Karl Lunsjo

Extramedullary fixation of 569 unstable intertrochanteric fractures: a randomized multicenter trial of the Medoff sliding plate versus three other screw-plate systems

We compared the efficacy of the Medoff sliding plate (MSP) with 3 other screw-plate systems for fixation of unstable intertrochanteric fractures in a randomized multicenter trial of 569 elderly patients. The MSP has biaxial dynamic capacity along both the neck and the shaft of the femur unlike the other systems, which lack dynamic capacity along the shaft. 268 fractures were operated on with the MSP, and 301 with the dynamic hip screw (DHS), with or without a trochanteric stabilizing plate (DHS/TSP) or with the dynamic condylar screw (DCS). The MSP had recently been shown to the surgeons.The patients in the groups were similar as regards age, domestic situation, preinjury walking ability and type of fracture. We followed the patients clinically and radiographically for at least 1 year. There was no significant difference in walking ability at follow-up or rate of return to home. Fixation failure occurred in 18/268 fractures operated on with the MSP, in 8/238 with the DHS, in 3/49 with the DHS/TSP and in 1/14 with the DCS. The difference in the rate of fixation failure was not statistically significant when the MSP group was compared to the 3 other groups. In 14 of the 18 fixation failures in the MSP group, the biaxial dynamic capacity of the MSP had not been used due to technical errors by surgeons, unfamiliar with the new method. No selection bias was found regarding fracture types in the 2 subgroups of patients with correct or inadequate biaxial dynamization. Extramedullary fixation of unstable intertrochanteric fractures with these implants showed a low failure rate. When using the MSP, biaxial dynamization must be correctly performed.

Factors affecting anatomical region of injury, severity, and mortality for road trauma in a high-income developing country: Lessons for prevention

OBJECTIVES To study the factors affecting anatomical region of injury, severity, and mortality among road users in United Arab Emirates so as to improve preventive measures. METHODS Data of the Trauma Registry of Al Ain city were collected prospectively over 3 years (2003-2006) at the main trauma hospital. For traffic injuries, the following were assessed: gender, nationality, road user type, anatomical region(s) of injury, systolic blood pressure on admission, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), and mortality. Analysis included frequencies, cross-tabulations, and logistic regression. RESULTS There were 1070 patients, 89% male, 25% UAE nationals, and with a mean age of 31 years. Expatriates, mainly from non-Arabic speaking, low-income countries, accounted for 88% of injured pedestrians, whilst nationals were overrepresented among vehicle occupants (29%), and motorcyclists 37%. Injuries of the extremities and head were frequent among pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists, whilst head and spine injuries were most common among front and rear vehicle occupants and drivers. The median ISS was five for pedestrians and four for all other road user types, including rear vehicle occupants. The mean hospitalisation was 9.7 days; 13% of patients were admitted to ICU with mean stay of 6.5 days. Overall mortality was 4%; pedestrians accounted for 61% of deaths. Predictors of mortality were GCS (p<0.001), ISS (p<0.01) and systolic blood pressure on admission (p<0.03). CONCLUSIONS Head injury was a major factor affecting mortality, followed by injury severity and hypotension. To reduce injury incidence and severity, legislation and education are needed to ensure use of seat belts by all vehicle occupants including rear passengers, high-visibility devices by other road users, helmets by motorcyclists and bicyclists, protective clothing and boots for motorcyclists, and traffic engineering for pedestrians.

Extramedullary fixation of 107 subtrochanteric fractures: a randomized multicenter trial of the Medoff sliding plate versus 3 other screw-plate systems.

