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Shu W, Ou Z, Feng Q, Zhong H, Tang X. Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Leverage Reduction in the Treatment of Pediatric Salter-Harris IV and V Distal Femoral Physeal Fractures. Orthop Surg 2024; 16:269-275. [PMID: 37853920 PMCID: PMC10782237 DOI: 10.1111/os.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Distal femoral physeal fractures (DFPF) are rare but severe injuries in children, and there is no consensus on treatments for Salter-Harris (S-H) IV and V type of DFPF yet. This study aimed to introduce a minimally invasive technique using percutaneous leverage reduction combined with Kirschner wires fixation in treating pediatric DFPF with S-H IV and V type of injury and evaluate the clinical results. METHODS From July 2008 to June 2018, the authors' institute (Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College) retrospectively reviewed all patients diagnosed with pediatric DFPF. They were divided into two groups according to received treatment: children in the minimally invasive technique group were treated with a minimally invasive percutaneous leverage reduction technique, and the traditional technique group included the other children who received the conventional open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF). The surgical and clinical results of the two groups were collected and analyzed. The independent sample t-test analysis and the chi-square test were applied to compare continuous and categorical variables. RESULTS A total of 14 pediatric patients were recruited, including five females and nine males with DFEF. All eight patients in the minimally invasive technique group and four of the six patients in the ORIF group were treated successfully. One patient in the minimally invasive technique group opted for conservative treatment due to his good functional recovery, while the other two patients in the ORIF group needed further surgery because of the limb length discrepancy. There was a difference in surgery duration (p < 0.001), intraoperative fluoroscopy numbers (p = 0.006), intraoperative blood loss (p < 0.001), radiological union time (p = 0.003) and knee flexion angle (p < 0.001) between two groups. Patients in the minimally invasive technique group all received total knee society (KSS) scores, while the average scores in the ORIF group were lower (100.00 vs. 97.67). CONCLUSION The minimally invasive technique is better than conventional ORIF in terms of surgery duration, intraoperative blood loss, radiological union time, knee flexion angle and average KSS score. This percutaneous leverage reduction technique might be a good alternative for treating S-H IV and V DFPF in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Shu
- Department of Trauma OrthopaedicsLiuzhou People's HospitalLiuzhouChina
| | - ZiXuan Ou
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - QiYuan Feng
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Haobo Zhong
- Department of OrthopaedicsHuizhou First HospitalHuizhouChina
| | - Xin Tang
- Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Wang M, Su Y. Suitability of skin traction combined with braces for treating femoral shaft fractures in 3-5 years old children. J Orthop Surg Res 2023; 18:63. [PMID: 36683037 PMCID: PMC9869502 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-023-03547-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In children aged 3-5 years, femoral fractures are common and are frequently treated using flexible intramedullary nails (FIN) or spica casting. Recently, more surgeons have been relying on FIN surgery because of the high rate of complications associated with spica casts, such as skin irritation and re-adjustment surgery. We aimed to evaluate the effect of skin traction combined with braces in 3-5 years old children at our hospital. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 125 children aged 3-5 years with femoral shaft fractures treated at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2020. We assigned 68 patients who underwent FIN surgery to Group A and 57 patients treated with skin traction and braces to Group B. Comparative analysis included the children's age, sex, side of the affected limb, cause of fracture, function of the knee joint, healing time of the fracture, duration of hospitalization, cost of hospitalization, and complications. The complications evaluated included joint dysfunction, pain, infection, pressure ulcers, angular deformities, limb length differences, re-fractures, nonunion fractures, and delayed union. RESULTS There were significant differences in and hospital costs (p = 0.001). Conversely, no statistically significant differences were observed in sex (p = 0.858), injury type (p = 0.804), age (p = 0.231), hospitalization time (p = 0.071), bone healing time (p = 0.212), and complications. Pressure ulcers, nonunion fractures, and delayed union did not occur in both groups. CONCLUSION Both methods had similar therapeutic effects and postoperative complications in children aged 3-5 years with femoral shaft fractures. Therefore, skin traction combined with braces is recommended for this population and for patients hospitalized in institutions where several beds are available, with a consequent possibility of prolonged hospitalization. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menglei Wang
