Proximal Femur Bionic Nail (PFBN): A Panacea for Unstable Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture

With the aging population,intertrochanteric femur fracture in the elderly has become one of the most serious public health issues and a hot topic of research in trauma orthopedics.Due to the limitations of internal fixation techniques and the insufficient mechanical design of nails,the occurrence of complications delays patient recovery after surgical treatment.Design of a proximal femur bionic nail(PFBN)based on Zhang’s N triangle theory provides triangular supporting fixation,which dramatically decreases the occurrence of complications and has been widely used for clinical treatment of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture worldwide.In this work,we developed an equivalent biomechanical model to analyze improvement in bone remodeling of unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture through PFBN use.The results show that compared with proximal femoral nail antirotation(PFNA)and InterTan,PFBN can dramatically decrease the maximum strain in the proximal femur.Based on Frost’s mechanostat theory,the local mechanical environment in the proximal femur can be regulated into the medium overload region by using a PFBN,which may render the proximal femur in a state of physiological overload,favoring post-operative recovery of intertrochanteric femur fracture in the elderly.This work shows that PFBN may constitute a panacea for unstable intertrochanteric femur fracture and provides insights into improving methods of internal fixation.

Optimization of transdisciplinary management of elderly with femur proximal extremity fracture:A patient-tailored plan from orthopaedics to rehabilitation

Fractures of femur proximal extremity(FFPE)are the most common fragility fractures requiring hospitalization,with a high risk of mortality,low independence in the activities of daily living and severe consequences on healthrelated quality of life.Timing for surgery has a key role in the management of elderly patients with FFPE as recommended by the Australian and New Zealand guidelines and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines.Early surgery(within 48 h from hospital admission)allows significant benefits in terms of lower rates of postoperative complications and risk of death and can provide better functional outcomes.Therefore,time for surgery could be considered as a comorbidity marker.The choice between conservative or surgical approach surprisingly seems to be still not strongly supported by available literature,but it seems that both 30 d and 1 year risk of mortality is higher with the conservative treatment rather than with surgery.In light of these considerations,the optimization of FFPE management care is mandatory to improve functional outcomes and to reduce sanitary costs.Albeit it is widely accepted that transdisciplinary approach to patients suffering from FFPE is mandatory to optimize both short-term and long-term outcomes,the feasibility of a comprehensive approach in clinical practice is still a challenge.In particular,the large variability of figures involved could be considered both a resource and an additional disadvantage taking into account the difficulty to coordinate multidisciplinary approach covering care in all settings.Therefore,the aim of the present article was to summarize current evidence supporting transdisciplinary management of patients with FFPE,highlighting the benefits,feasibility and limitations of this approach.

Ipsilateral femur and tibia fractures in pediatric patients:A systematic review

AIM To better understand how pediatric floating knee injuries are managed after the wide spread use of new orthopaedic technology.METHODS We searched EMBASE, COCHRANE and MEDLINE computerized literature databases from the earliest date available in the databases to February 2017 using the following search term including variants and pleural counterparts: Pediatric floating knee. All studies were thoroughly reviewed by multiple authors. Reference lists from all articles were scrutinized to identify any additional studies of interest. A final database of individual patients was assembled from the literature. Univariate and multivariate statistical tests were applied to the assembled database to assess differences in outcomes.RESULTS The English language literature contains series with a total of 97 pediatric patients who sustained floating knee injuries. Patients averaged 9.3 years of age and were mostly male(73). Approximately 25% of the fractures were open injuries, more tibia(27) than femur(10). Over 75% of the fractures of both the tibia and the femur involved the diaphysis. More than half(52) of the patients were treated non-operatively for both fractures. As a sequela of the injury 32(33%) patients were left with a limb length discrepancy, 24(25%) patients had lengthening of the injured limb at follow up, while 8(8%) had shortening of the affected limb. Infection developed in 9 patients and 3 had premature physeal closure. Younger patients were more likely to be treated non-operatively(P < 0.001) and patients treated with operative intervention had statistically significant shorter hospital length of stays(P = 0.001).CONCLUSION Given the predominance of non-operative managementin published studies, the available literature is not clinically relevant since the popularization of internal fixation for pediatric long-bone

