This narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs), emphasizing diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and evaluation with screening strategies. AFFs are rare but significant complications associated with prolonged bisphosphonate (BP) therapy for osteoporosis. Although the pathogenesis of AFFs has not been fully elucidated, its primary mechanism is thought to involve impaired bone remodeling, leading to unhealed microfractures that progress to stress fractures under repetitive loading. AFFs can occur in various regions of the femur, influenced by femoral geometry and the lower limb axis. Other risk factors include prolonged steroid use, arthroplasty, genetic predispositions, and metabolic bone disorders. The diagnosis of AFFs is based on criteria established by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. Key radiographic features include lateral cortical transverse fracture lines and localized cortical thickening, typically with minimal or no comminution on the medial cortex. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for screening tests and magnetic resonance imaging as an advanced imaging modality enable the early detection of incomplete fractures. This multi-modal approach facilitates the prompt identification of prodromal cortical changes, reducing the risk of complete fractures in high-risk populations, particularly patients undergoing prolonged BP therapy.
Level of Evidence: V
Purpose To assess the demographics, injury mechanisms, treatments, and outcomes of traumatic acute compartment syndrome in the thigh.
Materials and Methods Patients diagnosed with thigh compartment syndrome were analyzed retrospectively at the authors’ level I trauma center from March 2012 to February 2022. Data were collected from medical and radiological records, focusing on demographics, injury details, treatment timelines, and clinical outcomes.
Results The cohort included 13 patients (11 males and 2 females) with a mean age of 46 years. Injuries primarily resulted from falls (6 patients) and vehicle accidents (5 patients). Fractures were noted in 11 patients, with seven involving the lower extremities and seven having open fractures; three of these were severe enough to be classified as Gustilo–Anderson type IIIc with associated femoral artery injuries. Time from the injury to fasciotomy ranged from within six hours to more than 24 hours. Fasciotomies were mainly single-sided (10 patients), targeting primarily the anterior compartments, and bilateral in three cases. Wound closures were performed using delayed primary closure (four patients) and partial- thickness skin grafts (five patients). Two patients died from multi-organ failure; other complications included infections (three patients), amputations (three patients), and long-term disabilities like drop foot (two patients), sensory deficits, joint stiffness (eight patients), and fracture non-unions requiring additional surgery (two patients).
Conclusion Thigh-compartment syndrome, though infrequent, poses significant risks of mortality and chronic disability. This underscores the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Elderly patients with hip fractures are at an increased risk of developing medical complications with higher mortality rates. Most patients require surgical treatment, and an early surgical intervention can reduce complications and lower mortality risk. A restrictive red blood cell transfusion strategy is usually applied, and the amount of transfusion can be reduced through medications such as tranexamic acid. Delirium can be prevented using non-pharmacological methods. In addition, it is necessary to prevent venous thromboembolism through mechanical or chemical prophylaxis. A multidisciplinary approach using the ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) protocol and orthogeriatric care can help to reduce medical complications and mortality.
The fixation methods that can be used for unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries have undergone many innovative changes due to the recent development of surgical and imaging techniques. After understanding the appropriate indications of first and second sacroiliac screw fixation and spinopelvic fixation, innovative methods, including the trans-sacral screw fixation, posterior tension-band plate fixation, and the S2AI screw, would be chosen and applied. Considering the anatomical complexity and proximity to the surrounding vessels and nerves in the posterior fixation, the safe zone according to the fixation options should be well understood in preoperative planning. Moreover, the functional reduction of the posterior pelvic ring through the reduction and fixation of the anterior lesion should be achieved before placing the implant to reduce the number of malposition-related complications.
