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Infected non-union is a devastating complication post fracture fixation. While its incidence is small, its management is lengthy, challenging and costly. Complex reconstruction surgery is often required with unpredictable outcomes despite the significant advances that have been made in diagnostics, surgical techniques and antibiotic protocols. In this article we present recent approaches to the surgical treatment of this condition., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objective of this study was to report on the safety, efficacy and clinical outcomes of the Polyax Locked Plating System (Biomet, Warsaw, IN, USA) in the management of acute (non-implant related and periprosthetic) distal femoral fractures. We retrospectively reviewed 71 patients with 73 distal femoral fractures. Thirty-three of the included fractures occurred around previously placed implants. The average patients' age was 67 years (range 18-98). There were 7 early postoperative complications (9.5%) including one deep surgical site infection, 2 pulmonary embolisms and 4 urinary or respiratory infections. At final follow-up (mean 12, range 9-55 months) all fractures progressed to clinical and radiological union. However, major revision surgery for healing problems was required in 5 cases (6.8%) and minor in 3 cases (4.1%). The average time to healing was 6 (range 3-23) months. Angulation less than 5 degrees in any plane was observed in 66 cases (89.7%), within 5-10 degrees in 5 cases (7.3%) and within 10-15 degrees in 2 cases (2.9%). The mean pre-injury and final follow-up values of Glasgow Outcome Scale were 1.5(1-3) and 1.7(1-3) respectively. Overall 61 patients (83.53%) retained their pre-injury activity status. The Polyax Locked Plating System offers a safe and efficient fixation in distal femoral fractures., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The primary aim of this study was to report on the mid-term outcomes after quadrilateral plate reconstruction of acetabular fractures using a buttress/spring plate through an ilioinguinal approach., Methods: Between 2003 and 2011, 30 adult patients (25 males) with mean age 54 years (range 17-80) who underwent surgical fixation for an acetabular fracture and had minimum follow up of 24 months (mean 46.2, range 24-78.6) were retrospectively reviewed. Standard demographics, admission and hospitalization data (concomitant injuries, number of operative procedures, time to operating theatre, early and late complications) were correlated to the clinical (Harris Hip Score) and radiological (Matta Reduction Score and Matta Arthritis Score) outcome., Results: Three patients underwent a Total Hip Replacement. Functional score was excellent in 17 (56.6 %), good in 4 (13.3 %), fair in 6 (20 %) and poor in 3 (10 %) cases. Surgery-related complications included two patients with temporary lateral femoral cutaneous palsy and three with heterotopic ossification. The quality of the postoperative reduction was associated to Harris Hip Score (p = 0.015) and postoperative arthritis (p = 0.010). Strong association was evident between age and both post-operative reduction (p = 0.010) and arthritis (p = 0.014). The presence of quadrilateral plate comminution and gull-sign were associated to poor post-operative reduction (p = 0.016) and low Harris Hip Score (p = 0.049) respectively., Conclusion: Quadrilateral plate reconstruction with a buttress plate though the ilioinguinal approach remains a valid method of fixation in acetabular surgery. Additional studies are needed to compare the efficiency of this method to new surgical approaches and fixation implants.

Surgical management of hip fractures in elderly people is challenging and complications relating to surgery could be devastating. They often lead to reoperation and revision surgery and can be associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality. The most common surgical complications after internal fixation of hip fractures include cut-out, nonunion, Z-effect/medial migration, periimplant failure and avascular necrosis. High quality surgical fixation is of outmost importance to avoid surgical complications. This article presents the aetiology, risk factors and incidence of perioperative and post-fracture fixation complications. Technical tips and tricks for a successful fixation as well as the contemporary evidence surrounding the augmentation of osteoporotic bone fixation in internal fixation of hip fractures are discussed., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Recombinant human Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (rhBMP-2) is licensed in Europe for open tibia fractures treated with unreamed nails. However, there is limited data available on the specific use of rhBMP-2 in combination with unreamed nails for open tibia fractures. The intention of the current study was to evaluate the medical and health-economic effects of rhBMP-2 in Gustilo-Anderson grade III open tibia fractures treated with unreamed nails based on individual patient data from two previously published studies. Linear regression analysis was performed on raw data of 90 patients that were either treated by standard of care with soft tissue management and unreamed nailing (SOC group) (n=50) or with rhBMP-2 in addition to soft tissue management and unreamed nailing (rhBMP-2 group) (n=40). For all types of revision, a significant lower percentage of patients (27.5%) of the rhBMP-2 group had to be revised compared to 48% of the patients of the SOC group (p=0.04). When only invasive secondary interventions such as bone grafting and nail exchange were considered, there was also a statistically significant reduction in the rhBMP-2 group with a revision rate of 10.0% (4 of 40 patients) compared to the SOC group with a revision rate of 28.0% (14 of 50 patients) (p=0.01). Mean fracture healing time of 228 days in the rhBMP-2 compared to 266 days in the SOC group was not statistically significant (p=0.24). Health-economic analysis based on a societal perspective with calculation of overall treatment costs after initial surgery and including productivity losses revealed savings of €6,239 per patient for Germany and €4,752 for the UK in favour of rhBMP-2 which was mainly driven by reduction of productivity losses. In conclusion, rhBMP-2 reduces secondary interventions in patients with grade III open tibia fractures treated with an unreamed nail and its use leads to financial savings for Germany and the UK from a societal perspective., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Contemporary fixation of the proximal femur is performed utilising a number of implants adopting different concepts and techniques. Cephalomedullary nails in particular represent one of two main options, the other being dynamic hip screw (DHS). The aim of this cohort study is to present the early experience of two large units from different countries of the use of the AFFIXUS nail for stabilisation of proximal femoral fractures. Over a period of almost three years, data from 476 proximal femoral fractures were collected and analysed using a specific research protocol, assessing data relevant to basic demographic details, in-hospital stay, surgical technique and post discharge outcomes with a minimum follow up of 6 months. Both the short and long versions of the nail were used in both centres, however, with some statistically significant differences as far as the type of fractures stabilised with the nail, which also translated to differences in the combination or not of 2 lag screws, and the static or dynamic mode of the proximal fixation construct. Other areas of difference amongst the 2 units, were the length of hospital stay and return of patients to their pre-injury residence, most likely reflecting the different social circumstances between the 2 countries. Overall mortality at a median follow up period of 17 months (range 6 to 35) was limited to 6.3%, nonunion and cut out rates 2.7%, whilst revision surgery occurred in just 2.5%. Over the first 6 months of follow up 63.6% returned to their pre-injury ambulatory status and 90.5% to their pre-injury residence. Further studies and higher level of scientific evidence is needed to verify the findings of this retrospective cohort study as to the effectiveness and safety of this new cephalomedullary nail., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim: To evaluate the management, clinical outcome and cost implications of three different treatment regimes for simple elbow dislocations., Methods: Following institutional board approval, we performed a retrospective review of all consecutive patients treated for simple elbow dislocations in a Level I trauma centre between January 2008 and December 2010. Based on the length of elbow immobilisation (LOI), patients were divided in three groups (Group I, < 2 wk; Group II, 2-3 wk; and Group III, > 3 wk). Outcome was considered satisfactory when a patient could achieve a pain-free range of motion ≥ 100° (from 30° to 130°). The associated direct medical costs for the treatment of each patient were then calculated and analysed., Results: We identified 80 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Due to loss to follow up, 13 patients were excluded from further analysis, leaving 67 patients for the final analysis. The mean LOI was 14 d (median 15 d; range 3-43 d) with a mean duration of hospital engagement of 67 d (median 57 d; range 10-351 d). Group III (prolonged immobilisation) had a statistically significant worse outcome in comparison to Group I and II (P = 0.04 and P = 0.01 respectively); however, there was no significant difference in the outcome between groups I and II (P = 0.30). No statistically significant difference in the direct medical costs between the groups was identified., Conclusion: The length of elbow immobilization doesn't influence the medical cost; however immobilisation longer than three weeks is associated with persistent stiffness and a less satisfactory clinical outcome.

