Value of negative pressure sealing drainage on wound healing of Gustilo IIIB and IIIC open fractures

BACKGROUND Gustilo III fractures have a high incidence and are difficult to treat.Patients often experience difficulty in wound healing.Negative pressure drainage technology can help shorten wound healing time and has positive value in improving patient prognosis.AIM To explore the clinical value of the negative pressure sealing drainage technique in wound healing of Gustilo IIIB and IIIC open fractures.METHODS Eighty patients with Gustilo IIIB and IIIC open fractures with skin and soft tissue injuries who were treated in the Second People’s Hospital of Dalian from March 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the research subjects.They were divided into a study group(n=40,healed with negative pressure closed drainage)and a control group(n=40,healed with conventional dressing changes)according to the variation in the healing they received.The efficacy of the clinical interventions,the variations in the regression indicators(time to wound healing,time to fracture healing,time to hospitalization),and the conversion and healing of bacterial wounds were compared 1-3 mo after the intervention.RESULTS The total effective rate of patients among the study group was 95.00%(38/40),which was notably higher than 75.00%(30/40)among the control group(P<0.05).The wound healing time,fracture healing time,and hospital stay of the patients in the study group was shorter than the control group(P<0.05).After the intervention,the negative bacterial culture at the wound site rate and wound healing rate of the patients among the study group increased compared to the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Negative pressure sealing and drainage technology has a good therapeutic effect on patients with Gustilo IIIB and IIIC open fracture wounds with skin and soft tissue injury.It can notably enhance the wound healing rate and the negative rate of bacteria on the wound surface and help to speed up the recovery process of patients.

Axial load-share ratio testing to assess the healing of open tibial fractures treated with the Taylor Spatial Frame

Background:The Taylor Spatial Frame(TSF)has gained popularity among orthopedic surgeons for treating open fractures.However,a key challenge is the timely and safe removal of the frame.This study assessed the efficacy and safety of axial load-share ratio(ALSR)testing to evaluate callus healing strength after TSF treatment of open tibial fractures.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted,analyzing 180 adult patients with open tibial fractures treated at Tianjin Hospital’s Orthopedic Limb Correction Unit between August 2019 and August 2022.All patients underwent TSF external fixation surgery,and were divided into two groups based on ALSR testing.Group I(92 patients)underwent ALSR testing,with frame removal if the test value fell below 5%.Traditional methods were used for fixator removal guidance in Group II(88 patients).Clinical outcomes,including fixation duration,complications after fixator removal,and Johner-Wruhs functional scores,were compared between the two groups.Results:The groups showed no statistically significant differences(P>0.05)in sex,age,injury side,body mass index,surgery timing,or fracture type.Group I had a significantly shorter fixation duration(25.85±5.57 weeks)compared to Group II(31.82±6.98 weeks)(P<0.05).Following fixator removal,Group I demonstrated superior Johner-Wruhs scores compared to Group II,indicating better outcomes(P<0.05).Complication rates did not differ significantly between the groups at the last follow-up(P>0.05).Conclusion:Regular postoperative ALSR testing could safely and effectively guide TSF removal following open tibial fracture treatment.This method significantly reduced fixation duration compared to traditional guidance methods while maintaining efficacy and safety.

Outcomes of early versus late irrigation and debridement of pediatric open long bone fractures