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Clinical Research through Computational Anatomy and Virtual Fixation Ju Yeong Kim, Dong-Geun Kang, Gu-Hee Jung Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association.2023; 58(4): 299. CrossRef
Distal femur fractures in elderly patients with osteoporosis are complicated because poor bone quality makes screw purchase and fixation less secure, presenting many clinical challenges to the orthopedic surgeon. Minimally invasive locked plating using an angularly stable locking compression plate has become an integral tool for achieving secure fixation in osteoporotic distal femur fractures with improved biomechanical performance. On the other hand, complications, such as implant failure and periplate fracture, have still occurred. This paper describes the principles of internal fixation in minimally invasive lateral locked plating in elderly patients with osteoporotic distal femur fractures as well as how to avoid complications.
Hand fractures are the second most common fracture in the upper extremities after the distal radius, and patients with these injuries may be experienced in hand surgery clinics. On the other hand, during the treatment of hand fractures, complications can occur due to complex functions of the hand and small-sized injuries to the bone and soft tissues. This review focused on the principles of management of these fractures, including injury mechanism, evaluations and recent treatment options. Minimally invasive surgery in various types of hand fractures, including the phalanx and metacarpal bone, is preferred because early mobilization after surgery has been emphasized to reduce complications, such as stiffness.
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A novel finger brace for preventing finger stiffness after trauma or surgery: a preliminary report with a case series Dae-Geun Kim, Hyo Jun Park Archives of Hand and Microsurgery.2023; 28(4): 239. CrossRef
Although talus fractures are uncommon, proper management is important because they are often associated with severe complications. Talar neck and body fractures occupy most of the talar fractures. It remains controversial whether talar neck fractures require emergent or elective treatment. Elective definitive fixation, however, may reduce risks of wound complications. Many surgeons recommend dual surgical approaches—anteromedial and anterolateral—to allow accurate visualization and anatomic reduction. Although there are various methods of fixation, the use of plates is necessary in comminuted talar fractures. Outcomes may vary and will be dependent on the degree of the initial fracture displacement. It is necessary to restore articular congruency and axial alignment for normalizing hindfoot function. Common complications include posttraumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, malunion, and nonunion.
PURPOSE The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes and complications after fasciotomy in acute compartment syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventeen cases diagnosed as compartment syndrome and underwent fasciotomy from January 2011 to February 2015 were evaluated retrospectively. We investigated the causes and regions of acute compartment syndrome, the methods of wound management, the necessity of skin graft, and the complications including amputation and infection. RESULTS According to the causes of acute compartment syndrome, there were 7 fractures, 1 traumatic hematoma, 6 reperfusion injury, and 3 rhabdomyolysis. The regions of acute compartment syndrome were 3 cases of thigh, 10 cases of leg, and 3 cases of foot. One case had acute compartment syndrome involving thigh, leg, and foot. Of 17 cases, 3 cases died due to reperfusion injury and one case with severe necrosis of soft tissues underwent amputation. Among the 13 cases excluding 4 cases with death or amputation, 3 cases underwent split thickness skin graft. Shoelace technique and/or vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) was used for 9 cases, and wound closure without skin graft was achieved in all except one case, while 2 cases required skin graft among 4 cases without shoelace technique or VAC. There were 2 cases of infection. CONCLUSION Acute compartment syndrome caused by reperfusion injury had poor outcomes. Shoelace technique and/or VAC were useful for management of wound after fasciotomy.
PURPOSE To evaluate the incidence of neurologic injury in pelvic ring injuries and to assess the risk factors for neurologic injury related to pelvic fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-two patients with the pelvic ring injury were enrolled in the study from March 2010 to May 2013. When the neurologic injury was suspected clinically, the electro-diagnostic tests were performed. Combined injuries, fracture types, and longitudinal displacements were examined for correlations with the neurologic injury. RESULTS There were 7 cases of AO/OTA type A, 37 cases of type B, and 18 cases of type C. Among them, 25 patients (40%) had combined spine fractures, and the average of longitudinal displacement was 7 mm (1-50 mm). Of the 62 patients, 13 (21%) had neurologic injury related with pelvic fractures; 5 with lumbosacral plexus injury, 5 with L5 or S1 nerve injury, 2 with obturator nerve injury, and 1 case of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury. There were no relationships between the neurologic injuries and fracture types (p=0.192), but the longitudinal displacements of posterior ring and combined spine fractures were related to the neurologic injury within pelvic ring injury (p=0.006, p=0.048). CONCLUSION The incidence of neurologic injury in pelvis fracture was 21%. In this study, the longitudinal displacements of posterior ring and combined spine fractures were risk factors for neurological injury in pelvic ring injury.
