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Background: The Chaput fragment, a bony avulsion of the anterolateral margin of the distal tibia, is a less commonly discussed fracture pattern in ankle injuries. Its significance in ankle fractures and the optimal fixation technique remains unclear due to limited literature. This study aims to describe the morphology of ankle fractures with Chaput fragment and introduce a new classification system., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 33 patients with ankle fractures with associated Chaput fragment treated at our institute over a 3-year period. Data on patient demographics, fracture classification, surgical approach, and fixation method were collected, and a novel classification system for Chaput fragments was proposed., Results: Four distinct morphological types of Chaput fragment were identified (types 1-4), and three newer variants of trimalleolar fractures were identified (anterior, lateral, and medial variants). Type 1 refers to a small avulsion fragment attached to the anterior-inferior tibiofibular ligament; Type 2 is an anterolateral oblique type; Type 3 refers to an anterolateral fragment with extension into the medial malleolus and Type 4 is a comminuted Chaput fragment. Type 1 Chaput fragment was the most prevalent (60.6%), followed by Type 2 (24.3%), Type 4 (9.1%), and Type 3 (6.1%). The fixation methods ranged from screw fixation, plate fixation, and suture fixation to combinations of these techniques or even indirect stabilization with syndesmotic screws., Conclusion: Our new classification system based on morphology includes all possible variants of Chaput fracture. This preliminary data needs to be corroborated by more studies and validated by a larger number of observers., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors do not have any conflicting interests to declare., (Copyright © 2024 European Foot and Ankle Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Talar neck non-unions result in significant hindfoot deformity and morbidity and are infrequently reported in the literature. The optimal surgical management for this condition is evolving, with various authors reporting the results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with bone grafting (BG), ankle fusion and modified Blair fusion. We performed this study to report the clinical and radiological outcomes of a cohort of talar neck non-unions managed by ankle joint preserving reconstruction., Methods: This was an ambispective study which included 8 patients (7 male and 1 female) with talar neck non-unions. All patients underwent ORIF+BG through dual approaches. Additional medial malleolar osteotomy was done in 2 cases, and calcaneofibular split approach to the subtalar joint in 3. Adjunct subtalar fusion was done in 5 cases. Clinical and radiological evaluation was performed pre- and post-operatively. Functional outcomes were assessed by the Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOxFQ)., Results: The mean age of patients 32.3 ± 13.1 years. The mean surgical delay was 4.1 ± 1.7 months. As per Zwipp and Rammelt classification of post-traumatic talar deformities, 5 cases were classified as Type 3, 2 were Type 4, and 1 was Type 1. Union was achieved in 7 cases at a mean of 3.4 ± 1.3 months. One case had progressive collapse, which was managed by pantalar arthrodesis. All 3 cases where subtalar fusion was not performed primarily demonstrated subtalar arthrosis, but none required a secondary subtalar fusion. The MOxFQ score from 61.1 ± 10.1 to 41 ± 14.1 postoperatively (P = 0.005). The mean follow-up was 14.6 ± 6.8 months., Conclusion: ORIF+BG of the talar neck, with or without subtalar fusion has the potential to achieve solid union, correct the hindfoot deformity and improve functional outcomes. However, larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of this procedure., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors have no declarations and no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Posterior column fractures of the tibial plateau have been considered problem injury as many authors reported poor outcome. Commonly used surgical approaches have limitations in addressing complex fractures involving the posterior column, leading to malreduction and subsequent leading to chronic posteroinferior subluxation, arthritis and chronic pain. There is thus a need for a surgical approach, which can provide adequate exposure to both quadrant of posterior column, in addition to allowing sufficient space for fracture manipulation and implant placement. The authors have evaluated the applicability of the posterior midline gastrocnemius raphe split approach to deal with coomplex posterior column fragment in tibial plateau fractures. A midline gastrocnemius splitting approach was used alone or along with other approaches in 22 patients with tibial plateau fractures involving the posterior column. The mean age of the patients was 36 years and the female to male ratio was 1:6 (3 and 18). At an average follow up of 12 months (Range 6-14 months), Radiological evidence of union was noted at an average 13 weeks (Range, 10-15weeks) and no loss of reduction was seen at follow-up. All cases had regained painless knee flexion that averaged 120°. The midline gastrocnemius splitting approach is a versatile approach, which allows adequate exposure on either side of the posterior tibial plateau. This can easily combined with other approaches, where the anteromedial and anterolateral coloumn or associated ligament injury demand attention., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: A number of surgical approaches have been described for open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of intra-articular distal humerus (IDH) fractures in adults. However, there is no consensus as to which approach is better in terms of functional outcomes and complications. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the functional outcomes and types and rates of complications are influenced by the choice of surgical approach for ORIF of IDH fractures (AO/OTA types 13 B & C)., Methods: A systematic review of literature was performed using the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases. Studies, both prospective and retrospective and comparative or non-comparative, dealing with surgical approaches for ORIF of IDH fractures in adult patients were included. Conference abstracts, studies looking primarily at the results of internal fixation rather than the surgical approach, those including extra-articular distal humeral fractures, pediatric distal humeral fractures (<18 years of age), delayed unions, non unions, malunions, cadaveric studies, pathological fractures and studies with <10 patients were excluded. Studies that looked at surgical modalities other than internal fixation (for e.g. total elbow arthroplasty) for intra-articular distal humerus fractures or those that did not report a validated functional outcome scoring system were also excluded., Results: 11 studies were included in the qualitative analysis, of which 5 were comparative studies and 6 were non-comparative. Quantitative analysis was performed on two sets of two studies, each set comparing the Bryan and Morrey or the triceps-split approach to the olecranon osteotomy approach, and revealed no significant differences in the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, range of motion and rates of complications. The overall methodological quality of the studies included in the review was low., Conclusions: High-quality evidence on surgical approaches for ORIF of IDH fractures in adults is lacking. Evidence from low-quality studies indicates that there is no difference in the functional outcomes or complication rates when comparing the Bryan and Morrey or triceps-split to the olecranon osteotomy approach. Future research in the form of high-quality randomized controlled trials is needed to determine which approach is superior in terms of functional outcomes and complications., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Neglected tibial eminence avulsion fractures of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are uncommonly seen in modern times, but are fairly common due to a missed diagnosis/mismanagement in developing countries., Objectives: To determine the outcomes after open reduction and internal fixation of late presenting ACL avulsion fractures, and to review the literature for similar cases, in an attempt to evaluate the ideal surgical management in this unique scenario., Study Design: Retrospective observational study and systematic review MATERIALS: The study included 10 male and 2 female cases (mean age 29.9 years). Patients were assessed for the pre-operative knee range-of-motion (ROM), flexion deformity and stability; functional assessment was conducted using the Lysholm scale, both pre and post-operatively. Open reduction and internal fixation with two partially threaded screws (via a mini anterior approach) was performed in all 12 cases. All patients were clinically followed up for a minimum duration of 12 months. We searched PubMed, Embase and Cochrane databases from the period of inception to January 15, 2017 for similar case series/reports involving management of chronic/neglected ACL avulsion fractures and systematically reviewed these studies following standard PRISMA guidelines., Results: The median duration of presentation after injury was 12 months (range 3 to 312 months; mean 45.3 months). The mean follow-up duration was 24.1 months (range 12-48 months). All patients achieved normal knee extension except one patient who had a residual 5° flexion contracture. On physical examination, Lachman and pivot-shift tests were negative in all but 1 patient. No case required ACL reconstruction, and the fractures united radiologically within 12 weeks; all patients regained former activity levels., Discussion: Eleven published studies, mainly case reports, reported on the management of chronic/neglected ACL avulsion fractures. Arthroscopic suture/wire fixation, arthroscopic debridement of avulsed fragment and open