Treatment of femur supracondylar fracture with retrograde interlocking intramedullary nails in elderly patients

Objective： To report 32 cases of femur supracondylar fracture treated with retrograde interlocking intramedullary nails in elderly patients. Methods： According to the AO classification, all of 32 cases were classified as extra-articular type A. 32 cases were treated with interlocking intramedullary nail by closed insertion from intercondylar fossa of the knee. All cases accepted CPM exercise as early as possible after operation. Results： Following up 5 to 15 months, all fractures united within an average duration of 5.3 months （4-7 months）. According to the Shelbourne scale, the excellent rate of the knee function was 86.3%. Conclusion： Retrograde interlocking intramedullary nail is useful alternative implant for the treatment of osteoporotic supracondylar fracture of femur, particularly of the type A fracture in the elderly population. Its merits include stable fixation, high rate of fracture union and few complications.

Clinical and functional comparison of dynamic hip screws and intramedullary nails for treating proximal femur metastases in older individuals

Objective:To compare the outcomes of dynamic hip screws(DHS)and intramedullary nailing(IMN)in the treatment of extra-capsular metastatic carcinoma of the proximal femur.Methods:A retrospective case analysis method was used to examine data of patients with proximal metastatic cancer of the femur who were treated with internal fixation in Department of Orthopaedics,Beijing Friendship Hospital,from January 2007 to December 2018.Blood loss,postoperative pain,functional score,length of stay,and survival rates were compared,and postoperative complications were assessed.Results:Complete follow-up data were available for 33 patients.The mean follow-up period was 12.2±3.6(range:9-32)months and the average age was 72.3±4.7(range:59-83)years old.There were 20 females and 13 males.Twenty-three patients had undergone IMN and 10 DHS,according to bone defects and the patient’s overall condition.The median survival time was 10 months in the IMN group and 11 months in the DHS group.Duration of surgery(t=-7.366,P<0.001)and length of hospital stay(t=-3.509,P<0.001)differed significantly between the two groups.There was one case of breakage of internal fixation in the IMN group.Conclusions:There was no significant difference between DHS and IMN in terms of surgical efficacy.IMN and DHS were different in terms of surgical time and hospital stay.However,due to the limited number of cases in this study,multi-factor analysis has not been performed and needs to be further verified in future analysis.When developing a surgical plan,it is recommended to consider the patient’s condition and the surgeon’s experience.

Role of percutaneous cerclage wire in the management of subtrochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary nails

Purpose： Cerclage wire application has emerged as a potential therapeutic adjunct to intramedullary nailing for subtrochanteric fractures. But its popularity is plagued by the concern of possible negative effect on fracture zone biology. This study was intended to analyze the clinico-radiological outcome and complications associated with cerclage wire application. Methods： Retrospective analysis was performed on all the subtrochanteric fractures operated with intramedullary nailing between January 2012 and January 2016. After exclusion, 48 patients were available with an average follow-up of 20.8 months. Long oblique, spiral, spiral wedge or comminuted fracture configurations with butterfly fragments were particularly considered for cerclage wire appli- cation, which was employed by percutaneous cerclage passer in 21 patients. Assessment was done in terms of operation time, blood loss, quality of reduction, neck-shaft angle, follow-up redisplacement, union time, complications, and final functional evaluation by Merle d＇Aubigne＇-Postel score. Results： Average operation time and blood loss were significantly higher in cerclage group （p 〈 0.05）. However, cerclage use substantially improved quality of reduction in terms of maximum cortical displacement （p = 0.003） and fracture angulation （p - 0.045）; anatomical reduction was achieved in 95.23% of cases as compared to 74.07% without cerclage. Union time was shorter, although not statis- tically different （p - 0.208）, in cerclage group. Four patients in non-cerclage group developed non-union, 2 of them had nail breakage. No infection or any other implant related complications were reported with cerclage use. Conclusion： Minimally-invasive cerclage wire application has proved to be beneficial for anatomical reconstruction in difficult subtrochanteric fractures, whenever applicable, without any harmful effect on fracture biology.

