Sean E. Nork

Internal fixation compared with arthroplasty for displaced fractures of the femoral neck. A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND The optimal choice for the stabilization of displaced femoral neck fractures remains controversial, with alternatives including arthroplasty and internal fixation. Our objective was to determine the effect of arthroplasty (hemiarthroplasty, bipolar arthroplasty, and total hip arthroplasty), compared with that of internal fixation, on rates of mortality, revision, pain, function, operating time, and wound infection in patients with a displaced femoral neck fracture. METHODS We searched computerized databases for randomized clinical trials published between 1969 and 2002, and we identified additional studies through hand searches of major orthopaedic journals, bibliographies of major orthopaedic textbooks, and personal files. Of 140 citations initially identified, fourteen met all eligibility criteria. Three investigators independently graded study quality and abstracted relevant data, including information on revision and mortality rates. RESULTS Nine trials, which included a total of 1162 patients, provided detailed information on mortality rates over the first four postoperative months, which ranged from 0% to 20%. We found a trend toward an increase in the relative risk of death in the first four months after arthroplasty compared with the risk in the first four months after internal fixation (relative risk, 1.27). At one year, the relative risk of death was 1.04. The risk of death after arthroplasty appeared to be higher than that after fixation with a compression screw and side-plate but not higher than that after internal fixation with use of screws only (relative risk = 1.75 and 0.86, respectively; p < 0.05). Fourteen trials that included a total of 1901 patients provided data on revision surgery. The relative risk of revision surgery after arthroplasty compared with the risk after internal fixation was 0.23 (p = 0.0003). Pain relief and the attainment of overall good function were similar in patients treated with arthroplasty and those treated with internal fixation (relative risk, 1.12 for pain relief and 0.99 for function). Infection rates ranged from 0% to 18%, and arthroplasty significantly increased the risk of infection (relative risk, 1.81; p = 0.009). In addition, patients who underwent arthroplasty had greater blood loss and longer operative times than those who were treated with internal fixation. CONCLUSIONS In comparison with internal fixation, arthroplasty for the treatment of a displaced femoral neck fracture significantly reduces the risk of revision surgery, at the cost of greater infection rates, blood loss, and operative time and possibly an increase in early mortality rates. Only larger trials will resolve the critical question of the impact on early mortality.

Complications associated with internal fixation of high-energy bicondylar tibial plateau fractures utilizing a two-incision technique

Objectives: Single incision open reduction and double plate fixation of complex tibial plateau fractures has been associated with high wound complication rates. Minimally invasive methods have been recommended to decrease the wound complication rates as compared with open techniques. Additionally, laterally applied fixed-angle devices appear to minimize late varus deformity without the need for additional medial stabilization. Accurate reduction of comminuted lateral and/or medial articular surfaces, however, often requires visualization through an open reduction. This study reports the complications, infection rate, and radiographic assessment of reduction associated with double plating complex AO/OTA 41-C3 tibial plateau fractures utilizing 2 incisions. Design: Retrospective clinical review. Setting: Urban level 1 university trauma center. Patients: Over a 77-month period, 83 patients were treated for a complex bicondylar tibial plateau fracture at our institution utilizing a 2-incision technique. Intervention: Dual plating using anterolateral and posteromedial incisions. Main Outcome Measure: Type and incidence of septic and non-septic complications and radiographic assessment of articular reduction and axial alignment. Results: Eleven fractures were open (13.3%) and classified according to Gustilo as type II (1 patient), type III-A (7 patients), type III-B (2 patients), and type III-C (1 patient). Compartment syndrome was diagnosed and treated with fasciotomies in 12 patients (14.5%). The average time interval from injury to definitive surgical treatment was 9 days. Seven patients developed deep wound infections (8.4%). Three of these had an associated septic arthritis (3.6%). Clinical resolution of infection occurred after an average of 3.3 additional procedures. The presence of a dysvascular limb requiring vascular reconstruction was statistically associated with a deep wound infection (P = 0.006). Secondary procedures for complications included 13 patients who required removal of implants secondary to local discomfort, 5 patients who required a knee manipulation, 2 patients that were managed with excision of heterotopic ossification to improve knee motion, 1 patient that required an equinus contracture release, and 1 patient treated for a metadiaphyseal nonunion. Sixteen patients (19.3%) incurred deep venous thromboses. No patient was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. Sixty-two percent of patients demonstrated satisfactory articular reductions, 91% demonstrated satisfactory coronal alignment, 72% demonstrated satisfactory sagittal alignment, and 98% demonstrated satisfactory condylar width. Conclusions: Comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures can be successfully treated with open reduction and medial and lateral plate fixation using 2 incisions. Dysvascular limbs requiring vascular repair are at increased risk for deep sepsis. The use of 2 incisions, temporary spanning external fixation, and proper soft-tissue handling may contribute to a lower wound complication rate than previously reported.

