Stefaan Nijs

Predictive factors for functional outcome and failure in angular stable osteosynthesis of the proximal humerus

INTRODUCTION Angular stable osteosynthesis has become the gold standard in the operative treatment of proximal humeral fractures. The aim of this article is to determine the indications for osteosynthesis versus primary arthroplasty based on clinical and radiological parameters. METHODS A total of 368 surgically treated proximal humeral fractures were reviewed. Preoperative X-rays were used to evaluate the displacement and vascularity of the humeral head (according to the Hertel criteria) and the AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen) fracture type. Postoperative X-rays were analysed to assess the quality of the reduction, the reconstruction of the medial hinge and the displacement of the tuberosities. Follow-up X-rays were used to evaluate healing progress, the occurrence of avascular necrosis, loss of reduction and implant related failures. The American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (ASES score) was used to evaluate the functional outcome. Correlations between a set of variables, type of treatment and eventual outcome were verified in both univariate and multivariate settings, with the significance rate set at p<0.05. RESULTS In total, 307 shoulders were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 4.3 years and showed a 15.3% failure rate, a 23.8% re-operation rate and a mean ASES score of 75.3. Better results were noted in patients who were younger at the time of surgery. More displaced fractures, AO type C fractures, varus fracture configuration and reduced head vascularity all led to a worse outcome. Anatomical reduction correlated with better results. Articular fractures had better results when treated with a plate. CONCLUSION Surgical treatment of proximal humeral fractures remains difficult, with a failure rate of 15.3% and a re-operation rate of 23.8% at 4.3 years. A significantly displaced varus articular fracture in the older patient results in the worst outcome.

Functional outcome of shoulder hemiarthroplasty for fractures: A multicentre analysis

UNLABELLED In this multicentre study, data on 102 shoulder hemiarthroplasties for the treatment of fractures were analysed retrospectively with regard to tuberosity healing and functional outcome. METHODS Clinical outcome was assessed using the constant score (CS) and the American Shoulder and Elbow Score (ASES). The mean follow-up time was 28.1 months. The proportion of patients presenting tuberosity healing was 35.3% (36 out of 102). RESULTS Anatomical tuberosity healing has a significant effect on CS, especially for lateral elevation (p=0.0076), forward elevation (p=0.0002), power (p=0.0023) and the ASES (p=0.017). However, the pain value of the CS was not influenced by tuberosity healing (p=0.34). In patients with anatomically healed tuberosities, the CS averaged 53.0 points, whereas in the group of patients with non-anatomical tuberosity healing, the score averaged 40.1 points (p=0.0004). There was an 11-fold increase in tuberosity nonunion in females compared with males (p=0.0045). Further, nonunion was seen to be associated with advanced age of >70 years (p=0.037) and the presence of osteoporosis (p=0.034). CONCLUSION In this study, we found that anatomical tuberosity healing around the prosthesis improved functional outcome and range of motion.

Primary hemiarthroplasty versus conservative treatment for comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus in the elderly (ProCon): A Multicenter Randomized Controlled trial

BackgroundFractures of the proximal humerus are associated with a profound temporary and sometimes permanent, impairment of function and quality of life. The treatment of comminuted fractures of the proximal humerus like selected three-or four-part fractures and split fractures of the humeral head is a demanding and unresolved problem, especially in the elderly. Locking plates appear to offer improved fixation; however, screw cut-out rates ranges due to fracture collapse are high. As this may lead to higher rates of revision surgery, it may be preferable to treat comminuted fractures in the elderly primarily with a prosthesis or non-operatively. Results from case series and a small-sample randomized controlled trial (RCT) suggest improved function and less pain after primary hemiarthroplasty (HA); however these studies had some limitations and a RCT is needed. The primary aim of this study is to compare the Constant scores (reflecting functional outcome and pain) at one year after primary HA versus non-operative treatment in elderly patients who sustained a comminuted proximal humeral fracture. Secondary aims include effects on functional outcome, pain, complications, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.Methods/DesignA prospective, multi-center RCT will be conducted in nine centers in the Netherlands and Belgium. Eighty patients over 65 years of age, who have sustained a three-or four part, or split head proximal humeral fracture will be randomized between primary hemiarthroplasty and conservative treatment. The primary outcome is the Constant score, which indicates pain and function. Secondary outcomes include the Disability of the Arm and Shoulder (DASH) score, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, radiographic healing, health-related quality of life (Short-form-36, EuroQol-5D) and healthcare consumption. Cost-effectiveness ratios will be determined for both trial arms. Outcome will be monitored at regular intervals over the subsequent 24 months (1, 3 and 6 weeks, and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months). Data will be analyzed on an intention to treat basis, using univariate and multivariable analyses.DiscussionThis trial will provide level-1 evidence on the effectiveness of the two mostly applied treatment options for three-or four part and split head proximal humeral fractures in the elderly. These data may support the development of a clinical guideline for treatment of these traumatic injuries.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2040

Individual risk factors for deep infection and compromised fracture healing after intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures: A single centre experience of 480 patients