Comparison of two kinds of intramedullary nails in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures in adults

Intramedullary nails have been widely used in treating femoral shaft fractures. However, end caps falling into soft tissue intraoperatively may cause trouble to surgeons, prolong operative time and increase radiation exposure. Additionally, difficulties may be encountered when removing nails because of callus formation over the nail tip. We performed a prospective study to compare two types of nails in managing femoral shaft fractures. Methods Group I consisted of seventy-four patients with unilateral femoral shaft fractures treated with cannulated interlocking anatomical femoral intramedullary nails. Group II consisted of seventy-eight patients treated with cannulated interlocking anatomical femoral intramedullary nails with tail wires. The patients＇ ages, fracture severity, duration of operation, fluoroscopy time, blood loss and falls of end caps into soft tissue were recorded. Nails were removed after fracture healing. The duration of operation and blood loss during nail removal were recorded. Results There were no significant differences between groups with respect to age and fracture severity （P 〉0.05）. End caps fell into soft tissue 17 times in 15 cases in group I and 21 times in 16 cases in group I1. An average of seven minutes was spent recovering a lost cap in group I. In group II, all lost caps were recovered immediately. The duration of operation and fluoroscopy time in group II was significantly less than in group I （P 〈0.05）. Asymptomatic palpable nodules were detected in 4 cases in group I1. Nail removals were performed on 58 patients in group I and 69 patients in group I1. The duration of operation, blood loss and complications in group II were less than in group I （P〈0.05）. Conclusion Intramedullary nails with tail wires facilitate both fracture fixation and nail removal, which can be used to treat femoral shaft fractures with less radiation exposure, shorter surgical time and fewer complications.

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.

Dynamization of retrograde interlocking intramedullary nail for nonunion of distal femoral intercalary allograft reconstruction:a case report and literatures review

Intercalary allograft reconstruction offers a joint-sparing reconstructive option, but nonunion is a devastating complication. In this article, we want to share our experience of proper dynamization of interlocking intramedullary nail for nonunion after proximal femoral intercalary allograft reconstruction. In this report, a 19-year-old girl was diagnosed proximal femoral fibroblast osteosarcoma （Enneking lib）. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy, she underwent proximal femoral intercalary allograft reconstruction fixed by retrograde interlocking intramedullary nail. At her follow-up point of one year postoperatively, nonunion was observed in the proximal host-allograft junction. Therefore she underwent the second surgery of dynamization of the interlocking intramedullary nail. After 12 months＇ partial and full weight bearing exercise, bone union occurred. Our early observations show that dynamization of interlocking intramedullary nail can still be a useful means to treat nonunion of host- allograft junction if the local condition of the host and allograft bone are good enough.

Minimally invasive treatment of forearm double fracture in adult using Acumed forearm intramedullary nail: A case report

BACKGROUND Currently,open reduction internal fixation is the conventional surgical method for treatment of double ulna and radius fracture.However,open reduction is associated with a high risk of complications.This case of forearm double fracture involved a patient treated using an Acumed intramedullary nail.The patient experienced good follow-up outcomes.The Acumed forearm intramedullary nail enables early functional exercise and hastens healing of the fracture.Few studies have reported on the use of this approach for the treatment of fractures.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male patient was admitted to hospital after 5 h of pain,swelling,and limited activity of left forearm caused by a careless fall.Physical examination showed stable basic vital signs,swelling of the left forearm,and severe pain when pressing on the injured part of the forearm.Further,friction was felt at the broken end of the bone;the skin was not punctured.Movement of the left hand was normal,and the left radial artery pulse was normal.Three-dimensional computed tomography examination showed an ulna fracture of the left forearm and comminuted fracture of the radius.The fracture was located in the upper third of the radius,with significant displacement on the fracture side.Clinical diagnosis further confirmed the left radius comminuted fracture and ulna fracture.After analyzing the fracture pattern,age,and other patient characteristics,we chose an Acumed nail for treatment and achieved good follow-up outcomes.CONCLUSION Acumed forearm intramedullary nail for fixation of ulna and radius fracture reduced complication risk and resulted in good follow-up outcomes.

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.

