Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Percutaneous anterior leverage technique for anteromedial cortical support in intertrochanteric femur fractures: a computed tomography-based validation study: Whee Sung Son, Bum Jin Shim, Oog-jin Shon; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2026;39(2):117-129. Published online March 27, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00311; Funded: Yeungnam University

Abstract PDF: Background
Anteromedial cortical support (AMCS) enhances stability in intertrochanteric femur fractures. However, reproducible, validated methods of achieving AMCS have not previously been reported. This study introduces a percutaneous anterior leverage technique and validates its AMCS effects using computed tomography (CT).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients treated by a single surgeon between March 2022 and December 2024. The inclusion criteria were an AO/OTA classification of A1–A3, application of the percutaneous anterior leverage technique, available pre- and postoperative CT, and ≥6 months follow-up. Outcomes included CT-based AMCS (anterior on axial and medial on coronal images, classified as positive, neutral, or negative), time to union, union rate, changes in neck-shaft angle, and treatment failure (varus collapse, blade cut-through, or nonunion without the former two). The risk factors for failure were analyzed.
Results
Of 273 patients reviewed, 53 met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up was at least 6 months in all cases. Positive anterior support was achieved in 37 patients (69.8%) and positive medial support in 42 (79.25%). No patient demonstrated negative anterior support; one (1.9%) had negative medial support. Cortical support improved significantly after surgery. CT images demonstrated significant postoperative improvements (anterior P=0.026; medial P<0.001). Bone union was achieved in 50 patients (94.34%) at a mean of 3.93±1.48 months. The mean change in the neck-shaft angle at last follow-up was 1.75°±2.34° varus. Three patients (5.66%) experienced treatment failure. Anteromedial cortical breakage during follow-up differed between failure and nonfailure groups (P=0.002), but regression identified no independent predictors. No technique-related complications were observed.
Conclusions
Our percutaneous anterior leverage technique produced favorable CT-confirmed AMCS and high union with low failure, supporting its safety and effectiveness in intertrochanteric femur fractures. Level of evidence: IV.

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Clinical and radiographic outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures in Korea with three or more years of follow-up: a retrospective cohort study: Sang Jin Cheon, Kyu-Hak Jung, Min Hyeok Choi, Suk-Woong Kang; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2026;39(2):147-155. Published online February 26, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00325; Funded: Pusan National University

Abstract PDF: Background
Shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) is an established treatment option for complex proximal humeral fractures, particularly in cases involving severe comminution or osteoporotic bone. This study investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of HA with a minimum follow-up of 3 years and aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with postoperative function.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients (16 males and 28 females; mean age, 61.2 years; range, 23–83 years) who underwent shoulder HA for complex proximal humeral fractures between 2005 and 2018. The mean follow-up duration was 70.4 months (range, 36–168 months). Clinical evaluations included the Constant score, visual analog scale pain score, patient satisfaction, and range of motion. Radiographic assessments examined tuberosity healing, radiolucent lines, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and glenoid arthrosis.
Results
At the 3-year follow-up, 64% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied. The mean Constant score was 46.6 (range, 13–71), and the age- and sex-adjusted Constant score was 53.5 (range, 19–92). Radiographically, 23% of patients demonstrated radiolucent lines, and 41% showed evidence of glenoid arthrosis. Tuberosity absorption occurred in 39% of patients, with a mean onset of 11.2 months postoperatively, and was significantly associated with lower Constant scores and reduced range of motion. Patients younger than 60 years demonstrated better functional outcomes and lower rates of tuberosity absorption. The mean AHD decreased from 8.4 mm postoperatively to 4.4 mm at the 3-year follow-up (P<0.001).
Conclusions
Shoulder HA for complex proximal humeral fractures yielded satisfactory pain relief and functional outcomes, particularly when tuberosity healing was preserved. However, elderly patients with diminished bone quality were more likely to develop tuberosity absorption and experience poorer functional recovery. Meticulous surgical technique and careful postoperative surveillance remain essential to achieving optimal results. Level of evidence: III.