INTRODUCTION Despite modern advances in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures, complications including nonunion, malunion, and infection remain relatively frequent. A better understanding of these injuries and its complications could lead to prevention rather than treatment strategies. A retrospective study was performed to identify risk factors for deep infection and compromised fracture healing after intramedullary nailing (IMN) of tibial shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between January 2000 and January 2012, 480 consecutive patients with 486 tibial shaft fractures were enrolled in the study. Statistical analysis was performed to determine predictors of deep infection and compromised fracture healing. Compromised fracture healing was subdivided in delayed union and nonunion. The following independent variables were selected for analysis: age, sex, smoking, obesity, diabetes, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) classification, polytrauma, fracture type, open fractures, Gustilo type, primary external fixation (EF), time to nailing (TTN) and reaming. As primary statistical evaluation we performed a univariate analysis, followed by a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS Univariate regression analysis revealed similar risk factors for delayed union and nonunion, including fracture type, open fractures and Gustilo type. Factors affecting the occurrence of deep infection in this model were primary EF, a prolonged TTN, open fractures and Gustilo type. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed polytrauma as the single risk factor for nonunion. With respect to delayed union, no risk factors could be identified. In the same statistical model, deep infection was correlated with primary EF. CONCLUSIONS The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors of poor outcome after IMN of tibial shaft fractures. The univariate regression analysis showed that the nature of complications after tibial shaft nailing could be multifactorial. This was not confirmed in a multiple logistic regression model, which only revealed polytrauma and primary EF as risk factors for nonunion and deep infection, respectively. Future strategies should focus on prevention in high-risk populations such as polytrauma patients treated with EF.

Can two-dimensional video analysis during single-leg drop vertical jumps help identify non-contact knee injury risk? A one-year prospective study

BACKGROUND Previous studies showed that the amount of hip flexion and the combination of knee valgus and lateral trunk motion, measured with two-dimensional video analysis, were related to three-dimensional measured knee joint moments during single-leg drop vertical jumps, but it remains unclear whether these measurements can be used to identify non-contact knee injury risk. METHODS Fifty injury-free female athletes participated in the study. Two-dimensional video analysis was used to measure hip flexion, knee valgus and lateral trunk motion angles during single-leg drop vertical jumps. Time loss non-contact knee injuries were registered during a one-year follow-up. Independent t-tests and receiver operating characteristic analysis were used to analyze the predictive ability of the two-dimensional angles. FINDINGS Seven participants sustained a time loss non-contact knee injury. Hip flexion was not significantly different between groups (P>.05). The combination of knee valgus and lateral trunk motion was significantly smaller in the injured (P=.036) and non-injured legs (P=.009) of the future injured group compared with the respective matched leg of the non-injured group. The receiver operating characteristic analysis showed a significant discriminative accuracy between groups for the combination of knee valgus and lateral trunk motion of the uninjured leg of the future injured group with the matched leg of the non-injured group (area under curve=0.803; P=.012). INTERPRETATION The measurement of a combination of increased knee valgus and ipsilateral trunk motion during the single-leg drop vertical jump with two-dimensional video analysis can be used to help identify female athletes with increased non-contact knee injury risk.

The use of gentamicin-coated nails in complex open tibia fracture and revision cases: A retrospective analysis of a single centre case series and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION Despite modern advances in fracture care, deep (implant-related) infection remains a problem in the treatment of tibia fractures. There is some evidence that antibiotic-coated implants are beneficial in the prevention of this sometimes devastating complication. In the following study we describe our results using a gentamicin-coated intramedullary tibia nail (Expert Tibia Nail (ETN) PROtect™) for the surgical treatment of complex open tibia fracture and revision cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS We describe the outcome of patients treated between January 2012 and September 2013, using a gentamicin-coated intramedullary tibia nail. Treatment indications included acute, Gustilo grade II-III, open tibia fractures or closed tibia fractures with long-term external fixation prior to intramedullary nailing and complex tibia fracture revision cases with a mean of three prior surgical interventions. Outcome parameters in this study were deep infection and nonunion. RESULTS In total, 16 consecutive patients with 16 tibia fractures were treated with a gentamicin-coated intramedullary nail. The overall patient population was subdivided into two groups. The first group consisted of 11 patients (68.8%) with acute fractures who were treated with a gentamicin-coated intramedullary nail. The second group consisted of 5 complex revision cases (31.2%). In our patient population no deep infections could be noted after the treatment with a gentamicin-coated tibia nail. Nonunion was diagnosed in 4 patients (25.0%), 1 of these was a revision case. CONCLUSIONS Musculoskeletal complications place a cost burden on total healthcare expenditure. Better understanding of the epidemiology and pathogenesis is essential because this can lead to prevention rather than treatment strategies. The purpose of the study was to evaluate a gentamicin-coated tibia nail in the prevention of deep (implant-related) infection. In our patient population no deep infections occurred after placement of the gentamicin-coated nail. Following this study and literature data, antibiotic-coated implants seem a potential option for prevention of deep infection in trauma patients. In the future this statement needs to be confirmed by large randomised clinical trials.

