William M. Ricci

Locked Plates Combined With Minimally Invasive Insertion Technique for the Treatment of Periprosthetic Supracondylar Femur Fractures Above a Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective New locked plate devices offer theoretical advantages for the treatment of supracondylar femur fractures associated with a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). These devices also can be inserted with relative ease by using minimally invasive techniques, provide a fixed angle construct, and improve fixation in osteoporotic bone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of treating periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures above a TKA with a locked plate designed for the distal femur. Design Prospective, consecutive case series. Setting Level I trauma center. Patients/Participants Twenty-two consecutive adult patients with 24 (2 bilateral) supracondylar femur fractures (OTA 33A) above a well-fixed non-stemmed TKA were treated with the Locking Condylar Plate. One patient who died before fracture healing and 1 who was lost to follow-up were excluded from analysis. All remaining patients (5 males, 15 females, average age, 73 (range, 50–95) years) were available for follow-up at an average of 15 (range, 6–45) months. According to the OTA classification, there were three 33A1, eight 33A2, and eleven 33A3 fractures. All fractures were closed. Indirect reduction methods without bone graft were used in all cases. Results Nineteen of 22 fractures healed after the index procedure (86%). All 3 patients with healing complications were insulin-dependent patients with diabetes who also were obese (body mass index >30). Two developed infected nonunions and 1 an aseptic nonunion. Postoperative alignment was satisfactory (within 5°) for 20 of 22 fractures. Fracture of screws in the proximal fragment occurred in 4 patients. In 3 of these cases, there was progressive coronal plane deformity. There was no change in alignment in any other patient. Fifteen of 17 patients who healed returned to their baseline ambulatory status, with 5 requiring additional ambulatory support compared with baseline. Conclusions Fixation of periprosthetic supracondylar femur fractures with a locking plate provided satisfactory results in nondiabetic patients. Diabetic patients seem to be at high risk for healing complications and infection.

Retrograde versus antegrade nailing of femoral shaft fractures.

Objectives: To compare union rates and complications of retrograde intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with those of antegrade intramedullary nailing. Design: Retrospective. Setting: Level I trauma center. Patients: Two hundred eighty-three consecutive adult patients with 293 fractures of the femoral shaft who underwent stabilization with antegrade or retrograde inserted femoral nails were studied. There were 140 retrograde nails and 153 antegrade nails. Twelve fractures in twelve patients were excluded (three in patients who died early in the postoperative period, three in patients because of early amputation, four in patients who were paraplegic, and two in patients who fractured through abnormal bone owing to metastatic carcinoma), leaving 134 fractures treated with retrograde nails and 147 treated with antegrade nails. One hundred four femurs treated with retrograde nails (Group R) and ninety-four femurs treated with antegrade nails (Group A) had sufficient follow-up and served as the two study groups. The average clinical follow-up was twenty-three months (range 6 to 66 months) for Group R and twenty-three months (range 5 to 64 months) for Group A. Both groups were comparable with regard to age, gender, number of open fractures, degree of comminution, mode of interlocking (i.e., static or dynamic), and nail diameter (P > 0.05). Intervention: Retrograde intramedullary nails were inserted through the intercondylar notch of the knee, and antegrade nails were inserted through the pirformis fossa using standard techniques. Main Outcome Measures: Union, delayed union, nonunion, malunion, and complication rates. Results: After the index procedure there were no significant differences in healing or incidence of malunion between Group R and Group A (P > 0.05). Healing after the index procedure occurred in ninety-one (88 percent) of the femurs in Group R and in eighty-four (89 percent) of the femurs in Group A. In Group R, there were seven delayed unions (7 percent) and six nonunions (6 percent). In Group A, there were four delayed unions (4 percent) and six nonunions (6 percent). Healing ultimately occurred in 100 (96 percent) femurs from Group R and in ninety-three (99 percent) femurs from Group A. In Group R, there were eleven malunions (11 percent), and in Group A, there were twelve malunions (13 percent). When patients with ipsilateral knee injuries were excluded, the incidence of knee pain was significantly greater for Group R patients (36 percent) than for Group A patients (9 percent) (P < 0.001). When patients with ipsilateral hip injuries were excluded, the incidence of hip pain was significantly greater for Group A patients (10 percent) than for Group R patients (4 percent) (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Retrograde and antegrade nailing techniques provided similar results in union and malunion rates. There were more complications related to the knee after retrograde nailing and more complications related to the hip after antegrade nailing.