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Biomechanical comparison of anatomically precontoured patellar plate, anterior tension wiring through cannulated screws, and double-sided plating in patellar fractures using a synthetic bone model: Abdullah M. Aljeaid, Wonseok Choi, Jeong-Seok Choi, Youngsig Choi, Jiyeon Bae, Jong-Keon Oh, Jae-Woo Cho; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2026;39(2):130-139. Published online April 7, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00353; Funded: Seoul R&BD Program

Abstract PDF: Background
Patellar fractures are common injuries that require stable fixation to achieve optimal healing and restoration of knee function. This study aimed to analyze the mechanical properties of an anatomically precontoured patellar plate and to compare its maximum tensile load-bearing capacity with that of anterior tension wiring through cannulated screws and double-sided plating for the fixation of patellar fractures.
Methods
Artificial Sawbones with a standardized transverse fracture line were used to simulate patellar fractures. Each sawbone was attached to polyester bands, and this fracture model was applied consistently across all test samples. To evaluate mechanical properties of the anatomically precontoured patellar plate (model code 25-ANPA-209) made of ASTM F67 titanium, static tensile strength testing and dynamic tensile strength testing were performed, with seven samples prepared for each test. For comparison of maximum tensile load capacity among the anatomically precontoured patellar plate, anterior tension wiring through cannulated screws, and double-sided plating, five samples were prepared for each fixation group. All specimens were tested using a tension/compression testing machine.
Results
In the static tensile strength test, all seven samples exhibited a maximum tensile load capacity above 844 N without any fractures or failure points. The dynamic tensile strength test showed that all seven samples completed 10,000 cycles without deformation or damage to the anatomically precontoured patellar plate. When comparing maximum tensile load capacity, the anatomically precontoured patellar plate exhibited a significantly higher maximum tensile load-bearing capacity than anterior tension wiring through cannulated screws and double-sided plating.
Conclusions
The anatomically precontoured patellar plate demonstrated satisfactory mechanical performance, successfully meeting the criteria of both static and dynamic tensile strength testing, and showed superior maximum tensile load-bearing capacity compared with the other fixation methods evaluated. These findings suggest that the anatomically precontoured patellar plate may represent a reliable fixation option for the management of patellar fractures. Level of evidence: V.

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Correlation of bone mineral density with ankle fractures in older adults in Korea: a retrospective cohort study: Seung Hyun Lee, Chae Hun Lee, Seo Jin Park, Jun Young Lee; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(4):186-192. Published online October 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00150; Funded: Chosun University

Abstract PDF: Background
Bone mineral density (BMD) is well-documented in relation to fractures of the spine, hip, distal radius, and proximal humerus; however, its correlations with other fracture types are less established. This study aimed to analyze BMD and associated risk factors in older adults (≥65 years of age) with osteoporotic ankle fractures. These fractures involve low-energy trauma, resulting from falls from a standing height or lower, and occur from impacts which typically do not cause fractures in individuals with normal bone.
Methods
This retrospective study analyzed data from 1,411 patients diagnosed with ankle fractures admitted to Chosun University Hospital between February 2012 and April 2023. After applying inclusion criteria (age ≥65 years; low energy ankle fracture) and exclusion criteria (high energy trauma, open/multiple fractures, missing dual X-ray absorptiometry [DXA]), 73 of 1,411 patients were analyzed. Lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip T scores were obtained with a Horizon Wi DXA scanner, and associations with age, sex, mechanism of injury, comorbidities, smoking status, alcohol consumption, body mass index (BMI), and history of fractures were tested by ANOVA with Scheffe post hoc and Fisher exact tests.
Results
Lower BMD correlated significantly with older age, female sex, and lower BMI (P<0.05) in older adults with ankle fractures. No significant associations were observed for comorbidities (diabetes, hypertension, dementia), smoking, alcohol consumption, injury mechanism, or prior fractures.
Conclusion
These results indicate that older age, female, and lower BMI are linked to reduced BMD in ankle fracture patients over 65 years of age. Focused osteoporosis screening and management may therefore be most beneficial for older, low BMI women presenting with ankle fractures. Level of evidence: IV.

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Risk factors for ankle fractures in older adults based on clinical components of the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool and comorbidities in Korea: a retrospective case-control study: Myeong Jun Song, Se Woong Jang, Jun Young Lee, Seojin Park; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(4):193-202. Published online October 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00143; Funded: Chosun University Hospital

