Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

The Efficiency of Radiation Shielding Sheet to Reduce Radiation Exposure during C-arm Fluoroscopy: Hosang Jeon, Won Chul Shin, Hee Yun Seol, Yongkan Ki, Kyeong Baek Kim, Ki Seok Choo, Sang Don Lee, Suk-Woong Kang; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(4):111-117. Published online October 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.4.111

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study evaluates the radiation shielding performance of a new lead-free tungsten-based sheet to reduce the radiation exposure of operators and patients under C-arm fluoroscopy.
Materials and Methods
A non-lead radiation shielding sheet (ROO201128; Pentas, Korea) was fabri-cated using tungsten and bismuth. The dose measurements were conducted using a C-arm fluoroscopy machine at 64 kVp and 1.5 mA, assuming two possible scenarios according to the position of the sheet. In each scenario, measurements were conducted at three distances (30, 60, and 90 cm) away from the beam center and in three directions (cephal, caudal, and operator’s direction).
Results
In the area within a radius of 60 cm from the beam center, the measured doses were reduced by 66.3% on mean, and the doses measured at distances more than 60 cm were less than 0.1 mSv/h in both scenarios. The most beneficial utilization of the lead-free shielding sheet was verified during C-arm fluoroscopy by placing the sheet on the X-ray tube. The operator’s radiation exposure was reduced by 56.6% when the sheet was placed under the phantom, and by 81.0% when the sheet was placed on the X-ray tube.
Conclusion
The use of lead-free radiation shielding sheets under C-arm fluoroscopy was effective in reducing radiation exposure, and the most beneficial scenario in which the sheet can be utilized was verified when the sheet was placed on the X-ray tube.

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Risk Factors of Fixation Failure in Femoral Neck Fractures: Sung Hyun Yoon, Kyu Beom Kim, Hyung Jun Lee, Kyung Wook Kim; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(4):118-124. Published online October 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.4.118

Abstract PDF: Purpose
Internal fixation after a femoral neck fracture (FNF) is one of the conventional treatment options for the young and active elderly patients. However, fixation failure of internal fixation is a probable complication. The treatment of fixation failure after a primary internal fixation of the FNF remains a challenge.
Materials and Methods
Between July 2002 and March 2017, 83 patients who underwent internal fixation after FNF were retrospectively analyzed. Radiological assessments, including Pauwels’ angle, fracture level, reduction quality, and bone union, were measured, preoperatively and postoperatively. Moreover, intraoperative variables such as time to surgery, surgical time, and estimated blood loss were also evaluated.
Results
The patients were divided into the fixation failure and the non-failure groups. Among the 83 patients, 17 cases (20.5%) of fixation failure after the primary internal fixation of the FNF were identi-fied. When comparing the two groups according to the radiographic data, Pauwels’ angle and the reduction quality based on Garden’s angle showed significant differences (p<0.001). Moreover, when comparing the intraoperative variables, unlike the surgical time and estimated blood loss, significant differences were noted in the time interval from injury to surgery and specifically in whether the surgery was performed within 12 hours after injury (p<0.001).
Conclusion
Pauwels’ angle, reduction quality, and time to surgery are the major factors that can predict the possibility of internal fixation failure of the FNF. Early and accurate anatomical reduction is needed to decrease complications after the internal fixation of the FNF.

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Treatment Results of Reamed Exchange Nailing in Aseptic Nonunion of Tibial Shaft Fracture: Yongjin Cho, Jun Young Lee, Jehong Ryu, Hyoung Tae Kim, Jong Jin Moon; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(4):125-132. Published online October 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.4.125

Abstract PDF: Purpose
Intramedullary nailing is used widely for treating tibial diaphysis fractures because of its relatively rigid internal fixation, which allows weight bearing, resulting in rapid bone healing and functional recovery. This study evaluated the results of exchange nailing in treating aseptic nonunion of tibial shaft fractures.
Materials and Methods
From November 2015 to December 2021, a retrospective study was conducted on patients who had undergone intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphysis fractures. Among them, this study focused on patients diagnosed with nonunion and who underwent exchange nailing. Twenty patients with a minimum follow-up period of at least 12 months were included in the study.
Results
The mean ages of patients were 60 years (range, 30-79 years). Of the 20 cases in which exchange nailing was performed, bone union was achieved in 18 cases (90.0%), and the mean period was 23 weeks (range, 14-46 weeks). Among the 18 cases of bone union, one case exhibited delayed union and achieved union without additional treatment after 46 weeks, while two cases of nonunion failed to achieve union and were lost to follow-up until the final assessment.
Conclusion
Reamed exchange nailing performed on aseptic nonunion after intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphysis fractures had satisfactory clinical outcomes.