BACKGROUND Open long bone fractures are a major concern for pediatric patients due to the risk of surgical site infection(SSI).Early studies have recommended irrigation and debridement of open fractures within 6 hours-8 hours for the prevention of SSI.According to the American College of Surgeons(ACS)Best Practice Guidelines,in 2015,irrigation and debridement should be done within 24 hours.AIM To identify whether early irrigation and debridement,within 8 hours,vs late,between 8 hours and 24 hours,for pediatric open long bone fractures impacts rate of SSI.METHODS Using retrospective data review from the National Trauma Data Bank,Trauma Quality Improvement Project(TQIP)of 2019.TQIP database is own by the ACS and it is the largest database for trauma quality program in the world.Propensity matching analysis was performed for the study.RESULTS There were 390 pediatric patients with open long bone fractures who were incl-uded in the study.After completing propensity score matching,we had 176 patients in each category,irrigation and debridement within 8 hours and irrigation and debridement between 8 hours and 24 hours.We found no significant differences between each group for the rate of deep SSI which was 0.6%for patients who received surgical irrigation and debridement within 8 hours and 1.1%for those who received it after 8 hours[adjusted odd ratio(AOR):0.5,95%CI:0.268-30.909,P>0.99].For the secondary outcomes studied,in terms of length of hospital stay,patients who received irrigation and debridement within 8 hours stayed for an average of 3.5 days,and those who received it after 8 hours stayed for an average of 3 days,with no significant difference found,and there were also no sig-nificant differences found between the discharge dispositions of the patients.CONCLUSION Our findings support the recommendation for managing open long bone fractures from the ACS:Complete surgical irrigation and debridement within 24 hours.

Results of Open Surgical Treatment of Humeral Paddle Fractures about 63 Cases

Fractures of the humeral paddle, common to young adults, are most often complex, linked to violence and an increase in road accidents. The objective of our work is to evaluate our functional results, in the medium term, correlated with a review of the literature. This is a retrospective study of 63 patients, carried out in the traumatology-orthopedics department 1 of the IBN EL JAZZAR hospital in KAIROUAN, over a period of 7 years from January 2015 to December 2021. The average age of patients was 39 years (17 - 68 years). Predominantly male. The etiologies are dominated by falls and accidents on public roads. Fractures are classified according to the Müller and Allgöwer classification where type C is found in 51% of cases. All our patients undergo an olecranon osteotomy in 71% of cases. Osteosynthesis using a Lecestre plate combined with screwing or plugging is used in 84% of cases. The evolution is marked by complications observed in eight patients (16%), including two cases of sepsis, four cases of elbow stiffness (8%), one case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis. Our results are evaluated according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, they are excellent and good in 71% of cases, average in 18% of cases and poor in 11% of cases. Fractures of the humeral paddle are fractures with a satisfactory functional prognosis, requiring ad integrum anatomical restoration and solid osteosynthesis allowing early rehabilitation of the elbow. One case of joint callus and one case of pseudarthrosis.

Watson-Jones Anatomical Approach for Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Proximal Femoral Fractures without Image Intensifier in a Low-Resource Setting

Introduction: Standard procedures for surgical fixation of proximal femoral fractures (PFF) require an image intensifier which in developing countries remains a luxury. We hypothesized that, with a well-codified technique, the Watson Jones approach (WJA) without image intensifier nor traction table, can allow open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of PFF using Dynamic hip screw (DHS), with satisfactory outcome. Patients and methods: Forty one consecutive patients (mean age 59.5 ± 21.6 years, 61% males) who were followed in a Teaching Hospital for PFF treated by ORIF using the WJA and DHS from January 2016 to December 2020 were reassessed. The outcome measures were the quality of the reduction, the positioning of the implants, the tip-apex distance (TAD), the rate and delay of consolidation, the functional results using Postel Merle d’Aubigné (PMA) score, the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) and the overall mortality. Logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with mechanical failure. Results: The mean follow-up period was 33.8 ± 15.0 months. Fracture reduction was good in 31 (75.6%) cases and acceptable in 8(19.5%) cases. Implant position was fair to good in 37 (90.2%) patients. The mean TAD was 26.1 ± 3.9 mm. Three patients developed SSI. Consolidation was achieved in 38 (92.6%) patients. The functional results were good to excellent in 80.5% of patients. The overall mortality rate was 7.3%. There were an association between mechanical failure and osteoporosis (p = 0.04), fracture reduction (p = 0.003), and TAD (p = 0.025). In multivariate logistic regression, no independent factors were predictive of mechanical failure. Conclusion: This study shows that ORIF using DHS for PFF via the Watson-Jones approach without an image intensifier can give satisfactory anatomical and functional outcomes in low-resource settings. It provides and validates a reliable and reproducible technique that deserves to be diffused to surgeons in austere areas over the world.