Enhancement of healing of osteoporotic fractures remains a significant objective of contemporary clinical care. Aiming to produce preliminary clinical evidence on the effect of antiosteoporotic drugs on the process of fragility fracture healing, a pilot prospective randomized assessor-blinded trial was performed. The tested hypothesis was that it is possible to accelerate the healing of hip fractures in the presence of osteoporosis with the administration of therapeutic agents. However, significant difficulties of recruitment and completion of follow up did not allow the researchers to produce the preliminary evidence testing the study hypothesis, highlighting the challenges that contemporary clinical investigators face when conducting studies focusing on elderly patients, with high proportion of coinciding factors affecting patients' eligibility, compliance, and overall outcome. Nevertheless, the significance of enhancing bone healing in this specific patient population, dictates further clinical efforts and future well designed and funded trials of adequate power and level of evidence are desirable to allow the effective and safer management of the consequences of the modern epidemic of osteoporosis., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Long antegrade cephalomedullary nailing is the standard of surgical care of atypical subtrochanteric fractures of the femur. Long nailing of such fractures is a technically demanding procedure. Our case report discusses the management of sequential bilateral atypical subtrochanteric fractures in an elderly female patient and the technical issues pertaining to nailing of such fractures. During the nailing procedure of the second fracture, an intraoperative distal peri-implant fracture occurred and it was addressed with the application of a distal femoral locking plate. At 2 years postoperative follow-up, the patient was ambulating independently and had sufficient range of motion in both hips and knees.

Unlabelled: A large number of implants have been developed for intramedullary fixation of intertrochanteric fractures. This article attempts to summarize the contemporary understanding of the existing biomechanical and clinical evidence on intramedullary nailing of intertrochanteric fractures, as to whether they should be short or long nails, and the use or not of distal locking screws. Difficulties on the translation of biomechanical findings to the clinical setting, as well as the pressing demand for standardization of the indications and the use of different modes of cephalomedullary nailing, should direct orthopaedic trauma research toward focused, well-designed clinical studies., Level of Evidence: Level V-expert opinion.

A challenging case of a nonunion of the proximal femur complicated by infection attributed to microbial and fungal pathogens requiring a combination of novel surgical techniques to achieve eradication of infection, preservation of the native hip joint, and restoration of function.

Background: This study aims to determine the incidence of pulmonary embolism (PE) in trauma and orthopedic patients within a regional tertiary referral center and its association with the pattern of injury, type of treatment, co-morbidities, thromboprophylaxis and mortality., Methods: All patients admitted to our institution between January 2010 and December 2011, for acute trauma or elective orthopedic procedures, were eligible to participate in this study. Our cohort was formed by identifying all patients with clinical features of PE who underwent Computed Tomography-Pulmonary Angiogram (CT-PA) to confirm or exclude the clinical suspicion of PE, within six months after the injury or the surgical procedure.Case notes and electronic databases were reviewed retrospectively to identify each patient's venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk factors, type of treatment, thromboprophylaxis and mortality., Results: Out of 18,151 patients admitted during the study period only 85 (0.47%) patients developed PE (positive CT-PA) (24 underwent elective surgery and 61 sustained acute trauma). Of these, only 76% of the patients received thromboprophylaxis. Hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular disease were the most commonly identifiable risk factors. In 39% of the cases, PE was diagnosed during the in-hospital stay. The median time of PE diagnosis, from the date of injury or the surgical intervention was 23 days (range 1 to 312). The overall mortality rate was 0.07% (13/18,151), but for those who developed PE it was 15.29% (13/85). Concomitant deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was identified in 33.3% of patients. The presence of two or more co-morbidities was significantly associated with the incidence of mortality (unadjusted odds ratio (OR) = 3.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.34, 18.99), P = 0.034). Although there was also a similar clinical effect size for polytrauma injury on mortality (unadjusted OR = 1.90 (0.38, 9.54), P = 0.218), evidence was not statistically significant for this factor., Conclusions: The incidence of VTE was comparable to previously reported rates, whereas the mortality rate was lower. Our local protocols that comply with the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines in the UK appear to be effective in preventing VTE and reducing mortality in trauma and orthopedic patients.

Background: Pelvic fractures (PFX) reflect high-energy trauma with high mortality and morbidity., Aim: We attempted to determine: whether there is a decrease in levels of sporting and physical activity in patients with operatively-treated PFX; risk factors for decreased sporting activity; any correlation between sporting activity and quality of life in this group., Methods: Retrospective demographics on mechanism of injury, fracture type, associated injury and injury severity score, as well as prospective documentation of the level and frequency of sporting activity, were collected from adult patients treated operatively for a PFX between 2007 and 2010, using a specifically designed questionnaire. Quality of life before and after injury was also recorded using the EuroQol-5D health-outcome tool., Results: 80 patients without pre-existing musculoskeletal disability were enrolled. The mean age was 44.9 years (18-65). The mean follow-up was 30.5 months (12-39). A decrease in level and frequency of sporting activity was observed. It was associated with lower-extremity associated injuries, but not with injury severity score, PFX severity, PFX type, age, or timing of follow-up. Sporting activity before injury predicted higher levels of sporting participation after injury. Decreased sporting activity after injury was associated with decreased EuroQol-SD score., Conclusions: Patients should be counselled on the likelihood of a reduction in sporting activities after surgically treated PFX. A larger multi-centre study is needed to further expand on the evidence of the true impact of PFX and its associated injuries on sporting activity.

