Antonella Abate

Hybrid external fixation in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures: A retrospective analysis of 162 fractures

OBJECTIVES To determine the efficacy of hybrid external fixation in the treatment of tibial pilon fractures. DESIGN Retrospective, multicentre study. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS Adult patients with tibial pilon fractures treated with hybrid external fixation. INTERVENTION Fracture reduction with ligamentotaxis and fixation with XCaliber hybrid external fixator. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Fracture union, complications, functional outcome (Mazur Ankle Score). RESULTS Union was obtained in 159 fractures at an average of 125days; there were three delayed unions and three non-unions. The most frequent complication was superficial pin-track infections (48), all of which responded to local wound care and antibiotics. There were no deep infections and no DVT. Only one fracture had loss of reduction that required frame revision. The overall functional scores were 91 (excellent) for AO/OTA type A fractures, 89 (good) for type B fractures, and 75 (satisfactory) for type C fractures. CONCLUSIONS Hybrid external fixation is an effective method of stabilising tibial pilon fractures, particularly those with marked comminution. The minimally-invasive technique and stable fixation enable early mobilisation, with good functional results and minimal complications. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV Case series.

Is distal locking with short intramedullary nails necessary in stable pertrochanteric fractures? A prospective, multicentre, randomised study

We investigated whether a proximal femoral nail can be implanted without a distal locking screw in AO/OTA 31-A1 and 31-A2 pertrochanteric stable femur fractures. A multicentre, randomised study was conducted in six level-two trauma centres in our area (Puglia, Italy). A total of 333 patients received their allocated intervention (162 in the locking group [LG] and 171 in the unlocking group [UG]) and 266 patients were included in the final analysis at 1year. Our data showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups at 1-year follow-up for ability to walk, SF-36 questionnaire results, residual pain (visual analogue scale [VAS] score) and level of overall satisfaction. There were also no statistically significant differences between groups for mortality and length of hospital stay. Conversely, the UG was associated with shorter operation and fluoroscopy times, shorter surgical incision length, and less blood loss and residual thigh pain. Pertrochanteric stable fractures (31-A1, 31-A2) can be treated successfully with intramedullary nails without distal locking, reducing patient and clinical personnel radiation exposure and sanitary costs (surgery time and screws costs).

Volar locking plate vs epibloc system for distal radius fractures in the elderly

PURPOSE To compare clinical outcomes of ORIF with volar locking plates and the Epibloc system (ES) in the treatment of distal radius fractures (DRFs) in patients aged over 65 years. METHODS We retrospectively examined a consecutive series of 100 patients with intra-articular or extra-articular DRF who were admitted to our Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology between January 2007 and January 2013. Fifty patients were treated using the Epibloc System; and the other 50 patients using ORIF with volar locking plates. In all patients, functional evaluation (wrist range of motion [ROM], grip strength and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand [DASH] Score) and radiographic assessment (radial inclination, volar tilt, ulnar variance and articular congruity) were performed at 2 and 6 weeks, and 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively; then every 12 months thereafter. RESULTS ORIF with volar locking plates was associated with better outcome than ES in the intra-articular and extra-articular DRF groups, generating higher average ROM, DASH and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores. Grip strength mean values, however, were quantified over the minimum level for a functional wrist (>60%) in both groups. There were no differences between the two techniques in X-ray parameters, and no further correlation was found with functional outcome and ROM. CONCLUSIONS In a low-functioning patient with multiple medical comorbidities, minimally-invasive surgery with the ES is a safe option, enables early mobilisation of the wrist and is likely to produce acceptable clinical outcomes.

Reducing periprosthetic joint infection: what really counts?

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains one of the most challenging complications after joint arthroplasty. Despite improvements in surgical techniques and in the use of antibiotic prophylaxis, it remains a major cause of implant failure and need for revision. PJI is associated with both human host-related and bacterial agent-related factors that can interact in all the phases of the procedure (preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative). Prevention is the first strategy to implement in order to minimize this catastrophic complication. The present review focuses on the preoperative period, and on what to do once risk factors are fully understood and have been identified.

Management of a humeral shaft non-union after a Gustilo III C fracture

A 25-year-old man was admitted to our Department with an open humeral shaft fracture (Gustilo III C); two large wounds were noticed with ulnar artery and median nerve completely dissected. Initial primary treatment included irrigation, debridement and fracture stabilization with a monolateral external fixator followed by vascular and nerve repair and wound closure. At 6 months follow up the patient was able to use his arm without any painful stimuli and a CT scan showed the presence of postero-medial callus formation. Consequently, the external fixator was removed and the patient was discharged to physiotherapy. After 7 months, the patient presented with severe pain and functional impairment with no history of trauma. X rays showed recent re-fracture on a background of oligotrophic nonunion. Revision surgery included debridement of the non-union bone edges, reaming of the medullary canal and insertion of a humeral nail. Six months later osseous healing was noted with complete restoration of shoulder and elbow movement and partial recovery of the median nerve.

Il ruolo della fissazione esterna come trattamento definitivo delle fratture sovracondiloidee di femore

The treatment of distal femoral fractures has evolved with the introduction of the LISS and MIPO techniques. Unfortunely, these fractures remain difficult to treat with an unpredictable prognosis. Over the years, many different strategies have been used with varying success. The role of external fixation in the management of these fractures is discussed. Holding the surgical skill factor constant, we conclude that external fixation provide excellent bone healing capability, especially in case of open fractures, and guarantee satisfactory outcomes in selected cases.