Theodoros Tosounidis

Early management of proximal humeral fractures with hemiarthroplasty: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

We performed a comprehensive systematic review of the literature to examine the role of hemiarthroplasty in the early management of fractures of the proximal humerus. In all, 16 studies dealing with 810 hemiarthroplasties in 808 patients with a mean age of 67.7 years (22 to 91) and a mean follow-up of 3.7 years (0.66 to 14) met the inclusion criteria. Most of the fractures were four-part fractures or fracture-dislocations. Several types of prosthesis were used. Early passive movement on the day after surgery and active movement after union of the tuberosities at about six weeks was described in most cases. The mean active anterior elevation was to 105.7 degrees (10 degrees to 180 degrees) and the mean abduction to 92.4 degrees (15 degrees to 170 degrees). The incidence of superficial and deep infection was 1.55% and 0.64%, respectively. Complications related to the fixation and healing of the tuberosities were observed in 86 of 771 cases (11.15%). The estimated incidence of heterotopic ossification was 8.8% and that of proximal migration of the humeral head 6.8%. The mean Constant score was 56.63 (11 to 98). At the final follow-up, no pain or only mild pain was experienced by most patients, but marked limitation of function persisted.

Management, complications and clinical results of femoral head fractures.

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to investigate data regarding femoral head fractures, particularly focusing on their management, complications and clinical results. Twenty-nine eligible articles, meeting prespecified inclusion criteria, reported on 453 femoral head fractures in 450 patients (mean age of 38.9 years with a mean follow-up of 55.6 months). 84.3% of patients had been victims of an automobile accident. The most widespread classification scheme used was that of Pipkin (65.4% of cases) whereas clinical results were evaluated mainly according to Thompson-Epstein criteria (63.3% of cases). Fracture-dislocations, in their majority, were managed with emergent closed reduction, followed by definite treatment (closed or open), aiming at anatomic restoration of both fracture and joint incongruity. Regarding Pipkin 1 subtype, fractured fragment excision seems to give better results compared to ORIF (p=0.07), while for the more challenging Pipkin 2 fractures the principles of anatomic reduction and stable fixation should be applied. Wound infection was encountered with a rate of 3.2% of surgical cases and sciatic nerve palsy complicated 3.95% of fracture-dislocations. Major late complications included avascular necrosis (11.9%), post-traumatic arthritis (20%) and heterotopic ossification (16.8%). Neither the trochanteric-flip nor the anterior approach seems to put in more danger the femoral head blood supply compared to the posterior one, with the former giving promising long-term functional results and lower incidence of major complication rates.

Prosthetic replacement for proximal humeral fractures

The ideal management of complex proximal humeral fractures continues to be debatable. Evolution of proximal humeral fracture management, during the past decade, led to the implementation of many innovations in surgical treatment. Even though the pendulum of treatment seems to swing towards new trends such as locked plating, hemiarthroplasty remains a valid and reliable option that serves the patients needs well. Hemiarthroplasty is indicated for complex proximal humeral fractures in elderly patients with poor bone stock and when internal fixation is difficult or unreliable. Hemiarthroplasty provides a better result when it is performed early post-injury. Stem height, retroversion and tuberosity positioning are technical aspects of utmost importance. Additionally reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is an alternative new modality that can be used as a primary solution in selected patients with proximal humeral fracture treatment. Failed hemiarthroplasty and fracture sequelae can be successfully managed with reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Individual decision-making and tailored treatment that takes into consideration the personality of the fracture and the patients characteristics should be used.

Balloon kyphoplasty as a single or as an adjunct procedure for the management of symptomatic vertebral haemangiomas

Vertebral haemangiomas are usually asymptomatic and discovered fortuitously during imaging. A small proportion may develop variable degrees of pain and neurological deficit. We prospectively studied six patients who underwent eight surgical procedures on 11 vertebral bodies. There were 11 balloon kyphoplasties, six lumbar and five thoracic. The mean follow-up was 22.3 months (12 to 36). The indications for operation were pain in four patients, severe back pain with Frankel grade C paraplegia from cord compression caused by soft-tissue extension from a thoracic vertebral haemangioma in one patient, and acute bleeding causing Frankel grade B paraplegia from an asymptomatic vascular haemangioma in one patient. In four patients the exhibited aggressive vascular features, and two showed lipomatous, non-aggressive, characteristics. One patient who underwent a unilateral balloon kyphoplasty developed a recurrence of symptoms from the non-treated side of the vertebral body which was managed by a further similar procedure. Balloon kyphoplasty was carried out successfully and safely in all patients; four became asymptomatic and two showed considerable improvement. Neurological recovery occurred in all cases but bleeding was greater than normal. To avoid recurrence, complete obliteration of the lesion with bone cement is indicated. For acute bleeding balloon kyphoplasty should be combined with emergency decompressive laminectomy. For intraspinal extension with serious neurological deficit, a combination of balloon kyphoplasty with intralesional alcohol injection is effective.

