Conversion hip arthroplasty for failed nailing of intertrochanteric fracture: Reflections on some important aspects

In this editorial,I present my comments on the article by Solarino et al.Conversion hip arthroplasty,which is an optional salvage procedure performed following unsuccessful fixation of intertrochanteric femur fractures in elderly pati-ents,entails more complex processes and higher rates of operative complications than primary arthroplasty.Hence,it is important to consider the appropriateness of the primary treatment choice,as well as the adequacy of nailing fixation for intertrochanteric fractures.This article briefly analyzes the possible factors contributing to the nailing failure of intertrochanteric fractures and attempts to find corresponding countermeasures to prevent fixation failures.It also analyzes the choice of treatment between nailing fixation and primary arthroplasty for intertrochanteric fractures.

Early Treatment Outcome of Humeral Shaft Fracture Non-Union in Adults: Comparative Study of Plating versus Interlocking Nailing

Background: Fractures of humeral shaft in adults are common injuries. Humeral shafts non-union either from late presentation after initial treatment by traditional bone setters or failed non-operative orthodox care is a major problem in this part of the world. This non-union is a major treatment challenge with increased cost of care and morbidity in this part of the world. Humeral shaft non-union can be treated with locked intra-medullary nailing (LIMN) or dynamic compression plating (DCP). Study on comparison of these methods of fixation in this part of the world is scarce in literature search, hence the reason for this study. Objective: The objectives of this study are: (1) to compare early clinical outcome following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN;(2) to compare the time of radiologic fracture union of DCP with LIMN;(3) to compare complications following fixation of humeral shaft fracture nonunion with DCP versus LIMN. Patients and Methods: This was a randomized control study done for 2 years in which fifty adult patients with humeral shaft non-union were recruited. The patients were grouped into 2 (P = DCP & N = LIMN). Forty five of the patients completed the follow up periods of the study and then analyzed. The P group had ORIF with DCP while the N group had ORIF with LIMN. Both groups had grafting with cancellous bones. Each patient was followed up for a period of 6 months at the time which radiographic union is expected. Any patient without clinical and/or radiographic evidence of union after six months of surgery was diagnosed as having recurrent non-union. The data generated was analyzed using SPSS Version 23. The results were presented in charts and tables. The paired t-test was used while considering p value Result: Forty five patients completed follow up. There was a male preponderance (4:1), right humerus predominated (3:2). Motor vehicular accidents were the commonest cause of the fractures (62%). Most non-union fractures occurred at the level of the middle 3rd of the humeral shaft (60%). Failed TBS treatment was the commonest indication for the osteosynthesis (71%). More patients had plating (53%) compared to 47% who had LIMN. Most patients (93.4%) had union between 3 to 6 months irrespective of fixation type with no significant statistical difference between the union rate of DCP and LIMN (p value 0.06) with similar functional outcome and complication rates irrespective of the type of fixation. Conclusion: This study showed that the success rates in term of fracture union, outcome functional grades and complication rates were not directly dependent on the types of the fixation: plating or locked intra-medullary nailing.

Total hip arthroplasty following the failure of intertrochanteric nailing:First implant or salvage surgery?