Abstract PDF: Background
Ankle fractures are common in older adults; however, their relationship with osteoporotic fractures remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate potential risk factors for ankle fractures in older adults by analyzing individual clinical components of the Fracture Risk Assessment (FRAX) tool and comorbidities.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective case-control study including 84 patients aged ≥65 years with ankle fractures and 150 controls who underwent bone mineral density (BMD) testing without prior ankle fractures. The variables analyzed included age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol consumption, prior fracture history, and comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dementia. BMD was measured at the spine, total hip, and femoral neck.
Results
Univariate analysis showed that alcohol consumption, diabetes mellitus, and total hip T-score categories were significantly associated with ankle fractures. In binary logistic regression, alcohol consumption remained significantly associated with higher ankle fracture risk (odds ratio [OR], 5.302; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.778–15.811; P=0.003), and both osteopenia and osteoporosis at the total hip were also associated with increased risk (OR, 3.260, P=0.049; OR, 3.561, P=0.031, respectively). Diabetes mellitus did not reach statistical significance in the adjusted model (P=0.074). Model fit was adequate (Hosmer-Lemeshow P=0.377), and post hoc power analysis confirmed sufficient sample size.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that lower total hip BMD and alcohol-related factors may be associated with ankle fracture risk in older adults. The FRAX score itself was not calculated; instead, this study focused on analyzing selected clinical components. Limitations include the retrospective design, lack of fall and medication data, and cross-sectional BMD assessment. Level of evidence: III.

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Computational simulation of coracoclavicular screw insertion through the superior distal clavicular plate for clinical applications in Korean cadavers: Hyung-Lae Cho, Ji Han Choi, Se-Lin Jeong, Gu-Hee Jung; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(3):143-151. Published online July 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00122; Funded: Gyeongsang National University

Abstract PDF: Background
The study was conducted to determine the practical area for inserting the coracoclavicular (CC) screw through the plate by analyzing three-dimensional (3D) shoulder models featuring virtually implanted, actual-size plates and screws.
Methods
Ninety cadaveric shoulders (41 males and 49 females) underwent continuous 1.0-mm slice computed tomography scans. The data were imported into image-processing software to generate a 3D shoulder model, including the scapula and clavicle. The overlapping area between the clavicle and the horizontal portion of the coracoid process (horizontal portion_CP) was analyzed in the cranial view. A curved pelvic recon plate was virtually placed on the upper surface of the distal clavicle, and an actual-size (3.5 mm) CC screw was inserted through the plate.
Results
The distal clavicle directly overlapped with the horizontal portion_CP in the vertical direction. The overlapping area was sufficient to place the 3.5 mm and 4.5 mm-sized screws. In all shoulder models, the CC screw could be inserted through the plate into the vertical direction, with an average length of 35.5 mm (range, 26.2–62.5 mm; standard deviation, 1.2 mm). In 87 models, the CC screw was inserted through the third hole from the lateral end of the plate. Two models were inserted through the second hole, and one model through the fourth hole.
Conclusions
The upper surface of the clavicle has sufficient overlapping area to place CC screws through the plate in the vertical direction in the corresponding hole. Supplemental CC screw fixation through the plate can be performed without additional or special equipment. Level of evidence: IV

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Biomechanical finite element analysis of a femoral neck system fixation construct for femur neck fractures and clinical implications: Hoon-Sang Sohn, Se-Lin Jeong, Gu-Hee Jung; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(3):133-142. Published online July 22, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00108; Funded: Gyeongsang National University

Abstract PDF

Background
This study assessed the structural/mechanical stability of fixation constructs with a femoral neck system (FNS) via finite element analysis after simulating femoral neck fractures and explored the clinical implications.
Methods
We simulated subcapital, transcervical, basicervical, and vertical fracture models using a right femur (SAWBONES) and imported the implant model of FNS to Ansys (Ansys 19.0, Ansys Inc.) to place the implant in the optimal position. The distal end of the femur model was completely fixed and was abducted 7°. The force vector was set laterally at an angle of 3° and posteriorly at an angle of 15° in the vertical ground. The analysis was conducted using Ansys software with the von Mises stress (VMS) in megapascals (MPa).
Results
The maximum VMS of the fracture site was 67.01 MPa for a subcapital, 68.56 MPa for a transcervical, 344.54 MPa for a basicervical, and 130.59 MPa for a vertical model. The maximum VMS of FNS was 840.34 MPa for a subcapital, 637.37 MPa for a transcervical, 464.07 MPa for a basicervical, and 421.01 MPa for a vertical model. The stress distribution of basicervical and vertical fractures differed significantly, and the basicervical fracture had higher VMS at the bone, implant, and fracture sites.
Conclusions
FNS fixation should be performed with consideration the osseous anchorage in the femoral head, and this technique might be appropriate for vertical fractures. Regarding the VMS at the fracture site, FNS might be applied cautiously only to basicervical fractures with anatomical reduction without a gap or comminution. Level of evidence: IV.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Finite element analysis of screw thread geometry and titanium plate materials in internal fixation of the human femur
Abdessamed Bachiri, Mustapha Amine Arab, Nadia Kadouri
Computer Methods in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering.2026; : 1. CrossRef