Talar Neck Fractures: Results and Outcomes

BACKGROUND Talar neck fractures occur infrequently and have been associated with high complication rates. The purposes of the present study were to evaluate the rates of early and late complications after operative treatment of talar neck fractures, to ascertain the effect of surgical delay on the development of osteonecrosis, and to determine the functional outcomes after operative treatment of such fractures. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the records of 100 patients with 102 fractures of the talar neck who had been managed at a level-1 trauma center. All fractures had been treated with open reduction and internal fixation. Sixty fractures were evaluated at an average of thirty-six months (range, twelve to seventy-four months) after surgery. Complications and secondary procedures were reviewed, and radiographic evidence of osteonecrosis and posttraumatic arthritis was evaluated. The Foot Function Index and Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaires were administered. RESULTS Radiographic evidence of osteonecrosis was seen in nineteen (49%) of the thirty-nine patients with complete radiographic data. However, seven (37%) of these nineteen patients demonstrated revascularization of the talar dome without collapse. Overall, osteonecrosis with collapse of the dome occurred in twelve (31%) of thirty-nine patients. Osteonecrosis was seen in association with nine (39%) of twenty-three Hawkins group-II fractures and nine (64%) of fourteen Hawkins group-III fractures. The mean time to fixation was 3.4 days for patients who had development of osteonecrosis, compared with 5.0 days for patients who did not have development of osteonecrosis. With the numbers available, no correlation could be identified between surgical delay and the development of osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis was associated with comminution of the talar neck (p < 0.03) and open fracture (p < 0.05). Twenty-one (54%) of thirty-nine patients had development of posttraumatic arthritis, which was more common after comminuted fractures (p < 0.07) and open fractures (p = 0.09). Patients with comminuted fractures also had worse functional outcome scores. CONCLUSIONS Fractures of the talar neck are associated with high rates of morbidity and complications. Although the numbers in the present series were small, no correlation was found between the timing of fixation and the development of osteonecrosis. Osteonecrosis was associated with talar neck comminution and open fractures, confirming that higher-energy injuries are associated with more complications and a worse prognosis. This finding was strengthened by the poor Foot Function Index and Musculoskeletal Function Assessment scores in these patients. We recommend urgent reduction of dislocations and treatment of open injuries. Proceeding with definitive rigid internal fixation of talar neck fractures after soft-tissue swelling has subsided may minimize soft-tissue complications.

Percutaneous fixation of pelvic ring disruptions.

Percutaneous pelvic fixation is possible because intraoperative fluoroscopic imaging and other technologies have been refined. Anterior and posterior unstable pelvic ring disruptions are amenable to percutaneous fixation after closed manipulation or open reduction. Stable and safe fixation is achieved only after an accurate reduction. Anterior pelvic external fixation remains the most common form of percutaneous pelvic fixation; however, percutaneously inserted medullary pubic ramus, transiliac, and iliosacral screws stabilize pelvic disruptions directly while diminishing operative blood loss and operative time. These percutaneous techniques do not decompress the pelvic hematoma allowing early definitive fixation without the risk of additional hemorrhage. Complications associated with open posterior pelvic surgical procedures are similarly avoided by using percutaneous techniques. A thorough knowledge of pelvic osseous anatomy, injury patterns, deformities, and their fluoroscopic correlations are mandatory for percutaneous pelvic fixation to be effective.