BACKGROUND Proximal femur fractures,including both intracapsular(femoral neck fractures)and extracapsular fractures(intertrochanteric femoral fractures,IFFs),affect around 1.5 million people per year worldwide.Mechanical failures of intertrochanteric nailing in IFFs could be managed with revision total hip arthroplasty(THA).AIM To describe the surgical complexity and the procedure-related complication rates in patients with trochanteric nailing failure and treated with THA.METHODS Patients referred to our level I trauma center between April 2012 and July 2018 with failed cephalomedullary nailing following trochanteric fractures were retrospectively recruited.All patients underwent a salvage surgical procedure,i.e.,cephalomedullary nail removal and conversion to THA.The same surgical and anesthesiology team performed the surgical procedures under spinal anesthesia.All patients underwent clinical and radiographic follow-ups for at least 24 mo.Complications and re-operations were recorded.RESULTS Seventy-four patients met the inclusion criteria(male:29;female:45;mean age:73.8-years-old;range:65-89)and were included in the current study.The average operative time was 117 min(76-192 min).The average blood loss was 585 mL(430-1720 mL).Among the 74 patients,43(58.1%)required transfusion of three or more blood units.Two patients died within the 4th d after surgery because of pulmonary embolism,and 1 patient died 9 mo after surgery due to ischemic myocardial infarction.The complication rate in the 71 patients who completed the minimum 24-mo follow-up was 22.5%.In 3 cases out of 71(4.2%)periprosthetic acetabular fracture was observed during the followup.One of these periacetabular fractures occurred intraoperatively.An intraoperative periprosthetic femur fracture was observed in 5 patients out of 71(7.0%).Four of these patients needed a re-operation to fix the fracture with plates and cerclages;in one of these patients,femoral stem revision was also necessary.In 4 patients out of 71(5.6%),an early THA dislocation was observed,whereas in 1 case(1.4%)a late THA dislocation was observed.Three patients out of 71(4.2%)developed a periprosthetic joint infection during the study follow-up.CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that salvage options for IFF fixation failure are complex procedures with a relevant intraoperative and postoperative complication rate.

Limit equilibrium analysis for stability of soil nailed slope and optimum design of soil nailing parameters

Reinforcement of slopes using soil nailing can effectively improve slope stability, and it has been widely used in upgrading cut slopes. Based on the assumptions of stresses on the slip surface, a new method for analyzing the stability of a slope reinforced with soil nails was established in the limit equilibrium theory framework, by considering that slope sliding occurs owing to shear failure of the slip surface, which subjects to Mohr–Coulomb(M–C) strength criterion. Meanwhile, in order to easily analyze the stability of a soil nailed slope in actual engineering and facilitate optimum design of parameters for soil nailing, factor of safety(FOS) contour curve charts were drawn on the basis of the established linear proportional relationship between the spacing of soil nails and slope height, and the length of soil nails and slope height. Then, by analyzing and verifying the results obtained from classic examples, some conclusions can be got as follows: 1) The results obtained from the current method are close to those obtained from the traditional limit equilibrium methods, and the current method can provide a strict solution for the slope FOS as it satisfies all the static equilibrium conditions of a sliding body, thus confirming the feasibility of the current method; 2) The slope FOS contour curve charts can be used not only to reliably analyze the stability of a soil nailed slope, but also to design optimally the parameters of soil nailing for the slope with a certain safety requirement.

Systematic review of dynamization vs exchange nailing for delayed/non-union femoral fractures

AIM To analyze the literature on efficacy of dynamamization vs exchange nailing in treatment of delayed and nonunion femur fractures.METHODS Ultimately, 31 peer-reviewed articles with 644 exchanged nailing patients and 131 dynamization patients were identified and analyzed. The following key words were inputted in different combinations in order to search the field of publications in its entirety: "nonunion", "delayed union", "ununited", "femur fracture", "femoral fracture", "exchange nailing", "dynaiz(s)ation", "secondary nailing", "dynamic", "static", and "nail revision". The initial search yielded over 150 results, and was refined based on the inclusion criteria: Only studies reporting on humans, non-unions and delayed unions, and the usage of exchange nailing and/or dynamization as a secondary treatment after failed IM nailing. The resulting 66 articles were obtained through online journal access. The results were filtered further based on the exclusion criteria: No articles that failed to report overall union rates, differentiate between success rates of their reported techniques, or articles that analyzed less than 5 patients. RESULTS Exchange nailing lead to fracture union in 84.785% of patients compared to the 66.412% of dynamization with statistically comparable durations until union(5.193 ± 2.310 mo and 4.769 ± 1.986 mo respectively). Dynamically locking exchange nails resulted in an average union time of 5.208 ± 2.475 mo compared to 5.149 ± 2.366 mo(P = 0.8682) in statically locked exchange nails. The overall union rate of the two procedures, statically and dynamically locked exchange nailing yielded union rates of 84.259% and 82.381% respectively. Therefore, there was no significant difference between the different locking methods of exchange nailing for union rate or time to union at a significance value of P < 0.05. The analysis showed exchange nailing to be the more successful choice in the treatment of femoral non-unions in respect to its higher success rate(491/567 EN, 24/57 dynam, P < 0.0001). However, there was no significant difference between the success rates of the two procedures for delayed union fractures(25/27 EN, 45/55 dynam, P = 0.3299). Nevertheless, dynamization was more efficient in the treatment of delayed unions(at rates comparable to exchange nailing) than in the treatment of non-unions.CONCLUSION In conclusion, after examination of factors, dynamization is recommended treatment of delayed femur fractures, while exchange nailing is the treatment of choice for non-unions.

