Long Bone Non-Unions and Malunions: Risk Factors and Treatment Outcomes in Calabar, Southern Nigeria

Background: Diaphyseal non-unions and malunions constitute significant morbidities in fracture care. Fracture treatment modalities seek to restore anatomic orientation and functional rehabilitation as soon as possible after a fracture incident. Malunions and non unions present a treatment challenge with the need for prolonged hospitalization, multiple surgical interventions and economic burden. In the developing world, traditional bonesetting practices are popular and these often result in a host of preventable complications. The added socioeconomic costs of treating these complications present a considerable strain on the resources of these already fragile economies and households. Aim: To document the risk factors, treatment options and outcomes for diaphyseal non-unions and malunions in our environment. Patients and Methods: Fifty-two consecutive patients comprising 37 non-unions and 15 malunions who presented in the orthopaedic unit of a tertiary hospital in Southern Nigeria were evaluated. Information sought included biodata, location of pathology, type of incident fracture, local risk factors including traditional bonesetting;treatment options and final outcomes. Information obtained was analyzed using SPSS version 20 (IBM, New York). Results are presented in simple frequency tables. Results: There were 34 males and 18 females (M:F = 1.9:1) with a mean age of 38.76 ± 14.55 years. There were 37 non-unions and 15 malunions. The femur was the commonest site of pathology in 21 (40.4%) cases, and among the non-unions, the atrophic variety was the commonest type (n = 26;70.3%). The mean fracture-to-surgery interval was 11.35 ± 7.95 months and traditional bonesetting was the commonest risk factor (n = 36;69.2%). Plate and screw Osteosynthesis with bonegraft augmentation was the commonest treatment modality and the overall union rate was 94%. Conclusion: Traditional bonesetting plays a major role in the health seeking behaviour of many African societies. The complications are varied and add to the overall socioeconomic burden of fracture care in these developing economies. Identification of traditional bonesetting practices as an important risk factor should translate into a focus on these practices in preventive public health decisions in fracture care. Continuing public health education backed by political will and can potentially drive a paradigm shift in health seeking attitudes in the developing word.

Evaluation of bone remodeling in regard to the age of scaphoid non-unions

AIM: To analyse bone remodeling in regard to the age of scaphoid non-unions(SNU) with immunohistochemistry.METHODS: Thirty-six patients with symptomatic SNU underwent surgery with resection of the pseudarthrosis. The resected material was evaluated histologically after staining with hematoxylin-eosin(HE), tartrate resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP), CD 68, osteocalcin(OC) and osteopontin(OP). Histological examination was performed in a blinded fashion.RESULTS: The number of multinuclear osteoclasts in the TRAP-staining correlated with the age of the SNU and was significantly higher in younger SNU(P = 0.034; r = 0.75). A higher number of OP-immunoreactive osteoblasts significantly correlated with a higher number of OC-immunoreactive osteoblasts(P = 0.001; r = 0.55). Furthermore, a greater number of OP-immunoreactive osteoblasts correlated significantly with a higher number of OP-immunoreactive multinuclear osteoclasts(P = 0.008; r = 0.43). SNU older than 6 mo showed a signifi-cant decrease of the number of fibroblasts(P = 0.04). Smoking and the age of the patients had no influence on bone remodeling in SNU.CONCLUSION: Multinuclear osteoclasts showed a significant decrease in relation to the age of SNU. However, most of the immunhistochemical findings of bone remodeling do not correlate with the age of the SNU. This indicates a permanent imbalance of bone formation and resorption as indicated by a concurrent increase in both osteoblast and osteoclast numbers. A clear histological differentiation into phases of bone remodeling in SNU is not possible.

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.