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How to obtain the desired results from distal tibial nailing based on anatomy, biomechanics, and reduction techniques: Jungtae Ahn, Se-Lin Jeong, Gu-Hee Jung; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(2):74-85. Published online March 31, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00024; Funded: Ministry of Science and ICT, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Ministry of Food and Drug Safety

Abstract PDF

Distal tibial metaphyseal fractures are commonly caused by high-energy injuries in young men and osteoporosis in older women. These fractures should be clearly distinguished from high-energy pilon fractures. Although the optimal surgical intervention methods for distal tibial metaphyseal fractures remain uncertain and challenging, surgical treatments for nonarticular distal tibia fractures can be broadly divided into two types: plate fixation and intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation. Once functional reduction is achieved using an appropriate technique, distal tibial nailing might be slightly superior to plate fixation in reducing postoperative complications. Thus, the surgical strategy should focus on functional realignment and proceed in the following sequence: (1) restoring the original tibial length, regardless of whether fibular fixation is to be done; (2) making the optimal entry point through an anteroposterior (AP) projection based on the overlapping point between the fibular tip and lateral plateau margin; (3) placing Kirschner wires (Ø2.4 mm) as blocking pins (in the AP orientation for coronal control and in the mediolateral [ML] orientation for sagittal control) as close to the upper locking hole as possible without causing further comminution on the concave aspect of the short fragment; and (4) making the the distal fixation construct with at least two ML and one AP interlocking screw or two ML interlocking screws and blocking screws. After the IMN is adequately locked, blocking pins (Ø2.4 mm) need to be replaced by a 3.5 mm screw.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Rigid intramedullary nailing with suprapatellar approach for tibial shaft fractures in adolescents with open physes
Jong Wha Lee, Jae Ho Cho, Tae Hun Kim, Hyung Keun Song, Won-Tae Cho, Seungyeob Sakong, Hyun Il Choi, Sumin Lim
Injury.2026; 57(4): 113130. CrossRef
Impact of Foot Width on Patient-Reported Outcomes Assessed by 3-Dimensional Foot Morphometry in Hallux Valgus
Jungtae Ahn, Dae-Cheol Nam, Gu-Hee Jung
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery.2025; 17(6): 1062. CrossRef

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The clinical outcome of treating elderly distal radius fractures by long volar locking plate with the elimination of irreducible metaphyseal comminuted volar cortical fragments: a retrospective case series: Soo Min Cha; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(1):13-22. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00003; Funded: Chungnam National University

Abstract PDF: Background
In severe comminuted metaphyseal distal radius fracture (DRF) of elderly patients, after maintaining only radiological parameters of the radius using long volar locking plates (VLPs), we inevitably eliminated a few volar cortical fragments of metaphysis. Here, we report the final radiological and clinical outcomes of our method. Methods: For the patients who were treated between 2014 and 2018, the demographic factors, the preoperative radiologic factors, area of the eliminated volar cortical fragment, and final radiologic parameter, were evaluated. Clinical outcomes and ranges of active motion were evaluated. Results: In total, 31 patients were included. The mean patient age was 77.3 years and the mean eliminated cortical area was 3.30 cm2. At the final follow-up, the mean volar tilt, radial inclination, articular step-off, and ulnar variance were 10.35°, 20.00°, 0.58 mm, and 0.71 mm, respectively. There were no definitive correlations between bone mineral density, fragment area, the largest cortical fragment diameter ratio and differences in final and immediate postoperative measurements of these radiological parameters, respectively. Visual analog scale and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores were satisfactory, and the mean arcs of flexion-extension and pronation-supination were 124.35° and 133.23°. Clinical outcomes were not significantly different according to the AO system category. Conclusions: For maintenance of radiological parameters of the radius, long VLPs are useful in older patients with DRFs who exhibit volar metaphyseal comminution, despite concurrent ulnar fractures. Inevitable elimination of irreducible free comminuted cortical fragments when filling the defect does not affect final radiological and clinical outcomes. Level of evidence: Level IV, case series.

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