Titanium elastic nailing in diaphyseal femoral fractures of children below six years of age

AIM To report the clinical and radiographic results of titanium elastic nail(TEN) in diaphyseal femoral fractures of children below age of six years.METHODS A retrospective analysis of 27 diaphyseal femoral fractures in children younger than six years treated with TEN between 2005 and 2015 was conducted. Patients were immobilized in a cast for 5 wk and the nails were removed from 6 to 12 wk after surgery. Twenty-four cases were clinically and radiographically re-evaluated using the Flynn's scoring criteria, focusing on: Limb length discrepancy, rotational deformity, angulation, hip and knee range of motion(ROM), functional status, complications, and parent's satisfaction.RESULTS Sixteen males and eight females with a mean age of 3.2 years at the time of treatment were re-evaluated at an average follow-up of 58.9 mo. No cases of delayed union were observed. The mean limb lengthening was 0.3 cm. Four cases experienced limb lengthening greater than 1 cm and always minor than 2 cm. Twelve point five percent of the cases showed an angulation < 10°. Complete functional recovery(hip and knee ROM, ability to run and jump on the operated limb) occurred in 95.7% of cases. Complications included two cases of superficial infection of the TEN entry point, one case of refracture following a new trauma, and one TEN mobilization. According to the Flynn's scoring criteria, excellent results were obtained in 79.2% of patients and satisfactory results in the remaining 20.8%, with an average parent's satisfaction level of 9.1/10.CONCLUSION TEN is as a safe, mini-invasive and surgeon-friendly technique and, considering specific inclusion criteria, it represents a useful and efficacy option for the treatment of diaphyseal femoral fractures even in patients younger than six years of age.

Pull-out tests and slope stability analyses of nailing systems comprising single and multi rebars with grouted cement

The pull-out capacities for soil nailing systems comprising of one single 29 mm diameter(type A) and four 16 mm diameter(type B) rebars with grouted cement were examined.A field test and numerical analysis for the type A and type B systems were carried out to investigate the pull-out capacities and the slope stability reinforcement efficiency in soil and rock slopes.The results of the pull-out tests show the mobilized shear force and load transfer characteristics with respect to soil depth.The load-displacement relationship was examined for both type A and type B systems.Slope stability analyses were carried out to study the relationships between soil and nail reinforcement and bending stiffness as well as combined axial tension and shear forces.Factors of safety were calculated in relation to the number of nails and their outside diameters.Both soil and rock slopes were included in this evaluation.

Clinical and functional comparison of endoprosthetic replacement with intramedullary nailing for treating proximal femur metastasis

Objective： To evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of modular endoprosthetic replacement （EPR） compared to proximal femur intramedullary nailing （IMN） for the treatment of proximal femur metastases. Methods： We retrospectively studied the records of patients with proximal femur metastatic lesions treated with surgical stabilization between January 2007 and December 2014 in terms of operation time, blood loss, postoperative score, soreness, Karnofsky performance score （KPS） and survival time. Results： There were 34 patients treated with surgical stabilization. The mean follow-up period was 12.1~8.6 months （range： 10-47 months）. Thirteen were treated with EPR and 21 were stabilized with IMN （20 males, 14 females; mean age： 68.7 years）. The median survival time was 11.0 months for both groups （P=0.147）. The operation time, blood loss and Harris score of IMN group were lower than those of EPR group （P=0.001, P=0.001, P=0.002, respectively）. Conclusions： Both EPR and IMN for treating proximal femur metastasis achieved effective clinical outcomes. Therefore, the suitable surgical methods depended on the general conditions and medical requirements of patients, as well as the technical advantages of the doctor.