Exclusive Fibula Osteosynthesis for Treating Open Fractures Gustillo I-III B of the Distal Half of the Leg Bones in a Resources-Limited Setting

Introduction: Management of open leg bones fractures is a challenging health issue for the surgeon, particularly true in resource-limited settings. In this study, we evaluate exclusive fibular osteosynthesis in the treatment of open fractures of the distal half of the leg bones as a therapeutic option in our context. Methods: This is a prospective, experimental, multicenter study of 30 open fractures of the distal half of the leg bones treated with exclusive fibula osteosynthesis, conducted in 3 hospitals in the DRC from January 1, 2013 to September 30, 2016. Results: The age range of 20 to 40 years grouped 22 (73.4%) patients, the sex ratio was 1:1 and the unemployed were the most involved with 16 (53.3%) cases. The Gustilo II, I, III B and III A types represented 40%, 33.3%, 20% and 6.7%, respectively. The fractures were located in the distal third in 12 (40%) cases, in the middle third in 11 (36.7%) cases, and in both malleoli in 7 cases (23.3%). Osteosynthesis of the fibula by screw plate was applied in 22 (73.3%) patients and pinning in 8 (26.7%). Satisfactory reduction of the tibial fracture site was achieved in 29 (96.7%) cases and 100% bone healing was achieved within an average of 10 weeks. Four (13.3%) loss of alignment, 1 (3.3%) infection, 1 (3.3%) skin necrosis and 2 (6.7%) ankle stiffness complicated our fractures. Conclusion: Exclusive osteosynthesis of the fibula as a common technique for fractures of the distal half of the leg bones allowed us to reduce, immobilize and consolidate the tibial fracture in the required time and to preserve the mobility of the ankle.

Clinical outcome of open ankle fractures in patients above 70 years of age

BACKGROUND Open fractures of the ankle are complex injuries requiring multidisciplinary input and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.However,data on the clinical outcomes of open ankle fracture management in patients older than 70 is minimal.AIM To evaluate the clinical outcomes following open ankle fracture management in patients older than 70.Our secondary aim is to look at predictors of poor outcomes.METHODS Following local research and audit department registration,22 years of prospectively collated data from an electronic database in a district general hospital were assessed.All patients older than 70 years of age with an open ankle fracture requiring surgical intervention were identified.Demographic information,the nature,and the number of surgical interventions were collated.Complications,including surgical site infection(SSI),venous thromboembolic events(VTEs)during hospital stay,and mortality rate,were reviewed.RESULTS A total of 37 patients were identified(median age:84 years,range:70-98);n=30 females median age:84 years,range:70-97);n=7 males median age:74 years,range:71-98))who underwent surgical intervention after an open ankle fracture.Sixteen patients developed SSIs(43%).Superficial SSIs(n=8)were managed without surgical intervention and treated with antibiotics and regular dressing changes.Deep SSIs(n=8;20%)required a median of 3(range:2-9)surgical interventions,with four patients requiring multiple washouts and one patient having metalwork removed.VTE incidence was 5%during the hospital stay.Eight patients died within 30 d,and mortality at one year was 19%.The 10-year mortality rate was 57%.The presence of a history of stroke,cancer,or prolonged inpatient stay was found to be predictive of lower survivorship in this population(log-rank test:cancer P=0.008,stroke P=0.001,length of stay>33 d P=0.015).The presence of a cardiac history was predictive of wound complications(logistic regression,P=0.045).Age,number of operations,and diabetic history were found to be predictive of an increase in the length of stay(general linear model;age P<0.001,number of operations P<0.001,diabetes P=0.041).CONCLUSION An open ankle fracture in a patient older than 70 years has at least a 20%chance of requiring repeated surgical intervention due to deep SSIs.The presence of a cardiac history appears to be the main predictor for wound complications.