reduction, internal fixation (ORIF) with screws are the described techniques for this uncommon entity. However, anatomic reduction of ACL avulsion fractures is difficult arthroscopically as crater depth assessment and repositioning of the avulsed fragment become a problem; the avulsed fragment may also hypertrophy, and some contractures in ACL may develop. A mini-open procedure does not add to the morbidity, overcomes reduction obstacles and allows easy fixation with screws, and can be done even in centers that do not have arthroscopic experience. The key point is accurate reduction and rigid fixation, ensuring no impingement on full extension CONCLUSIONS: Mini-open fixation allows accurate, anatomic reduction and stable fixation with screws, and should be the preferred method of fixation for late presenting ACL avulsion fractures; embedding the fragment deep into the crater or size reduction are key to preventing extension deficits., (© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Minimally invasive surgery has a significant and evolving role in the treatment of DIACFs, but there is limited literature on this topic., Objectives: To compare the clinico-radiological outcomes of DIACFs fixed with MIS technique with ORIF., Methods: This randomised control trial (RCT) included 21 closed Sanders type 2 and 3 DIACFs which were selected from 70 who presented. Extensile lateral approach was used in the ORIF group; while MIS techniques included either percutaneous reduction or small incisions with indirect fragment manipulation., Main Outcome Measurement: AOFAS hindfoot score, pre-operative and postoperative radiology., Results: There were 9 fractures in the Extensile group and 12 in the MIS group, with both groups having comparable demography, fracture classification, surgery delay & initial radiology. Bohler's angle improved after surgery by an average of 18.44 with ORIF and 14.67 with MIS (p=0.28). Mean AOFAS in the MIS group was 82.58 (66.67% good and 33.33% fair) and was 89.56 (44.44% excellent, 55.56% good, 0 fair/poor) with ORIF (p=0.034). Two patients who underwent ORIF had a major complication (one deep infection and Sural nerve injury each) while none in the MIS group., Conclusions: MIS methods minimized soft tissue complications and achieved comparable radiological reductions but clinical outcomes were poorer, with percutaneous methods having the worst outcomes., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Twenty-five displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures in 21 patients, aged 15-55 years were included in this study. Sanders' type I fractures, severe crushing or partial amputation, were excluded from the study. Patients were divided into group 1 (open fractures treated by MIS), and group 2 (closed fractures treated by ORIF). Group 1 had 16 and group 2 had 9 cases. Seven of 25 fractures (28%) developed wound related issues postoperatively. One patient (11.1%) in group 2 had wound margin necrosis, while 6 patients (37.5%) in group 1 developed pin tract and/or wound infection. At 1-year follow-up, the mean MFS for group 1 was 79 and mean MFS for group 2 was 84.4 (66.67% were good). The AOFAS score for group 1 was 77.37 and for group 2 was 86.1. The Bohlers' angle was restored in 81.16% cases in group 1 and 88.8% in group 2, while Gissane angle was restored in 68.75% of group 1 cases and 77.79% of group 2 cases. This study shows that acceptable fracture reduction can be obtained and maintained by MIS technique and it can be used as the primary definitive treatment option in open calcaneal fractures., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: The introduction of locking plates in the treatment of periarticular fractures was a major breakthrough in orthopaedic evolution. Removal of these implants is extremely difficult as a result of cold welding and stripping of screw heads., Description of Technique: A 31-year-old man had a schwannoma of the left C5-C6 nerve roots and upper trunk of the brachial plexus. One year before presentation he had undergone excision of the lesion through an approach using a clavicular osteotomy. The osteotomy had been fixed with a titanium locking recon plate. While surgically removing the implant, only one screw could be removed. The remaining five screws could not be turned owing to cold welding; repeated attempts at removing the screws damaged the screw heads. A large bolt cutter was used to cut the plate between the holes, and the resulting rectangular sections with the screws then were unscrewed from the bone., Review of Literature: Limited literature is available regarding techniques for locking screw removal. These include using a carbide drill bit or diamond-tipped burr, high-speed disc, or conical extraction screw., Conclusions: Not all centers have specialized instruments such as carbide drill bits to remove screw heads, but a large bolt cutter usually is available when screws cannot be unscrewed owing to cold welding. The technique of cutting is easily reproducible and does not require additional soft tissue stripping.