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Surgical Outcome of Posterior Pelvic Fixation Using S1, S2 Screws in Vertically Unstable Pelvic Ring Injury Kwang Hee Yeo, Nam Hoon Moon, Jae Min Ahn, Jae Yoon Jeong, Jae Hoon Jang Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2018; 31(1): 9. CrossRef
PURPOSE We analyzed the complications of femoral pertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femoral nail (PFN®) to reduce the its complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the complications among 198 patients who were treated with PFN® from June 2001 to August 2005 in our hospital. RESULTS The complications were presented in 28 cases (14.1%). Cut-out of lag screw was in 1 case, cut-out of lag screw and antirotation screw were in 3 cases, cut-out of antirotation screw in 3 cases, of these femoral head fracture was in 1 case. Femoral neck fracture in 1 case, Osteonecrosis of femoral head in 1 case, cortical fracture during the insertion of distal interlocking screw in 1 case, breakage of drill bit intraoperatively in 1 case, fibrous union in 2 case, thigh skin irritation due to screw back-out in 3 cases, periprosthetic fractures in 2 cases, varus collapse more than 10 degrees in 4 cases, superficial and deep infections in 3 cases, breakage of nail in 1 case, varus collapse after PFN removal in 1 case, persistent thigh pain in 1 case. Of all these cases, 9 cases (4.5%) were required reoperation with general or spinal anesthesia. Complications related with screws or fracture reduction were 19 cases (9.6%) and, of these, 17 cases (89.5%) showed increased TAD (tip apex distance) or nonanatomical reduction. CONCLUSION To reduce the complications of PFN®, we need to exact surgical technique and anatomical reduction and consider the modification of implant design to prevent of cut-out of screws.
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Clinical and radiological outcomes of patients treated with the talon distalfix proximal femoral nail for intertrochanteric femur fractures Furkan Yapici, Hanifi Ucpunar, Yalkin Camurcu, Necati Emirhan, Oguzhan Tanoglu, Ismail Tardus Injury.2020; 51(4): 1045. CrossRef
Implant Fracture Analysis of the TFNA Proximal Femoral Nail Anton Lambers, Bertram Rieger, Alan Kop, Peter D’Alessandro, Piers Yates Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.2019; 101(9): 804. CrossRef
Radiographic Outcomes of Osteosynthesis Using Proximal Femoral Nail Antirotation (PFNA) System in Intertrochanteric Femoral Fracture: Has PFNA II Solved All the Problems? Won Chul Shin, Jung Dong Seo, Sang Min Lee, Nam Hoon Moon, Jung Sub Lee, Kuen Tak Suh Hip & Pelvis.2017; 29(2): 104. CrossRef
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head following trochanteric fractures in adults: A systematic review Antonio Barquet, Gabriel Mayora, Joao Matheus Guimaraes, Roberto Suárez, Peter V. Giannoudis Injury.2014; 45(12): 1848. CrossRef
Anatomical Measurement of Normal Korean Proximal Femur Using Plain Radiography: A Problem when using Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-rotation Jong-Seok Park, Woo-Jong Kim, Jae-Wan Soh, Byung-Woong Jang, Tae-Heon Kim, You-Sung Suh Hip & Pelvis.2011; 23(4): 303. CrossRef
PFNA and PFN in Intertrochanteric Fractures - Comparison Study of Sliding - Suk Kyu Choo, Hyoung Keun Oh, Jun Young Choi Hip & Pelvis.2010; 22(1): 79. CrossRef
PURPOSE Even though emergent percutaneous pinning after closed reduction is the popularized treatment of the displaced type II and type III pediatric supracondylar fractures of the humerus, the timing of pinning still presents controversy. The purpose of this study is to suggest an appropriate surgical time without significant perioperative complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS From April 1995 to January 2002, 179 consecutive patients who had undergone surgical treatment were selected. They were divided to 5 groups [A group: 8 hours or less following injury (24 cases), B group: from 9 to 16 hours (63 cases), C group: from17 hours to 24 hours (63 cases), D group: from 25 hours to 48 hours (18 cases), and E group: from 49 hours to 72 hours (11 cases)] and reviewed retrospectively to analyze perioperative complications and operation time. RESULTS There was no significant difference between each group with respect to surgical wound infection, iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, VIC, operation time and the necessity of reoperation (p>0.05). CONCLUSION Within the parameters outlined in our study, we could not find the any meaningful correlation between surgical timing and occurrence of perioperative complications and also, we think that the timing of percutaneous pinning can be delayed to the time when a surgeon considers it appropriate.