Outcome of application of primary versus secondary Illizarov＇s fixator in open tibial shaft fractures

BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to compare outcome of primary and secondary Illizarov's fi xator application as a treatment method for type III open tibial fractures in terms of nonunion and wound infection.METHODS: This prospective study was done in a tertiary care center. Forty-eight type III tibial fractures were treated with Illizarov's apparatus between 2008 and 2011. The patients were divided into two groups depending on the treatment protocol, timing of wound closure and Illizarov's application, primary(n=28) and secondary(n=20).RESULTS: In the primary group, healing was achieved in all 28 patients. The median time to recovery was 24 weeks, and the median number of operations was 3. There were 6 patients with a bone defect. In the secondary group, complete recovery was achieved in 18 out of 20 patients. The median time to recovery was 30 weeks, and the median number of operations 5. There were 9 patients with a bone defect. The median time to recovery and the number of operations were signifi cantly smaller in patients undergoing primary operation. Union was 100% in the primary group and more than 95% in the secondary group. Chronic osteomyelitis persisted in one patient and below amputation was done in one patient in the secondary group.CONCLUSION: Primary wound closure and Illizarov's fixation required a smaller number of operations and shorter time to recovery than secondary wound closure and Illizarov's fi xation, mostly due to a signifi cantly less number of patients with a bone defect in the primary group.

The treatment of severe open Pilon fractures

Objective To discuss the operative methods,timing and outcomes of severe open Pilon fractures.Methods From April 2003 to July 2008,21 patients with open Pilon fractures were admitted.All the patients were type C fracture according to

MIPPO technique and LCP internal fixation for open tibial shaft fractures

Objective To explore the efficacy of minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique and locking compression plate (LCP) for open tibial shaft fractures.Methods From March 2005 to May 2009,16 cases with open tibial

Hybrid External Fixation for Open Severe Comminuted Fractures of the Distal Femur

Background: The treatment of distal femoral open comminuted fractures is a major problem for orthopedic surgeon. The basic and important aim in treatment of these fractures is to assemble the condylar fragments and then fix the condyles to the femoral shaft by minimum handling of the bone and soft tissues. Objectives: To evaluate the treatment of distal femoral open comminuted fractures (type C2 and C3) with hybrid external fixator. Methods: Thirty-four patients with distal femur open comminuted fracture (type C2 and C3) were treated by hybrid external fixator between January 2005 and December 2008. All of the fractures were opened with extension to joint surface. 30 patients were male and 4 were female. Their average age was 30.5 years (17 to 72 years). Average follow up period was 36 months. 12 patients had isolated fracture and 22 patients had multiple fractures. The bony and functional results were evaluated by the association for the study and application of the method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) protocol and knee society score. Results: 29 out of 34 fractures (85%) had union without bone grafts. Average time of union was 6.1 months (4 - 19 ms). The average knee range of motion was 87.5 degrees (30 - 115 degrees). The bony results were excellent in 24 patients (70.5%), good in 6 (17.7%), fair in 2 (5.9%), and poor in 2 (5.9%), and the functional results were excellent in 10 (29.4%) patients, good in 14 (41.2%), fair in 6 (17.6%), and poor in 4 (11.8%), and the functional results were excellent in 10 (29.4%) patients, good in 14 (41.2%), fair in 6 (17.6%), and poor in 4 (11.8%) according to ASAMI protocol. According to the knee society score the functional results were excellent in 9 (26.44%) patients, good in 13 (38.26%), fair in 7 (20.6%), and poor in 5 (14.7%). Conclusion: Hybrid external fixator is an effective method for treatment of distal femoral open comminuted fractures (type C2 and C3) and may be considered as an alternative surgical methods in the management of these fractures.

Physics of Open Fractures: Reconsidering Tissue Viability, Contamination Risk and Importance of Wound Debridement

Understanding basic physics behind open fractures leads to a better understanding of mechanism of injury, open fractures pathophysiology and management. Explaining local changes in viability of open fracture involved tissues, importance of debridement and reconsidering contamination risks will be ultimate objectives after going through this review. The controversy is still there between minimal/conservative debridement of open fracture wounds in favour of direct closure of soft tissue on the same session against generous debridement and delayed closure by more complicated choices on the reconstructive ladder to avoid infection, delayed healing, wound chronicity, limb loss and prolonged hospital stay. In the article, basic physics behind open fractures is highlighted to gain a deeper understanding of tissue viability changes and contamination risks after injury.