Objectives: To provide evidence on the midterm sexual-function- and health-related quality-of-life outcome of patients with a traumatic pelvic fracture, as recorded at least 12 months after their surgery., Design: Prospective noncomparative study., Setting: Tertiary referral centre for pelvic-and-acetabular reconstruction., Patients and Participants: Cohort of patients attending a dedicated pelvic-and-acetabular reconstruction clinic because of blunt pelvic trauma, at a minimum of a year after their injury., Intervention: Operatively treated pelvic fractures and concomitant surgical interventions for associated injuries, if any, sustained by the patients after blunt trauma., Main Outcome Measures: Sexual function questionnaires: IIEF (international index of erectile function) and FSFI (female sexual function index). Quality of life was assessed with the EuroQol-5D questionnaire., Results: Of a cohort of 110 patients, 80 patients (48 males and 32 females) consented to participate with a median age of 46 years (range, 19-65 years). Of the above cohort, 62.5% were a result of road traffic accidents and 52.5% were classified as lateral compression type fractures. Assessment occurred at a median period of 36 months after injury (range, 12-96). Overall, significant decrease of their quality of life (P < 0.0001) and sexual function were recorded (males, P < 0.00014; females, P < 0.001). Sexual dysfunction was identified in 43.8% of the female and 52.1% of the male patients, as per the validated gender-specific sexual function scores (female sexual function index and international index of erectile function, respectively). Regression analysis identified the presence of urinary tract injury (P < 0.049) and open surgical treatment (P < 0.047) as independent risk factors for sexual dysfunction. A near significant association with injury severity score (P = 0.05) was seen. Male gender (P < 0.006), abdominal injury (P < 0.0001), pelvic fracture severity (P < 0.049), pain (P < 0.0001), and sexual dysfunction (P < 0.034) were identified as significant independent risk factors for decreased quality of life., Conclusions: All domains of female and male sexual function were significantly decreased at a minimum of a year after pelvic fracture. Quality of life was also significantly decreased in this group with sexual dysfunction shown to be an independent risk factor for decreased quality of life after injury. Further pivotal clinical studies should follow based on the provided evidence. High clinical suspicion and prompt engagement of appropriate multidisciplinary pathways, including urological, gynecological, and psychiatric consultations, is recommended., Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Introduction: Major trauma still represents one of the leading causes of death in the first four decades of life. Septic complications represent the predominant causes of late death (45% of overall mortality) in polytrauma patients. The ability of clinicians to early differentiate between systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and sepsis is demonstrated to improve clinical outcome and mortality. The identification of an "ideal" biomarker able to early recognize incoming septic complications in trauma patients is still a challenge for researchers., Aim: To evaluate the existing evidence regarding the role of biomarkers to predict or facilitate early diagnosis of sepsis in trauma patients, trying to compile some recommendations for the clinical setting., Methods: An Internet-based search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases was performed using the search terms: "Biomarkers", "Sepsis" and "Trauma" in various combinations. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Checklist (QUADAS). After data extraction, the level of evidence available for each bio-marker was rated and presented using the "best-evidence synthesis" method, in line with the US Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality., Results: Thirty studies were eligible for the final analysis: 13 case-control studies and 17 cohort studies. The "strong evidence" available demonstrated the potential use of procalcitonin as an early indicator of post-traumatic septic complications and reported the inability of c-reactive protein (CRP) to specifically identify infective complications. Moderate, conflicting and limited evidence are available for the other 31 biomarkers., Conclusion: Several biomarkers have been evaluated for predicting or making early diagnosis of sepsis in trauma patients. Current evidence does not support the use of a single biomarker in diagnosing sepsis. However, procalcitonin trend was found to be useful in early identification of post-traumatic septic course and its use is suggested (Recommendation Grade: B) in clinical practice., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Acetabular fractures with quadrilateral plate involvement form a heterogeneous group of fractures, which are not specifically defined by any current classification system. Their incidence is increasing due to the rising number of elderly osteoporotic fractures. They have always been notoriously difficult fractures to treat. We present a systematic review of conservative and operative management and their respective outcomes over the last century., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Over a five-year period, adult patients with marginal impaction of acetabular fractures were identified from a registry of patients who underwent acetabular reconstruction in two tertiary referral centres. Fractures were classified according to the system of Judet and Letournel. A topographic classification to describe the extent of articular impaction was used, dividing the joint surface into superior, middle and inferior thirds. Demographic information, hospitalisation and surgery-related complications, functional (EuroQol 5-D) and radiological outcome according to Matta's criteria were recorded and analysed. In all, 60 patients (57 men, three women) with a mean age of 41 years (18 to 72) were available at a mean follow-up of 48 months (24 to 206). The quality of the reduction was 'anatomical' in 44 hips (73.3%) and 'imperfect' in 16 (26.7%). The originally achieved anatomical reduction was lost in12 patients (25.8%). Radiologically, 33 hips (55%) were graded as 'excellent', 11 (18.3%) as 'good', one (1.7%) as 'fair' and 15 (25%) as 'poor'. A total of 11 further operations were required in 11 cases, of which six were total hip replacements. Univariate linear regression analysis of the functional outcome showed that factors associated with worse pain were increasing age and an inferior location of the impaction. Elevation of the articular impaction leads to joint preservation with satisfactory overall medium-term functional results, but secondary collapse is likely to occur in some patients.