PURPOSE We analyzed neurologic complications of the elbow fractures in children and evaluated clinical results of type of fractures, frequency of nerve injuries and displacement of fracture fragments and spontaneous recovery of each nerve injuries. MATERIALS AND METHODS We analyzed 17 child-patients (20cases) with nerve injuries who were treated conservatively and follewed up for at least 1 year since December 1999. and we analyzed type of fractures, differences between fracture type and nerve injuries, frequency of each nerve injuries and periods of spontaneous recovery of each nerves. RESULTS There were all 148 elbow fractures in children. Children with neurologic complications were 17(20 nerves) and 14 in supracondylar and 3 in medial epicondylar fractures. There were 6 in radial nerve, 8 in ulnar nerve, 3 in median nerve and 3 in anterior interosseous nerve. Both ulnar and median nerve injuries were 3 patients. They were recovered spontaneously and mean periods of recovery was 7.3 weeks, 6.5 weeks in radial nerves, 7.0 in median nerves, 7.6 in anterior interosseous nerves, 7.8 in ulnar nerves and radial nerve recovery was most fast than any others. One patient with ulnar nerve injury who was diagnosed medial epicondylar fracture recovered 2 weeks after excision of nonuioned fragment. Among 14 supracondylar fractures, there was 11 posteromedial displacement, 1 posterolateral and 2 posterior. Most of them was displaced posteromedially. CONCLUSION All nerve injuries happened in supracondylar and medial condylar fractures and almost recovered. Nerve injuries in the supracondylar fractures was displaced fractures than nondisplaced simple fractures and displacement of fracture fragment and nerve injuries was not agreed with previous published books or papers. We recommand that observation is the appropriate way to manage these nerve injuries in most cases than immediate operation for excision.
PURPOSE To investigate the relationship between the complications of intracapsular femoral neck fractures treated by multiple pinning and several affecting factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sixty-eight patients with intracapsular femoral neck fractures were treated by multiple pinning from March 1993 to January 2000 and followed at more than one year. Relationship between the complications such as failure of union, collapse of femoral head due to osteonecrosis of femoral head and several affecting factors including displacement of fracture according to Garden stage, state of reduction, position of screws, time interval from injury to operation, and fracture level were analyzed. The Fisher exact test, chi-square test, and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to find the relevant factors influencing incidence of complications. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS Position of screw was the most important single factor affecting the results of treatment of intracapsular femoral neck fracture (p=0.046). Moreover, the Garden stage and position of screw were revealed affecting the incidence of complications together with other factors (each p value was 0.028 and 0.027). CONCLUSION We considered that satisfactory position of screw was important to reduce complications after multiple pinning for intracapsular femoral neck fracture. And the results of operation also seemed to closely relate with multiple factors including Garden stage and status of reduction.