Intramedullary Nailing of Distal Metaphyseal Tibial Fractures

BACKGROUND The treatment of distal metaphyseal tibial fractures remains controversial. This study was performed to evaluate the results of intramedullary nailing of distal tibial fractures located within 5 cm of the ankle joint. METHODS Over a sixteen-month period at two institutions, thirty-six tibial fractures that involved the distal 5 cm of the tibia were treated with reamed intramedullary nailing with use of either two or three distal interlocking screws. Ten fractures with articular extension were treated with supplementary screw fixation prior to the intramedullary nailing. Radiographs were reviewed to determine the immediate and final alignments and fracture-healing. The Short Form-36 (SF-36) and Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) questionnaires were used to evaluate functional outcome. RESULTS Acceptable radiographic alignment, defined as <5 degrees of angulation in any plane, was obtained in thirty-three patients (92%). No patient had any change in alignment between the immediate postoperative and the final radiographic evaluation. Complications included one deep infection and one iatrogenic fracture at the time of the intramedullary nailing. Six patients could not be followed. The remaining thirty fractures united at an average of 23.5 weeks. Three patients with associated traumatic bone loss underwent a staged autograft procedure, and they had fracture-healing at an average of 44.3 weeks. The functional outcome was determined at a minimum of one year for nineteen patients and at a minimum of two years (average, 4.5 years) for fifteen patients. At one year, there were significant limitations in several domains despite fracture union and maintenance of alignment, but there was improvement in the MFA scores with time. CONCLUSIONS Intramedullary nailing is an effective alternative for the treatment of distal metaphyseal tibial fractures. Simple articular extension of the fracture is not a contraindication to intramedullary fixation. Functional outcomes improve with time.

Percutaneous Stabilization of U-shaped Sacral Fractures Using Iliosacral Screws: Technique and Early Results

Purpose To present the technique and early results of percutaneous stabilization of U-shaped sacral fractures with attention to neurologic recovery and maintenance of fracture reduction of the sacrum. Design Retrospective clinical study. Setting Level I trauma center. Patients During a thirty-eight-month period, 442 patients with pelvic ring disruptions were treated at a Level I trauma center. Thirteen (2.9 percent) of these patients had displaced U-shaped sacral fractures treated with percutaneous stabilization. Intervention Fracture stabilization was accomplished using fluoroscopically guided iliosacral screws inserted percutaneously with the patient positioned supine. Neurodiagnostic monitoring was not used during screw insertions. This technique was limited to patients with sacral kyphotic deformities, which allowed in situ fixation. Sacral neurologic decompression was not performed. Main Outcome Measurements Fracture healing and the stability of fixation were assessed on inlet and outlet radiographs and a lateral sacral view. Detailed neurologic examinations were performed at injury and at follow-up. Results The sacral fractures were classified based on plain pelvic radiographs and computed tomography scans and included one Type 1, eight Type 2, and four Type 3 fracture patterns. Twenty-five fully threaded cancellous 7.0-millimeter cannulated screws were used. Eleven patients had bilateral screw fixations; one patient had unilateral double screw fixation; and one patient had unilateral single screw fixation. Operative time for screw insertion averaged forty-eight minutes, with 2.1 minutes of fluoroscopy per screw. Accurate screw insertions without neuroforaminal or sacral spinal canal violations were confirmed in all patients with postoperative pelvic plain radiographs and computed tomography scans. A paradoxical inlet view of the upper sacral segments on the injury anteroposterior pelvis was seen in twelve of thirteen patients (92.3 percent), and the diagnosis was confirmed with the lateral sacral view in all thirteen (100 percent) patients. Preoperatively, sacral kyphosis averaged 29 degrees, whereas postoperative sacral kyphosis averaged 28 degrees. Screw disengagement occurred without a change in position of the sacral fracture in the only patient treated with a single unilateral screw. All fractures healed clinically and radiographically. Of the nine patients with preoperative neurologic abnormalities, two (22 percent) patients had residual neurologic deficits. Both patients had associated multiple level lumbar burst fractures, which required decompression and instrumented stabilization. Conclusions These sacral fractures are rare and occur after significant spinal axial loading. A paradoxic inlet view of the upper sacrum on the anteroposterior plain pelvic radiograph heralds the diagnosis. Delayed diagnosis is avoided by a high clinical suspicion, early lateral sacral radiographs, and pelvic computed tomography scans. Surgical stabilization may assist in early mobilization of the patient from recumbency and prevents progressive deformity with associated nerve root injury. Percutaneous fixation diminishes potential blood loss and operative times, yet still allows subsequent sacral decompression of the local neural elements using open techniques when necessary. Early percutaneous iliosacral screw fixation is effective treatment for these injuries.

Functional outcomes of severe bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated with dual incisions and medial and lateral plates.