Treatment of distal femur fractures in a regional Australian hospital

AIM:To review our outcomes and compare the results of the Less Invasive Stabilization System(LISS)to other implants for distal femur fracture management at a regional Australian hospital.METHODS:The LISS is a novel implant for the management of distal femur fractures.It is,however,technically demanding and treatment results have not yet been assessed outside tertiary centres.Twenty-seven patients with 28 distal femur fractures who had been managed surgically at the Mackay Base Hospital from January 2004 to December 2010 were retrospectively enrolled and assessed clinically and radiologically.Outcomes were union,pain,Lysholm score,knee range of motion,and complication rates.RESULTS:Twenty fractures were managed with the LISS and eight fractures were managed with alternative implants.Analysis of the surgical techniques re-vealed that 11 fractures managed with the LISS were performed according to the recommended principles(LISS-R)and 9 were not(LISS-N).Union occurred in67.9%of fractures overall:9/11(82%)in the LISS-R group vs 5/9(56%)in the LISS-N group and 5/8(62.5%)in the alternative implant group.There was no statistically significant difference between pain,Lysholm score,and complication rates between the groups.However,there was a trend towards the LISS-R group having superior outcomes which were clinically significant.There was a statistically significant greater range of median knee flexion in the LISS-R group with compared to the LISS-N group(P=0.0143)and compared with the alternative implant group(P=0.0454).CONCLUSION:The trends towards the benefits of the LISS procedure when correctly applied would suggest that not only should the LISS procedure be performed for distal femur fractures,but the correct principle of insertion is important in improving the patient’s outcome.

Effect of proximal femur nail anti-rotation on unstable intertrochanteric fractures: A prospective observational study

Objective:To assess the effect of proximal femur nail anti-rotation on the functional and radiological outcome of unstable intertrochanteric fractures.Methods:This prospective observational study was conducted in the orthopedic department of a tertiary care hospital.Altogether 86 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures treated with proximal femur nail anti-rotation between January 2010 and January 2015 were included.Patients were followed in the outpatient clinic at regular intervals after discharge to assess the radiological union of fractures and complications.The functional outcomes were evaluated after 2 years by Harris hip score.Results:All patients achieved a radiological union of fractures after a mean duration of 24.6 weeks.The follow up showed 23 complications(systemic and local).Eight patients developed urinary tract infections,and three patients developed chest infections,two patients had screw cut-out,one patient had knee stiffness,one patient developed superficial surgical site infection,and four patients developed varus collapse and shortening subsequently.The two year follow up showed that 69(80.2%)patients had an excellent and good functional outcome according to Harris hip score.Conclusions:With lower complication rates,proximal femur nail is a valid and reasonable option especially in treating unstable intertrochanteric fractures.

An Abduction－Traction Frame for the Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture of Femur

We present a detailed outline of treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of femur with a new technique on the basis of principles of combined traditional chinese and western medicine. We use pins and an outer fixation frame, which keeps the injured limb in abduction and under traction and at the same time allows for functional exercise of all the joints in the extremity. The procedure is discussed and compared with other different techniques.