- grid.488412.3Department of Orthopedics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136# Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014 China
| | - Yuxi Su
- grid.488412.3Department of Orthopedics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders; National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders; China International Science and Technology Cooperation base of Child development and Critical Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 136# Zhongshan 2 Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400014 China
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Tarng YW, Lin KC, Chen CF, Yang MY, Chien Y. The elastic stable intramedullary nails as an alternative treatment for adult humeral shaft fractures. J Chin Med Assoc 2021; 84:644-649. [PMID: 33742990 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Plate and locked intramedullary nailing for humeral fractures are golden standard procedure, but the humerus is a nonweight-bearing bone and can tolerate a larger range of acceptable alignment. We believe the elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESINs) can provide enough relative stability for humeral shaft fractures in certain adult patients. METHODS There are four new indications for using ESINs: (1) patient could not tolerate a sugar-tong splint but was a high risk for general anesthesia, (2) intramedullary canal narrowing (<7 mm), (3) long spiral or oblique fracture over the metadiaphyseal junction, and (4) obesity. All patients received retrograde fixation with two titanium elastic nails, except for one patient with a long spiral fracture over the proximal metadiaphysis. Patients had routine follow-up plain radiographs until bone union, and we evaluated functional results of patients by Mayo Elbow Performance Score and asked to complete Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score at the last outpatient clinic visit. RESULTS A total of 16 patients with a mean age of 54.4 years were included. The mean follow-up time was 14 ± 2.5 months, and the average time to bone union was 16 ± 4.3 weeks. There were no wound infections, loss of reduction, fracture nonunion, implant failure, or skin irritation expect for one nail back-out because of osteoporosis. CONCLUSION We have reported good results using ESINs for the displaced fractures of the humerus in the four indication adults who would not be able to tolerate plate fixation or intramedullary nailing. The ESINs fixation method is a simple procedure that provides a small incision, minimal blood loss, short surgical time, and relative stability fixation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yih-Wen Tarng
- Department of Orthopaedics, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Orthopaedics, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kai-Cheng Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Fong Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- School of Medicine, and National Yang Ming Chao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Meng-Yin Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Neurological Institute, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
- College of Nursing, Central Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taichung, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yueh Chien
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Mussell EA, Jardaly A, Gilbert SR. Length unstable femoral fractures: A misnomer? World J Orthop 2020; 11:380-390. [PMID: 32999858 PMCID: PMC7507079 DOI: 10.5312/wjo.v11.i9.380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Andrew Mussell
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, and Andrews Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center, Birmingham, AL 35205, United States
| | - Achraf Jardaly
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham and Lebanese American University, Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Byblos 00000, Lebanon
| | - Shawn R Gilbert
- Department of Pediatric Orthopaedics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States
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Complications in a Young Adult Attributable to a Retained Pediatric Dynamic Hip Screw. Case Rep Orthop 2019; 2019:6814375. [PMID: 31396427 PMCID: PMC6664517 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6814375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Orthopedic implants are used for many different conditions in the pediatric population. The literature on hardware removal is controversial and vague. Case Report We highlight a young adult male who underwent a dynamic hip screw (DHS) due to a motor vehicle accident at 11 years old. He healed the fracture and did well for years. He was lost to follow-up and the hardware was never removed. The patient presented to our facility with a periprosthetic subtrochanteric proximal femur fracture just distal to the retained hardware. The DHS was removed and the fracture fixed with an intramedullary nail. The patient healed the fracture and did well. Discussion A literature review was performed to highlight the benefits and complications of hardware removal vs. retention. We hope to equip the orthopedic surgeon with the reasons for or against hardware removal to optimize treatment to each patient. In this instance, we recommend hardware removal due to the serious consequences of retained hardware in the adolescent/young adult population.