Extraosseous blood supply of the tibia and the effects of different plating techniques: A human cadaveric study

Objective To describe the extraosseous blood supply of the tibia and how the blood supply of the distal tibia is influenced by different plating techniques. Design Microdissection of cadaveric adult hip disarticulation specimens following sequential arterial injections of india ink and Wards Blue Latex was performed. Readily identifiable arterioles measured approximately 0.5 mm in diameter. Their artery of origin was identified, and their position along the medial, lateral, and posterior aspects of the tibia was documented relative to the tibial plafond. Additionally, six matched pairs of limbs were used to assess the effects of different plating techniques on the extraosseous blood supply along the medial aspect of the distal tibia. Setting University anatomy laboratory. Patients/Participants Nine matched pairs (n = 18) of randomly obtained, adult cadaveric hip disarticulation specimens. Intervention India ink followed by Wards Blue Latex was injected into the superficial femoral artery at the level of the inguinal crease after cleansing of the arterial system. The skin, subcutaneous tissue, and muscles were dissected from the leg, exposing the arterial system and the extraosseous vessels of the tibia. Mean Outcome Measurements The extraosseous blood supply of each aspect of the tibial diaphysis was determined. Each extraosseous arteriole was identified, and the locations of each documented relative to the tibial plafond. Changes in the filling of these vessels along the medial aspect of the distal tibia were documented in a separate group of specimens (n = 12), which had undergone two different plating techniques. Results The proximal metaphysis of the tibia was found to have a rich extraosseous blood supply provided primarily from vessels from the popliteal artery, the anterior tibial artery (ATA) laterally, and the posterior tibial artery (PTA) medially. In comparison, the tibial diaphysis was found to have relatively few extraosseous vessels and a considerably hypovascular region, posteriorly. Branches of the ATA were found to supply the posterior aspect of the diaphysis with these branches passing through the interosseous membrane. The diaphysis also received a variable contribution from the PTA. The lateral aspect of the diaphysis was supplied by branches of the ATA. An anastomotic network of arteries from the ATA and PTA formed the rich extraosseous blood supply of the medial distal aspect of the tibia. Open plating of the medial aspect of the distal tibia caused a statistically significant (p < 0.05) greater disruption of the extraosseous blood supply of the metaphyseal region than did percutaneously applied plates. In each specimen, open plating prevented filling of each periosteal vessel in the region as opposed to percutaneous plates, which permitted filling of the extraosseous vessels up to the edge of the plate. Conclusions The proximal and distal metaphyseal areas of the tibia have a rich extraosseous blood supply provided primarily by branches of the ATA and the PTA. Open plating of the medial aspect of the distal tibia caused a greater disruption of this extraosseous blood supply than did percutaneously applied plates. Disruption of these extraosseous vessels following fracture and subsequent operative stabilization may slow healing and increase the risk of delayed union and nonunion. These findings support current efforts to develop less invasive methods and implants for operative stabilization of distal tibia fractures.

Fractures of the proximal third of the tibial shaft treated with intramedullary nails and blocking screws.

Objectives: To describe the technique and results of using blocking screws and intramedullary nails to treat patients with fractures of the proximal third of the tibial shaft. Design: Prospective. Setting: Level I trauma centers. Patients: Twelve consecutive patients treated with intramedullary nailing and blocking screws for fractures of the proximal third of the tibial shaft. Intervention: Patients were treated with intramedullary nails and blocking screws. Main Outcome Measure: The alignment of fractures was determined using standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs after surgery and at each follow-up examination. One patient was lost to follow-up. All other patients were followed at regular intervals until union or establishment of a nonunion. Changes in alignment and complications were noted. Results: Postoperatively, all patients had less than 5 degrees of angular deformity in the planes in which blocking screws were used to control alignment. One patient had postoperative malalignment (6 degrees of valgus), but a lateral blocking screw to control valgus deformity was not used in this patient. One patient was lost to follow-up. Eleven patients were followed up to union (n = 10) or establishment of a nonunion (n = 1). Ten of eleven patients maintained their postoperative fracture alignment at their last follow-up examination (average follow-up of thirty-three weeks). One patient progressed from 6 degrees of valgus immediately after surgery to 10 degrees of valgus at union. This patient did not have a blocking screw to control valgus angulation. Conclusions: Blocking screws are effective to help obtain and maintain alignment of fractures of the proximal third of the tibial shaft treated with intramedullary nails.