Intramedullary nailing for pathological fractures of the proximal humerus caused by multiple myeloma: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Multiple myeloma(MM)bone disease is indicative of MM,and reduces patient life quality.In addition to oncological,antineoplastic systemic therapy,surgical therapy in patients with MM is an essential treatment within the framework of supportive therapy measures and involves orthopedic tumor surgery.Nevertheless,there are few reports on intramedullary(IM)nailing in the treatment of MM-induced proximal humeral fracture to prevent fixation loss.We here describe a case of pathological fracture of the proximal humerus caused by MM successfully treated with IM nailing without removal of tumors and a review of the current literature.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old male patient complaining of serious left shoulder pain and limited movement was admitted.The patient was finally diagnosed with MM(IgAλ,IIIA/II).After treatment of the pathological fracture with IM nailing,the patient's function recovered and his pain was rapidly relieved.Histopathological examination demonstrated plasma cell myeloma.The patient received chemotherapy in the Hematology Department.The humeral fracture displayed good union during the 40-mo follow-up,with complete healing of the fracture,and the clinical outcome was satisfactory.At the most recent follow-up,the patient's function was assessed using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society score,which was 29.CONCLUSION Early surgery should be performed for the fracture of the proximal humerus caused by MM.IM nailing can be used without removal of tumors.Bone cement augmentation for bone defects and local adjuvant therapy can also be employed.

Proximal Femoral Nailing: Technical Difficulties and Results in Trochanteric Fractures

Background: Proximal femoral nailing in communited intertrochanteric fractures is increasingly becoming popular in view of superior biomechanics and prevention of varus collapse associated with Dynamic hip screw. However, technical difficulties and implant related complications have been described with this technique, thus we need more studies to address these issues. Our study aims to understand technical difficulties involved in proximal femoral nailing, and specifically analyses neck shaft angle at follow-up indicating varus collapse and also to compare results of stable and unstable fractures. Materials and Methods: In this study, patients who presented to the Orthopedic Unit of Dr. TMA Pai Hospital (An associated hospital of Manipal University, Manipal) with trochanteric fractures included and treated with proximal femoral nailing. The technical difficulties involved with surgical procedure and techniques adapted to overcome such difficulties were recorded. All patients were followed up for a period of 2 years and final outcome assessment included the number of shortening, neck shaft angle and harris hip score. Results: 41 patients (mean age 71) who underwent proximal femoral nailing from January 2004 to December 2009 were included in the study, 38 patients completed 2-year follow-up. The technical difficulties we faced were divided into 3 categories, difficulties in securing entry point and guide wire placement especially when greater trochanter and piriform fossa were gathered, reduction was lost while passing nail, and finally difficulties faced during placement of hip screws. In all except one, neck shaft angle of more than 130 degrees was achieved, and this was also maintained in the final follow-up (Mean 131.9 degrees). All fractures were united, with mean shortening of 2 mm. Conclusions: Although PFN is technically required, with a proper technique PFN gives excellent clinical results with almost negligible varus collapse even in unstable trochanteric fractures. Regarding the techniques, reaming the proximal part of femur adequately and observing the nail passage with image carefully are important in placing the nail correctly, while, placement of lag screw in the inferior part of neck in anterior posterior projection and central in lateral projection reduces risk of implant failure.

