Jorge E. Alonso

Complete acromioclavicular separations. A comparison of operative methods.

A retrospective study of the surgical treatment methods for complete acromioclavicular (AC) dislocations was initiated to investigate the efficacy of each. During the years 1972-1985, a total of 95 surgical procedures were performed for complete AC dislocations. The medical records of 90 cases were available for review. The operative methods compared coracoclavicular (CC) with AC fixation methods. Excision of the distal clavicle was performed for chronic dislocations. AC fixation methods included Kirschner wires alone, Kirschner-wire fixation with coracoacromial ligament transfer, and Kirschner-wire fixation with tension wiring. Results were graded using evaluation of pain, range of motion, and residual deformity. AC fixation methods proved to be more successful than CC fixation methods. Excellent results were obtained in more than 89% of both AC and CC methods. AC methods had more minor complications including infections and implant breakage, but no failure or recurrences of the dislocation. CC methods resulted in 9% failure or recurrences. Of the AC fixation methods, the Kirschner wire with tension wiring gave the best results but required a more extensive operation for removal of implants. Excision of the distal end of the clavicle is an adequate form of treatment for the chronic complete painful AC dislocation.

Pelvic trauma in rapidly fatal motor vehicle accidents.

Objective To study the incidence and nature of pelvic fractures in rapidly fatal automobile accidents. Design Retrospective. Setting County Medical Examiners Office. Patients The files of 255 consecutive motor vehicle accident fatalities examined at the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiners office (study period 1996–1998) were reviewed. We orrelated this information with our previous findings, derived from a review of 392 such cases (study period 1994–1996). Results Approximately 25% of decedents involved in rapidly fatal automobile accidents sustained pelvic fractures. In 93% of the cases, postmortem radiographs were available and suitable for scoring according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association nomenclature. The distribution of pelvic fractures by type was type A, 16%; type B, 32%; and type C, 52%, with the most common pelvic fracture being type C1 (26%). Additionally, pedestrians and motorcyclists were twice as likely to sustain a pelvic fracture, and the severity of pelvic fracture type seemed to correlate with increasing speed of the automobile. No correlation between drug use or direction of impact and incidence or type of pelvic fracture was observed. Compared with published studies on survivors of automobile accidents, our data suggest that pelvic injuries may tend to be more severe in victims who do not survive to hospitalization. Conclusions Our data indicate that current estimates about the mortality of pelvic fractures may be faulty due to exclusion of victims who fail to survive to hospitalization. This series suggests that an appreciation of the full spectrum of pelvic ring disruptions requires collaboration between orthopaedic surgeons and forensic pathologists.

Use of the AO/ASIF external fixator in children

Sixteen children with 20 fractures were treated with the AO/ASIF tubular fixator (Synthes, Ltd., Paoli, PA). Most of the fractures were open, but the fixator was also used in closed fractures in children with head injuries or other forms of trauma. There were 10 fractures of the tibia, 5 of the femur, 3 of the pelvis, and 2 involving the humerus. Average follow-up was 26 months, with the fixators in place for an average of 7 weeks. Fracture union occurred after an average of 16 weeks. This system is easier to apply, less complicated, and lighter than other types of fixators.

External fixation of femoral fractures. Indications and limitations.

The role of external fixation in the management of femoral shaft fractures is reviewed based on a study of 24 femoral fractures managed by either an AO or a Wagner external fixator during 1983-1986. Indications included open fractures with soft-tissue injury (13 patients), comminuted shaft fractures (six patients), and unstable operative candidates (five patients). In 14 patients, external fixation was a temporary method (Group I), while in ten patients it was the definitive method of stabilization (Group II). Twenty-one patients achieved solid union, two developed a delayed union, and one had a nonunion. Three patients developed pin-tract infections, and one developed osteomyelitis after intramedullary fixation in Group I. Two patients in Group II developed shortening (2.1 cm and 3.2 cm). Loss of motion occurred in 11 patients, averaging 56 degrees. It is suggested that external fixation be considered in the following types of femoral fractures: open fractures for aggressive management of soft-tissue injuries; closed fractures in severely traumatized, burn, or head injury patients; fractures about the knee resulting in floating knees; and infected femoral nonunions and pseudarthroses.

Improved treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children utilizing the pontoon spica cast: a long-term follow-up.

Summary This prospective study looked at 91 pediatric femur fractures. Patients were randomized into two groups: (a) A traditional group treated with 3 weeks in traction followed by spica; and (b) a pontoon spica group in which patients were treated first with only a few days in traction and then with a 90–90 pins-in-plastic spica. The pontoon spica provides excellent short- and long-term results. These include (a) providing substantial cost savings; (b) causing much less inconvenience to the family and child; (c) reducing the number of inpatient days, thereby freeing hospital beds; (d) permitting early motion; (e) reducing the number of short-term complications; and (f) preventing excessive shortening while controlling rotation.