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Bone Union Time of Simple Distal Femur Fractures in the Elderly according to Fracture Gap after Treated with Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis: Young Ho Cho, Sangwoo Kim, Jaewook Koo; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(4):133-138. Published online October 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.4.133

Abstract PDF: Purpose
This study examined the difference in bone union time according to the fracture gap after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for simple distal femoral fractures in elderly patients.
Materials and Methods
From January 2010 to December 2019, patients aged 60 years or older who underwent surgical treatment for distal femoral fractures due to a low-energy injury were investigated retrospectively. Forty patients were enrolled in the study. The patients were divided into two groups according to the fracture gap after reduction: no more than 2 mm (Group A) and more than 2 mm (Group B) in the anteroposterior and lateral plane. The demographic, operation time, presence or absence of cerclage wiring, plate screw density, plate span ratio, plate length, bone union period, non-union, and complications were evaluated.
Results
No statistical differences in operation time, cerclage wiring, plate screw density, plate span ratio, and plate length were observed between the two groups, and the bone union was achieved in all patients without complication. The bone union period was 17.24±1.48 weeks in Group A and 24.53± 5.20 weeks in Group B, which was statistically significant (p<0.001).
Conclusion
The bone union time in treating geriatric simple distal femur fractures using the MIPO tech-nique was significantly shorter in the 2 mm or less fracture gap than in the greater than 2 mm group.

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Fracture-Related Complications: What You Can Do to Prevent Infection: HoeJeong Chung, Jin Woo Lee, Sang-Ho Lee, Hoon-Sang Sohn; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(4):139-147. Published online October 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.4.139

Abstract PDF: Fracture-related infections (FRI) can occur when bacteria enter the wound during a traumatic injury. All efforts should be made to prevent FRI-associated complications due to the complexity of treatment at the time of onset and poor treatment outcomes. The risk factors for FRIs vary and several preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative measures can be implemented to prevent infections. Preoperative measures include blood sugar control, nutritional support, discontinuation of steroids and immunosuppressants, treatment of accompanying pre-existing infections, and decolonization of pathogens, specifically Staphylococcus aureus. The perioperative and postoperative measures include the use of prophylactic antibiotics, proper surgical site preparation (hair removal, preoperative washing, skin antisepsis), suitable surgical environment (operating room ventilation system, behavioral interventions in the operating room), correct surgical techniques (debridement, irrigation, wound closure, and negative pressure wound therapy). All medical staff should pay careful attention and ensure the implementation of the correct preventive measures.

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Systematic Diagnosis and Treatment Principles for Acute Fracture-Related Infections: Jeong-Seok Choi, Jun-Hyeok Kwon, Seong-Hyun Kang, Yun-Ki Ryu, Won-Seok Choi, Jong-Keon Oh, Jae-Woo Cho; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(4):148-161. Published online October 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.4.148

Abstract PDF: Acute fracture-related infection (FRI) is a common and serious complication of fracture treatment. The clinical symptoms of the patient and the results of the serological, radiological, and histopathologi-cal examinations can be divided into ‘Confirmatory’ criteria and ‘Suggestive’ criteria, allowing for the diagnosis of FRI. Treatment principles can be broadly categorized into (1) the DAIR (Debridement, Antimicrobial therapy, Implant Retention) method and (2) the staged reconstruction method. The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the time elapsed after infection, stability of the internal fixation device, reduction status, host physiology, and virulence of the pathogens. Thorough surgical debridement and irrigation, ensuring stability at the fracture site, reconstruction of bone defects, and appropriate soft tissue coverage, along with antibiotic therapy, are essential to suppress or eradicate the infection. The restoration of limb function should be promoted through proper soft tissue coverage and bone union at the fracture site.

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