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.

Intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction in treating type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly

BACKGROUND In most elderly patients with intertrochanteric fractures,satisfactory fracture reduction can be achieved by closed reduction using a traction table.However,intertrochanteric fractures cannot achieve satisfactory reduction in a few patients,which is called irreducible intertrochanteric fractures.Especially for type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures,limited open reduction of the broken end with different intraoperative reduction methods is required to achieve satisfactory reduction and fixation.AIM To discuss clinical efficacy of intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction in type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed on 23 elderly patients with type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures(12 males and 11 females,aged 65-89-yearsold)who received treatment at the orthopedics department.After type 31A3 irreducible intertrochanteric fractures were confirmed by intraoperative C-arm,all of these cases received intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction in the broken end with intramedullary screw internal fixation.The basic information of surgery,reduction effects,and functional recovery scores of the hip joint were assessed.RESULTS All patients were followed up for 13.8 mo on average.The operation time was 53.8±13.6 min(40-95 min).The intraoperative blood loss was 218.5±28.6 mL(170-320 mL).The average number of intraoperative X-rays was 22.8±4.6(18-33).The average time to fracture union was 4.8±0.7 mo.The reduction effect was assessed using Kim’s fracture reduction evaluation.Twenty cases achieved grade I fracture reduction and three cases grade II fracture reduction.All of them achieved excellent or good fracture reduction.Upon the last follow-up,the functional recovery scores score was 83.6±9.8,which was not significantly different from the functional recovery scores score(84.8±10.7)before the fracture(t=0.397,P=0.694).CONCLUSION With careful preoperative preparation,intracortical screw insertion plus limited open reduction contributed to high-quality fracture reduction and fixation.Good clinical outcomes were achieved without increasing operation time and intraoperative blood loss.

Epidemiological and Clinical Pattern of Open Fractures of Long Bones of the Lower Limbs in the South-West Region of Cameroon: A 5-Year Review

Background: An open fracture is an injury in which the fracture site and/or hematoma communicates with the external environment. It is associated with significant morbidity and disability and is a challenge to the surgical team. The lower extremities are the most often exposed to traumatic injuries compared to other anatomical parts of the body. Patterns of open fractures differ with different mechanisms of injury and the segment of the long bone affected. The correct and timely management of open fractures is beneficial to the patients and leads to a more favorable outcome. This study aimed at describing the pattern of open fractures of long bones of the lower limb treated in 3 major hospitals of the south west region, Cameroon. Methodology: This was a hospital-based retrospective review of files of patients with open fractures of long bones of the lower limb managed at the surgical units of three secondary health facilities in the South-West region of Cameroon from the 1st of January 2015 to the 31st of December 2019. The socio-demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and outcomes were recorded. The data was stored and analyzed using Epi info version 7.0 and SPSS version 23.0 respectively. Results: A total of 195 files of patients aged 8 to 80 years were studied. The main age group affected was between 20 - 40 years. There were 147 (75.4%) males and 48 (24.6%) females giving a sex-ratio of 3.1:1. The most common cause was road traffic crashes 142 (72.8%). In 98 cases (50.3%), the left side was more involved. The tibia was the most common long bone affected in 75 (38.5%) cases. Comminuted fracture was the most common fracture pattern encountered in 126 cases (64.6%). A total of 76 (39%) fractures were graded Gustilo-Anderson IIIA. External fixator was used in 112 cases (57.1%) and internal fixator in 86 cases (42.9%). We recorded 127 (65.1%) cases of wound infection and 143 (73.3%) cases of limb shortening as the most common complications. Other complications include: 20 cases (17.1%) of mal-union, 27 cases (22.5%) of delayed union, 18 cases (15.1%) of non-union and 50 cases (38.5%) chronic osteomyelitis. We recorded a mortality of 2.1%. Gustilo IIIB and IIIC were associated to chronic osteomyelitis (P = 0.02). Conclusion: Open fractures of long bones of the lower limb affect the active age group of the population and road traffic crashes are the most common causes. It tends to affect the left side and the tibia being the most fractured long bone. A reasonable proportion of these fractures subsequently get infected. Comminuted fracture is the common fracture pattern.