Background: Subtrochanteric femoral non-unions in the setting of failed metalwork pose a challenging clinical problem. This study assessed the clinical outcome of patients treated according to the principles of the "Diamond" concept., Methods: Between 2007 and 2011 all patients presented with a subtrochanteric atrophic aseptic non-union in the setting of metalwork failure (broken cephalomedullary reconstruction nail), and treated in a single tertiary referral unit were included to this study. The hypertrophic and the non-unions of pathologic fractures were excluded. The revision strategy was based on the "Diamond concept"; optimisation of the mechanical and the biological environment (implantation of growth factor (rhBMP-7), scaffold (RIA bone graft from contralateral femur) and concentrated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) harvested from the iliac crest). The minimum follow up was 26 months (16-48)., Results: Fourteen patients met the inclusion criteria. A specific sequence of metalwork failure was noted with initial breakage of the distal locking screws followed by nail breakage at the lag screw level. The intraoperative examination of the removed nails revealed no gross structural damage indicative of inappropriate drilling at the time of the initial intramedullary nailing. Varus mal-alignment was present in the majority of the cases, with an average of 5.2 degrees (0-11). The average time to distal locking screw failure was 4.4 months (2-8.5) and nail failure was 6.5 months (4-10). The time to union after the revision surgery was 6.8 months (5-12). Complications included two deaths in elderly patients (due to unrelated causes), one pulmonary embolism, one myocardial infarction, one below the knee deep vein thrombosis and one blade plate failure that required further revision with double plating and grafting., Conclusion: Varus mal-alignment must be avoided in the initial stabilisation of subtrochanteric fractures. Distal locking screw failure is predictive of future fracture non-union and nail breakage. In the absence of sepsis, a single stage procedure based on the "Diamond concept" that simultaneously optimizes the mechanical and biological environment is a successful method for managing complex subtrochanteric atrophic non-unions with failed metalwork., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The current available evidence for the use of bone graft substitutes in the management of subchondral bone defects associated with tibial plateau fractures as to their efficiency and safety has been collected following a literature review of the Ovid MEDLINE (1948-Present) and EMBASE (1980-Present). Nineteen studies were analysed reporting on 672 patients (674 fractures), with a mean age of 50.35 years (range 15-89), and a gender ratio of 3/2 males/females. The graft substitutes evaluated in the included studies were calcium phosphate cement, hydroxyapatite granules, calcium sulphate, bioactive glass, tricalcium phosphate, demineralised bone matrix, allografts, and xenograft. Fracture healing was uneventful in over 90% of the cases over a variant period of time. Besides two studies reporting on injectable calcium phosphate cement excellent incorporation was reported within 6 to 36 months post-surgery. No correlation was made by any of the authors between poor incorporation/resorption and adverse functional or radiological outcome. Secondary collapse of the knee joint surface ≥ 2 mm was reported in 8.6% in the biological substitutes (allograft, DBM, and xenograft), 5.4% in the hydroxyapatite, 3.7% in the calcium phosphate cement, and 11.1% in the calcium sulphate cases. The recorded incidence of primary surgical site and donor site infection (3.6%) was not statistically significant different, however donor site-related pain was reported up to 12 months following autologous iliac bone graft (AIBG) harvest. Shorter total operative time, greater tolerance of early weight bearing, improved early functional outcomes within the first year post-surgery was also recorded in the studies reporting on the use of injectable calcium phosphate cement (Norian SRS). Despite a lack of good quality randomised control trials, there is arguably sufficient evidence supporting the use of bone graft substitutes at the clinical setting of depressed plateau fractures., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The objectives of this autopsy-based audit of firearm-related fatalities were to acquire data to inform policy decisions and to assess the probability of the injured arriving alive at a hospital and receiving definitive care., Evaluated Variables: Demographics; co-morbidities; location and intention of the injury; toxicology; types of firearms; Abbreviated Injury Scale; Injury Severity Score (ISS); transfer means and time; and location of death., Results: Of a total of 370 fatalities, 85.7% were male. The median age was 38 (9-95) years. Suicides (47%) and assaults (45.1%) were the most common underlying intentions. The most seriously injured regions were the head (44.5%), thorax (25.7%), abdomen (10.7%), and spine (5.7%). Of the 370 total subjects, 4.9% had an ISS<16 and 59.5% had an ISS≤74; both groups were classified as potentially preventable deaths. The majority (84%) died at the scene, and only 9.8% left the emergency department alive for further treatment. Multivariate analyses documented that postmortem ISS is an independent factor that predicts the probability of the injured reaching a hospital alive and receiving definitive care. Individuals injured in greater Athens and those most seriously injured in the face, abdomen or spine had significantly greater chances of reaching a hospital alive and receiving definitive care, whereas those injured by a shotgun and the positive toxicology group were significantly less likely to. In conclusion, this study provides data to inform policy decisions, calls for a surveillance network and establishes a baseline for estimating the probability regarding the location of firearm-related deaths., (Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: The frequency of alcohol and psychoactive drugs in fall-related fatalities and their effect on type, severity of injury and location of death constitute the subjects of this study., Methods: A retrospective analysis based on autopsy and toxicology compared demographics, location of injury; intention for the injury, height of fall, Abbreviated Injury Scale--90 (AIS-90), post-mortem Injury Severity Score (ISS), and location of death., Results: Amongst 655 fall-related fatalities screened for alcohol and psychoactive drugs 123 (18.8%) were classified in the positive toxicology group (PTG) and the remaining in the negative toxicology group (NTG). The median ages were 48 (16-94) years for the PTG and 62 (12-96) years for the NTG. The screened represent 31% of the national toll. The median height of fall was 7 m and the median blood alcohol concentration was 53 (1.5-630)mg/dl. Males were more likely to be included in the PTG than females (21.6 versus 13.6%; p = 0.014) as were the aged between 11 and 60 years. The odds of severe (AIS ≥ 3) head, thoracic, abdominal, extremity, and spine injuries were not influenced by toxicology status. Fatalities of the PTG were as likely to have severe trauma (ISS ≥ 16) as were fatalities of the NTG (93.5 versus 90.8%; p = 0.34). There was no significant difference of ISS between PTG (median ISS 43, range: 6-75) and NTG (median ISS 35, range: 3-75). Nevertheless, 76.4% of the subjects of the PTG died during the pre-hospital stage of care compared to 60.5% of the subjects of the NTG, which was highly significant (or = 2.80, p = 0.001) after controlling for confounders as age, gender, intention for injury, height of fall, and ISS., Conclusions: In fall related trauma, alcohol and psychoactive drugs increased the risk of death during the pre-hospital stage by 2.80 times. This is strong evidence that specific protocols for their early management should be instituted., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficiency, as well as the incorporation characteristics of a specific type of xenograft used for iliac crest defects post-harvesting tri-cortical iliac crest bone graft., Methods: Sixteen patients diagnosed with chronic anterior pelvic pain were operated for pubic symphysis fusion. The tri-cortical graft harvested from the iliac crest was inserted into the pubic symphysis and compressed with a reconstruction plate. The defect in the iliac crest was filled with a block of cancellous bovine substitute (Tutobone®). The length of iliac crest defect, time to fusion of pubic symphysis, time to incorporation of the graft and complications were recorded. The postoperative pain and patients' satisfaction were evaluated., Results: The median age of patients was 36.5 years (range 27-75). Fusion was obtained in 15 patients (94 %). The median time to fusion was four months (range three to seven). The length of the iliac crest bone defect ranged from 40 to 70 mm. Integration of the bovine substitute was achieved in 15 patients (94 %) over a median period of three months (range two to six). The postoperative median pain score was 2 (range 1-5). Twelve patients (75 %) reported good satisfaction. No major complications or allergic reactions were observed., Conclusions: The xenograft used in this study provided a safe and effective method of reconstruction of iliac crest donor site defects. It has satisfactory incorporation, high biocompatibility and no signs of inflammatory reactions. This new technique is simple and easily reproducible in routine clinical practice.