Cost of external fixation vs external fixation then nailing in bone infection

AIM: To study the cost benefit of external fixation vs external fixation then nailing in treatment of bone infection by segment transfer.METHODS: Out of 71 patients with infected nonunion tibia treated between 2003 and 2006, 50 patients fitted the inclusion criteria(26 patients were treated by external fixation only, and 24 patients were treated by external fixation early removal after segment transfer and replacement by internal fixation). Cost of inpatient treatment, total cost of inpatient and outpatient treatment till full healing, and the weeks of absence fromschool or work were calculated and compared between both groups.RESULTS: The cost of hospital stay and surgery in the group of external fixation only was 22.6 ± 3.3 while the cost of hospital stay and surgery in the group of early external fixation removal and replacement by intramedullary nail was 26.0 ± 3.2. The difference was statistically significant regarding the cost of hospital stay and surgery in favor of the group of external fixation only. The total cost of medical care(surgery, hospital stay, treatment outside the hospital including medications, dressing, physical therapy, outpatient laboratory work, etc.) in group of external fixation only was 63.3 ± 15.1, and total absence from work was 38.6 ± 6.6 wk. While the group of early removal of external fixation and replacement by IM nail, total cost of medical care was 38.3 ± 6.4 and total absence from work or school was 22.7 ± 4.1. The difference was statistically significant regarding the total cost and absence from work in favor of the group of early removal and replacement by IM nail.CONCLUSION: Early removal of external fixation and replacement by intramedullary nail in treatment of infected nonunion showed more cost effectiveness. Orthopaedic society needs to show the cost effectiveness of different procedures to the community, insurance, and health authorities.

Radial nerve recovery following closed nailing of humeral shaft fractures without radial nerve exploration: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND Radial nerve palsy due to humeral shaft fracture is the most common peripheral nerve injury associated with long bone fractures.An antegrade nailing surgical technique is becoming popular for the fixation of these fractures with minimal invasiveness.We analyzed nerve recovery in patients with humeral shaft fracture and radial nerve palsy treated with humeral nail fixation without nerve exploration.AIM To assess the radial nerve recovery rate and time from humeral shaft fracture with surgical treatment using close nailing.METHODS We retrospectively collected data of patients who underwent undergone surgical nail fixation for humeral shaft fractures between October 1,2016,and March 31,2020.Subsequently,we analyzed the primary or secondary radial nerve palsy recovery rate and radial nerve motor function recovery time.RESULTS The study included 70 patients who underwent surgical treatment for closed-or Gustilo type I open humeral shaft fractures using a nail fixation technique without radial nerve exploration.The patients suffered from primary(n=5)and secondary(n=5)radial nerve palsy.A 100%radial nerve recovery rate was achieved.The mean recovery time was 4.3 mo.CONCLUSION The study results indicate full recovery of radial nerve palsies from humeral shaft fracture using close nailing treatment.Surgeons need not be concerned about the occurrence of permanent nerve palsies.

Olecranon anatomy:Use of a novel proximal interlocking screw for intramedullary nailing,a cadaver study

AIM: To define the optimum safe angle of use for an eccentrically aligned proximal interlocking screw(PIS) for intramedullary nailing(IMN).METHODS: Thirty-six dry cadaver ulnas were split into two equal pieces sagitally. The following points were identified for each ulna: the deepest point of the incisura olecrani(A), the point where perpendicular lines from A and the ideal IMN entry point(D) are intersected(C) and a point at 3.5 mm(2 mm safety distance from articular surface + 1.5 mm radius of PIS) posterior from point A(B). We calculated the angle of screws inserted from point D through to point B in relation to D-C and B-C. In addition, an eccentrically aligned screw was inserted at a standard 20° through the anterior cortex of the ulna in each bone and the articular surface wasobserved macroscopically for any damage.RESULTS: The mean A-C distance was 9.6 mm(mean ± SD, 9.600 ± 0.763 mm), A-B distance was 3.5 mm, C-D distance was 12.500 mm(12.500 ± 1.371 mm) and the mean angle was 25.9°(25.9°± 2.0°). Lack of articular damage was confirmed macroscopically in all bones after the 20.0° eccentrically aligned screws were inserted. Intramedullary nail fixation systems have well known biological and biomechanical advantages for osteosynthesis. However, as well as these well-known advantages, IMN fixation of the ulna has some limitations. Some important limitations are related to the proximal interlocking of the ulna nail. The location of the PIS itself limits the indications for which intramedullary systems can be selected as an implant for the ulna. The new PIS design, where the PIS is aligned 20°eccentrically to the nail body, allows fixing of fractures even at the level of the olecranon without disturbing the joint. It also allows the eccentrically aligned screw to be inserted in any direction except through the proximal radio-ulnar joint. Taking into consideration our results, we now use a 20° eccentrically aligned PIS for all ulnas. In our results, the angle required to insert the PIS was less than 20° for only one bone. However, 0.7° difference corresponds to placement of the screw only 0.2 mm closer to the articular surface. As we assume 2.0 mm to be a safe distance, a placement of the screw 0.2 mm closer to the articular surface may not produce any clinical symptoms.CONCLUSION: The new PIS may give us the opportunity to interlock IMN without articular damage and confirmation by fluoroscopy if the nail is manufactured with a PIS aligned at a 20.0° fixed angle in relation to the IMN.