Mesenchymal Stromal Cells and Their Uses in Bio-Regenerative Therapies for Bone and Cartilage: A Review

Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are a top candidate for new clinical treatments in the repair of bone and cartilage. In several clinical trials, they have shown reliable, effective, and safe management of inflammation, pain, and the regenerative capabilities of resident tissues. MSCs are likely derived from pericytes. They modulate the environment they are placed in by secreting immunomodulatory and signaling molecules to reduce inflammation and direct resident cells to create new tissues. They are easily isolated from several different adult tissues, and inexpensive to grow in a lab. However, a mistake made in the initial classification of MSCs as stem cells has created deeply engrained misconceptions that are still evident today. MSCs are not stem cells, despite a large fraction of research and therapies using the name “mesenchymal stem cells”. This mistake creates false narratives attributing the observed positive outcomes of MSC treatments to stem cell characteristics, which has led to distrust in MSC research. Despite inconsistencies in their classification, MSCs demonstrate consistent positive effects in numerous animal studies and human clinical trials for non-unions and osteoarthritis. With an aging population, regenerative techniques are very promising for novel therapies. To produce trusted and safe new treatments using MSCs, it is essential for the International Society for Cellular Therapies to re-establish common ground in the identity, mechanism of action, and isolation techniques of these cells.

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.

Two-stage surgical treatment for septic non-union of the forearm

AIM To investigate the effectiveness of a two-stage surgical procedure for the treatment of septic forearm non-union.METHODS Septic non-unions are rare complications of forearm fractures. When they occur, they modify the relationship between forearm bones leading to a severe functional impairment. Treatment is challenging and surgery and antibiotic therapy are required to achieve infection resolution. It is even harder to obtain non-union healing with good functional results. The aim of this study is to present a two stages surgical treatment for septic forearm non-union with revision and temporary stabilization of the non-union until infection has cleared and subsequently perform a new synthesis with plate, opposite bone graft strut and intercalary graft. We retrospectively reviewed 18 patients with a mean age at the time of primary injury of 34.5 years(19-57 years) and a mean follow-up of 6 years(2-10 years). All patients presented an atrophic nonunion with a mean length of the bone defect of 1.8 cm(1.2-4 cm). Complications and clinical results after surgical treatment were recorded. RESULTS Mean time to resolution of the infectious process was 8.2 wk(range 4-20 wk) after the first surgery and specific antibiotic therapy. All the non-union healed with an average time of 5 mo(range 2-10 mo) after the second step surgery. Cultures on intraoperative samples werepositive in all cases. No major intraoperative complications occurred. Two patients developed minor complications and one needed a second surgical debridement for infection resolution. At the last follow-up functional results were excellent in 5(27.8%) patients, satisfactory in 10(55.5%) and unsatisfactory in 3(16.7%) patients. No activities of daily living(ADLs) limitations were reported by 12(66.6%) patients, slight by 3(16.6%) and severe limitation by 3(16.6%) patients. Mean visual analog scale at the last follow-up was 1(0-3).CONCLUSION The two-step technique has proven to be effective to achieve resolution of the infectious process and union with good functional results and low rate of complications.

Bone Transport in Tibial Gap Non-Union—A Series of 25 Cases

Gap non-union of the tibia is frequently associated with deformity, infection and shortening. Ilizarov’s method of bone transport was used in the management of twenty-five cases of gap non-union of the tibia. The mean bone gap was 6.53 cm (range 4 to 12 cm). Union was achieved in all cases within a mean period of 11.12 months. The mean time taken for union, per centimeter of bone gap was found to be 1.7 months/cm. Pin tract infection was the commonest complication, seen in 9 cases (36%). The other complications encountered were neuropraxia (n = 3) deviation of the transported bone segment (n = 7), buckling of skin at the advancing side of bone (n = 4), traumatic corticotomy (n = 3), incomplete corticotomy (n = 1), equinus deformity (n = 4), knee stiffness (n = 4) and curling of toes (n = 4). The bone healing results were excellent in 92% of cases and good in 8% of cases. The functional results were excellent in 84% of cases, good in 12% and fair in 4% of cases. Thus bone transport by Ilizarov’s method manages the bone loss and the associated conditions with good bone healing and functional results.

Teriparatide anabolic therapy as potential treatment of type Ⅱ dens non-union fractures

Odontoid fractures account for 5% to 15% of all cervical spine injuries and 1% to 2% of all spine fractures. Type Ⅱ fractures are the most common fracture pattern in elderly patients. Treatment(rigid and non-rigid immobilization, anterior screw fixation of the odontoid and posterior C1-C2 fusion) remains controversial and represents a unique challenge for the treating surgeon. The aims of treatment in the elderly is to quickly restore pre-injury function while decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with inactivity, immobilization with rigid collar and prolonged hospitalization. Conservative treatment of type Ⅱ odontoid fractures is associated with relatively high rates of non-union and in a few cases delayed instability. Options for treatment of symptomatic non-unions include surgical fixation or prolonged rigid immobilization. In this report we present the case of a 73-year-old woman with post-traumatic odontoid nonunion successfully treated with Teriparatide systemic anabolic therapy. Complete fusion and resolution of the symptoms was achieved 12 wk after the onset of the treatment. Several animal and clinical studies have confirmed the potential role of Teriparatide in enhancing fracture healing. Our case suggests that Teriparatide may have a role in improving fusion rates of C2 fractures in elderly patients.