Intramedullary bone pedestal formation contributing to femoral shaft fracture nonunion:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Femoral shaft fracture is a commonly encountered orthopedic injury that can be treated operatively with a low overall delayed/nonunion rate.In the case of delayed union after antegrade or retrograde intramedullary nail fixation,fracture dynamization is often attempted first.Nonunion after dynamization has been shown to occur due to infection and other aseptic etiologies.We present a unique case of diaphyseal femoral shaft fracture nonunion after dynamization due to intramedullary cortical bone pedestal formation at the distal tip of the nail.CASE SUMMARY A 37-year-old male experienced a high-energy trauma to his left thigh after coming down hard during a motocross jump.Evaluation was consistent with an isolated,closed,left mid-shaft femur fracture.He was initially managed with reamed antegrade intramedullary nail fixation but had continued thigh pain.Radiographs at four months demonstrated no evidence of fracture union and failure of the distal locking screw,and dynamization by distal locking screw removal was performed.The patient continued to have pain eight months after the initial procedure and 4 mo after dynamization with serial radiographs continuing to demonstrate no evidence of fracture healing.The decision was made to proceed with exchange nailing for aseptic fracture nonunion.During the exchange procedure,an obstruction was encountered at the distal tip of the failed nail and was confirmed on magnified fluoroscopy to be a pedestal of cortical bone in the canal.The obstruction required further distal reaming.A longer and larger diameter exchange nail was placed without difficulty and without a distal locking screw to allow for dynamization at the fracture site.Post-operative radiographs showed proper fracture and hardware alignment.There was subsequently radiographic evidence of callus formation at one year with subsequent fracture consolidation and resolution of thigh pain at eighteen months.CONCLUSION The risk of fracture nonunion caused by intramedullary bone pedestal formation can be mitigated with the use of maximum length and diameter nails and close follow up.

Intramedullary Nailing of Type I and Type II Open Leg Fractures after 6 Hours at Yopougon Teaching Hospital

Emergency debridement has long been the standard of care for open fractures of the tibia as infection is an important complication. In developing countries, patients are admitted to teaching hospitals 6 to 24 hours after their initial trauma. We sought to evaluate outcomes of nailing and correlations between the risk of infection and the delay in surgery. Materials and methods: Medical files of 48 men and 15 women with a combined total of 63 open fractures of the leg during a 12-year period were reviewed. The mean age was 29 years. Thirty-four type I and 29 type II open fractures according to the classification of Cauchoix and Duparc were treated with Küntscher nail after excision/debridement. Preoperative CRP was performed in 27 patients and in 22 cases it was positive. Twenty-six fractures were treated within a period of 6 to 24 hours, and a further 37 was operated on beyond 24 hours. The average waiting time before surgery was 2 days. Results: The infection was present in 11 patients (17.5%). We failed to establish any correlation between the time of treatment and the occurrence of infection for both type I and type II fractures treated during the same intervals with p = 0.244 (p > 0.05). But we established a correlation between the type of open fracture and the occurrence of infection with p = 0.01 (p < 0.05). There were 10 cases of infection among 22 cases of positive preoperative CRP. We couldn’t find a correlation between the positive value of the preoperative CRP and the occurrence of infection. Seven cases of infection were treated with appropriate antibiotherapy and early revision surgery. Four others cases complicated to bone infection (n = 2) and septic nonunion (n = 2). The average time of hospitalization was 22 days. The average time for fracture healing was 7 months. Conclusion: The rule of six hours is hardly applicable in our contexts. Our study showed no correlation between the preoperative period and the occurrence of infection.

Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures with Compressive Nailing Using Only Distal Dynamic Hole and Proximal Static Hole

Objectives: In this study we aimed to present our treatment results of intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures with compressive nailing using proximal static hole and only distal dynamic hole with one screw. Methods: Forty-three patients who had a fracture of the femoral shaft were managed between 2005 and 2008 with intramedullary nailing and the use of only one screw for distal interlocking. Prospectively we evaluated the union time, possible reoperation, fixation and fracture alignment, range of knee motion and complications. Results: Union occurred within a mean duration of 18.7 weeks. No failures of the fixation and fracture alignment and no more than 1 cm shortness were detected. The knee range of motion was all more than 90 degree. Only one deep venous thrombosis was detected as complication. Conclusions: Compressive nailing using proximal hole and only distal dynamic hole with one screw is a convenient technique for femur fractures.

