reduction by vertebra distractor to spread the facet joints, especially for delayed management of unilateral cervical facet dislocation (7-21days). The goal of this study was to report an anterior pedicle spreader technique to distract directly the facet joint for anterior reduction and the results of 4 patients with successful application and describe safety., Methods: Four patients with unilateral cervical facet dislocation who failed to open anterior reduction by vertebra spreader procedure were surgically treated by the anterior pedicle spreader reduction. In these 4 patients (3 males and 1 female), the distribution of spine level was from C4/5 to C6/7; the neurological status was comprised 2 patients with ASIA E, 1 with D and 1 with A; the surgical management was ranged from 7 to 18days. After discectomy, if failed to open anterior reduction procedure, the anterior pedicle spreader was inserted along the pedicle axis with the fluoroscope-assisted view imaging. The spreader was distracted directly to the facet joint and pushed in a caudad direction to achieve posterior translation of the upper segment., Results: Postoperatively, all patients had obtained successful reduction and satisfactory anatomic sagittal alignment. There was no complication owing to the use of this technique. The ASIA A showed no neurological improvement; the patient with ASIA D was improved neurologically to ASIA E; no ASIA E patients showed neurological deterioration., Conclusions: Anterior pedicle spreader reduction represents an efficacious but technically challenging option for the delayed treatment of unilateral cervical facet dislocation., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The treatment of fractures of the posterior pilon is a timely issue. Restoration of the integrity of the incisura fibularis and subsequent anatomic reduction of the fibula are essential for reconstruction of the ankle mortise after trauma, and syndesmotic stability. Inappropriate treatment ultimately will lead to a poor functional outcome and quality of life. Open reduction and direct internal fixation through a posterolateral or posteromedial approach are increasingly preferred over indirect reduction and anteroposterior screw fixation. The posteromedial approach, although elegant, straightforward, and offering an excellent exposure of the fracture site, is used less frequently than the posterolateral approach. In this technical note we describe the posteromedial approach for the treatment of posterior pilon fractures in a step-by-step fashion. We will discuss the indications, its benefits and limitations., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ankle fractures associated with syndesmotic injury have a poorer prognosis than those without such an injury. Anatomic reduction of the distal tibiofibular joint restores joint congruency and minimizes contact pressures, yet operative fixation of syndesmotic ankle injuries is frequently complicated by malreduction of the syndesmosis. Current methods of assessing reduction have been shown to be inadequate. As such, additional methods to judge the accuracy of syndesmotic reduction are required., Questions/purposes: The purposes of our study were (1) to determine the anatomic axis of the syndesmosis, or the trans-syndesmotic angle (TSA), and (2) to describe the intraoperative fluoroscopic appearance of syndesmotic clamp reduction oriented along the anatomic syndesmotic angle., Methods: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 45 uninjured adult ankles were analyzed to measure the TSA, defined as the angle between the plane of a lateral ankle radiograph and a line drawn perpendicular to the fibular incisura. Three-dimensional reconstructions of CT scans were then used to demonstrate clamp placement collinear with the TSA as would be seen on an intraoperative lateral ankle radiograph., Results: The average TSA measured 21±5° anterior to the plane of a lateral radiograph. When a simulated reduction clamp tine was placed on the fibular ridge and the clamp oriented along the TSA, the medial tine, as seen on a lateral radiograph, was within the anterior one-third of the tibia 93% of the time. It was, on average, 23±7% of the distance from the anterior to the posterior tibial cortex, with tine placement occurring in this range in 73% of ankles. The medial tine rested 53±17% of the distance between the anterior cortices of the tibia and fibula, with 71% of tines placed in this range., Conclusions: Reduction clamp placement oriented along the TSA has a predictable appearance on lateral ankle imaging and can guide clamp positioning during syndesmotic reduction. With one tine placed on the fibular ridge, placing the medial clamp tine in the anterior third of the tibia, or halfway between the anterior cortices of the tibia and fibula is the most accurate position for reduction in line with the TSA., Level of Evidence: 2 (Retrospective diagnostic)., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The management of ankle fractures in the elderly remains unpredictable, secondary to their various co-morbidities. Although tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) nailing has been an effective option for ankle arthrodesis due to ankle arthritis or Charcot arthropathy there are few reports regarding the use of TTC nail for the treatment of ankle fractures., Purpose: Aim of this study was to compare the results of ORIF versus TTC nailing for the treatment of unstable ankle fractures in the elderly. We hypothesized that the elderly may benefit from TTC nailing, as it allows the patient to be mobilized immediately after surgery and minimizes the risk of wound or bone problems., Patients and Methods: This was a prospective, randomized-controlled, comparative study. Between 2009 and 2015, 43 patients were treated with a TTC nail (Group A) and 44 with ORIF (Group B). The Olerud-Molander ankle score was obtained and intraoperative-postoperative complications, length of hospital stay, mobility status and reoperation rate were recorded. The nail fixation was performed with the TrigenR hindfoot nail after closed reduction. ORIF was performed, using a 1/3 tubular plate and 3.5mm screws for the lateral malleolus and two 4.0 mm cannulated screws for the medial., Results: Mortality rate at one year was 13.9% for Group A and 18.1% for Group B. Mean follow-up was 14 months (12-18m). There were no intraoperative complications. Three complications in Group A (8.1%) and twelve (33.3%) in Group B were encountered postoperatively (p<0.05). There was significant shorter hospital stay in Group A (5.2±3.1d) than in Group B (8.4±5.2d). In Group A, 28 patients returned to their pre-injury mobility status (75.6%) while 9 declined one level of the mobility scale (24.3%). In Group B, 26 patients remained at the same mobility level (72.2%) and 10 declined one level (27.7%). There was no significant difference between the postoperative OMAS scores in the two Groups (56.9±9.85 and 56.6±9.3 respectively)., Conclusions: We believe that TTC nailing is a safe and effective method of treatment of unstable ankle fractures in the elderly because it has a low risk of complications and restores function and mobility allowing an immediate return to full weight-bearing., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To prospectively study the outcome of surgically treated split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures extending into the posterior column using the extended posterolateral approach., Methods: Twenty-one patients with split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures (AO: 41-B3) with extension into the posterior column were treated with open reduction and internal fixation through an extended posterolateral approach with osteotomy of the fibular neck±Gerdy tubercle. Follow up radiographs was assessed for quality of articular reduction and limb axis. Functional assessment was performed at last follow up using the Tegner-Lysholm score. Complications pertaining to the surgical approach were recorded., Results: The approach was performed in 15 patients with a fibular neck osteotomy alone and 6 patients required a Gerdy's tubercle osteotomy also. All fractures and osteotomies had united. Anatomical articular reduction was achieved in 16 patients. Radiological limb alignment was restored in all patients except for a reversed posterior slope in 1 patient. Arthritic changes were seen in 3 patients. The mean Tegner-Lysholm score was 87.3 (range: 76-95) at last follow up. No specific complications related to the surgical approach like common peroneal nerve injury and lateral instability of the knee was encountered., Conclusion: The extended posterolateral approach offers excellent exposure posterior to the fibular head to perform articular reduction and fixation achieving satisfactory radiological and functional results in split depression lateral tibial plateau fractures extending into the posterior column., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Rib fracture is exceedingly common and remains a leading cause of death in patients with chest injury. Probability of death increases by 19% with each broken rib, and the probability of death increases further with age. Treatment is centered on pain control and early mobilization to provide adequate pulmonary hygiene. Multimodality interventions, such as incentive spirometry, postural changes, and coughing, are pivotal in minimizing the risk of pneumonia and death. Recently, many studies have found mortality benefit to operation fixation (ORIF) of ribs in select patients. However, this procedure remains underutilized partly due to lack of familiarity with its technique and pitfalls by trauma surgeons, in particular. Whereas there are publications on operative technique, there are no studies describing pitfalls associated with this procedure. The purpose of this paper is to describe pitfalls on the technical aspects of ORIF of the ribs based on the medical literature where possible and based on our experience in instances where peer reviewed evidence is lacking. The paper is not meant to serve as a protocol for managing rib fractures., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)