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Kovar FM, Strasser E, Jaindl M, Endler G, Oberleitner G. Complications following implant removal in patients with proximal femur fractures - an observational study over 16 years. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res 2015; 101:785-9. [PMID: 26456285 DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fractures of the proximal femur commonly occur but the majority of orthopaedic surgeons do not consider general hardware removal as a routine necessity. Indications and time interval for hardware removal in this special selected patient group is still controversial. Therefore we performed a retrospective study to address the following questions: 1) Is there a difference between the medically- (infection, mechanical problems, implant failure) and non-medically indicated group (patients demand, meteoro-sensitivity, foreign body sensation) in relation to complications? 2) Is there a correlation regarding time interval between implantation and removal comparing these two groups? 3) Is there a context related refracture rate? 4) Should non-medically indicated implant removal (IR) be performed due to persistent pressure from the patient? HYPOTHESIS We hypothesized that non-medically indicated implant removals should be avoided due to a significantly higher number of associated complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS A total of 371 consecutive patients with 424 hardware removal procedures following a proximal femur fracture, between 08/1992 and 11/2008, have been included. Study population was divided into two groups according to their indication for implant removal: medically indicated group (MIR) consisted of 299 patients (80.59%) and 72 patients (19.41%) were assigned to the non-medically indicated (NMIR) group. RESULTS In the NMIR subgroup a total of (n = 21) 28% complications occurred compared to 11.46% in the MIR subgroup; (P < 0.005), 86.51% of IR in the MIR group were performed within 1.5 years, compared to 79.17% in the NMIR group after 2 to 3.5 years (NS). In the MIR group 1 refracture occurred, compared to 4 in the NMIR group (NS). CONCLUSION Non-medically indicated implant removal should be avoided due to the higher complication rate of 28%. Surgeons and patients should be aware of the imminent complications and therefore implant removal should only be performed for good medical reasons. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV. Historical case study.
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Affiliation(s)
- F M Kovar
- Department of Trauma Surgery, General Hospital Vienna, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
| | - E Strasser
- Department for Neurosurgery, University Hospital St. Poelten, Probst Fuehrer-Srasse 4, 3100 St. Poelten, Austria
| | - M Jaindl
- Department of Trauma Surgery, General Hospital Vienna, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - G Endler
- Muehl-Speiser Laboratories GmbH, Praterstrasse 22, 1020 Vienna, Austria
| | - G Oberleitner
- Department of Trauma Surgery, General Hospital Vienna, Medical University Vienna, Waehringerguertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Was tun, wenn die elastisch-stabile intramedulläre Nagelung (ESIN) an ihre Grenzen stößt? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s10039-014-2115-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Catena N, Sénès FM, Riganti S, Boero S. Diaphyseal femoral fractures below the age of six years: Results of plaster application and long term followup. Indian J Orthop 2014; 48:30-4. [PMID: 24600060 PMCID: PMC3931150 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5413.125487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In children less than 6 years, the treatment of femoral shaft fracture is often non surgical, using closed reduction and casting. The literature reports many experience about this type of trauma but none of these has a long term followup. We present a retrospective study on a group of femoral diaphyseal fractures treated nonsurgically in children up to 6 years of age, with a minimum of 10 year followup. MATERIALS AND METHODS 48 cases (36 males/12 females) with femoral diaphyseal fractures treated between January 1988 and December 1998 were reviewed. Patients with fractures due to obstetrical trauma and pathologic fractures were excluded. The mean age of the patients was 3.3 ± 1.1 years (range 5 months-6 years). Right side was involved in 21 cases (44%), and left side in 27 cases (56%). In 34 cases (71%), closed reduction was performed and hip spica was applied with the hip and knee flexed to 45°. In 8 cases (17%), skeletal traction was applied to perform fracture reduction and the traction pin was embedded in plaster while in the remaining 6 cases (12%), the Delitala pressure apparatus was applied after casting. RESULTS All fractures healed in our study. There were no complications (infection or vascular nervous issues, axial deviations, consolidation delays, or pseudoarthrosis). In 13 cases (27%), followup examinations showed mean lengthening of 1.3 ± 0.75 (range 0.5-2.5 cm) of the fractured lower limb. All these patients were treated with skin traction before treatment and presented with 2.08 ± 0.28 cm mean initial femoral shortening. In 1 case (2%) with 2.5 cm lengthening, epiphysiodesis of the ipsilateral knee was performed. No patients showed prolonged difficulty with gait disorders. CONCLUSION On the basis of our results conservative treatment of femoral shaft fractures in children can be considered less invasive and safe procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Catena
- Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit, Surgery Department Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini 5-16100, Genova, Italy,Address for correspondence: Dr. Nunzio Catena, Via Della Libertà 10/13, 16129 Genova, Italy. E-mail: nunzio
| | - Filippo M Sénès
- Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit, Surgery Department Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini 5-16100, Genova, Italy
| | - Simone Riganti
- Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit, Surgery Department Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini 5-16100, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvio Boero
- Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit, Surgery Department Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Largo G. Gaslini 5-16100, Genova, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Submuscular bridge plating has become an acceptable method of treatment for pediatric femur fractures. The purpose of our study was to describe a technique for submuscular bridge plating and review a series of consecutive, length-unstable, pediatric femur fractures treated at a single institution with this technique. METHODS We performed a query of hospital records from January 4, 2006, to May 10, 2011, to identify length-unstable femur fractures treated with submuscular bridge plating by 5 pediatric surgeons. Included were patients treated with submuscular bridge plating for a femur fracture. Excluded were patients with incomplete medical records, inadequate radiographs, or follow-up <6 months duration. Fifty-one patients met diagnostic criteria; 19 patients were excluded due to incomplete medical records and/or radiographs. RESULTS The study cohort included 32 patients with 33 femur fractures. There were 15 left femurs and 18 right femurs, including 1 bilateral fracture patient. Fracture pattern was composed of 13 comminuted, 5 spiral, 9 long oblique, and 6 short oblique. Mechanisms of injury included: fall from height (8), recreation (23), and MVA (2). Mean time for full weightbearing was 8.1 weeks (range, 3 to 17.6 wk). All patients were radiographically healed by their 12-week assessment. There were no intraoperative complications. Implant removal occurred in 26 patients. There were 2 cases of a broken screw discovered upon implant removal. The remnant screw was not removed in either case. The mean follow-up time for those with implant removal was 43.6 weeks (range, 27 to 83 wk). The 11 patients without implant removal had a mean follow-up time of 38.6 weeks (range, 31.6 to 50 wk). There were no cases of varus or valgus malalignment >10 degrees. One patient experienced implant irritation. There were no cases of wound infections. CONCLUSIONS Our technique of surgical intervention has simplified both implantation and removal, and produced comparable and excellent healing rates, low complication rates, and early return to full weightbearing. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV, case series.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex, high-energy pediatric femur diaphyseal fractures cannot be treated reliably by conventional methods: casting is not suitable for polytrauma and large children, external fixation is associated with a high rate of malalignment and refractures, elastic nails are unsuitable for unstable fractures and metaphyseal areas, and lateral trochanteric entry rigid nails cannot address proximal and distal fragments and need relatively large medullary canals. A few centers have reported that submuscular bridge plating (SBP) is associated with minimal complications, but these findings require confirmation. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We asked whether SBP (1) reproducibly leads to union in unstable fractures with a low complication rate, (2) leads to reasonable alignment and leg length equality (3), is unaffected by age, weight, or location of fracture, and (4) is associated with no or minimal refracture after hardware removal. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed 60 fractures in 58 patients with pediatric diaphyseal femoral fractures treated with SBP from 1999 to 2011. The average age was 9 years. Forty (67%) of the fractures were unstable. Minimum followup was 2.4 months (average, 15.5 months; range, 2.4-50.6 months). RESULTS All fractures healed well and all patients returned to full activity. Two of the 58 patients (3%) had major complications leading to unplanned surgeries: one implant failure and one deep infection in an old open fracture. None of the patients developed clinically important malalignment or leg length discrepancy. Implant removal was performed in 49 patients without complications. CONCLUSIONS SBP provided reliable fixation and healing for complex pediatric femur fractures and can have a broader application in the orthopaedic community. SBP is our preferred method for unstable fractures or fractures of the proximal and distal shaft.