Epdemiology and Treatment of Pseudarthrosis of Long Bones in the Servce D Orthopedics-Traumatology of the University Hospital of Donka

Introduction: Pseudarthrosis (PSA) of the diaphysis of long bones still remains a current problem, despite improvements in the treatment of these fractures. Our study aims to study the epidemiological and therapeutic aspects of PSA of the diaphysis of long bones. Method: This retrospective work concerns 30 cases of non-union of the diaphysis of long bones treated in the orthopedic and trauma surgery department at Donka National Hospital, during a period of 18 months from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Results: We recruited 30 patients, 80% of whom were male, with an average age of 39.9 years. Public road accidents (AVP) represented the main cause of fractures of the diaphysis of long bones 87%, they were open in 25 cases or 83%. The fractures were located in the middle 1/3 of the diaphysis of the long bones in 50% of cases. Treatment of initial fractures was traditional in 21 cases, orthopedic in 2 cases and surgical in 7 cases. It was aseptic nonunion in 28 cases (93%) and septic nonunion in 2 cases. They were hypertrophic in 7 cases, slightly hypertrophic in 5 cases, oligotrophic in 11 cases, atrophic in 6 cases and with bone defect in 1 case. The treatment was based on osteosynthesis including 16 cases of screwed “PV” plate: 7 cases of centromedullary “ECM” nailing, 2 cases of external fixator, 1 case of broaching and 4 cases of Plastering. The results according to ASAMI criteria on an anatomical level were excellent in 19 cases, good in 3 cases and poor in 3 cases, with a union rate of 76%. And 5 patients undergoing consolidation. Conclusion: Based on the literature data and the experience of our department, the true treatment of PSA requires correct management of the initial fracture without forgetting the interest in preventing AVP which appears to be an element essential, making it possible to reduce the incidence of fractures of the diaphysis.

THE MORPHOLOGICAL MEASURE OF THE TIBIAL MEDULLARY CAVITY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

Objective To provide morphological reference for the designing of the intramedullary nail fixation which suitable for Chinese by investigating the morphological characteristics of tibial medullary cavity. Methods The morphological parameters of the 113 normal adult tibiale were measured on the X-ray photographs with the image analysis software. Results The total lengths of tibial medullary cavities were 299.49±11.03 mm(male) and 274.60± 6.77 mm(female), and the lengths of the narrow part were 66.36±3.90 mm(male) and 51.57±3.92mm(female). The end-points of narrow part were about 29.9 mm(male) and 26.09 mm(female)below the midpoints of medullary cavities. The radians of the longitudinal axes of medullary cavities were 2.53±1.27°(male) and 2.57±1.16°(female). The proximal opening K were 9.47±2.71(male) and 8.59±2.46(female). The distal opening K were 8.21± 2.93(male)and 7.65±2.87(female). Conclusion The morphology of tibial medullary cavity, the characteristic variety of radian and the opening K were very important references for designing the Chinese intramedullary nail fixation.

Surgical treatment of femoral deformities in polyostotic fibrous dysplasia and McCune-Albright syndrome:A literature review

BACKGROUND Surgical correction of femoral deformities in polyostotic fibrous dysplasia(PFD)or McCune-Albright syndrome(MAS),such as coxa vara or shepherd’s crook deformity,is a challenge.AIM To evaluate the treatment of patients with femoral deformities caused by PDF or MAS treated by osteotomies and stabilized with different methods,by analyzing the most relevant studies on the topic.METHODS A literature search was performed in Medline database(PubMed).Articles were screened for patients affected by PFD or MAS surgically managed by osteotomies and stabilized with different methods.RESULTS The initial search produced 184 studies,with 15 fulfilling the eligibility criteria of our study.Selected articles(1987-2019)included 111 patients overall(136 femurs).CONCLUSION Based on our results,the preferred method to stabilize corrective osteotomies is intramedullary nailing with neck cross pinning.When the deformity is limited to the proximal part of the femur,a screw or blade plate may be used,although there is a high risk of fracture below the plate.When the femur is entirely involved,a two-stage procedure may be considered.

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.

Proximal Femoral Nail in Reverse Trochanteric Femoral Fractures: An Analysis of 53 Cases at One Year Follow-Up

Treatment of reverse oblique trochanteric femoral fractures poses a lot of challenges. There have been proponents of intramedullary devices as well as extramedullary devices. We present the results of proximal femoral nailing surgery performed for reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures using two proximal lag screws and a nail of 250 mm. There is prospective study of fifty three patients with AO/OTA 31 A-A3 fractures being treated by proximal femoral nailing in our institute after seeking approval from the Hospital ethics board. The quality of the reduction, the operative time, complications and the functional status of the patients were the parameters on which the results were evaluated. The mean Harris hip score was 76.66 (range 70 - 93) and the mean Barthel activity score was 16.21 (range 12 - 20). The average surgical time was 50 minutes and the mean consolidation time was 11.5 weeks. Intramedullary nailing with proximal femoral nails seems to be a good option in the treatment of reverse obliquity intertrochanteric fractures as against the various existing options available for the management.