This article describes a novel, clinically oriented classification system for long-bone fractures that is simple, reliable, and useful to predict treatment method, complications, and outcome. The reliability and memorability of the new classification were statistically tested and compared with the AO-Müller/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) long-bone fracture classification. The proposed classification system was also clinically validated with a targeted pilot study designed for content and clinical outcome retrospectively reviewing 122 closed tibial shaft fractures, which were used as a representative paradigm of long-bone fractures. Statistical evaluation showed that the proposed classification system had improved inter- and intraobserver variation agreement and easier memorability compared with the AO/OTA classification system. The clinical validation study showed its predictive value regarding selection of treatment method, complication rate, and injury outcome.The proposed classification system proved simple, reliable, and memorable. Its clinical value appeared strong enough to justify the organization of larger studies for a complete assessment of its clinical usefulness for all long-bone fractures., (Copyright 2012, SLACK Incorporated.)

The aim of the present study was to comparatively analyse certain outcome measures of open tibial fractures, stratified per grade of open injury and method of treatment. For this purpose, a systematic review of the English literature from 1990 until 2010 was undertaken, comprising 32 eligible articles reporting on 3060 open tibial fractures. Outcome measures included rates of union progress (early union, delayed union, late union and non-union rates) and certain complication rates (deep infection, compartment syndrome and amputation rates). Statistical heterogeneity across component studies was detected with the use of Cochran chi-square and I(2) tests. In the absence of significant statistical heterogeneity a pooled estimate of effect size for each outcome/complication of interest was produced. All component studies were assigned on average a moderate quality score. Reamed tibial nails (RTNs) were associated with significantly higher odds of early union compared with unreamed tibial nails (UTNs) in IIIB open fractures (odds ratio: 12, 95% CI: 2.4-61). Comparing RTN and UTN modes of treatment, no significant differences were documented per grade of open fractures with respect to both delayed and late union rates. Surprisingly, nonunion rates in IIIB open fractures treated with either RTNs or UTNs were lower than IIIA or II open fractures, although the differences were not statistically significant. Significantly increased deep infection rates of IIIB open fractures compared with all other grades were documented for both modes of treatment (RTN, UTN). However, lower deep infection rates for IIIA open fractures treated with RTNs were recorded compared with grades I and II. Interestingly, grade II open tibial fractures, treated with UTN, presented significantly greater odds for developing compartment syndrome than when treated with RTNs. Our cumulative analysis, providing for each grade of open injury and each particular method of treatment a summarised estimate of effect size for the most important outcome measures of open tibial fractures, constitutes a useful tool of the practicing surgeon for optimal decision making when operative treatment of such fractures is contemplated., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Bone infection in adults is a potentially devastating complication following trauma or surgery. The clinician should diagnose osteomyelitis based on certain clinical manifestations and on laboratory and imaging findings. For pathogen identification, the treating surgeon should take appropriate tissue samples. Close collaboration with microbiologists is of paramount importance to dictate the appropriate duration and type of antibiotics to be administered. Treatment of acute osteomyelitis requires surgical debridement and prolonged course of antibiotics. Debate exists regarding the maintenance or the removal of any internal fixation device. Treatment of chronic osteomyelitis is more complicated. For its eradication the treatment course is often prolonged and frustrating. Based on the current literature an algorithm of treatment for both acute and chronic bone infections is recommended., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Acute compartment syndrome (ACS) in tibial diaphyseal fractures has been associated with such complications as infection, delayed fracture healing or non-union, sensory and motor deficits, deformities, and poor functional outcome. Essential condition of an uncomplicated recovery is early diagnosis with prompt decompression. A comprehensive review of the literature was performed to evaluate the impact of compartment syndrome and leg fasciotomies on the time to fracture union and the incidence of delayed union and non-union in tibial diaphyseal fractures. A total of 16 articles, which included 245 tibial fractures complicated with compartment syndrome were analysed. There were statistically significant differences in the time to healing, being longer by 4.90 weeks (p<0.001), and in the rates of delayed union or non-union (55% versus 17.8%) (p<0.001) when these fractures were compared to tibial fractures without compartment syndrome. Patients with ACS of the tibia undergoing leg fasciotomies should be informed about the increased risk of impaired fracture healing and longer time to union., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

In England, trauma is the leading cause of death across all age groups, with over 16,000 deaths per year. Major trauma implies the presence of multiple, serious injuries that could result in death or serious disability. Successive reports have documented the fact that the current ad hoc unstructured management of this patient group is associated with considerable avoidable death and disability. The reform of trauma care in England, especially of the severely injured patient, has already begun. Strong clinical leadership is embraced as the way forward. The present article summarises the steps that have been made over the last decade that led to the recent decision to move towards a long anticipated restructure of the National Health Service (NHS) trauma services with the introduction of Regional Trauma Networks (RTNs). While, for the first time, a genuine political will and support exists, the changes required to maintain the momentum for the implementation of the RTNs needs to be marshalled against arguments, myths and perceptions from the past. Such an approach may reverse the disinterest attitude of many, and will gradually evolve into a cultural shift of the public, clinicians and policymakers in the fullness of time.

