Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Restoration of Lateral Tibial Plateau Widening and Articular Depression Is Necessary to Prevent Valgus Deformities after Arthroscopic Reduction and Internal Fixation in AO/OTA 41.B2 or B3 Fractures: Jun-Ho Kim, Kang-Il Kim, Sang-Hak Lee, Gwankyu Son, Myung-Seo Kim; J Korean Fract Soc 2024;37(3):125-136. Published online July 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.3.125

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study examined the factors affecting valgus deformities after arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation (ARIF) in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures.
Materials and Methods
Patients with lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures treated with ARIF were assessed retrospectively. The radiological evaluations included the articular depression distance (ADD) and the lateral plateau widening distance (LPWD) on preoperative and postoperative computed tomography. A postoperative valgus deformity was defined as valgus malalignment (mechanical axis ≥3°) and valgus deviation (Δmechanical axis of the operated knee from the healthy knee of ≥5°). Subgroup analyses based on a postoperative valgus deformity were performed to compare the clinical outcomes, including the range of motion, patient-reported outcomes measures, and failure and osteoarthritis progression. Furthermore, factors affecting the postoperative mechanical and Δmechanical axes were assessed.
Results
Thirty-nine patients were included with a mean follow-up of 44.6 months (range, 24-106 months). Valgus malalignment and valgus deviation were observed after ARIF in 10 patients (25.6%) and five patients (12.8%), respectively. The clinical outcomes were similar in patients with and without a postoperative valgus deformity. On the other hand, lateral compartment osteoarthritis progression was significantly higher in the valgus deformity group than in the non-valgus deformity group (valgus malalignment group: 50.0% vs 6.9%, p=0.007; valgus deviation group: 60.0% vs 11.8%, p=0.032). One patient with valgus deformity underwent realignment surgery at postoperative five years. The preoperative ADD and postoperative LPWD were significantly associated with the postoperative mechanical (both, p<0.001) and Δmechanical (ADD, p=0.001; LPWD, p=0.025) axes. Moreover, the lateral meniscectomized status during ARIF was significantly associated with the Δmechanical axis (p=0.019).
Conclusion
Osteoarthritis progression was highly prevalent in patients with postoperative valgus deformity. Thus, the restoration of lateral plateau widening and articular depression and preservation of the meniscus are necessary to prevent a valgus deformity after ARIF in lateral joint-depression tibial plateau fractures.

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Effect of Coincident Hip Fracture on Distal Radius Fracture in Patients Treated with a Volar Locking Plate: A Matched-Pair Analysis of Elderly Patients: Hyoung-Seok Jung, Min-Su Chu, Jae-Sung Lee; J Korean Fract Soc 2024;37(3):137-143. Published online July 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.3.137

Abstract PDF: Purpose
Although the incidence of simultaneous distal radius and hip fractures in older patients is minimal, patients with these coincident types of fractures exhibit unique features. This study analyzed the outcomes associated with operative treatment involving volar-locking plates in patients who sustained distal radius fractures and hip fractures and compared them with those in matched control patients who had undergone treatment for isolated distal radius fractures.
Materials and Methods
Between 2010 and 2015, 34 patients, who met the criteria for hip and distal radius fractures, were retrospectively reviewed. Thirty-four matched patients who underwent volarlocking plate fixation for isolated distal radius fractures during the same period were also reviewed. The clinical outcomes between the groups were compared using postoperative radiological parameters.
Results
The radiological assessment revealed a better radial length and inclination in the control group than in the study group at the final follow-up. In other words, patients with coincident hip fractures showed a higher tendency for loss of reduction. Despite the differences in radiological parameters, no significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed, except for grip strength.
Conclusion
Although volar-locking plating provides greater stabilization, a loss of reduction occurred in patients with coincident hip fractures.

