Bill Ristevski

Predictors of nonunion and reoperation in patients with fractures of the tibia: an observational study

BackgroundTibial shaft fractures are the most common long bone fracture and are prone to complications such as nonunion requiring reoperations to promote fracture healing. We aimed to determine the fracture characteristics associated with tibial fracture nonunion, and their predictive value on the need for reoperation. We further aimed to evaluate the predictive value of a previously-developed prognostic index of three fracture characteristics on nonunion and reoperation rate.MethodsWe conducted an observational study and developed a risk factor list from previous literature and key informants in the field of orthopaedic surgery, as well as via a sample-to-redundancy strategy. We evaluated 22 potential risk factors for the development of tibial fracture nonunion in 200 tibial fractures. We also evaluated the predictive value of a previously-identified prognostic risk index on secondary intervention and/or reoperation rate. Two individuals independently extracted the data from 200 patient electronic medical records. An independent reviewer assessed the initial x-ray, the post-operative x-ray, and all available sequential x-rays. Regression and chi-square analysis was used to evaluate potential associations.ResultsIn our cohort of patients, 37 (18.5%) had a nonunion and 27 (13.5%) underwent a reoperation. Patients with a nonunion were 97 times (95% CI 25.8-366.5) more likely to have a reoperation. Multivariable logistic regression revealed that fractures with less than 25% cortical continuity were predictive of nonunion (odds ratio = 4.72; p = 0.02). Such fractures also accounted for all of the reoperations identified in our sample. Furthermore, our data provided preliminary validation of a previous risk index predictive of reoperation that includes the presence of a fracture gap post-fixation, open fracture, and transverse fracture type as variables, with an aggregate of fracture gap and an open fracture yielding patients with the highest risk of developing a nonunion.ConclusionsWe identified a significant association between degree of cortical continuity and the development of a nonunion and risk for reoperation in tibial shaft fractures. In addition, our study supports the predictive value of a previous prognostic index, which inform discussion of prognosis following operative management of tibial fractures.

Systematic review of the treatment of periprosthetic distal femur fractures.

Objectives: To systematically review and compare nonoperative and operative treatments for the management of periprosthetic distal femur fractures adjacent to total knee arthroplasties. Specific operative interventions compared included locked plating, retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIMN), and conventional (nonlocked) plating. Where possible, data were pooled to arrive at summary estimates of treatment effect [odds ratios (ORs) with associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs)]. Methods: A comprehensive database search (via Pubmed, Medline, Cochrane Database, and the Orthopaedic Trauma Association database) was completed, yielding 44 eligible studies with a total of 719 fractures for analysis. Pertinent outcomes including malunion, nonunion, and the need for secondary surgical procedures were compared statistically. Results: Both locked plating and RIMN demonstrated significant advantages over nonoperative treatment. Some advantages were also observed when locked plating and RIMN were compared with conventional (nonlocked) plates. Comparison of locked plating and RIMN showed no significant differences with regard to nonunion rates (OR = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.13–1.15; P = 0.09) or rate of secondary surgical procedures (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.31–1.35; P = 0.25). However, RIMN demonstrated a significantly higher malunion rate when compared with locked plating (OR = 2.37, 95% CI = 1.17–4.81; P = 0.02). Conclusions: Locked plating and RIMN offer significant advantages over nonoperative treatment and conventional (nonlocked) plating techniques in the management of periprosthetic femur fractures above total knee arthroplasties. Locked plating demonstrated a trend toward increased nonunion rates when compared with RIMN. Malunion was significantly higher with RIMN compared with locked plating.

Periprosthetic distal femur fractures: current concepts.

Periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur most commonly present as fragility fractures associated with relatively minor trauma. These injuries are often complicated by osteopenia of the distal femur secondary to stress shielding or osteolysis. Effective management of periprosthetic fractures of the distal femur requires knowledge of both fracture fixation techniques and revision arthroplasty. This article reviews the treatment options for these challenging fractures with a particular focus on the management of displaced fractures with a stable prosthesis.

Surgical fixation of Vancouver type B1 periprosthetic femur fractures: a systematic review.