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Factors Predicting Complications after Internal Fixation of Femoral Neck Fractures Tae-Ho Kim, Jong-Oh Kim, Sung-Sik Kang Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2009; 22(2): 79. CrossRef
Femur neck fractures in children are relatively rare by comparison with the incidence in adults and can occur by high-energy trauma. The common complications of femoral neck fracture are avascuar necrosis, coxa vara, premature physeal closure and nonunion. The femoral neck fracture by traffic accident in 7-years-old girl was reduced closely and fixed internally. After 1 year later, varus deformity, slipped capital femoral epiphysis and avascular necrosis occurred. Valgus osteotomy and epiphysiodesis were done. There are many series of complications after femoral neck fractures in children, but the case followed by varus deformity, slipped capital femoral epiphysis and avascular necrosis as complications is rare. We report the clinical and radiologic finding of this case with pertinent literature.
PURPOSE The causes and risk factors of complications following operative treatment of fracuture of neck of humerus were analysis.
MATERIALS & METHODS: From 1995 to 1998, 32 cases of fracture of neck of humerus on which operative treatment have been taken were reviewed. The average age was 48.3 years. There were 13 cases of two part fracture, 11 cases of three part fracture and 8 cases of four part fracture, with 4 cases associated with comminution. Closed reduction and pinning was performed in 11 cases. An external fixator was applied in 1 case. Other 18 cases underwent open reduction using various fixation method including 4 K-wires, 2 cannulated screws, 5 plates, 1 Ender nail and 6 tension band wirings combined with screws each. 2 cases were underwent hemiarthroplasty. RESULTS Thirteen patients (41%) had postoperative complications. There were 3 nonunion, 2 pin site infection, 2 inferior subluxation of humeral head, 3 impingement syndrome, 1 hardware failure, 1 avascular necrosis of humeral head and 1 glenoid rim erosion. The incidence of postoperative complication was high in ages older than 40 years and the four part and comminuted fractures. The insufficient fixation due to osteoporosis, incomplete reduction, surgical technique and use of inappropriate implant were considered as related causative factures. CONCLUSION The patient's age, the quality of bone, severity of fracture and methods of fixation are all important contributing factors for postoperative complications.
Proximal shaft fractures of the tibia have a high incidence of complication and often result in poor outcomes. Plate fixation and locked intramedullary nailing are the most common methods of treatment, but now the latter is more popular because of soft tissue problem, osteomyelitis etc.. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of locked intramedullary nailing in the treatment of proximal shaft fractures of the tibia and to draw a conclusion that what type of fracture patterns are the appropriate indication of nailing. We analyzed 18 proximal shaft fractures of the tibia which were treated by locked intramedullary nailing from October 1991 to March 1997 and followed more than 12 months. The results were as follows ; The complications were occurred in 12 cases(66.6%); 4 cases of delayed or non-union, 8 of angular deformity, 1 of leg length discrepancy. Delayed or non-unions were caused by fracture site comminution and bone defect. 5 anterior angular deformities were due to the pulling of the knee extensor mechanism and 3 valgus deformities were due to medially located entry portal. In conclusion, since locked intramedullary nailing in proximal tibial fractures causes a high incidence of complications, it is recommended in transverse or undisplaced fractures. And plate fixation and bone graft will be recommended in comminuted or displaced oblique fractures, if soft tissue condition is permitted.
In dealing with lateral humeral condylar injuries, the chance of having a poor functional result with inappropriate management is much greater.
Therefore, careful attention in treatment is required in order to reduce additional damage caused by excessive manipulation and firm internal fixation with accurate anatomical reduction is recommended for the prevention of complications even if displacement is not severe.
The authors analyzed 29 fractures of the lateral condyle of humerus in children who were treated from Jan. 1990 to Dec. 1994.
The results were as follows ; 1. All of fractures were Milch type II and Jakobs stage II was most common in 14 cases(48.3%).
2. They were treated with cast immobilization in 5 cases(17.2%), with percutaneous K-wires pinning in 5 cases(17.2%) and with open reduction and internal fixation in 19 cases(65.5%).