Accordion Manoeuvre with Ilizarov Frame over Nail <i>in Situ</i>in a Case of Infected Non-Union of Femur: Discussion on Strategies: A Case Report

Quiescent Type of H. Rosen & Stage 2 of C.L. Romano et al. for Infected Non Union of Femur after K-nailing (Küntscher nailing) require no debridement & removal of nail and therefore can be treated by a single stage procedure. There are a few reports of treating aseptic non-union of femur by compression alone or compression distraction over nail by Ilizarov Technique. However, no case of Infected Non-Union femur being treated by Accordion Manoeuvre with Ilizarov over nail in situ (i.e. without exchange nailing) has been reported so far. Here, we are reporting a case of Infected Non-Union following K-nailing for a fracture shaft of femur in a 15-year-old female, who was treated by this technique as a single stage procedure. An Ilizarov frame was mounted on the femur with nail in situ followed by Accordion Manoeuvre. The fracture was healed in 5.6 months with two cycles of Accordion Manoeuvre followed by rhythmic compression. There was no recurrence of infection.

Use of demineralized bone matrix in the extremities

Autologous bone graft is considered as the gold standard for all indications for bone grafting procedures but the limited availability and complications in donor site resulted in seeking other options like allografts andbone graft substitutes. Demineralized bone matrix(DBM) is an allograft product with no quantity limitation. It is an osteoconductive material with osteoinductive capabilities, which vary among different products, depending on donor characteristics and differences in processing of the bone. The purpose of the present review is to provide a critical review of the existing literature concerning the use of DBM products in various procedures in the extremities. Clinical studies describing the use of DBM alone or in combination with other grafting material are available for only a few commercial products. The Level of Evidence of these studies and the resulting Grades of Recommendation are very low. In conclusion, further clinical studies of higher quality are required in order to improve the Recommendation Grades for or against the use of DBM products in bone grafting procedures.

Novel technique for a symptomatic subscapularis herniation through a scapu-lar defect

Fractures of the scapula are rare and have been reported to account for only 1% of all fractures and 3%-5% of upper extremity fractures. Several studies have reported successful outcomes with non-operative treatment of scapula fractures. Although non-operative treatments are successful in a very high percentage of patients, very few cases of non-union of scapular body fractures have been reported. In our review of the literature, we found two case reports of scapular body fractures developed into non-unions. In both of these cases, open reduction and internal fixation with reconstruction plates and bone graft was successful at eliminating pain and restoring function. This is a case report of a patient with a symptomatic, extra-articular scapular body defect from a non-union that was treated successfully with an acellular dermal extracellular matrix and bone graft using a novel