Risk factors for nonunion after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures: Remaining controversies

INTRODUCTION Intramedullary nailing (IMN) is the preferred treatment for femoral shaft fractures in adults. Although previous studies published good outcomes, some controversies remain. The purpose of this retrospective study was to identify factors that influence outcome after IMN for femoral shaft fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Between July 1998 and July 2013, we treated 230 patients with 248 femoral shaft fractures. Statistical analyses were performed to determine predictors of nonunion. The following set of variables was selected based on the speculation that they would contribute to the outcome: sex (male or female), smoking, obesity, polytrauma, fracture type, open fractures, Gustilo type, primary external fixation (EF) and reaming. RESULTS Initial fracture stabilization was performed by IMN in 161 (64.9%) and by EF in 87 (35.1%) fractures. There were no documented cases of deep infection. Nonunion was diagnosed in 27 patients with 28 fractures (11.3%). Factors affecting nonunion in the univariate analysis were Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) fracture type (odds ratio [OR] 25.0; p<0.0001), Gustilo type (OR 0.64; p=0.0358), and EF (OR 0.42; p=0.0401). Multiple logistic regression analysis only identified AO/OTA fracture type (OR 22.0; p<0.0001) as a risk factor for nonunion. Fracture reaming did not change the outcome (OR 0.80; p=0.6073). A separate analysis showed that damage control EF was not a risk factor in polytrauma patients (OR 0.76; p=0.5825). CONCLUSIONS Fracture stabilisation with IMN is a good treatment option for femoral shaft fractures in adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors of poor outcome after IMN of femoral shaft fractures. The present analysis revealed that there was no difference in the outcome whether the fracture was reamed or not. Univariate and multivariate analysis could only correlate AO/OTA fracture type with the occurrence of nonunion. Therefore, in this study, unreamed nailing and damage control EF were not associated with a negative outcome.

Intramedullary fixation of proximal humerus fractures: do locking bolts endanger the axillary nerve or the ascending branch of the anterior circumflex artery? A cadaveric study

BackgroundProximal humerus fractures are one of the most common fractures. Intramedullary locked nailing is becoming a popular alternative treatment, especially for easier fracture patterns. Although axillary nerve injury has been reported, no study has compared the safety of the proximal locking options relative to the axillary nerve and the ascending branch of the anterior circumflex artery.MethodSix different commercially available proximal humeral nails were implanted in 30 shoulders of 18 cadavers. After fluoroscopically guided implantation the shoulders were carefully dissected and the distance between the locking screws, the axillary nerve and the ascending branch of the anterior circumflex artery was measured.ResultsThe course of the axillary nerve varies. A mean distance of 55.8 mm (SD = 5.3) between the lateral edge of the acromions and the axillary nerve at the middle of the humerus in a neutrally rotated position was observed. The minimum distance was 43.4 mm, the maximum 63.9 mm.Bent nails with oblique head interlocking bolts appeared to be the most dangerous in relation to the axillary nerve. The two designs featuring such a bend and oblique bolt showed a mean distance of the locking screw to the axillary nerve of 1 mm and 2.7 mm respectively Sirus (Zimmer®) and (Stryker®) T2 PHN (Proximal Humeral Nail)).Regarding the ascending branch of the anterior circumflex artery, there was no difference between the nails which have an anteroposterior locking option.ConclusionIt is of great importance for surgeons treating proximal humerus fractures to understand the relative risk of any procedure they perform. Since the designs of different nailing systems risk damaging the axillary nerve and ascending branch, blunt dissection, the use of protection sleeves during drilling and screw insertion, and individual risk evaluation prior to the use of a proximal humeral nail are advocated.

Fractures of the Distal Radius : a Contemporary Approach

Abstract The fracture of the distal radius is the most common fracture we treat. Although sometimes stated otherwise, the outcome of these fractures is not uniformly good regardless the treatment instituted. A thorough understanding of the anatomy and biomechanics of the wrist is a prerequisite when treating these lesions. The literature proves that there is a strict relationship between the quality of anatomical reconstruction and the long-term functional outcome. We try to clarify the complex functional anatomy of this region. No single treatment is the solution for every type of fracture in every kind of patient. Based on the functional anatomy, we analyze the actual treatment possibilities and try to develop strategies in the choice of treatment for different fracture types in different patient groups. Treatment aims should be to reconstruct the anatomy as good as possible, to guarantee that there is no loss of reduction and to allow for a functional after treatment as soon as possible.

Trauma care systems in Belgium

Belgium, the heart of Europe, has a high number of traffic related deaths. Although a well organised system of pre-hospital care composed of a centralised alarming system, trained EMTs and a MUG-system exists, no rules for the intra-hospital care exist. The Belgian government tries to reduce traffic related deaths by sensitisation and repression. Of course, this is necessary especially as one regards the high number of speedings, drunk driving and safety belt infractions related to the accidents with deaths. Besides sensitisation, repression and direct car safety measures, the organisation of a trauma system might further decrease trauma related mortality, morbidity and permanent incapacities.