Subtrochanteric fractures after retrograde femoral nailing

Secondary fractures around femoral nails placed for the management of hip fractures are well known. We report, two cases of a fracture of the femur at the interlocking screw site in the subtrochanteric area after retrograde femoral nailing of a femoral shaft fracture. Only a few reports in the existing literature have described these fractures. Two young men after sustaining a fall presented to us with pain, swelling and deformity in the upper thigh region. On enquiring, examining and radiographing them, peri-implant fractures of subtrochanteric nature through the distal interlocking screws were revealed in both patients who also had histories of previous falls for which retrograde intramedullary nailing was performed for their respective femora. Both patients were managed with similar surgical routines including removal of the existing hardware, open reduction and ace cephallomedullary antegrade nailing. The second case did show evidence of delayed healing and was additionally stabilized with cerclage wires. Both patients had uneventful postoperative outcomes and union was evident at the end of 6 mo postoperatively with a good range of motion at the hip and knee. Our report suggests that though seldom reported, peri-implant fractures around the subtrochanteric region can occur and pose a challenge to the treating orthopaedic surgeon. We suggest these be managed, after initial stabilization and resuscitation, by implant removal, open reduction and interlocking intramedullary antegrade nailing. Good results and progression to union can be expected in these patients by adhering to basic principles of osteosynthesis.

Risk Assessment of Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing for Proximal Humeral Fracture

In proximal humeral fracture except AO classification 11A1, fixations with a locking plate and nails are recommended. We performed mechanical tests to investigate whether retrograde intramedullary nailing has fixation stability comparable to those of anterograde intramedullary nailing and locking plate which achieve clinically favorable outcomes. In retrograde intramedullary nailing, a nail entry point is made in the diaphysis, for which reduction of stiffness of the humerus is of concern. Thus, we investigated the influence of a nail entry point made in the diaphysis on humeral strength. Retrograde intramedullary nailing had fixation stability against bending and a force loaded in the rotation direction comparable to those of anterograde intramedullary nail and locking plate. Displacement by the main external force loaded on the humerus, compressive load, was less than half in the bone fixed by retrograde intramedullary nailing compared with that in the bone fixed with a locking plate, showing favorable fixation stability. It was clarified that stiffness of the humerus against rotation and a load in the compression direction is not reduced by a nail entry point made by retrograde intramedullary nailing.

Humerus Nailing in Lateral Position (Operative Technique)

With the advent of good designs of nails, straight and angled in the arena of treatment for fractures from surgical neck of humerus to approximately 5 cm above the olecranon fossa, nailing is gaining popularity in recent literature. Many different nails are available in market with different proximal and distal locking configurations. Beach chair and supine are the main principle positions for antegrade humerus nailing. Beach chair or supine is the preferred position by many, but there is always difficulty in distal locking by free hand technique as it is difficult to locate the distal locking hole due to rounded smooth anatomy of anterior distal humerus and fear of neurovascular complications in both anteroposterior and latero-medial locking. The aim of this article is to demonstrate the utility of lateral position in ease of nailing all types of humerus fractures. The technique and illustrations below describe the positioning of patient, image intensifier and free hand postero-anterior distal locking without injury to neurovascular structures.