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

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

Finite Element Analysis of Coronal Shear Fractures of the Femoral Neck: Displacement of the Femoral Head and Effect of Osteosynthetic Implants

Coronal shear fractures of the femoral neck (CSFF) are the most challenging to treat among proximal femur fractures, directly affecting the life expectancy of patients with osteoporosis. However, an adequate osteosynthesis method has not been elucidated yet. This study investigated the displacement direction of the femoral head fragment and its effect on the bone using finite element method. A finite element model for CSFF was developed from CT image data of a patient with osteoporosis using Mechanical Finder (ver. 11). Subsequently, finite element analyses were performed on six osteosynthesis models under maximum load applied during walking. The compressive stresses, tensile stresses, and compressive strains of each model were examined. The results suggested that the compressive and tensile stress distributions were concentrated on the anterior side of the femoral neck. Compressive strain distribution in the femoral head and neck was concentrated in four areas: at the tip of the blade or lag screw, the anteroinferior side of the blade or lag screw near the fracture site, and the upper right and lower left near the junction of the blade or lag screw and nail. Thus, the distribution of both these stresses revealed that the femoral head fragment was prone to anterior and inferior displacement. Distribution of compressive strains revealed the direction of the stress exerted by the osteosynthetic implant on the bone. The same results were observed in all osteosynthetic implants;thus, the findings could lay the foundation for developing methods for placing osteosynthetic implants less prone to displacement and the osteosynthetic implants themselves. In particular, the study provides insight into the optimal treatment of CSFF.

Comparison of Clinical Effect of PFNA and Internal Fixation with Anatomical Locking Plate of Proximal Femur in Treatment of Intertrochanteric Fracture of Femur

Purpose:To investigate the clinical value of proximal femoral nail antirotation and anatomical locking plate of proximal femur in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of femur.Methods:The study group is treated with PFNA internal fixation.The control group is treated by internal fixation with anatomical locking plate of proximal femur.Results:The time of operation,the amount of intraoperative bleeding and the time of fracture healing in the study group are significantly less than those in the control group.The incidence rate of complication in the study group(3.23%)is significantly lower than that in the control group(17.2%).Data comparison shows P<0.05.Conclusion:The curative effect and prognosis for patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur treated by PFNA internal fixation are more ideal.

Single-legweight limit of fixation model of simple supracondylar fracture of the femur

Postoperative early rehabilitation training for supracondylar fracture of femur aids in accelerating the healing of fractures with shorter recovery periods. Presently, clinical studies on post-operative early weight training are still in the nascent stages. The weight bearing capacity at different healing stages typically depends on clinical experience and there is a lack of standards to quantify the weight that would be conducive to the healing of fractures. In this paper, a 3D geometric model of the femur is obtained using imaging data, a locking plate fixation model of a simple supracondylar fracture of the femur, which considers the angle and spatial direction of the fracture surface, is established, the stress distribution and load transmission mechanism of the fracture fixation model on a single leg standing posture are studied and the weight bearing capacity of a standing single leg at the early stage of fracture is given. This provides the basis for objective quantification of postoperative early weight bearing capacity.

Surgical Management of Fracture Neck of Femur in a Medically Unfit ASA3/4 Patient Selection Using Direct Infiltration Local Anaesthesia

Patients who suffer a Fractured Neck of Femur (NOF) have a high mortality and morbidity rate with up to 20% needing long term care post fracture and a further 30% not returning to their pre fracture functioning. Hip fracture accounts for 87% of total fragility fractures. We describe an anaesthetic technique of fixation of fracture of the femoral neck under direct infiltration local anaesthesia;that can be performed on the sick elderly patient. Twenty-eight NOF fractures were included in this series (24 DHS, 4 Hemiarthroplasty);twenty-three procedures were completed (82.14%);no patient required conversion to another form of anaesthesia either general or spinal;five patients required some degree of light sedation due to agitation (17.8%). This method presents itself as an option in managing patient with high comorbidities which can also be implemented in impoverished areas with limited access to operating surgical facilities.