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May C, Yen YM, Nasreddine AY, Hedequist D, Hresko MT, Heyworth BE. Complications of plate fixation of femoral shaft fractures in children and adolescents. J Child Orthop 2013; 7:235-43. [PMID: 24432082 PMCID: PMC3672461 DOI: 10.1007/s11832-013-0496-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/14/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to critically analyze the major and minor complications that may be associated with plate fixation of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures. METHODS The medical records of skeletally immature patients (6-15 years of age) who underwent plate fixation of a diaphyseal femur fracture at a tertiary-care level-1 pediatric trauma center between 1/2003 and 12/2010 were reviewed. Demographic and clinical information regarding the mechanism of injury, fracture type, and surgical technique were recorded. Radiographic evaluation of bony healing, hardware position, and deformity was performed throughout the study period. All intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Complication incidence and time from surgery to complication were described. Multivariate logistic regression and multivariate Cox regression models were used to assess the association between different variables and the occurrence of a complication. Kaplan-Meier survivorship curves were used to evaluate the freedom from a complication with longer follow-up. RESULTS Over an 8-year period, 85 skeletally immature patients (83 % males, mean age 10.2 years) underwent plate fixation for diaphyseal femur fractures. Overall, complications were identified in 11 patients (13 %). Major complications, defined as those resulting in unplanned reoperation (excluding elective removal of asymptomatic plate/screws), occurred in five patients (6 %) and included two patients (2 %) with wound infections requiring irrigation and debridement, two patients (2 %) with distal femoral valgus deformity (DFVD) leading to osteotomy and hardware removal, respectively, and one patient (1 %) with a 3-cm leg length discrepancy (LLD) requiring epiphysiodesis. Minor complications, defined as those not requiring unplanned operative intervention, occurred in six patients (7 %) and included two patients (2 %) with delayed union, two patients (2 %) with symptomatic screw prominence, one patient (1 %) with a superficial wound infection effectively treated with oral antibiotics, and one patient (1 %) with valgus malunion, which was asymptomatic at early follow-up. There were no intraoperative complications and no reports of postoperative knee stiffness, shortening, or reoperations to address fracture stability. Fifty-two patients (61 %) underwent routine elective removal of hardware without related complications following fracture union. Overall, complications occurred postoperatively at a mean time of 20 months (range 0-65 months), though major complications occurred at a later time point (mean 29.1 months, range 0-65 months) than minor complications (mean 12.5 months, range 0-40.1 months). Longer follow-up was associated with higher occurrence of a complication [p = 0.0012, odds ratio = 1.05, 95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.02-1.08]. CONCLUSIONS The plating of pediatric femur fractures is associated with 6 and 7 % rates of major and minor complications, respectively. There were minimal long-term sequelae associated with the complications noted. This complication rate compares favorably with the published rate of complications (10-62 %) associated with titanium elastic nail fixation of similar fracture types. Most complications occurred >4 months postoperatively, with major complications occurring at a later time point than minor complications. Long-term follow-up of these patients is recommended to ensure that complications do not go undetected. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Retrospective case series, Level IV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin May
| | - Yi-Meng Yen
| | - Adam Y. Nasreddine
| | - Daniel Hedequist
| | - Michael T. Hresko
| | - Benton E. Heyworth