Bone grafting is a commonly performed surgical procedure to augment bone regeneration in a variety of cases in orthopaedic and maxillofacial surgery. Autologous bone graft remains to be the 'gold standard' and the iliac crest to be the most common harvesting site. The intramedullary canal of long bones represents another potential site for large volume of autologous bone graft harvesting and is recently being used as an alternative donor site. However, harvesting of autologous bone graft is associated with morbidity and a number of complications. The aim of this systematic review was to collect and summarise the existing data on reported complications after harvesting autologous bone from the iliac crest (anterior and posterior) and the long bone intramedullary canal using the RIA device. We searched the PubMed Medline and Ovid Medline databases, from January 1990 to October 2010, to retrieve all relevant articles. A total of 92 articles (6682 patients) were included in the analysis. Overall, the complication rate following RIA was 6% (14 complications in 233 patients) and 19.37% after iliac crest bone graft harvesting (1249 complications in 6449 patients). The rate of each of the reported complications was assessed and, when the donor site was properly documented, comparison within the anterior and posterior iliac crest donor sites was performed. Although the difference of the overall morbidity rates between the two harvesting sites was not statistically significant (p=0.71); the rates of certain complications were found to significantly differ when anterior or posterior iliac crest was used. The rates of infection (p=0.016), haematoma formation (p=0.002), fracture (p=0.017), and hyperthrophic scar (p=0.017) were significantly higher when the donor site was the anterior iliac crest compared to the posterior iliac crest; whereas the rates of chronic donor site pain (p=0.004) and sensory disturbances (p=0.003) were significantly lower. The incidence of bone graft harvesting related complications can be reduced further if certain principles are followed depending on the performed harvesting methods; but overall the use of RIA device as harvesting method seems a promising alternative with a low complication rate., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The evolution of contemporary intramedullary reaming systems has recently generated the Reamer Irrigator Aspirator system (RIA-Synthes®), which has progressively gained in popularity as well as in indications. The preliminary results of its use over the initial period of 18 months ata single tertiary referral centre were prospectively collected and are presented. The wide spectrum of RIA's indications have been exploited, including 7 patients with polytrauma that underwent acute femoral nailing, 8 with femoral intramedullary osteomyelitis, 9 with pathological lesions of the femoral shaft, as well as 18 patients where the RIA system has been used to harvest morselised autologous bone graft in the presence of recalcitrant atrophie non-unions and bone defects. Overall its use was proven safe and efficient, achieving aggressive medullary canal debridement, collection of adequate samples for further analysis in the infected and oncology cases, as well as impressive volumes of the osteoinductive and osteogenic reaming debris for grafting purposes. No pulmonary complications or evidence of the second hit sequelae were recorded in the polytrauma patient subgroup despite the presence of a high ISS Further controlled clinical studies should follow focused in all different applications of this reliable, user-friendly and impressively versatile system, to validate these preliminary results., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The last two decades extensive research evidence has been accumulated regarding the pathophysiology of trauma and the sequelae of interventions that follow. Aim of this analysis has been to collect and categorise the existing data on the so-called "second hit" phenomenon that includes the biochemical and physiologic alterations occurring in patients having surgery after major trauma. Articles were extracted from the PubMed database and the retrieved reports were included in the study only if pre-specified eligibility criteria were fulfilled. Moreover, a constructed questionnaire was utilised for quality assessment of the outcomes. Twenty-six articles were eligible for the final analysis, referring to a total of 8262 patients that underwent surgery after major trauma. Sixteen retrospective clinical studies including 7322 patients and 10 prospective ones, including 940 patients were evaluated. Several variables able to reproduce a post-operative second hit were identified; mostly related to pulmonary dysfunction, coagulopathy, fat or pulmonary embolism, and the inflammatory immune system. Indicative conclusions were extracted, as well as the need for further prospective randomised trials. Suggestions on the content and the rationale of future studies are provided., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Sexual dysfunction has been associated with pelvic fractures, especially in patients with concomitant urethral injuries. A critical review of the existing literature was performed focusing on the reported definitions of sexual dysfunction, its reported incidence, the presence of related risk factors, the methods of assessing sexual function, the timing of this assessment and its management., Materials and Methods: The PubMed® search engine was used in July 2010 to retrieve articles using the terms "pelvic fracture" and "sexual function" in their title or abstract, published in the English language, from 1989 onward. The references of the selected publications were also evaluated for potential relevant studies according to set selection criteria., Results: Based on 23 original articles the data of 1,462 patients, with a mean age of 37.7 years (range 15 to 92), were analyzed. The overall mean reported incidence of sexual dysfunction was 35.9% in men and 39.6% in women. Various methods were applied for the evaluation of sexual dysfunction, and were questionnaire based in 22 of the 23 studies. Important factors associated with sexual dysfunction were age, pelvic fracture pattern, presence of urogenital injury and injury severity score., Conclusions: Male and female patients were equally affected by sexual dysfunction following pelvic blunt trauma. Limited consensus exists in the definition of sexual dysfunction, the methods and timing of assessment, as well as its management. The existing literature offers limited evidence regarding sexual dysfunction in females, as for both genders in the absence of urogenital initial trauma., (Copyright © 2011 American Urological Association Education and Research, Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A large number of scientists from a wide range of medical and surgical disciplines have reported on the existence and characteristics of the clinical syndrome of pelvic girdle pain during or after pregnancy. This syndrome refers to a musculoskeletal type of persistent pain localised at the anterior and/or posterior aspect of the pelvic ring. The pain may radiate across the hip joint and the thigh bones. The symptoms may begin either during the first trimester of pregnancy, at labour or even during the postpartum period. The physiological processes characterising this clinical entity remain obscure. In this review, the definition and epidemiology, as well as a proposed diagnostic algorithm and treatment options, are presented. Ongoing research is desirable to establish clear management strategies that are based on the pathophysiologic mechanisms responsible for the escalation of the syndrome's symptoms to a fraction of the population of pregnant women.

Posttraumatic arthritis primarily affects younger individuals, leading to reduced physical activity, chronic pain, and prolonged symptomatic treatments. The management of post-traumatic arthritis after fracture, dislocation or ligament rupture continues to be one of the most challenging clinical entities in orthopaedic and trauma surgery. Therapies to address early symptoms include anti-inflammatory agents, pain killers, corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid joint injections but these offer only temporary pain relief with hardly any mid or long term benefit. There are many surgical options for the treatment of posttraumatic arthritis. For the early stages, arthroscopic debridement should be considered. At late stages, corrective osteotomies or arthrodesis are strongly recommended for the young patients. In older patients arthroplasties remain the treatment of choice.

Background: Evaluation of the pelvic fractures (PFx) population in auditing effective components of trauma care is the subject of this study., Methods: A retrospective, case-control, autopsy-based study compared a population with PFx to a control-group using a template with trauma outcome variables, which included demographics, ICD-9, intention, mechanisms, toxicology, Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS-90), Injury Severity Score (ISS), causes of haemorrhage, comorbidity, survival time, pre-hospital response, in hospital data, location of death, and preventable deaths., Results: Of 970 consecutive patients with fatal falls, 209 (21.5%) had PFx and constituted the PFx-group while 761 (78.5%) formed the control-group.Multivariate analysis showed that gender, age, intention, and height of fall were risk factors for PFx. A 300% higher odds of a psychiatric history was found in the PFx-group compared to the control-group (p < 0.001).The median ISS was 50 (17-75) for the PFx-group and 26 (1-75) for the control-group (p < 0.0001). There were no patients with an ISS less than 16 in the PFx group.Associated injuries were significantly more common in the PFx-group than in the control-group. Potentially preventable deaths (ISS < 75) constituted 78% (n = 163) of the PFx-group. The most common AIS3-5 injuries in the potentially preventable subset of patients were the lower extremities in 133 (81.6%), thorax in 130 (79.7%), abdomen/pelvic contents in 99 (60.7%), head in 95 (58.3%) and the spine in 26 (15.9%) patients.A subset of 126 (60.3%) potentially preventable deaths in the PFx-group had at least one AIS-90 code other than the PFx, denoting major haemorrhage. Deaths directly attributed to PFx were limited to 6 (2.9%).The median survival time was 30 minutes for the PFx-group and 20 hours for the control-group (p < 0.001). For a one-group increment in the ISS-groups, the survival rates over the post-traumatic time intervals were reduced by 57% (p < 0.0001).Pre-hospital mortality was significantly higher in the PFx-group i.e. 70.3% of the PFx-group versus 42.7% of the control-group (p < 0.001)., Conclusions: The PFx-group shared common causative risk factors, high severity and multiplicity of injuries that define the PFx-group as a paradigm of injury for audit. This reduced sample of autopsies substantially contributed to the audit of functional, infrastructural, management and prevention issues requiring transformation to reduce mortality.