Analysis of Perioperative Complications of Surgery for Proximal Femur Fracture in Elderly Patients Older than 75 Years

Background: In elderly patients with femoral neck fracture, functional recovery is affected largely by preoperative underlying diseases and postoperative complications. The present study was designed to analyze the relationship between preoperative underlying diseases and perioperative complications of surgery for proximal femur fracture. Methods: The study involved 86 patients aged 75 years or older, who underwent surgery for proximal femur fracture. Each patient was examined for the presence of preoperative underlying diseases and preoperative biochemical test data. Moderate and severe complications, which were life-threatening and necessitated treated, were investigated during the perioperative period. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the relationship of preoperative underlying diseases and preoperative biochemical data with the moderate or severe complications that developed during the perioperative period. Results: Eighty-one patients developed a preoperative underlying disease, with hypertension being most frequent (42 cases). Complications during the perioperative period were observed in 58 patients, with anemia develops most frequently (23 cases). Moderate or severe complications during the perioperative period were observed in 16 patients, and infection was the most frequent complication (8 cases). In the statistical analysis, a significant difference in the incidence of moderate or severe perioperative complications was observed only in the users of anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs. Discussion: Patients of preoperative use of anticoagulants/antiplatelet drugs should be closely managed medically so that perioperative medical complications can be managed.

Sagittal Unicondylar Fracture of the Femur on Nail of Küntscher

Unicondylar fractures of the femur on osteosynthesis equipment are a particular entity in terms of the lesion mechanisms and therapeutic difficulties. We report this case because of its exceptional nature and discuss the mechanism of occurrence. It was a lateral sagittal unicondylar fracture of the femur on a nail of Küntscher that had been laid for medio-diaphyseal fracture. The causal mechanism was direct. A double screwing on each side of the nail after an open reduction followed by an early rehabilitation was carried out. Consolidation was obtained at 3 months and the nail removed at 18 months with a good functional knee result. Anatomical reduction and fixation allowing early rehabilitation represent a guarantee for a good long-term result.

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.

Fracture Femur in a Case of Pyle’s Disease: A Case Report

Pyle’s disease is a rare genetic skeletal disorder also known as Metaphyseal dysplasia. A case of 36 yrs old female with fracture supracondylar femur in Pyle’s disease is presented. She had mild facial dysmorphism, dental malformation & mild genu valgum. Skeletal radiology revealed the characteristic Erlenmeyer flask sign at distal femoral and proximal tibial metaphysis. The fracture supracondylar femur was treated with interlocking nail. The fracture was united in sixteen weeks period. The patient is followed up for two years. The aim of the case report is the rarity of the condition with fracture supracondylar femur in adult female successfully treated with interlocking nail.

Spontaneous bilateral femur neck fracture secondary to grand mal seizure:A case report

BACKGROUND Spontaneous bilateral femur neck fracture is a rare entity in the general population.CASE SUMMARY A 17-year-old immobile,developmentally delayed male with the sequelae of cerebral palsy fractured both femoral necks during a grand mal epileptic seizure.He had been treated with valproic acid as an antiseizure medication for about 10years;otherwise,he had no history of drug use.The laboratory analysis was normal except a marked vitamin D deficiency.Closed reduction and osteosynthesis with percutaneous cannulated screws were performed.Solid union was observed at 6 mo,and rapid postoperative rehabilitation was started.CONCLUSION A femoral neck fracture may occur in a person with epilepsy presenting with hip pain in the emergency department.

Vigorous Endosteal Reaming across Fracture Site to Aid Union in Atypical Femur Fractures

Background: Bisphosphonate abuse is associated with atypical femur fractures, which despite different fixation methods have increased non-union, delayed union, and re-operation rates. Therefore, there is a need for a surgical technique that may enhance union in such cases. Herein we are introducing a novel technique of sequential multiple vigorous reaming across the fracture site to introduce reaming debris/endosteal bone graft around the fracture site. Materials and Methods: We present a retrospective analysis of five prospectively treated patients with atypical diaphyseal femur fracture who presented to us from January 2015 to August 2019. All the patients were followed up at regular intervals and assessed both clinically and radiologically. Results: All 5 cases operated with our technique showed union at a mean follow-up of 16 weeks (12 - 20 weeks). There were no complications reported in our study at the last mean follow-up of 25 months (12 - 51 months). Conclusion: This technique of multiple vigorous reaming at and around the fracture site provides a new paradigm in the management of AFF. The autograft around the outer cortex promotes the formation of bridging callus and results in the early union.