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Heyworth BE, Hedequist DJ, Nasreddine AY, Stamoulis C, Hresko MT, Yen YM. Distal femoral valgus deformity following plate fixation of pediatric femoral shaft fractures. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2013; 95:526-33. [PMID: 23515987 DOI: 10.2106/jbjs.k.01190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated the frequency and potential risk factors associated with the development of distal femoral valgus deformity following plate fixation of diaphyseal femoral fractures in children. METHODS Records of eighty-five skeletally immature patients who underwent plate fixation of a diaphyseal femoral fracture at a tertiary-care pediatric center from January 2003 to December 2010 were reviewed. Demographic data and clinical information were analyzed. Radiographic measurement of the distance from the distal plate edge to the distal femoral physis and of the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle was performed. Development of distal femoral valgus deformity was defined as a change in the anatomic lateral distal femoral angle of ≥5° in the valgus direction. Logistic regression analysis and contingency tables were used to relate the development of distal femoral valgus deformity with retention of hardware, patient age, fracture site, plate-to-physis distance, and the location of a bend in the plate at fixation. RESULTS Midshaft fractures (45%) were more common than proximal or distal diaphyseal fractures. Intraoperatively, the plate was bent proximally or distally, or both, in 80% of the patients. Distal femoral valgus deformity of ≥5° was seen in ten patients, eight of whom had distal diaphyseal fractures. Three of the ten patients developed symptoms as a result of the distal femoral valgus deformity that required at least one unplanned additional surgical procedure. On the basis of the statistical analysis, patients with a plate-to-physis distance of ≤20 mm (relative risk= 12.77, p = 0.005) and a distal fracture (relative risk = 11.0, p < 0.001) were at a significantly higher risk of developing distal femoral valgus deformity. Although not clearly an independent factor, a distal bend was also found to be associated with distal femoral valgus deformity (p = 0.004) but was not predictive of the pathology. CONCLUSIONS Distal femoral valgus deformity occurred in 30% of patients with distal diaphyseal fractures and in 12% overall. We advocate long-term monitoring of patients with femoral plate fixation, particularly those in whom the plate is placed ≤20 mm from the distal femoral physis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benton E Heyworth
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Locking compression plates (LCPs) are being increasingly utilized in fixation of fractures and osteotomies in the pediatric population. However, plate insertion or removal may pose a risk of femoral fractures or refractures. The goal of this study was to analyze failure patterns associated with LCPs and identify possible contributing factors. METHODS The sample included all patients who underwent fixation of femoral fractures or osteotomies utilizing straight LCPs at a tertiary pediatric medical center from 2004 to 2009. All were followed up until fracture union. The charts and radiographs were reviewed, and data on demographics, indications, surgical technique, and timing of plate removal were summarized. In cases of failure, the timing, circumstances, fracture location, and refixation method were recorded. RESULTS Thirty-seven patients underwent 41 straight LCP fixations during the study period. The indication for surgery was acute femoral fracture in 25 procedures (25 patients) and elective osteotomy or limb lengthening in 16 procedures (12 patients). Thirty-five plates were removed after complete clinical and radiographic union. The time from plate fixation to removal averaged 13 months (range, 5 to 34 mo) in the fracture group and 17.6 months (range, 7.5 to 28 mo) in the osteotomy group. Five procedures (12%) were complicated by femoral fractures or refractures: 2 occurred after the index surgery-1 at the proximal screw and 1 through the original fracture site, with plate breakage. Three patients sustained refractures after plate removal, all at the original fracture or regenerate site: 1 after a fall and 2 spontaneously. The average time from plate removal to refracture was 18 days (range, 10 to 30). There were no differences in demographics, timing, or technique between patients with and without complications. CONCLUSIONS Although LCPs are considered flexible fixators, they may carry the risk of overstiffness, similar to external fixators. Further clinical and biomechanical studies are needed to evaluate risk factors for fractures or refractures, particularly in children. There seems to be an increase in risk of refracture immediately after plate removal. Caution should be taken in the first weeks after plate removal. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV.