Objectives: Vancouver type B1 periprosthetic femur fractures occur around a stable implant and are typically treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Different fixation techniques are described in the literature, and there is a lack of consensus regarding the best operative fixation strategy. The purpose of this investigation was to systematically review and compare the most commonly used fixation strategies for these fractures. Data Sources: A database search was performed using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases to identify studies published in English language from 1985 to 2013. Study Selection: Articles with a minimum of 5 patients with type B1 periprosthetic femur fractures and containing outcome data regarding nonunion, malunion, infection, and reoperation rate were included. Data Extraction: Studies were analyzed and categorized into 4 groups: group 1: ORIF with cortical strut allografts alone, group 2: ORIF with cable plate/compression plates alone, group 3: ORIF with cable plate/compression plates and cortical strut allograft, group 4: ORIF with locking plates alone. Individual patient outcomes were extracted for each study and pooled for each of the 4 groups. Data analysis was performed comparing rates of nonunion, malunion, hardware failure, infection, and reoperation. Data Synthesis: Data were analyzed using Review Manager and SAS 9.3. Conclusions: In total, 333 patients identified with an overall rate of 5% nonunion, 6% malunion, 5% infection, 4% hardware failure, 9% reoperation, and 15% total complications. When comparing outcomes for different modes of fixation, compared with cable plate/compression plate systems, locking plates had a significantly higher rate of nonunion (3% vs. 9% P = 0.02) and a trend toward a higher rate of hardware failure (2% vs. 7%, P = 0.07). There are limitations to this study, and further investigation with high-quality randomized controlled trials is needed to effectively compare treatment strategies.

The radiographic quantification of scapular malalignment after malunion of displaced clavicular shaft fractures

BACKGROUND Malunion after displaced fractures of the clavicle can result in varying degrees of scapular malalignment and potentially scapular winging. The purpose of our study was to quantify the scapular malalignment in patients with midshaft clavicle malunions showing scapular winging. METHODS Eighteen patients with symptomatic midshaft clavicle malunions showing scapular winging were identified and underwent standardized computed tomography scanning of the thorax. Specific bony landmarks on the clavicle and scapula were digitized, allowing generation of 3-dimensional points. These points were acquired bilaterally so that relative translations comparing the malunited side with the contralateral side could be obtained. Statistical analysis using a paired t test was performed. RESULTS The mean time from fracture to examination was 42.9 months. There were 15 men and 3 women with a mean age of 41.6 years. The mean clavicular shortening was 21.1 mm (P = .0000004). The acromion of the affected scapula on average translated 24.3 mm. The components of this translation were medial, 11.9 mm (P = .00008); inferior, 20.7 mm (P = .0009); and anterior, 4.6 mm (P = .02). Posterior bony landmarks on the scapula including the superior and inferior angles of the scapula translated a total of 9.9 mm and 5.9 mm, respectively. CONCLUSION This is the first study to document the degree of scapular malalignment in patients with symptomatic clavicle malunions showing scapular winging. The acromion closely follows the distal clavicular fragment and translates medially, inferiorly, and anteriorly. The translations of the superior and inferior angles of the scapula are quite variable in magnitude and direction, and on average, these angles translate substantially less than the acromion.

Operative versus nonoperative interventions for common fractures of the clavicle: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND The popularity of surgery for acute displaced midshaft clavicle fractures has been fuelled by early randomized controlled trials (RCTs) showing improved rates of radiographic union and perceived functional benefits compared with nonoperative approaches. We performed a meta-analysis to determine the effect of operative and nonoperative interventions on the risk of secondary operation and complications and on long-term function. METHODS We search MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for reports of relevant RCTs published to Mar. 7, 2014. Two reviewers assessed eligibility of potential reports and the risk of bias of included trials. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach was used to summarize the quality of evidence for all outcomes. RESULTS We included 15 RCTs (9 trials comparing operative and nonoperative interventions, 5 comparing implants for operative treatment, and 1 comparing nonoperative treatments). Nonoperative treatments did not differ from operative treatments in the risk of secondary operation (risk ratio [RR] 1.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.58 to 2.35) or all complications (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.50). One in 4 patients had a complication regardless of the treatment approach. Differences in functional outcomes, although smaller than the threshold for minimal important differences at 1 year, favoured operative interventions (standardized mean difference 0.38, 95% CI 0 to 0.75). Evidence for the type of implant or approach to nonoperative treatment remained inconclusive. INTERPRETATION Current evidence does not support the routine use of internal fixation for the treatment of displaced midshaft clavicle fractures. Complication rates were high regardless of the treatment approach.

Humeral Shaft Fractures

SM is a 34-year-old female who presents to the emergency department via EMS complaining of severe arm pain after a high speed MVA. She denies any loss of consciousness. On primary survey, she demonstrates a GCS of 15, a patent airway, and is hemodynamically stable. On secondary survey, she demonstrates an obviously deformed left arm. Her past medical history is unremarkable. She takes no medications and has no allergies.A direct blow commonly causes fractures that occur in the middle third of the shaft of the humerus. Humeral shaft fractures account for about 3% of all fractures. These fractures are classified based on their location, open or closed status and the type of fracture line. The majority of humeral shaft fractures are unstable but non-surgical treatment is the standard of care.