Compartment syndrome is an urgent clinical entity characterised by an increase in the interstitial pressure within a closed osseofascial compartment. Although well recognised as a potential complication after orthopaedic trauma, it is very rarely presented after elective orthopaedic surgery and especially joint arthroplasty. In these rare cases a number of variables are associated with it (positioning, coagulopathy, extensive soft tissue dissection, previous scarring, and epidural analgesia). In this study we present the current evidence with regard to incidence and causation of compartment syndrome after lower limb joint arthroplasty and make recommendations on how to avoid the development of this devastating complication.

We evaluated the peripheral release of inflammatory mediators after femoral fracture and subsequent intramedullary reaming using the RIA reamers. IL-6 was elevated after trauma, and reaming with RIA induced a measurable second hit response. However, despite a higher ISS, the levels of IL-6 in the RIA group were similar to the levels measured in a group of patients where reaming of the femoral canal was performed using conventional reamers. There was one death related to fat embolism syndrome in the conventional reamers group. However, the overall incidence of complications was low and similar between the 2 groups of studied patients. In polytrauma patients, large scale studies are desirable to evaluate further the immuno-inflammatory response using the RIA reamers prior to the instrumentation of the femoral canal., (Copyright © 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aims: The frequency and the effect of alcohol and illicit drugs on injury type, severity and location of death in motor vehicle collision (MVC) fatalities were investigated., Design: Retrospective case-control study based on autopsy and toxicology., Settings: Single faculty accepting referrals from Greater Athens and prefectures., Participants: Consecutive pre-hospital and in hospital fatalities., Measurements: Demographics, toxicology, abbreviated injury scale (AIS), injury severity score (ISS), and location of death., Findings: Of the 1860 screened subjects, 612 (32.9%) constituted the positive toxicology group (PTG) for alcohol or illicit drugs or both and the 1248 (67.1%) the negative toxicology group (NTG). The median age was 34 (4-90) years for the PTG and 45 (3-97) years for the NTG. The PTG included significantly higher proportions of males and motorcyclists. The PTG had a 50% increased risk for a severe (AIS ≥3) cervical spine and 85% for a severe upper extremity injury, compared to the NTG. A total of 29.2% of the PTG and 22.4% of the NTG deaths were non-preventable (ISS=75). The frequency of severe trauma (ISS ≥16) was comparable between PTG and NTG (P=0.87). The PTG presented with a median ISS of 43 (6-75) versus 41 (2-75) of the NTG, hence without significant difference (P=0.11). The pre-hospital death rate was 77.8% for the PTG versus 58% of the NTG (P<0.001). The analysis confirmed that the odds of positive toxicology were considerably higher in the subjects who arrived dead at the hospital (OR 2.62, P <0.001)., Conclusions: In the greater Athens region, almost a third of motor vehicle collision-related fatalities involved alcohol, illicit drugs or both. Individuals screened positive for alcohol or drugs were 2.6 times more likely to die before hospital admission than those with a negative toxicology screen, despite comparable injury severity. Specific evidence-based management protocols and reassessment of surveillance are required., (© 2010 The Authors, Addiction © 2010 Society for the Study of Addiction.)

Peri-articular fractures of the knee in the young and elderly pose several management dilemmas. Over the last decade enormous interest has been generated in various fixation modalities, none proving to be an ideal stabilisation method. The problem is compounded by a lack of well-designed studies comparing various treatment options. In this article, the issues surrounding the diagnostic and management strategies of peri-articular fractures of the knee are discussed.

The central role of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in the remodelling process of the human skeleton has been identified in numerous experimental and clinical studies. BMPs appear to be key agents in the osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, and more recent evidence implicates them with the cells of the osteoclastic lineage. BMP-2, BMP-4, BMP-6 and BMP-7 have been studied in the context of osteoporosis and have been associated with its pathophysiological pathways. The theoretical advantages of local or systemic treatment of osteoporotic fractures with BMPs include the potential of inducing a rapid increase in bone strength locally at the fractured area and systemically in the entire skeleton, as well as accelerating the bone-healing period. Animal models of osteoporotic fractures suggested that the induction of new bone by local or systemic use of BMP-7 should be investigated as potential bone augmentation therapy to improve bone quality in symptomatic spinal osteoporosis. As our knowledge expands, new innovations may provide clinicians with advanced biologically-based therapies for the successful treatment of osteoporotic fractures., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Fracture non-unions often complicate orthopaedic trauma. BMPs (bone morphogenetic proteins) are currently considered the most appealing osteoinductive agents. Applications of BMP-7 since January 2004 were prospectively recorded in a multicentre registry of aseptic femoral non-unions. The study included 30 patients who had undergone a median of 1 revision operation before BMP-7 application and who were followed up for a median 24 months. In 23/30 cases the application of BMP-7 was combined with revision of the fixation, and in 12 it was combined also with autograft. Non-union healing was verified in 26/30 cases in a median period of 6 months. No adverse events were associated with BMP-7 application. Our case series supports the safety and efficacy of BMP-7 in femoral non-unions. Multicentre networks and systematic, long-term follow-up of patients may improve understanding of this promising osteoinductive bone substitute., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Bone grafting is not routinely required in primary arthrodesis in the absence of infection, avascular necrosis, bone defect or previous non-union; when any of the above factors is present, autograft is the gold-standard method. However, donor site morbidity and the quantitative and qualitative limitations of autograft have led to the development of alternatives. This study documents the use of the bone morphogenetic protein BMP-7 in a total of 19 joint fusions (ankle, subtalar, talonavicular, pubic and sacroiliac). Healing rates of 90% and satisfactory subjective functional outcome in 70% of cases were recorded over a minimum follow-up of 15 months. These data should provide a sound foundation for future clinical trials evaluating the application of BMP-7 in the fusion of joints., (Copyright 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The parameter of health economics in the use of any contemporary medical module plays a dominant role in decision making. A prospective nonrandomised comparative study of the direct medical costs on the first attempt of treating aseptic nonunions of tibial fractures, with either autologous-iliac-crest-bone-graft (ICBG) or bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7), is presented. Twenty-seven consecutive patients, who were successfully treated for fracture nonunions, were divided into two groups. Group 1 (n = 12) received ICBG and group 2 (n = 15) received BMP-7. All patients healed their nonunions, and the financial analysis presented represents a best-case scenario. Three out of 12 of the ICBG group required revision surgery while just one out of 15 required it in the BMP-7 group. Average hospital stay was 10.66 vs. 8.66 days, time-to-union 6.9 vs. 5.5 months, hospitals costs pound2,133.6 vs. pound1,733.33, and theatre costs were pound2,413.3 vs. pound906.67 for the ICBG and BMP-7 groups, respectively. The BMP-7 cost was pound3002.2. Fixation-implant was pound696.4 vs. pound592.3, radiology pound570 vs. pound270, outpatient pound495.8 vs. pound223.33, and other costs were pound451.6 vs. pound566.27 for the ICBG and BMP-7 groups, respectively. The average cost of treatment with BMP-7 was 6.78% higher (P = 0.1) than with ICBG, and most of this (41.1%) was related to the actual price of the BMP-7. In addition to the satisfactory efficacy and safety of BMP-7 in comparison to the gold standard of ICBG, as documented in multiple studies, its cost effectiveness is advocated favourably in this analysis.