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14
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Reynolds RAK, Legakis JE, Thomas R, Slongo TF, Hunter JB, Clavert JM. Intramedullary nails for pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures in older, heavier children: early results. J Child Orthop 2012; 6:181-8. [PMID: 23814618 PMCID: PMC3400006 DOI: 10.1007/s11832-012-0404-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE A common treatment for pediatric femur fractures is intramedullary nail (IMN) insertion. Elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESINs) are often used for these procedures in heavier patients, but the potential for complications and malunion is greater. We describe here a rigid IMN specifically designed for adolescents, the adolescent lateral entry femoral nail (ALFN). The purpose of this study was to compare the recovery and complications for patients treated with ESINs to those treated with the ALFN. METHODS Our study design was a retrospective cohort study. We performed a review of medical records of 22 children ages 10-17 requiring surgical fixation of a femur fracture for a 2½-year period. Patients selected for the study had traumatic diaphyseal femur fractures and were treated with ESINs without end-caps or ALFNs. Our analyses evaluated injury, surgical, and outcome information for all patients. RESULTS Twenty-two patients were eligible for inclusion and were divided into two groups according to their treatment: the ESIN group with 7 patients and the ALFN group with 15 patients. We then performed a comparison of complications and recovery for these patients. The mean time to full weight-bearing was significantly less for the ALFN group (4.1 weeks; SD, 2.2), than the ESIN group (9.4 weeks; SD 3.9). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of major or minor complications. CONCLUSIONS Older, heavier pediatric patients treated for femur fracture with ALFNs had a shorter recovery time than similar patients treated with ESINs. However, the outcomes for both groups were satisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. K. Reynolds
- />Department of Orthopedics, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Julie E. Legakis
- />Department of Orthopedics, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Ronald Thomas
- />Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Theddy F. Slongo
- />Department of Pediatric Surgery, University Children’s Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - James B. Hunter
- />Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham University Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Jean-Michel Clavert
- />Centre Hospitalier Hautepierre, Service de Chirurgie Infantile, Strasbourg, France
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15
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Abstract
It is uncommon for femoral neck fractures to occur after proximal femoral hardware removal because age, osteoporosis, and technical error are often noted as the causes for this type of fracture. However, excessive alcohol consumption and failure to comply with protected weight bearing for 6 weeks increases the risk of femoral neck fractures.This article describes a case of a 57-year-old man with a high-energy ipsilateral inter-trochanteric hip fracture, comminuted distal third femoral shaft fracture, and displaced lateral tibial plateau fracture. Cephalomedullary fixation was used to fix the ipsilateral femur fractures after medical stabilization and evaluation of the patient. The patient healed clinically and radiographically at 6 months. Despite conservative treatment for painful proximal hardware, elective hip screw removal was performed 22.5 months after injury. Seven weeks later, he sustained a nontraumatic femoral neck fracture.In this case, it is unlikely that the femoral neck fracture occurred as a result of hardware removal. We assumed that, in addition to the patient's alcohol abuse and tobacco use, stress fractures may have attributed to the femoral neck fracture. We recommend using a shorter hip screw to minimize hardware prominence or possibly off-label use of an injectable bone filler, such as calcium phosphate cement.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A Shaer
- Department of Orthopaedics, St Elizabeth Health Center, 1044 Belmont Ave, Youngstown, OH 44501, USA.