Surgical outcomes of mini-open Wiltse approach and conventional open approach in patients with single-segment thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic injury

This study aimed to introduce a novel mini-open pedicle screw fixation technique via Wiltse approach, and com- pared it with the traditional posterior open method. A total of 72 cases of single-segment thoracolumbar fractures without neurologic injury underwent pedicle screw fixation via two different approaches. Among them, 37 patients were treated using posterior open surgery, and 35 patients received mini-open operation via Wiltse approach. Crew placement accuracy rate, operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospitalization time, radiation exposure time, postoperative improvement in R value, Cobb＇s angle and visual analog scale （VAS） scores of the two methods were compared. There were no significant differences in the accuracy rate of pedicle screw placement, radiation exposure and postoperative R value and Cobb＇s angle improvement between the two groups. However, the mini-open method had obvious advantages over the conventional open method in operative time, blood loss, postoperative drainage, postoperative hospitalization time, and postoperative improvement in VAS. The mini-open pedicle screw technique could be applied in treatment of single-segment thoracolumbar fracture without neurologic injury and had advantages of less tissue trauma, short operative and rehabilitative time on the premise of guaranteed accuracy rate and no increased radiation exposure.

Assessment of stress degree and bone metabolism activity in patients with middle humeral shaft fractures after minimally invasive surgery MIPO and open surgery ORIF

Objective:To study the effects of MIPO and ORIF on stress degree and bone metabolism activity in patients with middle humeral shaft fractures.Methods: Patients with middle humeral shaft fractures who received surgical treatment in Mianyang Orthopedic Hospital between June 2010 and October 2015 were enrolled and randomly divided into MIPO group and ORIF group who were treated with minimally invasive plate oateosynthesis and open reduction internal fixation respectively. Before surgery as well as 1 d and 3 d after surgery, serum was collected to determine the contents of stress response molecules and bone metabolism markers.Results:1 d and 3 d after surgery, serum stress molecules PGE2, CRP, NE and E as well as bone resorption markers TRACP-5B,β-CTX, RANK and RANKL contents of both groups were higher than those before surgery while bone formation markers BGP, BALP, PINP and OPG contents were lower than those before surgery;serum stress molecules PGE2, CRP, NE and E as well as bone resorption markers TRACP-5B,β-CTX, RANK and RANKL contents of MIPO group were lower than those of ORFI group while bone formation markers BGP, BALP, PINP and OPG contents were higher than those of ORFI group.Conclusion: Compared with ORIF, MIPO for middle humeral shaft fractures can reduce stress response degree and improve bone metabolism.

Minimally invasive open reduction of greater tuberosity fractures by a modified suture bridge procedure

