Poong-Taek Kim

Distal tibia metaphyseal fractures treated by percutaneous plate osteosynthesis.

Twenty-one patients with fractures of the distal tibial metaphysis, some with minimal displacement in the ankle, were treated by percutaneous plate osteosynthesis with a narrow limited contact-dynamic compression plate. Using the classification by the Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen and Orthopaedic Trauma Association, 17 fractures had no articular involvement, whereas four included intraarticular extension. At final followup (mean, 20 months), all the fractures healed without second procedures and the mean union time was 15.2 weeks. One patient had malalignment of the limb with 10° internal rotation, but there were no angular deformities greater than 5° or any shortening greater than 1 cm. All patients had excellent or satisfactory ankle function. There were no infections or any soft tissue compromise. Percutaneous plate osteosynthesis is a safe and worthwhile method of managing such fractures, which avoids some of the complications associated with conventional open plating methods.

Vascularized compared with nonvascularized fibular grafts for large osteonecrotic lesions of the femoral head.

BACKGROUNDnMany authors have reported good results with the use of vascularized fibular grafts to treat large osteonecrotic lesions of the femoral head. To our knowledge, there have been no prospective case-controlled studies comparing the effectiveness of vascularized fibular grafting with that of nonvascularized fibular grafting for the prevention of progression and collapse of the lesion.nnnMETHODSnNineteen patients (twenty-three hips) with a large osteonecrotic lesion of the femoral head (Stage IIC in ten hips, Stage IIIC in two, and Stage IVC in eleven, according to the classification system of Steinberg et al.) underwent vascularized fibular grafting. This group was retrospectively matched according to the etiology, stage, and size of the lesion to a group of nineteen patients (twenty-three hips) who underwent nonvascularized fibular grafting during the same time period. A prospective case-controlled study of the two groups, with a mean duration of follow-up of four years, was then performed.nnnRESULTSnThe mean Harris hip score improved for 70% of the hips treated with a vascularized graft and 35% of the hips treated with a nonvascularized graft (p < 0.05). At the time of the final follow-up, nine of the ten hips with a Stage-IIC lesion treated with a vascularized fibular graft had not collapsed whereas seven of the thirteen hips with a larger lesion (Stage IIIC or IVC) had collapsed. Three hips (13%) were converted to a total hip replacement. The mean dome depression measured 2.8 mm. In the group treated with a nonvascularized graft, five of the ten Stage-IIC hips had not collapsed and eleven of the thirteen hips with a larger lesion had collapsed. Five (22%) of the hips were converted to a total hip replacement. The mean dome depression measured 4.3 mm. The rates of radiographic progression and collapse were significantly lower and the mean dome depression was significantly less in the group treated with a vascularized fibular graft (p < 0.05).nnnCONCLUSIONSnVascularized fibular grafting was associated with better clinical results and was more effective than nonvascularized fibular grafting for the prevention of collapse of the femoral head in a matched population with a Steinberg Stage-IIC or larger osteonecrotic lesion. The results of vascularized grafting were best when the procedure was used to treat precollapse lesions (Steinberg Stage IIC).

Analysis of early failure of the locking compression plate in osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures

BackgroundAlthough there has been continuous evolution in the management of fracture fixation, treatment for osteoporotic proximal humerus fractures is still challenging to trauma surgeons. The purpose of this study was to report early failure of the locking compression plate (LCP) in the treatment of osteoporotic proximal humerus fracture and characterize the mode of failure.MethodsNine patients, older than 65 years, underwent internal fixation with the use of a locking compression plate and had early failure within 4 weeks postoperatively. According to Neer’s classification, five were included in a two-part surgical neck fracture, three in a three-part fracture, and one in a four-part fracture.ResultsAll failures occurred with back-out of the plate—screw construct, leading to varus displacement in eight patients and plate breakage in one. Revision surgery was performed in six patients using replating and tension band wiring with a bone graft, and three patients underwent hemiarthroplasty. The average UCLA score was 25 points for the hemiarthroplasty group and 30 points for the reconstruction group.ConclusionsEarly postoperative failure of the LCP developed within 4 weeks with a presentation of en bloc back-out of the plate-screw construct and plate breakage. Possible risk factors included malreduction, loss of medial support, and negligence of tension band sutures on the tuberosities.