BACKGROUND Plate fixation of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures remains controversial. This retrospective study was performed to evaluate the perioperative results and functional outcomes of medial and lateral plate stabilization, through anterolateral and posteromedial surgical approaches, of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. METHODS Over a seventy-seven-month period, eighty-three AO/OTA type-41-C3 bicondylar tibial plateau fractures were treated with medial and lateral plate fixation through two exposures. Injury radiographs were rank-ordered according to fracture severity. Immediate biplanar postoperative radiographs were evaluated to assess the quality of the reduction. The Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (MFA) questionnaire was used to evaluate functional outcome. RESULTS Twenty-three male and eighteen female patients (average age, forty-six years) who completed the MFA questionnaire were included in the study group. The mean duration of follow-up was fifty-nine months. Two patients had a deep wound infection. Complete radiographic information was available for thirty-one patients. Seventeen (55%) of those patients had a satisfactory articular reduction (< or =2-mm step or gap), twenty-eight patients (90%) had satisfactory coronal plane alignment (medial proximal tibial angle of 87 degrees +/- 5 degrees ), twenty-one patients (68%) demonstrated satisfactory sagittal plane alignment (posterior proximal tibial angle of 9 degrees +/- 5 degrees ), and all thirty-one patients demonstrated satisfactory tibial plateau width (0 to 5 mm). Patient age and polytrauma were associated with a higher (worse) MFA score (p = 0.034 and p = 0.039, respectively). When these variables were accounted for, regression analysis demonstrated that a satisfactory articular reduction was significantly associated with a better MFA score (p = 0.029). Rank-order fracture severity was also predictive of MFA outcome (p < 0.001). No association was identified between rank-order severity and a satisfactory articular reduction (p = 0.21). The patients in this series demonstrated significant residual dysfunction (p < 0.0001), compared with normative data, with the leisure, employment, and movement MFA domains displaying the worst scores. CONCLUSIONS Medial and lateral plate stabilization of comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures through medial and lateral surgical approaches is a useful treatment method; however, residual dysfunction is common. Accurate articular reduction was possible in about half of our patients and was associated with better outcomes within the confines of the injury severity.

Surgical Treatment of Talar Body Fractures

BACKGROUND Fractures of the body of the talus are uncommon and poorly described. The purposes of the present study were to characterize these fractures, to describe one treatment approach, and to evaluate the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of operative treatment. METHODS Fifty-six patients with fifty-seven talar body fractures who had been treated operatively during a sixty-seven-month period at a level-1 trauma center were identified with use of a database. Twenty-three patients had a concomitant talar neck fracture. Eleven of the fifty-seven fractures were open. All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation. Complications, secondary procedures, and the ability to return to work were evaluated at a minimum of one year. The radiographic presence of osteonecrosis and posttraumatic arthritis was ascertained. Foot Function Index and Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaires were completed. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients were evaluated after an average duration of follow-up of thirty-three months. Early complications occurred in eight patients. Ten of the twenty-six patients who had a complete set of radiographs had development of osteonecrosis of the talar body. Five of these ten patients experienced collapse of the talar dome at a mean of 10.2 months after surgery. All patients with a history of both an open fracture and osteonecrosis experienced collapse. Seventeen of twenty-six patients had posttraumatic arthritis of the tibiotalar joint, and nine of twenty-six had posttraumatic arthritis of the subtalar joint. Fractures of both the talar body and neck led to development of advanced arthritis more frequently than did fractures of the talar body only (p = 0.04). All patients with open fractures had end-stage posttraumatic arthritis (p = 0.053). Twenty-three (88%) of twenty-six patients had radiographic evidence of osteonecrosis and/or posttraumatic arthritis. Worse outcomes were noted in association with comminuted and open fractures. Osteonecrosis and posttraumatic arthritis adversely affected outcome scores. CONCLUSIONS Open reduction and internal fixation of talar body fractures may restore congruity of the adjacent joints. However, early complications are not infrequent, and most patients have development of radiographic evidence of osteonecrosis and/or posttraumatic arthritis. Associated talar neck fractures and open fractures more commonly result in osteonecrosis or advanced arthritis. Worse functional outcomes are seen in association with advanced posttraumatic arthritis and osteonecrosis that progresses to collapse. It is important to counsel patients regarding these devastating injuries and their poor prognosis and potential complications.

The olecranon osteotomy: a six-year experience in the treatment of intraarticular fractures of the distal humerus.