Posterior Stabilization for Management of Neglected Odontoid Fractures

Background: Odontoid fractures are specific types of cervical fractures that show many challenges in their management. There are several types of Odontoid fractures with different modes of stability. There is no definite widely accepted way of management of Type II fractures among spine surgeons. There is a high rate of delayed or non-union of Odontoid fracture cases that are managed conservatively which may lead to dangerous complications. If non-union occurs, the patient should undergo surgical intervention as early as possible to avoid neurological deterioration. Objective: To demonstrate the value of intra-operative reduction and posterior stabilization of atlanto-axial junction in cases of non-union old Odontoid fractures and their outcome. The study was also to check for criteria associated with a favorable outcome and if posterior decompression will be associated with a better outcome. Patients and Methods: 12 patients of old neglected Odontoid fractures following conservative management and complicated by non-union were operated through intra-operative reduction with posterior stabilization and fixation of atlanto-axial junction at Al-Azhar University Hospitals during the period starting from June 2016 till the end of December 2019 using Screws and Rods. Intra-operative reduction under C-Arm X-ray and firm stabilization were aimed in all cases. Posterior cord decompression was an option in selected 4 patients with severe cord compression. Both intra-operative, post-operative radiological and clinical outcomes were assessed. Results: Good intra-operative reduction and alignment of fractured Odontoid process were obtained in all cases with use of 4 screws and 2 rods (2 screws and 1 rod on each side) in 11 cases and with using 2 screws and 1 rod (unilateral fixation) in one case. Good clinical outcome was obtained in all patients with improvement of pre-operative condition except in 3 patients where there were persistent pre-operative neurological deficits and without deterioration of pre-operative condition. Additional posterior cord decompression was associated with a better clinical outcome in 2 of 4 selected cases with severe cord compression. Conclusion: Good intra-operative reduction under C-Arm X-ray with posterior stabilization through atlanto-axial fixation using screws and rods is a reliable way of management of neglected type II Odontoid fractures complicated with non-union. Better results were obtained with less pre-operative neurological deficits and with absence of myelomalacia in MRI images. Additional posterior decompression may improve clinical outcome in cases of severe cord compression.

Effects of electromagnetic fields on bone regeneration in experimental and clinical studies： a review of the literature

Objective To assess the experimental and clinical data regarding the effects of electromagnetic fields （EMFs） on fracture non-union.Data sources The English language literature regarding EMFs on fracture non-union were searched using MEDLINE,Web of Science and Embase,for the period January 2006 to June 2011.The search terms were electromagnetic fields and non-union/bone marrow stem cells （BMSCs）/bone.Study selection Articles were included in the review if they were related to the use of EMFs on BMSCs or bone tissue.Papers without full manuscripts available were excluded.Results The basic and clinical research in this field,while somewhat limited,supports the insightful application of EMFs to ameliorate disability due to fracture non-union.Conclusions Further basic and clinical research to validate the use of EMFs in facilitating function and bone reparative processes in fracture non-union is required.Keywords：

Augmentation plating in hypertrophic non-union after nail fixation of femoral shaft fracture compared with exchange plating Augmentation plating in hypertrophic non-union after nail fixation of femoral shaft fracture compared with exchange plating Augmentation plating in hypertrophic non-union after nail fixation of femoral shaft fracture compared with exchange plating

Background Augmentation plating has been used successfully to treat hypertrophic non-union after nail fixation.This study compared the efficacy of augmentation plating and exchange plating for treating hypertrophic non-union of femoral shaft fracture after intramedullary nail fixation.Methods A total of 12 patients received augmentation plating and 15 patients received exchange plating as treatment for femoral shaft hypertrophic non-union.The procedures were conducted at our medical centre between January 2005and January 2012.Clinical follow-up was conducted at 2 weeks,1 month and then monthly until union was achieved to compare union time,operation time,bleeding and complications between the two groups.Results All patients underwent follow-up examinations until fracture union was achieved.The average length of followup time after the second treatment was （18.37±3.28） months.The time needed for union was （4.17±0.94） months in the augmentation plating group and （5.33±1.72） months in the exchange plating group.The operation time was （90.00±17.58） minutes in the augmentation plating group and （160.00±25.35） minutes in the exchange plating group.The amount of blood loss during the operation was （270.00±43.32） ml in the augmentation plating group and （530.00±103.65） ml in the exchange plating group.Both groups showed significant difference （P 〈0.05） in their results.No complications were reported after the second operation.Conclusions Augmentation plating after nail fixation could remove local rotation instability,facilitate simple operation,create minimal damage and enable exercise for early functional recovery.Therefore,augmentation plating is excellent for treating hypertrophic non-union after nail fixation in femoral shaft fracture.

Modified Masquelet technique in children

Masquelet technique is one of the modalities for the treatment of long bone defect.Using cancellous bone graft to fill the bone defect is always a concern in children due to the small size of their iliac crest and open growth plate.We reported a case of 13-year-old male who presented with gap non-union of middle third of tibia.We applied a modified Masquelet technique by using only the cortical fibular graft instead of cancellous bone to fill the space surrounded by induced membrane.Fibula was used as a nonvascularized strut graft and matched stick graft to achieve complete union.We concluded that nonvascularized fibula grafting is an easy and effective option to fill the bone defect in children in the second stage of Masquelet technique.