Angular malalignment after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures

Objectives To determine factors associated with angular malalignment of femoral shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nails and to determine differences in the incidence of angular malalignment based on fracture location, fracture comminution, and method of treatment (i.e., antegrade or retrograde). Design Retrospective. Setting Level I trauma center. Patients Three hundred sixty patients with 374 femoral shaft fractures were identified from a prospectively obtained orthopaedic trauma database. Complete sets of immediate postoperative anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were available for 355 (95 percent) of the 374 fractures. Intervention Patients were treated with antegrade (183 cases) or retrograde (174 cases) intramedullary femoral nailing. Main Outcome Measure Goniometric measurements were made on all immediate postoperative radiographs to determine the coronal plane and sagittal plane angular alignments. A multiple linear regression statistical analysis was used to determine factors associated with increasing angular malalignment. The incidence of malalignment was determined using more than 5 degrees of deformity in any plane as the definition of malalignment. Results Proximal fracture location, distal fracture location, and unstable fracture pattern were associated with increasing fracture angulation (p < 0.001). Fracture location in the middle third, stable fracture pattern, method of treatment (i.e., antegrade or retrograde), and nail diameter were not associated with increasing fracture angulation (p > 0.05). The incidence of malalignment was 9 percent for the entire group of patients, 30 percent when the fracture was of the proximal third of the femoral shaft, 2 percent when the fracture was of the middle third, and 10 percent when the fracture was of the distal third. The incidence of malreduction was 7 percent for patients with stable fracture patterns and 12 percent for those with unstable fracture patterns. Conclusions Patients with fractures of the proximal third of the femoral shaft treated with intramedullary nails are at highest risk for malalignment. Proximal fracture location, distal fracture location, and unstable fracture pattern are associated with increasing fracture angulation.

Treatment of nonunions and osseous defects with bone graft and calcium sulfate

The treatment of long bone nonunions and fractures with osseous defects is challenging. The results of 26 patients with either a persistent long bone nonunion or an osseous defect after an open fracture were reviewed. Each patient was treated with debridement of devitalized tissue, open reduction and internal fixation, and bone grafting using a mixture of autogenous iliac crest bone graft and medical grade calcium sulfate. The current study evaluated the union rate and associated complications for treatment of these injuries using this protocol. Each nonunion was confirmed intraoperatively, and healing was determined clinically by the patients’ return to full activities without pain and radiographically by the presence of bridging trabeculae. Complications included persistent nonunion (four patients), wound drainage (five patients), wound drainage and cellulitis (one patient) and cellulitis alone (one patient). Using this treatment protocol, 22 patients (85%) achieved healing after one surgery and an additional two patients (92%) achieved healing after a second surgery. Medical grade calcium sulfate increases the volume of graft material, facilitates bone formation, and is safe in the treatment of nonunions and fractures with osseous defects.

Intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures: current concepts.

&NA; Intramedullary nailing is the preferred method for treating fractures of the femoral shaft. The piriformis fossa and greater trochanter are viable starting points for antegrade nailing. Alternatively, retrograde nailing may be performed. Each option has relative advantages, disadvantages, and indications. Patient positioning can affect the relative ease of intramedullary nailing and the incidence of malalignment. The timing of femoral intramedullary nailing as well as the use of reaming must be tailored to each patient to avoid systemic complications. Associated comorbidities, the body habitus, and associated injuries should be considered when determining the starting point, optimal patient positioning for nailing, whether to use reduction aids as well as which to use, and any modifications of standard technique. Intramedullary nailing of diaphyseal femur fractures provides a stable fixation construct that can be applied using indirect reduction techniques. This method yields high union rates and low complication rates when vigilance is maintained during preoperative planning, the surgical procedure, and the postoperative period.

Treatment of complex proximal tibia fractures with the less invasive skeletal stabilization system.