Bone mineral density in fracture neck of femur patients:What's the significance?

BACKGROUND The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence(NICE)guidelines have advised further research is required into investigating the added prognostic value of bone mineral density(BMD)in the assessment of fracture risk with the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool(FRAX)score.AIM To investigate the significance of BMD in fracture neck of femur patients and compare it to the outcome of the FRAX score.METHODS Inclusion criteria for this study were all patients who underwent dual-energy Xray absorptiometry(DXA)scan following fracture neck of femur between 2015 and 2017.Analysis of BMD,FRAX scores and patient demographic data was undertaken.RESULTS A total of 69 patients were included in the study,mean age 74.1 years.There was no significant difference between mean BMD of the femoral neck in males(0.65)as compared to females(0.61)(P=0.364).Analyses showed no significant correlation between BMD and menopause age(rs=-0.28,P=0.090).A significant difference was seen of the femoral neck BMD between the different fracture pattern types(P=0.026).A stronger correlation was observed between BMD of femoral neck and FRAX major score(rs=-0.64,P<0.001)than with BMD of lumbar spine and FRAX major score(rs=-0.37,P=0.003).CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that BMD of the femoral neck measured by DXA scan is of added prognostic value when assessing patients for risk of fracture neck of femur in combination with the FRAX predictive scoring system.

Distal femur complex fractures in elderly patients treated with megaprosthesis:Results in a case series of 11 patients

BACKGROUND Surgical treatment of complex fractures of the distal femur in the elderly is controversial.Osteoporosis and pre-existent osteoarthritis are common comorbidities in the elderly which add to the need for early walking and rapid restoration of function and also pose significant obstacles to achievement of satisfactory results with standard fixation techniques.Recently,several authors have suggested that primary arthroplasty could be a viable alternative option to standard fixation techniques in selected patients with complex distal femur fractures.AIM To present our experience with 11 cases of distal femur fractures treated with knee arthroplasty and large femoral resection in a population of patients over the age of 85.METHODS Data from 11 consecutive patients(10 females,1 male)presenting with acute intra-articular supracondylar or intercondylar distal femur fractures and with pre-existent primary osteoarthritis who were treated with primary knee arthroplasty were recorded.We collected standard demographic data,comorbidities and patient reported outcomes including Visual Analogical Scale(VAS),Oxford Knee Score(OKS)and Barthel’s Index.Post-operative joint range of motion(ROM)and standard radiographic data were also collected.RESULTS At a mean follow-up of 23.2 mo,all of the implants were well-positioned and osteointegrated.Furthermore,all the patients were alive and walking either independently or with walking aids.There was a marked improvement in pain(VAS 4.5 postop vs 1.9 at the last follow-up),OKS score(29.5 postop vs 36.81 at the last follow-up),ROM(96.2°postop vs 102°at the last follow-up)and restoration of pre-injury ambulatory status(average Barthel Index 77.3).The radiographic evaluations showed good restoration of the articular geometry.No deaths and no complications were recorded.CONCLUSION In conclusion,we believe that knee megaprosthesis in the case of complex fractures of the distal femur is a valid surgical choice.This is particularly true in elderly patients with severe osteoporosis and pre-existing osteoarthritis.It is important to note that this surgery should be performed by surgeons with proven experience in prosthetic hip and knee surgery and that a scrupulous selection of the cases is completed.

Application of proximal femur locking compression plate for unstable four part intertrochanteric fractures

Objective To evaluate the clinical results of proximal femur locking compression plate (LCP) for unstable four-part intertrochanteric femoral fractures.Methods Clinical data of53patients wiith unstable four-part intertrochanteric