Background: Pyogenic sacroiliitis is a rare musculoskeletal infection that is difficult to diagnose and treat. The consequences of delayed diagnosis or inadequate treatment are often the formation of abscesses and sinuses, destructive osteomyelitis, and sequestration., Methods: Case report and literature review., Results: A 26-year-old woman developed chronic destructive pyogenic sacroiliitis and gross pelvic instability. Over a two-month hospitalization, she required six extensive surgical debridements with application of cement spacer, negative-pressure closure, intravenous antibiotics, and complex definitive fixation of the pelvic ring with autografting and application of bone morphogenetic protein-7. Radiologic union of her symphysis pubis fusion was verified during the fifth postoperative month. Thirteen months postoperatively, the patient was walking freely without aids and reported pain-free function for most of her daily activities., Conclusion: Chronic destructive pyogenic sacroiliitis is one of the most demanding infections of the musculoskeletal system. A successful outcome depends on prompt referral, appropriate antibiotic treatment, correct timing of surgical intervention, surgical expertise, and multidisciplinary follow up.

Aim: In order to assess the effect of osteoporosis on healing time, the files of 165 patients with femoral shaft fractures that were treated in our institution with locked-reamed intramedullary nailing were retrospectively reviewed., Patients and Methods: Patients with open fractures, pathological fractures, revision surgery, severe brain injuries and prolonged ITU stay were excluded. In all patients the Singh-index score for osteoporosis and the canal bone ratio (CBR) were assigned. Sixty-six patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into two groups; group A (29 patients) consisted of patients over 65 years old with radiological evidence of osteoporosis and group B (37 patients) of patients between 18 and 40 years old with no signs of osteoporosis., Results: In all group A patients Singh score < or =4 and CBR>0.50 were assigned, suggesting the presence of osteoporosis, whereas all group B patients were assigned with Singh score > or =5 and CBR<0.48. Fractures of group A healed in 19.38+/-5.9 weeks (12-30) and in group B 16.19+/-5.07 weeks (10-28), P=0.02., Conclusions: Fracture healing of nailed femoral diaphyseal fractures is significantly delayed in older osteoporotic patients. Further studies are required to clarify the exact impact of osteoporosis in the whole healing process.

Over a period of 5 years, 63 traumatic and eight pathological diaphyseal humeral fractures were treated with a new modular humeral nail. The nail is cannulated, square in shape--with concave sides--and has two different extensions that can be used with either the antegrade or the retrograde approach. Adequate rotational and axial stability is provided without the need for distal locking screws in the majority of fractures, while the need for proximal locking screws during the antegrade procedure is abolished. This study aims to present the 'Garnavos' nail and the results of its use, along with proposals and guidelines that should be considered whenever intramedullary nailing is selected for the treatment of diaphyseal humeral fractures.

A systematic review of the English literature over the last 30 years was conducted in order to investigate the correlation of the clinical outcome of different types of pelvic ring injuries to the method of treatment. Three basic therapeutic approaches were analysed: non-operative treatment (group A), stabilisation of anterior pelvis (group B) and internal fixation of posterior pelvis (group C). Of 818 retrieved reports, 27 case series, with 28 groups of patients and 1,641 patients, met our inclusion criteria. The quality of the literature was evaluated using a structured questionnaire. Outcomes of the eligible studies were summarised by the medians of the reported results. Most of the component studies were of fair or poor quality. Certain radiological results (quality of reduction, malunion rates) were significantly better in group C. From the functional point of view only walking capacity was proved to be significantly better in the groups of operative treatment compared to the non-operative group.

Open fractures of the tibial diaphysis are the result of high-energy trauma. They are usually associated with extensive soft tissue loss and represent serious clinical problems. Surgical treatment of these injuries has been associated with substantial complications such as osteomyelitis, delayed bone healing, poor functional outcome, soft-tissue failure, or even amputations. More recently a staged treatment, with initial application of spanning external fixators followed by definitive fixation at secondary phase, has been advocated. Plating of these fractures in the acute setting remains a topic of heated discussion. A systematic review of the literature was carried out in order to investigate the existing evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of this method of osteosynthesis. Eleven papers met the inclusion criteria, accumulating 492 open tibial fractures treated with plating. The overall union rate ranged from 62-95% across all studies, with time to union ranging from 13-42 weeks. The reoperation rate ranged from 8-69% and a pooled estimate of deep infection rate was calculated at 11%. Plate fixation for the treatment of open tibial fractures can be considered under specific conditions which need to be elicited and clarified with future well-designed and conducted clinical trials.

Trauma patients often present in a state of haemorrhagic shock. Blood products remain the gold standard of resuscitation, but allogeneic blood transfusions (ABTs) are associated with several risks. The stimulating effect of recombinant-erythropoietin (EPO-A) on erythropoiesis has raised interest in its administration as an alternative. The existing evidence on the early use of EPO-A in the acute phase of trauma patients management consists of only 14 publications. The level of evidence of these studies and the number of treated patients was not found to be adequate to support its generalised use, despite their favourable results. Its safety profile, the preliminary proofs of its efficacy, and the additional cyto-protective properties of EPO-A strongly encourage further controlled studies assessing its use in the acute setting of initial trauma management.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) were first described by Dr. Marshall Urist in 1965. Since 1988 a series of clinical studies and randomized clinical trials have evaluated the application of these molecules in humans. A comprehensive review of 30 clinical studies was performed to elicit the existing evidence of the English orthopaedic literature. BMPs appear to be efficacious as the reported success rates are equivalent and perhaps superior to those achieved with the gold standard methods of autografting. Clinical safety assessments have been even more encouraging with just a few reports of adverse events related to their use in clinical practice. There are certain controversies on the presented results of all the reviewed clinical series, which reflect the complexity of the osteoinductive and osteoconductive role of the BMPs, the ongoing quest for optimization of the dosing schemes and delivery carriers, as well as the multifactorial interactions during bone formation and remodeling.