Early management of complex proximal humeral fractures using the Aequalis fracture prosthesis A TWO- TO FIVE-YEAR FOLLOW-UP REPORT

We reviewed the outcome of 28 patients who had been treated using the Aequalis fracture prosthesis for an acute fracture of the proximal humerus at a mean follow-up of 39.3 months (24 to 63). The mean age of the patients at the time of the fracture was 66.3 years (38 to 80). The mean Constant score was 68.2 (37 to 84) for the operated shoulder, which represented 89.5% of the mean score for the uninjured side (p < 0.001). The quality of the reconstruction as shown on the immediate post-operative radiographs was categorised into three types, anatomical, acceptable, and unacceptable, depending on the position of the tuberosities relative to the prosthetic head and the humeral shaft. Anatomical reconstruction was associated with a higher mean Constant score as well as higher mean values of anterior forward elevation, abduction and external rotation than the other types, but the differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.231). A total of 18 patients had active anterior elevation > or =150 degrees. Their mean active abduction and external rotation were 163.6 degrees and 31.3 degrees, respectively. In seven of the 28 patients, the mean active anterior elevation, abduction and external rotation were 130.7 degrees, 129.2 degrees and 22.8 degrees, respectively. In all, 12 patients were very satisfied with the results, 12 were satisfied, two were dissatisfied and two were disappointed; 26 reported no or only mild pain while only two had moderate pain. In five patients proximal migration of the humeral head was shown on the anteroposterior radiographs of the shoulder. No evidence of loosening was found in any prosthesis.

Fracture healing and bone repair: an update

Bone healing represents a physiological process of repair and restoration of function. Recent advances in a variety of medical disciplines have enabled scientists and clinicians to characterise this phenomenon at the molecular level. A number of molecular mediators and cells interact utilising different pathways. Despite the involvement of many local and systemic factors failure of the naturally occurring mechanisms can occur leading to either delayed union or non-union. This review article is focused on the recent understanding of the mechanisms governing the bone repair process.

Management of Infection After Intramedullary Nailing of Long Bone Fractures: Treatment Protocols and Outcomes

Implant related sepsis is a relatively unusual complication of intra-medullary nail fixation of long bone fractures. Depending on the extent of infection, timing of diagnosis and progress of fracture union, different treatment strategies have been developed. The aim of this review article is to collect and analyze the existing evidence about the incidence and management of infection following IM nailing of long bone fractures and to recommend treatment algorithms that could be valuable in everyday clinical practice. After searching the P u b M e d /Medline databases, 1270 articles were found related to the topic during the last 20 years. The final review included 28 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Only a few prospective studies exist to report on the management of infection following IM nailing of long-bone fractures. In general, stage I (early) infections only require antibiotic administration with/without debridement. Stage II (delayed) infections can be successfully treated with debridement, IM reaming, antibiotic nails, and administration of antibiotics. Infected non-unions are best treated with exchange nailing, antibiotic administration and when infection has been eradicated with graft implantation if it is needed. Debridement, exchange nailing and systemic administration of antibiotics is the best indication for stage III (late) infections, while stage III infected non-unions can successfully be treated with nail removal and Ilizarov frame, especially when large bone defects exist.

The tendon of the long head of the biceps in complex proximal humerus fractures: a histological perspective.

We have studied the histologic and immunohistochemical changes of the long head of the biceps brachii tendon (LHB) in low-energy complex proximal humerus fractures. Our objective was to detect histological features, which may be correlated to pain generation. Biopsy samples were obtained during hemiarthroplasty procedures from 11 patients who suffered a complex proximal humerus fracture. The control group consisted of 10 samples harvested from human cadavers with no history of premortem shoulder problems and no gross shoulder pathology. Histologic investigation included quantitative measurement of tendon degeneration, cellularity, neoangiogenesis, inflammation and metaplasia, as well as immunohistochemical detection of cells with neural differentiation within the tendon tissue proper with S-100 protein and neuropeptide Y (N-Y). The found lesions were significantly more in the group of tendons from fractures compared to the control group (p<0.001). These lesions were also statistically correlated to each other, indicating a possible neural differentiation of tendon stromal cells. The LHB is a potential source of pain and the routine use of tenotomy/tenodesis of this tendon in hemiarthroplasty procedures for fracture may be reinforced by the results of this study.

Humeral diaphyseal aseptic non-unions: An algorithm of management

Successful operative treatment of a humeral shaft non-union may be a challenge for the surgeon. Several treatment options have been reported over the years. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Twenty-three retrieved articles (level of evidence IV) fulfilled our inclusion criteria and dealt with aseptic diaphyseal humeral non-union managed by plating, intramedullary nailing and external fixation based on Ilizarovs principles. Despite an obvious superiority of plating in the treatment of humeral shaft non-unions, there is no doubt that intramedullary nailing as well as external fixation devices have a role. An algorithm of management of the humeral shaft non-unions following a rational approach is suggested.

Inflammation, Bone Healing, and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs: An Update.

Summary: Fracture healing is a unique multifaceted process requiring the presence of cells, molecular mediators, and angiogenic factors. The state of inflammation dominates the initial phase, but the ideal magnitude and duration of the process for an optimal outcome remains obscure. Biological response modifiers, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparations, have been used to reconstitute the desirable early inflammatory state, but the results obtained remain inconclusive. Ongoing research to characterize and quantify the inflammatory response after bone fracture is essential in order to better understand the molecular insights of this localized reaction and to expand our armamentarium in the management of patients with an impaired fracture healing response. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs frequently administered for analgesia after trauma procedures continue to be a cause of concern for a successful bone repair response.