Lawn mower injuries in children: a preventable impairment.

Summary Every year there are seven million new lawn mowers purchased in the United States, each of which is capable of injuring young children, especially those >14 years of age. A total of 33 children injured by a lawn mower were reviewed to identify the mechanism of injury, to determine the factors responsible for the accident, to determine an effective treatment regime, and to evaluate the permanent impairment for these patients. Classified according to their mechanism of injury, 14 children were injured as bystanders, 13 injured as riders, and six injured as operators. Categorized according to the anatomical location of injury, there were eight head and eye injuries, 12 upper extremity injuries, and 13 lower extremity injuries. There were 13 amputations (39.3%). The treatment management was satisfactory, but 23 children had an impairment >40% of the whole person. We believe that the incidence of these injuries can be reduced by public awareness. Each orthopaedic surgeon should take on the task of educating the public about the dangers and wounding capacity of these machines and instructing the proper safety precautions that should be taken when mowing the lawn, especially when children are involved. The bottom line is that children should not be allowed in the yard while the lawn is being mowed nor should they be allowed to mow the lawn until they are ≥15 years of age.

Open reduction and internal fixation of volar lip fractures of the distal radius.

Fractures of the volar lip of the distal radius are relatively uncommon injuries. However, controversy exists concerning the treatment of these fractures. We reviewed our experience with open reduction and internal fixation through a volar approach using buttress plates. Sixteen patients with 17 fractures were treated by this method. Their ages ranged from 16 to 65 years (average 38 years). Eight fractures occurred secondary to motor vehicle accidents, while the remaining patients sustained falls. Mean follow-up time was 19.5 months. All fractures healed with no infections. Sixteen of the fractures were treated primarily with open reduction and internal fixation, while one patient was treated 6 weeks after injury for a malunion. Ranges of motion averaged 71° dorsiflexion, 60° palmar flexion, 79° pronation, 78° supination, 22° radial deviation, and 32° ulnar deviation. Analysis of results demonstrated 12 excellent, 2 good, and 3 fair results. Two patients with fair results had nonanatomic restoration of the joint surface at surgery, while the other patient with a fair result was treated late. We recommend early open reduction and internal fixation of displaced or unstable volar lip fractures of the distal radius. Accurate anatomic alignment and stable fixation are achieved with the volar buttress plate. Motion can begin 2–3 days after surgery to aid in obtaining excellent functional results.

The etiology of valgus angulation after metaphyseal fractures of the tibia in children

We conducted a retrospective study of proximal metaphyseal fractures of the tibia in children who developed valgus deformities. We reviewed the cases in an effort to determine the most likely etiology of postfracture tibia valga. which occurs despite careful treatment and follow-up. We reviewed seven major theories presented in the literature regarding the etiology of this problem. Our conclusion was that all the theories were not prerequisites for the development of valgus angulation, but rather may be secondary mechanisms. We suggest that the most likely primary mechanism is an increased vascular response causing an asymmetric growth stimulation of the medial metaphysis of the proximal tibia.

Analysis of the incidence of pelvic trauma in fatal automobile accidents

Pelvic fractures are frequent complications of motor vehicle accidents, and motor vehicle accidents are the most common cause of pelvic fracture. Although pelvic fractures are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, there has traditionally been no attempt to grade or classify pelvic fractures during postmortem examination. The authors performed a retrospective study of cases examined at the Jefferson County Coroner/Medical Examiner Office from 1994 to 1996, reviewing investigative reports and autopsy findings. Radiographs were examined for the presence and Tile type of pelvic fracture. Pelvic fractures were identified in 88 of 392 cases (23%). In most (89%), the pelvic fracture was readily classified according to Tile type on the basis of radiographs and the inferred mechanism of injury. This study indicates that current estimates of the mortality of pelvic fractures are low because of the exclusion of individuals who do not survive to hospitalization. Furthermore, pelvic fractures in rapidly fatal motor vehicle accidents tend to be more severe than fractures in individuals who have a significant interval of survival. The presence and classification of pelvic fractures may be readily determined by radiographs in most cases. The Tile classification scheme is easy to apply and has important implications in the comparison of study groups.

Closed interlocking nailing of the femur complicated by an intramedullary calcified lesion.

The interlocking intramedullary nail has greatly expanded the indications for closed intramedullary nailing of the femur. We describe a complication caused by the presence of a calcified lesion located at the proximal metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction of the femur. This lesion could not be penetrated by hand reamers. We used a long 3.5-mm drill bit to place a hole in the infarct, which then allowed passage of the hand reamer. The operation then proceeded in the standard fashion without complications.