BACKGROUND Most greater tuberosity fractures can be treated without surgery but some have a poor prognosis.The surgical procedures for avulsion fractures of the humeral greater tuberosity include screw fixation,suture anchor fixation,and plate fixation,all of which have treatment-associated complications.To decrease surgical complications,we used a modified suture bridge procedure under direct vision and a minimally invasive small incision to fix fractures of the greater tuberosity of the humerus.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy and outcomes of minimally invasive modified suture bridge open reduction of greater tuberosity evulsion fractures.METHODS Sixteen patients diagnosed between January 2016 and January 2019 with an avulsion-type greater tuberosity fracture of the proximal humerus and treated by minimally invasive open reduction and modified suture bridges with anchors were studied retrospectively.All were followed up by clinical examination and radiographs at 3 and 6 wk,3,6 and 12 mo after surgery,and thereafter every 6 mo.Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and postoperatively by a visual analog scale(VAS),the University of California Los Angeles(UCLA)shoulder score,the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeon score(ASES),and range of motion(ROM)for shoulders.RESULTS Seven men and nine women,with an average age of 44.94 years,were evaluated.The time between injury and surgery was 1-2 d,with an average of 1.75 d.The mean operation time was 103.1±7.23 min.All patients achieved bone union within 3 mo after surgery.VAS scores were significantly decreased(P=0.002),and the mean degrees of forward elevation(P=0.047),mean degrees of abduction(P=0.035),ASES score(P=0.092)were increased at 3 wk.The UCLA score was increased at 6 wk(P=0.029)after surgery.The average degrees of external rotation and internal rotation both improved at 3 mo after surgery(P=0.012 and P=0.007,respectively).No procedure-related deaths or incision-related superficial or deep tissue infections occurred.CONCLUSION Modified suture bridge was effective for the treatment of greater tuberosity evulsion fractures,was easier to perform,and had fewer implants than other procedures.

Functional Outcomes of Traumatic Complex Acetabulum Fractures with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: 200 Cases

Objective: Acetabular fractures are common injuries in Iran. We assess the functional outcome of open reduction and internal fixation management of displaced Complex acetabular fractures. Materials and Methods: We analyzed a case series of patients with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for complex acetabular fractures. Two hundred patients (132 men, 68 women) in four age groups including with a mean age of 43.39 ± 6.18 years (range 20 - 59 years) and a mean follow-up of 82.34 ± 12.48 months (range 18 - 109 months) met the inclusion criteria. Functional outcome at final follow-up was graded assessed according to Harris score. Factors affecting were defined. Results: Anatomic reduction was achieved in 192 hips, imperfect in 8 and poor in none. Radiological outcome revealed excellent results in 128 (64%) hips, good in eight, fair in five and none in poor. Harris score were excellent in 139 (69.5%) hips, good in 43 (21.5%) and fair in 18 (9%) and poor in none. The anatomical reduction results had a favorable final functional outcome. (0.003) However, BMI (P Conclusion: Optimal functional and radiological outcomes have been achieved with anatomic postoperative reduction. Also experience of specialist, on time surgery and good recovery lead to receiving excellent functional outcome with at least complications.

Strategies and outcomes in severe open tibial shaft fractures at a major trauma center: A large retrospective case-series

BACKGROUND Severe open tibia fractures are challenging to treat with a lack of published clear management strategies.Our aim was to provide an overview of the largest singlecenter experience in the literature,with minimum 1-year follow-up,of adult type 3 open tibial shaft fractures at Cambridge University Hospitals(a United Kingdom major trauma center).We sought to define patient characteristics and our main outcome measures were infection,union and re-fracture.AIM To retrospectively define patient and injury characteristics,present our surgical methods and analyze our outcomes–namely infection,union and re-fracture rates.METHODS Consecutive series of 74 patients with 75 open tibial fractures treated between 2014 and 2020(26 classified as Gustilo-Anderson 3A,47 were 3B and two were 3C).Nine patients underwent intramedullary nailing(IMN),61 underwent Taylor spatial frame(TSF)fixation and 5 were treated with Masquelet technique(IMN and subsequent bone grafting).RESULTS Mean follow-up was 16 mo(IMN)and 25 mo(TSF).We had an infection rate of 6.7%(5),non-union rate of 4%(3)and re-fracture rate of 2.7%(2).Average time to union was 22 wk for IMN and 38.6 wk for TSF.Thirty-three cases had a bone defect with a mean of 5.4 cm(2-11).Patient age,sex,diabetes,smoking status or injury severity did not have a significant effect on union time with either fixation method.Our limb salvage rate was 98.7%.CONCLUSION Grade 1 to 3A injuries can effectively be treated with reamed or unreamed IMN.Grade 3B/C injuries are best treated by circular external fixators as they provide good,reproducible outcomes and allow large bone defects to be addressed via distraction osteogenesis.