Percutaneous Screw Fixation for Scaphoid Fracture: A Comparison Between the Dorsal and the Volar Approaches

PURPOSEnTo evaluate the position of the screws and find the difference of clinical and radiologic outcome between the volar approach and the dorsal approach groups in percutaneous screw fixation for acute scaphoid fractures.nnnMETHODSnForty-one consecutive patients with an acute scaphoid fracture, who had percutaneous fixation via either the volar approach or the dorsal approach, were evaluated at an average of 30 months after the surgery. The volar approach was used in 19 patients and the dorsal approach in 22 patients. By using a computerized digital image program, angles between the Herbert screw with respect to the long axis of the scaphoid and the fracture line were measured with plain radiographs in the posteroanterior, lateral, and the 45 degrees semipronated oblique views.nnnRESULTSnThe screws showed no significant difference between the 2 groups in posteroanterior and lateral views; however, screws in the dorsal approach group were observed to be placed more parallel to the long axis of the scaphoid in the semipronated oblique view. The screws in the dorsal approach group were positioned more perpendicular to the fracture lines of the scaphoid compared with those of the volar approach group for all 3 different radiographic views. There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 treatment groups regarding fracture healing. According to the Mayo wrist score system, excellent results were recorded in 18 patients in the dorsal approach group and 15 patients in the volar approach group.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThis study suggests that screws are placed more parallel to the long axis of the scaphoid and perpendicular to the fracture line via the dorsal approach; however, there was no significant difference with regard to functional outcome and bone union.nnnTYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCEnTherapeutic IV.

Retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing in children's femoral fractures

We treated 31 femoral shaft fractures in 28 children with a mean age of 6.7 (5–10) years with retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing. There were 16 isolated fractures, while 12 children had associated injuries. The average time for union was 10.5 weeks and there were no delayed unions. There was one broken nail requiring change of treatment, but no infection or refractures. At follow-up after a mean time lapse of 27 months there was no limb-length inequality exceeding 1xa0cm and no malunion. We feel that femoral fractures in patients aged 5–10 years can be safely treated with retrograde flexible intramedullary nailing with minimal risk of surgical complications.RésuméNous avons traité 31 fractures de la diaphyse fémorale chez 28 enfants avec un âge moyen de 6.7 (5–10) années par enclouage flexible centro-médullaire rétrograde. Il y avait 16 fractures isolées alors que 12 enfants avaient des lésions associées. Le temps moyen de consolidation était 10,5 semaines et il ny a eu aucune retard de consolidation. Il y avait un clou cassé qui nécessita un changement de traitement, mais aucune infection ou fracture itérative. Au suivi moyen de 27 mois il ny avait aucune inégalité de longueur qui dépasse 1 centimètre et aucun cal vicieux. Nous pensons que ces fractures fémorales dans la tranche d âges de 5 à 10 ans peuvent être traitées par un enclouage flexible centro-médullaire rétrograde avec des risques minimes de complications chirurgicales.

Surgical management of unstable elbow dislocation without intra-articular fracture.

The purpose of this study was to describe soft tissue injury patterns and report the clinical results of primary ligament repair with use of protected early mobilisation in unstable elbow dislocations with pure capsulo-ligamentous injuries. Twenty-four patients who presented with traumatic unstable elbow dislocation without associated intra-articular fracture were reviewed. Anatomical repair was performed using metal anchor screws and the bone tunnel method. Ligament avulsion was noted in 55% for the medial collateral ligament, 80% for the lateral collateral ligament, 60% for the flexor tendon and 80% for the extensor tendon. The overall mean Mayo Elbow Performance Score was 93.2. Brachial artery injuries occurred in two elbows. Heterotopic calcification was noted in 14 patients and there was one severe traumatic arthrosis. This study showed a high incidence of reattachable avulsion injuries to ligaments, tendon/muscle and capsule in unstable elbow dislocations. Primary ligament repair coupled with early rehabilitation provided satisfactory outcomes at two to fourxa0years postoperatively.RésuméLe but de cette étude est de décrire les lésions et de rapporter les résultats chez les patients présentant une luxation du coude avec lésion ligamentaire traitée par réparation ligamentaire et mobilisation précoce. Matériel et méthode: 24 patients présentant ce type de traumatisme sans lésion fracturaire intra articulaire ont été revus. Les lésions anatomiques ont été réparées avec soit une ancre soit une fixation ligamentaire par tunnels trans-osseux. Résultats: l’avulsion ligamentaire est notée dans 55% des cas pour le MCL, dans 80% pour le LCL, dans 60% pour le tendon fléchisseur et dans 80% dans le tendon extenseur. En tout état de cause, le score MEPS a été de 93,2. Une lésion de l’artère humérale a été observée sur deux coudes et des lésions de calcifications hétérotypiques ont été observées chez 14 patients avec, dans un cas, une arthrose sévère. Conclusion: cette étude montre l’influence que peut avoir la réinsertion ligamentaire dans ces lésions secondaires à une luxation du coude. Les réparations précoces associées à une réhabilitation également précoce permettent d’avoir des résultats satisfaisants après deux mois de suivi post-opératoire.