3. The complications were 12 cases of bony spur, 8 cases of bony overgrowth. 2 cases of premature epiphyseal fusion, 1 case of cubitus valgus with extension limitation, 1 case of pin site infection.
4. According to the criteria of Hardacre, we obtained excellent result in 10 cases(34.5%), good result in 17 cases(58.6%) and poor result in 2 case(6.9%).
The interlocking IM nailing is one of the most commonly used treatment method of the femoral shaft fracture. Althrough it has many advantages, but various complications is reported including delayed union, nonunion, malunion, interlocking nail or screw breakage, joint stiffness and infection.
In order to evaluate the complications we reviewed 38 cases in treated with interlocking IM nailing in femoral shaft fracture from january, 1991 to december, 1995 in Hangang Sacred-Heart hospital. The average follow up duration was 14 months (range ; 6 months to 38 months).
The following results are obtained 1. There were 1 cases of nonunion. Nonunion was of no analytic significance in sex, age, the fracture site and associated fracture (P=0.186), but significant in segmental fracture (P=0.02). Because of the small number group, we considered that it would be necessary more clinical expenence.
2. There were 3 cases interlocking screw breakage, all of which were occured in proximal screw. Partial weight bearing was permitted average postoperation 4.3 months. Average duration between operation and screw breakage was 1.3 months, between operation and bone union was 11.7 months.
3. There was 1 case of interlocking nail breakage. we considered that it was resulted from usage of relatively small nail(11 mm) and postoperative early weight bearing(8 weeks).
Trochanteric fractures of the femur are usually seen in the elderly with osteoporosis and in young adult by high energy trauma. These fractures need firm internal fixation and early weight bearing, and Gamma interlocking nail or intramedullary hip screw is commonly used for this purpose at present. We analysed 23 patients with trochanteric fracture, who were treated with Gamma-locking nail or intramedullary hip screw from July 1992 to June 1994 with minimum 1 year follow-up. The mean age was 70 years-old. The intertrochanteric fracture was seen in 21 cases and subtrochanteric fracture in 2 cases. The final outcome was achieved with less surgical time, less blood loss and earlier rehabilitation. In addition, in biomechanical point of view, the advantages of using these nails are in short lever arm and in short lever arm and in lower bending moment. However, complications were developed in 10 patients. Intraoperative complications included the problem due to mismatching of the femoral component of the nail in 7 cases, problems of distal target screw in 2 cases, femoral shaft fracture in 1 case and cortical fractures in 2 cases. Bursitis in 2 cases, progressive coxa vara in 2 cases, thigh and knee pain in 1 case were developed postoperatively. Although using a smaller modified nail reduced these complications and obtained better result, we conclude that with careful surgjcal technique, choice of accurate indication and suitable modified femoral component, the Gamma nail and intramedullary hip screw are an advance in the treatment of peritrochanteric fractures.
We have investigated total 294 cases of ankle fractures, which were treated and followed for average 17 months after treatment at St. Marys hospital since 1980, to detect the complications and to define their provoking factors. The results were as follows; 1. Twenty-six cases out of total 294 cases of ankle fracture(8.8%) were complicated clinically and radiologically.
2. Their complications are osteoarthritis(8/26, 31%), diastasis of distal tibio-fibular syndesmosis(9/26, 34.6%), varus ankle deformity(5/26, 19.2%), malunion(6/26, 23%), non-union and ankle instability(each 2/26, 7.7%) in its order, but 14 cases of the 26 cases complained painful limited ankle motion and limp. So, clinical symptoms are not closely related with radiologic changes in complications of ankle fracture.
3. The complications are common in elderly patients over 50 of their ages(12.26, 46%) and in younger patients under 16 of their ages(5/26, 20%).
4. The complications are frequently found in pronation-external rotation injuries(6/61, 1O%), pronation-dorsiflexion(9/14, 64%) and supination-external rotation injuries(8/165, 4.8%) in orders.