We compared the efficacy of a load-sharing device, the Medoff sliding plate (MSP), with that of 3 other load-bearing screw-plate devices for the fixation of subtrochanteric fractures in a randomized multicenter trial of 107 elderly patients. 55 fractures were operated on with the MSP, and 52 with the dynamic hip screw (DHS) with or without a trochanteric stabilizing plate (TSP) or with the dynamic condylar screw (DCS). The patient material in the groups was similar regarding age, domestic situation, preinjury walking ability and fracture types. We followed the patients clinically and radiographically for a minimum of 1 year. There was no significant difference in walking ability or return rate to the home at follow-up. Fixation failure occurred in 1/55 fractures operated on with the MSP, in 3/32 with the DHS, in 3/12 with the DCS and in 2/8 with the DHS/TSR The difference in the rate of fixation failure was statistically significant, when the MSP group was compared to the 3 load-bearing devices in the other group (1 vs 8). On the basis of this experience, we think that the load-sharing principle of the MSP, which seems to facilitate fracture impaction and stability, appears to be a good alternative in extramedullary fixation of subtrochanteric fractures.

One-way compression along the femoral shaft with the Medoff sliding plate:The first European experience of 104 intertrochanteric fractures with a 1-year follow-up

This is an assessment of a new device for treatment of intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures. The Medoff sliding plate (MSP) allows compression in 3 different modes: along the femoral shaft, along the femoral neck or a combination of both. In this prospective series of 104 consecutive intertrochanteric fractures, dynamic compression was allowed only along the femoral shaft. Simple undislocated intertrochanteric 2-part fractures were excluded. The patients were followed clinically and radiographically for 1 year. 21 patients died within 1 year after the operation. 7 technical failures including 2 non-unions occurred. All were lag screw penetrations, 4 of which were considered to be due to unforced errors by the surgeons. The technical failure rate in this preliminary evaluation of the MSP is similar to that of the dynamic hip screw. Randomized trials comparing the MSP with other hip screw systems should follow to ascertain possible advantages of the MSP, with its various sliding modes in different types of fractures of the proximal femur.

Causes of delayed diagnosis of scapular fractures

OBJECTIVES To study the causes of delayed diagnosis of scapular fractures in blunt trauma cases, and to advise on early fracture detection. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between February 2003 and September 2004, 64 consecutive patients (3 females) with a median (range) age of 35 (8-60) years, treated at Al-Ain Hospital for scapular fractures, were prospectively collected. Fractures diagnosed after more than 24h from admission were considered missed; 8 people with missed scapular fractures were compared with a control group of 56 who had timely diagnosis, regarding the mechanism and distribution of injury, injury severity score, and type and quality of radiological methods used. RESULTS The median (range) abbreviated injury scale scores for the missed scapular fracture group and the control group were 4 (0-5) and 2 (0-2), respectively. The missed scapular fracture group stayed significantly longer in the intensive care unit compared with the control group, with a median (range) stay of 15 (5-37) days compared with 9 (1-26) days. Associated injuries overshadowed the scapula on chest trauma radiographs. If computed tomography did not cover the whole scapula, some fractures might not be shown. Convulsive seizures were the only significantly different mechanism of injury between the missed fracture and the control groups. CONCLUSION Delayed diagnosis of scapular fractures can be due to extensive chest injuries overshadowing the scapula on the chest trauma radiographs, inappropriately performed computer tomography or an unusual mechanism of injury.

Biaxial dynamization in unstable intertrochanteric fractures Good experience with a simplified Medoff sliding plate in 94 patients

In a prospective study, 94 consecutive patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures were treated by 16 surgeons, using a modified 4-hole Medoff sliding plate and followed clinically and radiographically for 1 year. Weight bearing after surgery was allowed as tolerated. This new device is smaller and uses a simpler technique of insertion than the original 6-hole Medoff sliding plate. The modification of the plate makes biaxial sliding along both the shaft and the neck of the femur obligatory. All fractures united and no postoperative lag screw penetration occurred. The use of a shorter side-plate with 4 cortical bone screws was sufficient for fixation and no plate loosening or breakage was observed. On the basis of this experience, biaxial dynamization seems to facilitate fracture impaction and stability, and the simplified 4-hole Medoff sliding plate appears to be a suitable method for the treatment of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

High patient satisfaction after arthroscopic subacromial decompression for shoulder impingement : A prospective study of 50 patients

Background Arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) for shoulder impingement has gained popularity. We evaluated the result of this common procedure prospectively, from a patient perspective. Method We used the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to evaluate 50 patients with a mean age of 49 (27–72) years. All patients had undergone 6 months of failed nonoperative treatment prior to surgery. Exclusion criteria were total rotator cuff rupture, shoulder instability, clinically verified acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, calcifying tendonitis or neurological symptoms. All the decompressions were done by experienced shoulder arthroscopists. Results A significant improvement in both the median DASH score and the VAS had occurred 6 months after surgery. Interpretation ASD for impingement in properly selected patients performed by experienced surgeons gives a high degree of patient satisfaction 6 months after surgery. ▪

Patients with shoulder impingement remain satisfied 6 years after arthroscopic subacromial decompression: a prospective study of 46 patients.