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16
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Allison P, Dahan-Oliel N, Jando VT, Yang SS, Hamdy RC. Open fractures of the femur in children: analysis of various treatment methods. J Child Orthop 2011; 5:101-8. [PMID: 22468153 PMCID: PMC3058202 DOI: 10.1007/s11832-011-0334-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Accepted: 02/23/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of children who presented with open femur fractures. METHODS A retrospective chart review of all children treated for open femur fractures at the McGill University Health Center between 1980 and 2009 was conducted. Thirty-seven patients (28 males and 9 females) were identified. Union was determined clinically by the absence of pain, tenderness to palpation and crepitus with motion. Complications were reported. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 11.5 years (range 2.8-18.1 years). The mechanism of injury involved motor vehicle-related injuries in 70% of cases. There were 13 Grade I, 15 Grade II and 9 Grade III fractures. The treatment involved traction and hip spica in 11 patients, external fixator in nine patients, intramedullary nailing in seven patients, open reduction and internal fixation in six patients, and traction and an ischial weight bearing brace in four patients. Average time to union was 5.1 months (range 1.5-14.4 months). Infections occurred in ten patients, nine had delayed unions, two developed malunions, four had a refracture and four patients developed a limb length discrepancy >2 cm. CONCLUSIONS Open fractures of the femur are often accompanied by associated injuries, indicating the importance of early and comprehensive treatment. Treatment may include hip spica application in school-age children and solid intramedullary nails in adolescents. In children with multiple injuries, specifically those with higher fracture grades, treatment with an external fixator provides immediate stability of the fracture and allows early mobilization and ease of management of associated injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Allison
- />Division of Orthopedics, Shriners Hospital for Children, 1529, Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A6 Canada
- />Division of Orthopedics, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 2300 Rue Tupper, Montreal, QC H3H 1P3 Canada
| | - Noémi Dahan-Oliel
- />Division of Orthopedics, Shriners Hospital for Children, 1529, Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A6 Canada
- />Division of Orthopedics, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 2300 Rue Tupper, Montreal, QC H3H 1P3 Canada
| | - Victor T. Jando
- />Division of Orthopedics, Shriners Hospital for Children, 1529, Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A6 Canada
- />Division of Orthopedics, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 2300 Rue Tupper, Montreal, QC H3H 1P3 Canada
| | - Stephen Su Yang
- />Division of Orthopedics, Shriners Hospital for Children, 1529, Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A6 Canada
- />Division of Orthopedics, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 2300 Rue Tupper, Montreal, QC H3H 1P3 Canada
| | - Reggie C. Hamdy
- />Division of Orthopedics, Shriners Hospital for Children, 1529, Cedar Avenue, Montreal, QC H3G 1A6 Canada
- />Division of Orthopedics, Montreal Children’s Hospital, McGill University Health Center, 2300 Rue Tupper, Montreal, QC H3H 1P3 Canada
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Slongo T, Audigé L, Hunter JB, Berger SM. Clinical evaluation of end caps in elastic stable intramedullary nailing of femoral and tibial shaft fractures in children. Eur J Trauma Emerg Surg 2011; 37:305. [DOI: 10.1007/s00068-011-0091-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/26/2011] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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18
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19
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20
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Täger G, Hussmann B, Lendemans S, Nast-Kolb D. [Fractures of and near the epiphysis in children. Part II: lower extremity]. Unfallchirurg 2009; 112:185-99; quiz 200. [PMID: 19212738 DOI: 10.1007/s00113-009-1566-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Fractures of and near the epiphysis occur much less frequently in the lower extremities than in the upper extremities. The time required for consolidation of lower extremity fractures is twice as long as for fractures of the arm or hand. Irrespective of the longer time period for fracture healing, close attention must be paid to initial assessment of fractures regarding dislocations and deformities. Although pediatric fracture dislocations of the upper extremity can be tolerated to a great extent, the mechanisms for spontaneous compensation and even correction of posttraumatic deformities are very limited in pediatric fractures of the lower extremities. Additionally, deformities of the lower extremity skeleton result in a more severe functional impairment than would result from epiphyseal fractures of the arm or hand (with the exception of injuries to the elbow). Therefore, proper radiographic diagnostics with precise projection of the required planes are mandatory to accurately determine all further treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Täger
- Klinik für Unfallchirurgie, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstrasse 55, 45122 Essen, Deutschland.
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