Screw Intramedullary Nailing for Fractures of the Humeral Shaft

The debate continues over the management of diaphyseal fractures of the humerus. There are a variety of extramedullary as well as intramedullary implants. We aim to propose a technique of passing the screw intramedullary nails and achieve union with least trauma to the shoulder and the rotator cuff. The multiple elastic screw nails achieve the inherent stability based on the principle of “three point fixation”. We aim to propose that the screw intramedullary nail is an effective implant to facilitate uneventful fracture union, with rapid recovery, low morbidity and low learning curve capable of being replicated in any smaller operative set up.

The Posteroanterior Locking for the Distal Humerus Nailing. Is It a Viable Option?

The distal interlocking is regarded as an inherent part of the antegrade humeral nailing technique. Traditionally the distal locking of intramedullary humeral nails is achieved using a freehand technique. The humerus nailing locking options in the conventional nailing systems are placed in the anterior-posterior and lateral-medial directions. It exposes both the patient and surgeon to radiation, is time consuming, and has a potential risk of damaging neurovascular structures, especially the radial and lateral cutaneous nerve when the anterior-posterior and lateral-medial locking constructs are used. We aim to present a technical tip to ease the distal locking procedure and avoid the possible neurovascular complications with the existing nailing systems.

A New Rotator Interval Approach for Antegrade Humeral Nailing: A Technical Note

The lateral and anterior lateral approaches are the most commonly used for antegrade nailing of humerus fractures. However, the surgical exposure is restricted by the bony acromion. The iatrogenic injury to the rotator cuff can also cause post-operative pain and compromise shoulder function. This article describes a new rotator interval approach that we used for central entry point nailing. In this approach, the skin incision starts from the midpoint between the acromion and coracoid process. A trans-rotator interval split in front of the anterior border of the supraspinatus (SSP) tendon is then made to open the glenohumeral joint. With the SSP retracted laterally and the long head of the biceps (LHB) retracted medially, the humeral head is directly visualized. The entry point can thus be determined and confirmed by intra-operative fluoroscopy in both axial and AP planes. We recommend this rotator interval approach as an alternative nailing technique for 2-part humeral neck fractures and humeral shaft fractures.

Emergency Intramedullary Nailing in Open Leg Fractures: What Results?

Introduction: Leg fractures are the prerogative of violent trauma, which lead to pluritissular lesions, including the opening of the focus, thus worsening the prognosis. The indication of centromedullary nailing (CMN) is subject to time and trained team requirements. The aim of this work is to evaluate the results of CMN in emergency cases of open leg fractures in adults. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2018. It concerned adult patients with an open leg fracture treated by CMN in emergency at the Orthopedics-Traumatology Department of the Yalgado Ouedraogo University Hospital. During five years, 91 patients were registered. Their average age was 34.1 years with a sex ratio of 2.2. The average admission time was 1 hour 41 minutes. Cauchoix and Duparc type I open fractures predominated (64.8%). Antibiotic therapy was instituted as soon as the patient arrived. The functional results of osteosynthesis were evaluated according to the Lysholm score after an average follow-up of 48 months. Results: The majority of our patients (51.3%) were operated on between the 6th and 18th hour. After careful trimming of the open fracture, CMN was performed in all our patients. The average hospital stay was six days. The mean Lysholm score was 87.23 ± 11.06 with a satisfactory functional result in 81.3% of cases. Discussion: The satisfactory results observed in 81.3% of our study testify to the reliability of the indication of CMN as specified by Dakouré et al. [4] in their series. Conclusion: Open leg fractures are very frequent injuries and have a considerable socio-economic impact. Centromedullary nailing is a suitable solution for adequate and rapid socio-professional reintegration of the patient.