Background Although arthroscopic subacromial decompression (ASD) is a common procedure for treatment of shoulder impingement, few long term results have been published. In this prospective study, we determined whether the high degree of patient satisfaction at 6 months postoperatively reported by us earlier remained at the 6-year follow-up. Patients and methods We originally reported high patient satisfaction 6 months after ASD for shoulder impingement in 50 prospectively studied patients using the Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand questionnaire (DASH) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Patients with associated shoulder disorders were excluded. The surgeons were experienced shoulder arthroscopists. 6 years after surgery, the DASH questionnaire and the VAS were sent to these 50 patients. 2 patients had other medical problems of the upper extremity that affected the DASH and VAS scores, 1 patient was lost to follow-up, and another refused to participate. Thus, 46 patients with a mean age of 55 (33–78) years were included in this 6-year evaluation. Results The considerable improvement in both the DASH score and the VAS that was observed 6 months after surgery persisted or had even improved 6 years after surgery. Interpretation Properly selected patients with shoulder impingement treated with ASD remain satisfied 6 years after surgery.

High incidence of acute full-thickness rotator cuff tears

Background and purpose — Epidemiological studies of full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs) have mainly investigated degenerative lesions. We estimated the population-based incidence of acute FTRCT using a new diagnostic model. Patients and methods — During the period November 2010 through October 2012, we prospectively studied all patients aged 18–75 years with acute onset of pain after shoulder trauma, with limited active abduction, and with normal conventional radiographs. 259 consecutive patients met these inclusion criteria. The patients had a median age of 51 (18–75) years. 65% were males. The patients were divided into 3 groups according to the clinical findings: group I, suspected FTRCT; group II, other specific diagnoses; and group III, sprain. Semi-acute MRI was performed in all patients in group I and in patients in group III who did not recover functionally. Results — We identified 60 patients with FTRCTs. The estimated annual incidence of MRI-verified acute FTRCT was 16 (95% CI: 11–23) per 105 inhabitants for the population aged 18–75 years and 25 (CI: 18–36) per 105 inhabitants for the population aged 40–75 years. The prevalence of acute FTRCT in the study group was 60/259 (23%, CI: 18–28). The tears were usually large and affected more than 1 tendon in 36 of these 60 patients. The subscapularis was involved in 38 of the 60 patients. Interpretation — Acute FTRCTs are common shoulder injuries, especially in men. They are usually large and often involve the subscapularis tendon.

Chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations treated by the GraftRope device

Background and purpose — Surgical treatment of chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations is challenging, and no single procedure can be considered to be the gold standard. In 2010, the GraftRope method (Arthrex Inc., Naples, FL) was introduced in a case series of 10 patients, showing good clinical results and no complications. We wanted to evaluate the GraftRope method in a prospective consecutive series. Patients and methods — 8 patients with chronic Rockwood type III–V acromioclavicular joint dislocations were treated surgically using the GraftRope method. The patients were clinically evaluated and a CT scan was performed to assess the integrity of the repair. Results and interpretation — In 4 of the 8 patients, loss of reduction was seen within the first 6 weeks postoperatively. A coracoid fracture was the reason in 3 cases and graft failure was the reason in 1 case. In 3 of the 4 patients with intact repairs, the results were excellent with no subjective shoulder disability 12 months postoperatively. It was our intention to include 30 patients in this prospective treatment series, but due to the high rate of complications the study was discontinued prematurely. Based on our results and other recent reports, we cannot recommend the GraftRope method as a treatment option for chronic acromioclavicular joint dislocations.