Ankle Arthrodesis Nail Combined with Locking Compression Plate to Stabilize Two-Level Pathologic Tibial Fractures

Treatment of fragility fractures of the distal tibia in the elderly is demanding because of osteopenic bone quality, the delicate soft tissue cuff and frequent critical circulation. We report the case of two-level tibial pseudarthroses in an 83- year-old woman caused by multiple myeloma successfully stabilized by a long ankle arthrodesis nail combined with locking compression plate osteosynthesis. This case is unique, as to our best knowledge, herein diaphyseal fractures were treated for the first time using a technique reported hitherto primarily for fragility ankle and pilon fractures.

Length unstable femoral fractures:A misnomer?

BACKGROUND Flexible intramedullary nailing(FIMN)is relatively contraindicated for pediatric length unstable femoral fractures.AIM To evaluate FIMN treatment outcomes for pediatric diaphyseal length unstable femoral fractures in patients aged 5 to 13 years.METHODS This retrospective study includes pediatric patients(age range 5-13 years)who received operative treatment for a diaphyseal femoral fracture at a single institution between 2013 and 2019.Length unstable femur fractures treated with FIMN were compared to treatment with other fixation methods[locked intramedullary nailing(IMN),submuscular plating(SMP),and external fixation]and to length stable fractures treated with FIMN.Exclusion criteria included patients who had an underlying predisposition for fractures(e.g.,pathologic fractures or osteogenesis imperfecta),polytrauma necessitating intensive care unit care and/or extensive management of other injuries,incomplete records,or no follow-up visits.Patients who had a length stable femoral fracture treated with modalities other than FIMN were excluded as well.RESULTS Ninety-five fractures from ninety-two patients were included in the study and consists of three groups.These three groups are length unstable fractures treated with FIMN(n=21),length stable fractures treated with FIMN(n=45),and length unstable fractures treated with either locked IMN,SMP,or external fixator(n=29).P values<0.05 were considered statistically significant.Patient characteristic differences that were statistically significant between the groups,length unstable with FIMN and length unstable with locked IMN,SMP,or external fixator,were average age(7.4 years vs 9.3 years,respectively),estimated blood loss(29.2 mL vs 98 mL,respectively)and body mass(27.8 kg vs 35.1 kg,respectively).All other patient characteristic differences were statistically insignificant.Regarding complications,length unstable with FIMN had 9 total complications while length unstable with locked IMN,SMP,or external fixator had 10.Grouping these complications into minor or major,length unstable with locked IMN,SMP,or external fixator had 6 major complication while length unstable with FIMN had 0 major complications.This difference in major complications was statistically significant.Lastly,when comparing patient characteristics between the groups,length unstable with FIMN and length stable with FIMN,all characteristics were statistically similar except time to weight bearing(39 d vs 29 d respectively).When analyzing complication differences between these two groups(9 total complications,0 major vs 20 total complications,4 major),the complication rates were considered statistically similar.CONCLUSION FIMN is effective for length unstable fractures,having a low rate of complications.FIMN is a suitable option for length stable and length unstable femur fractures alike.

Fragility of statistically significant findings from randomized clinical trials of surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Despite recent meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials(RCTs),there remains no consensus regarding the preferred surgical treatment for humeral shaft fractures.The fragility index(FI)is an emerging tool used to evaluate the robustness of RCTs by quantifying the number of participants in a study group that would need to switch outcomes in order to reverse the study conclusions.AIM To investigate the fragility index of randomized control trials assessing outcomes of operative fixation in proximal humerus fractures.METHODS We completed a systematic review of RCTs evaluating the surgical treatment of humeral shaft fractures.Inclusion criteria included:articles published in English;patients randomized and allotted in 1:1 ratio to 2 parallel arms;and dichotomous outcome variables.The FI was calculated for total complications,each complication individually,and secondary surgeries using the Fisher exact test,as previously published.RESULTS Fifteen RCTs were included in the analysis comparing open reduction plate osteosynthesis with dynamic compression plate or locking compression plate,intramedullary nail,and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis.The median FI was 0 for all parameters analyzed.Regarding individual outcomes,the FI was 0 for 81/91(89%)of outcomes.The FI exceeded the number lost to follow up in only 2/91(2%)outcomes.CONCLUSION The FI shows that data from RCTs regarding operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures are fragile and does not demonstrate superiority of any particular surgical technique.