5. Malpractice with misuse of instrument(12/26, 46%), mistakes in preoperative evaluation and neglect any ankle fracture or diastasis of syndesmosis(8/26, 30.7%) and severity of injuries(6.26, 23%) are common causes of complications of ankle fractures.
6. Varus ankle deformity due to early epiphyseal closure are shown in 5 cases(5/28, 20%) and three of them are treated with supramalleolar corrective osteotomies and Langenskiolds physolysis In conclusion, the complications of ankle fracture could be reduced by accurate pre-operative evaluation to detect the hidden soft tissue injuries or fracture mechanism and by also anatomic reduction, rigid internal fixation and early ankle motions. childrens ankle fracture will induce angular deformity and limb length discrepancy due to frequent epjphyseal damage, so long-term follow up should be kept in mind until their skeletal growth are ceased.
Interlocking nailing is the best method available in treatment of femoral shaft fracture dui to its many advantages compared with other method. However, we have encountered many problems during the operative procedure and postoperative periods due to technical complexities. After we have evaluated problems during and after the procedure of interlocking nailing for the femoral fractures in 56 cases, we suggest the means to avoid these errors and complications.
1. Among the 54 patients,39 complications and technical errors have been reported in 19 patients.
2. Intraoperative complications and technical errors were encountered in ; 9 cases of improper portal of entry, 3 cases of new fragmentation,3 cases of angulation,2 cases of new fracture line,2 cases of failure of distal locking screw insertion,2 cases of distraction of fracture site, 1 case of proximal protrusion of nail and 1 case of rotation of nail.
3. Postoperative complications were encountered ,6 cases of delayed union,2 cases of nonunion,2 cases of limb shortening,2 cases of deep infection,2 cases of loosening of distal locking screw, 1 case of breakage of distal locking screw and 1 case of failure of nail.
The authors analysed 220 patients(225 cases) of complications including implant failure and refracture in fracture treatment which had been requested for medical consulta!ion by the Korean Automobile, Fire & Marine Insurance Co., Ltd. from July 1984 to December 1992.
The results were as follows: 1. The patients were consisted of 178(81%) males and 42(19%) females.
2. The average age of patients was 36.9 years.
3. There were 140(60%) cases of femur,63(29%) cases of tibia and 12(5%) cases of humerus.
4. The most common previous mode of treatment was plate and screw fixation (183 cases,83%).
5. There were 171(78%) cases of metal flilure,14 cases of secondary factlue and 14 cases of efracture.
6. Among the causes of complications, improper postoperative care (156 cases,71%) was the most common causes of complications.
7. It is recommended that in the operative treatment of fracture, orthopaedic surgeon should obey the AO principles and proper postoperative care and also consider the conservative treatment as a good counter part of the operative treatment.
The introduction of percutaneously inserted transfixing interlocking screws increase the stabization potential of the intramedullary nail. The use of interlocking system extend the indications for closed intramedullary nailing. However, the added technical complexity, related with the locking screws, introduces a new errors and pitfalls.
Among 32 patients who had closed interlocking I.M. nailing for 32 femoral fractures, 7 patients showed intra-or-postoperative complications. Six patients had intraoperative complication : four patients(new fracture near the fracture site) ; one patient(femur neck fracture), and one patient(failure of distal locking). Two patients experienced postoperative complication :one deep infection and another, proximal migration of nail.
All 7 patients had pitfalls and complications related with operative techniques for interlocking I.M nailing.
After careful analysis of the pitfalls and complications, following suggestions were considered.
1. To reduce the new fracture near the fracture site, insert the nail through an entry portal of trochanteric fossa centered over the axis of the femoral medullary canal.
3. Avoid repeated awling and placing the entry portal too far medially, which can result in iatorogenic fracture of the femur neck.
4. After distal screw insertion, the correct position of the screw in the screw hole should be confirmed on AP and lateral view.
5. Adequate preoperative and postoperative use of antibiotics were seriously considered in case of open fractures.