Fourth Brachymetatarsia Treated with Distraction Osteogenesis

Background: This study investigated metatarsal lengthening by distraction osteogenesis for fourth brachymetatarsia in 22 metatarsals (16 patients). Methods: From May 1997 to May 2000, lengthening was performed with a monoexternal fixator, and distraction was started at a rate of 0.5 mm per day after a latency period of approximately 7–10 days. Results: The average gain in length was 16.5 mm (range, 13–21 mm), equivalent to an increase of 39% (range, 28–51%), and the average healing index was 72.9 days/cm (range, 51.7–95.7 days/cm). The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) average score for lesser toe was 86.3 (range, 47–100). The most common residual complication was subluxation of metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint in five cases, with partial or total stiffness of the MTP joint. These complications happened in the group of metatarsals excessively lengthened more than 40% and made the AOFAS score poorer. The other complications were three cases of angular deformity in the lengthened bone, and two cases of pin-tract infection. Conclusion: Although distraction osteogenesis is an effective method to address fourth brachymetatarsia, stiffness or subluxation of the MTP joint was not uncommon. To avoid complications that can happen as a result of excessive lengthening, careful preoperative radiographic measurement to calculate the optimal amount of lengthening may help us to avoid over-lengthening and the complications that accompany it.

Anterior plating and percutaneous iliosacral screwing in an unstable pelvic ring injury

BackgroundThis study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of anterior plating with subsequent percutaneous iliosacral screwing for the management of unstable pelvic ring injuries.MethodsNineteen patients with unstable pelvic ring injuries were included in this retrospective study. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year, and their mean age was 43 years. According to the Association for Osteosynthesis-Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO-OTA) classification, there were 5 B2 injuries, 11 C1 injuries, and 3 C2 injuries. After anterior fixation by means of plating, an iliosacral screw fixation was carried out percutaneously using a C-arm fluoroscope.ResultsAll fractures healed, except for 1 case of nonunion at the pubic ramus. Radiological results showed that there were 9 anatomic, 7 nearly anatomic, 2 moderate, and 1 poor reduction. Sixteen of the 19 patients had good or excellent results for function, and all these had satisfactory (anatomic or nearly anatomic) reductions. The two moderate and 1 poor result were from an unsatisfactory reduction in a type-C injury with residual neurological signs. A screw misplacement with a neurological compromise occurred in 1 patient, but there were no adverse sequelae after its removal. The complications encountered were 2 cases of screw loosening, 2 cases of anterior metal failure, and 1 deep infection.ConclusionsAnterior plating with subsequent percutaneous iliosacral screwing may be a useful method of treatment for unstable pelvic ring injuries, and the reduction quality and residual neurological signs were important in its functional outcome.

Minimal invasive percutaneous Herbert screw fixation in acute unstable scaphoid fracture.

The purpose of this study is to document the percutaneous Herbert screw fixation technique with free-hand method to stabilise acute unstable scaphoid fractures and evaluated the clinical results. Thirteen patients with less than 14 day-old fractures were fixed by percutaneous Herbert screw and reviewed retrospectively for a minimum of 24 months (average, 37 months). All were men with an average age of 22 years. According to Herberts classification, all fractures were classified as of the acute unstable (B2). Fracture union was achieved in all cases at a mean of 9.2 weeks (eight to 12 weeks). Return to work or school ranged from one day to three weeks according to their occupation. This percutaneous fixation technique using Herbert screw is a reliable and effective alternative for acute scaphoid fractures, which enables the patient to use the hand earlier with high satisfaction and minimum complication.

Arthroscopically assisted percutaneous fixation for trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation

Trans-scaphoid perilunate fracture dislocation is a complex carpal dislocation causing marked disruption of the carpal structures. Open treatment has been accepted as standard for this injury. We have used arthroscopically assisted percutaneous screw fixation and bone grafting to treat this injury in four patients. The functional outcome was good. All patients achieved solid union without nonunion or malunion. The complication and morbidity was relatively low; all patients had proper alignment and there was no evidence of instability or avascular necrosis or midcarpal arthritis.