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Analysis of Missed Fractures by Bone Scan in Elderly Hip Fracture Patients with Osteoporosis: Tae Hun Lee, Yeong Hyun Lee, Seo Won Kang; J Korean Fract Soc 2024;37(3):144-149. Published online July 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.3.144

Abstract PDF: Purpose
The incidence of hip fractures is increasing due to an increase in elderly populations because elderly patients often have accompanying diseases, such as cognitive impairment or dementia, which may lead to missed fractures. Therefore, this study assessed the utility of bone scans in detecting missed fractures in elderly patients.
Materials and Methods
This study analyzed the data from 178 patients treated from January 2014 to March 2023. The inclusion criteria were patients who had hip fractures with osteoporosis over 70 years old. Bone scans were performed on average 10 days after injury. The rate and trend of missed fractures not detected in the initial diagnosis were determined based on sex, age, dementia status, and the presence of osteoporosis.
Results
Among the 178 hip fracture patients over 70 years old, 37 patients had a history of being diagnosed with dementia, and 141 patients had never been diagnosed. Missed fractures were confirmed in 49 cases (42 patients) (23.6%). The dementia group had 13 missed fractures, and the non-dementia group had 36 missed fractures, but there was no significant difference. Rib fractures were most common, followed by vertebral fractures.
Conclusion
Missed diagnoses of fractures were common among elderly hip fracture patients. A whole body bone scan appeared to be effective in detecting missed fractures. Therefore, identifying accompanying fractures through bone scans and delivering appropriate treatment can play an important role in postoperative rehabilitation.

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Avulsion Fractures around the Hip Joint and Pelvis: Ha-Yong Kim, Hajun Jang, Jung-Taek Kim, Jin-Woo Kim, Jun-Il Yoo, Won-Sik Choy, Yonghan Cha; J Korean Fract Soc 2024;37(3):150-157. Published online July 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.3.150

Abstract PDF: Avulsion fractures occur when tendons or ligaments are subjected to forces greater than they can withstand at the apophysis or enthesis, regardless of the fusion status. Given the diverse muscular structures around the pelvis and hip joint, which serve as origins for multiple muscles leading to the lower extremities, these areas are vulnerable to such injuries. Pelvic avulsion fractures commonly af-fect young athletes, but they can also occur in adults. Diagnosis typically involves assessing the trauma history, clinical examination, and radiographic imaging. In cases of unclear diagnosis, additional tests, such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, may assist in treatment decisions and diagnosis. Although most avulsion fractures respond well to conservative treatment, surgical interven-tion may be preferred in severe displacements, significant retraction in active athletes, or when a faster recovery is necessary. Chronic or neglected injuries may lead to excessive osseous formation around the pelvis, causing impingement syndromes. Recognizing the characteristic radiological findings based on the pelvic anatomy aids in accurate diagnosis because chronic injuries might mimic tumors or infectious conditions, necessitating a careful differential diagnosis.

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Avulsion Fractures of around the Hand: Dong Whan Kim, Jung Il Lee; J Korean Fract Soc 2024;37(3):158-168. Published online July 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.3.158

Abstract PDF: An avulsion fracture occurs when soft tissues, including the tendons and ligaments, are forcibly detached from the main bone by an external force. The hand contains numerous anatomical structures, such as ligaments, tendons, and volar plates, which are essential for maintaining multidirectional motion and joint stability. Excessive force applied in a specific direction can damage these structures, leading to avulsion fractures around the joint. These fractures can result in severe complications if left untreated or improperly managed, including joint deformity, contracture, nonunion or malunion of the fracture, secondary osteoarthritis, and limited range of motion. Therefore, an accurate examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment are crucial for preventing these adverse outcomes. An avulsion fracture can be managed conservatively when the avulsed fragment does not compromise joint stability or motion. Nevertheless, surgical intervention is required to stabilize the fragment if it affects joint stability or motion. The use of internal fixation has become more prevalent because of recent advances in small implants for fixation.

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Corrigendum: Effect of Additional Medial Locking Plate Fixation and Autogenous Bone Graft for Distal Femur Nonunion after Lateral Locking Plate Fixation: Ho Min Lee, Jong Pil Kim, In Hwa Baek, Han Sol Moon, Seon Gyo Nam; J Korean Fract Soc 2024;37(3):169-169. Published online July 31, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2024.37.3.169

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