Objective: Proximal tibia fractures with metaphyseal comminution present a difficult treatment challenge. The Less Invasive Skeletal Stabilization (LISS) internal fixator system has theoretical advantages (minimally invasive fixed angle construct) for the treatment of these injuries. This report presents clinical results of the LISS system for treatment of complex proximal tibia fractures and illustrates the unique properties of the system. Design: Prospective clinical trial. Setting: Level I trauma center. Patients: Twenty-eight consecutive patients with comminuted proximal tibia metaphyseal fractures (41A3, 41C2, or 41C3) treated with LISS plates. Outcome Measurements: Healing, fracture alignment, infectious and implant-related complications, and functional outcome based on the Lower Extremity Measure (LEM). Results: Average follow-up was 23 months (range 12–48). Thirty-seven of 38 patients healed their fracture after the index procedure. The other healed after implant removal without the need for further fracture repair. Postoperative fracture alignment was satisfactory in 37 of the 38 cases and was maintained in all patients at union. There were no infectious complications. The average LEM score was 88. Conclusions: The LISS internal fixator system can be used successfully to treat complex proximal tibia fractures without the need for additional medial stabilization. Surgeons attempting to use fixed angle internal fixation plating systems should familiarize themselves with the significant technical differences between these and traditional plating systems to assure satisfactory results.

Results of Indirect Reduction and Plating of Femoral Shaft Nonunions After Intramedullary Nailing

Objective To observe and report the clinical results of indirect plating techniques in the treatment of femoral shaft nonunions originally treated with intramedullary nailing. Design Prospective consecutive. Setting Regional trauma center. Patients A consecutive series of twenty-three patients with nonunion of femoral shaft fractures previously treated with intramedullary nailing. Intervention Surgical treatment with indirect plating techniques using the AO 95-degree condylar blade plate in nonunions of the distal and proximal one thirds and broad large-fragment dynamic compression plating in nonunions of the middle one third, with selective autologous cancellous bone grafting. Emphasis was placed on preoperative planning, intraoperative attention to soft tissue sparing and selection of the appropriately applied implant to correct deformity and obtain union. Main Outcome Measurements Healing rate and time, operative blood loss and time, and incidence of complications, including hardware failure, loss of fixation, infection, and postoperative malalignment. Results Twenty-one of the twenty-three nonunions healed without further intervention at an average of twelve weeks (range 10 to 16 weeks) postoperatively. The two remaining patients (9 percent) had early breakage of their hardware, requiring repeat plating. Union in both of these cases occurred within sixteen weeks of the revision (12 and 16 weeks). Including the two patients requiring reoperation, all twenty-three nonunions healed at an average of seventeen weeks (range 10 to 24 weeks) from the initial plating procedure. There were no intraoperative complications. Average operative time was 164 minutes (range 120 to 240 minutes), and blood loss was 340 milliliters (range 200 to 700 milliliters). There were no cases of significant postoperative axial or rotational malalignment (more than 5 degrees), limb length discrepancy (more than 1 centimeter), or deep infections. Conclusions Modern plating techniques are effective in the treatment of femoral shaft nonunions after intramedullary fracture fixation. The authors consider this method particularly valuable in the presence of deformity. Union occurred reliably with few complications.

Risk factors for failure of locked plate fixation of distal femur fractures: an analysis of 335 cases.

Objectives: Locked plating has become a standard method to treat supracondylar femur fractures. Emerging evidence indicates that this method of treatment is associated with modest failure rates. The goals of this study were to determine risk factors for complications and to provide technical recommendations for locked plating of supracondylar femur fractures. Design: Retrospective review. Setting: Three level I or II trauma centers. Patients/participants: Three hundred twenty-six patients with 335 distal femur fractures (OTA 33A or C, 33% open) treated with lateral locked plates were studied. The average patient age was 57 years (range 17–97 years), 55% were women, 34% were obese, 19% were diabetic, and 24% were smokers. Intervention: All patients were managed with open reduction internal fixation using a lateral distal femoral locked plate construct that included locked screws in the distal fragment and nonlocked, locked, or a combination of locked and nonlocked screws in the proximal fragment. Main Outcome Measurements: Risk factors for reoperation to promote union, deep infection, and implant failure. Results: After the index procedure, 64 fractures (19%) required reoperation to promote union, including 30 that had a planned staged bone grafting because of the metaphyseal defect after debridement of an open fracture. Independent risk factors for reoperation to promote union and deep infection included diabetes and open fracture. Risk factors for proximal implant failure included open fracture, smoking, increased body mass index, and shorter plate length. Conclusions: The identified risk factors for reoperation to promote union and complications included open fracture, diabetes, smoking, increased body mass index, and shorter plate length. Most factors are out of surgeon control but are useful when considering prognosis. Use of relatively long plates is a technical factor that can reduce risk for fixation failure. Level of Evidence: Prognostic level II. See instructions for authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.