Objectives The transolecranon exposure for distal humerus fractures is a suggested technique for improving articular visualization, allowing accurate reduction. Significant osteotomy complications such as nonunion and implant prominence have prompted recommendations for alternate exposures. The purposes of this study are to present the techniques and complications of the olecranon osteotomy for the management of distal humerus fractures, and to evaluate the adequacy of distal humeral and olecranon articular reductions. Design Retrospective review. Setting Urban level-1 University trauma center. Patients One hundred fourteen skeletally mature AO/OTA type 13-C distal humerus fractures were identified from the orthopedic trauma database and formed the study group. Intervention Seventy fractures (61%), including 42 open injuries, were managed using an intraarticular, chevron-shaped olecranon osteotomy. Osteotomy fixations were performed with an intramedullary screw and supplemental dorsal ulnar wiring, or plate stabilization. In the remaining 44 fractures (39%), soft-tissue mobilizing exposures were performed. Main Outcome Measure Patient records and radiographs were reviewed to determine injury and operative characteristics, complications, and adequacy of articular reductions. Patient interviews were conducted by telephone to identify any subsequent surgical procedures. Results The proportion of osteotomies performed increased as fracture complexity increased (P<0.001). Sixty-seven of 70 patients had adequate follow-up to determine osteotomy union. All osteotomies united. There was 1 delayed union. Sixty-one of 70 patients had adequate follow-up to determine complications associated with ulnar fixations. Five of these patients (8%) underwent elective removal of symptomatic osteotomy fixations. An additional 13 patients had olecranon implants removed in conjunction with other surgical procedures (11 elbow contracture releases, 1 humeral nonunion repair, and 1 chronic draining sinus excision). Symptomatic ulnar fixations in this group could not be reliably ascertained, but may have been present. A total of 18 of 61 patients (29.5%), therefore, had proximal ulna fixations removed. All patients treated using an olecranon osteotomy exposure demonstrated satisfactory radiographic distal humeral articular reductions. Two osteotomies required early revision osteosynthesis secondary to loss of osteotomy reduction. Conclusions In this study, no osteotomy nonunions were encountered in 67 patients, more than half of which were open injuries. Regardless of which type of fixation is used to secure the osteotomy, secure stabilization must be obtained. Isolated symptomatic olecranon fixation requiring removal occurred in approximately 8% of patients. Although not necessary for all fractures of the distal humerus, the olecranon osteotomy can be useful in the visualization of the complex articular injuries, allowing accurate articular reduction.

Intramedullary nailing of proximal quarter tibial fractures.

Objective: To report the results of intramedullary nailing of proximal quarter tibial fractures with special emphasis on techniques of reduction. Design: Retrospective clinical study. Setting: Level 1 trauma center. Patients: During a 36-month period, 456 patients with fractures of the tibial shaft (OTA type 42) or proximal tibial metaphysis (OTA type 41A2, 41A3, and 41C2) were treated operatively at a level 1 trauma center. Thirty-five patients with 37 fractures were treated primarily with intramedullary nailing of their proximal quarter tibial fractures and formed the study group. Thirteen fractures (35.1%) were open and 22 fractures (59.5%) had segmental comminution. Three fractures had proximal intraarticular extensions. Main Outcome Measurements: Alignment and reduction postoperatively and at healing. An angular malreduction was defined as greater than 5 degrees in any plane. Results: Fractures extended proximally to an average of 17% of the tibial length (range, 4% to 25%). The average distance from the proximal articular surface to the fracture was 67.8 mm (range, 17 mm to 102 mm, not corrected for distance magnification, included for preoperative planning purposes only). Postoperative angulation was satisfactory (average coronal and sagittal plane deformity of less than 1 degree) as was the final angulation. Acceptable alignment was obtained in 34 of 37 fractures (91.9%). Two patients had 5-degree coronal plane deformities (one varus and one valgus), and 1 patient had a 7-degree varus deformity. Two patients with open fractures with associated bone loss underwent a planned, staged iliac crest autograft procedure postoperatively. Four patients were lost to follow-up. In the remaining 31 patients with 33 fractures, the proximal tibial fractures united without additional procedures. No patient had any change in alignment at final radiographic evaluation. Secondary procedures to obtain union at the distal fracture in segmental injuries included dynamizations (n = 3) and exchange nailing (n = 1). Complications included deep infections in 2 patients that were successfully treated. Conclusions: Multiple techniques were required to obtain and maintain reduction prior to nailing and included attention to the proper starting point, the use of unicortical plates, and the use of a femoral distractor applied to the tibia. Simple articular fractures and extensions were not a contraindication to intramedullary fixation. The proximal tibial fracture healed despite open manipulations. Short plate fixations to maintain this difficult reduction, either temporary or permanent, were effective.