Purpose: The study was aimed to share the experience of managing posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) avulsion fractures of tibia with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The study also evaluated the effect of delay in treatment and presence of occult PCL injury on the final outcome after surgery., Methods: Forty-two patients (30 males and 12 females) with a median age of 26 years (range: 14-53 years) who underwent ORIF through a modified posterior approach for PCL fossa avulsion fractures were assessed after a median follow up of 18 months (range 10-42 months). In 30 patients surgery was performed within 3 weeks of injury. Fifteen patients had an occult intrasubstance PCL tear as seen on MRI. Assessment of results was made using Hughston criteria., Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the outcomes between acutely treated patients and patients with chronic injury. Although patients with acute fixation were found to fare better, the results were fair or good in majority of the patients (9 out of 12) with delayed presentation. Patients with occult injury to PCL had poorer outcomes and these results were found to be statistically significant., Conclusion: ORIF for PCL avulsion fractures of tibia results in stable fixation, early mobilization and good functional outcomes. Although ORIF done acutely leads to best clinical outcomes, a delay in presentation (>3 weeks) does not necessarily contraindicate ORIF. An occult injury to PCL usually leads to inferior outcomes and primary PCL reconstruction should be considered as a viable option in these patients.

Intraarticular coronal fracture of the femoral condyle is rare, and an isolated medial Hoffa fracture in a child is extremely rare. To our knowledge, such a case has not yet been reported in the literature. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for a good long-term outcome. We report a case of 12-year-old male who suffered a traffic accident and sustained an isolated medial Hoffa fracture. Open reduction was performed using a subvastus approach and the joint surface congruity restored and secured by two large fragment partially threaded screws placed from anterior to posterior in the epiphysis. At the 36-month follow-up, the fracture was united, and the patient had full extension and approximately 130° flexion of knee. There was no varus or valgus instability or limb length discrepancy. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis and prompt treatment in the form of epiphyseal fixation for the management of these fractures in skeletally immature individuals.

The long term fate of the fibula in an intra-osseous site is still a matter of debate. Since the procedure of free fibular grafting for neglected femoral neck fractures was routinely done at our institute, we were able to observe the serial changes in 37 cases with an average 8.9 years follow-up. Graft incorporation was not consistent in the 4 to 10-year postoperative period, but in cases with more than 10 years follow-up, a major portion of the graft got incorporated into the host bone. A classification system for the incorporated grafts is suggested. The presence of avascular necrosis seems to initially hinder graft incorporation, but if the bone revascularises, graft incorporation proceeds at a comparable rate. This study shows that cortical bone gets well incorporated into host cancellous bone and helps to reconstitute the neck in cases of femoral neck nonunions.

Neglected fractures of the femoral neck, common in young adults in underdeveloped countries, may be complicated by nonunion or avascular necrosis (AVN). We treated 52 cases by open reduction, fixation by compression screw and a free fibular graft. The mean delay between injury and operation was 5.1 months. Of 40 fractures assessed at a mean of 58.8 months (24 to 153), 38 were found to be united and two, owing to surgical errors, were not. Seven of eight heads which were avascular before operation revascularised without collapse, while seven others developed AVN after the procedure. At the last follow-up considerable collapse was apparent in five femoral heads, and 11 hips had developed coxa vara. The fibular graft had fractured in four cases. The hip had been penetrated by the screw in six cases and by the graft in three. Hip function was excellent in seven patients, good in 21 and fair in seven. Five patients had poor results. Incorporation of the fibular graft was seen after four years: in many cases the graft had been almost completely resorbed. We recommend this procedure for the treatment of neglected fractures of the neck of the femur in young adults to reduce resorption of the neck, AVN and nonunion.

Seventeen transcervical/basal femoral neck fractures in children were treated by free fibular graft and cancellous lag screw. Two cases were failures of a previous surgery, and 15 had been untreated for 3 weeks or more. Four cases had radiological evidence of avascular necrosis of the head and one of the neck preoperatively; five cases had neck resorption. At an average of 48.1 months postsurgery all fractures had united and there was only one new case of avascular necrosis. Four cases had coxa vara, and four cases had premature epiphyseal closure. There were 13 good, three fair, and one poor result(s) using Ratliff's criteria. We recommend this procedure in cases with delayed initial appearance or failed previous surgery. Complications of the procedure such as long screw/graft and fibular fracture are preventable. The incidence of coxa vara in cases with neck resorption may be reduced by adding subtrochanteric osteotomy to the procedure.