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Ender rods versus external fixation in the treatment of open tibial fractures.

This is a retrospective nonrandomized study of 66 open tibial fracture patients that compares comparable population treated at one trauma center. The fractures were treated with either Ender rods or external fixation. Of these, 29 fractures were eliminated from the study due to incomparable variables. Thus, the study group consisted of a total of 37 tibial fractures: 20 treated by Ender rods and 17 treated by external fixation. Open tibial fractures treated with Ender rods had a significantly lower number of complications than those treated with external fixation. The group treated with Ender rods also had a significantly lower number of surgical procedures per patient in Grades I and II open tibial fractures. There were no statistical differences regarding weeks to union or hospital days. Ender rods are superior to external fixation removed early in the treatment of Gustilo's Grades I, II, and IIIA open fractures with either stable or unstable fracture configuration (Orthopaedic Trauma Association Grades IA-IC, IIA-IID, and IIIA-IIIC). Perhaps future study will allow sufficient numbers to determine whether Ender rods can be used in Grades IIIB and IIIC open tibial fractures, but there are no data at this time to support this conclusion.

Adult↗

Isolated tibial fractures in children.

In a review of 65 tibial fractures in children of which 25 were isolated and not associated with a fracture of the fibula, we found that isolated tibial fractures were not uncommon, and accounted for one-third of all tibial fractures in children under 11 years of age. They occur after two types of force, the most common being indirect violence involving a torsional injury. Isolated fractures unite easily without delayed union. Isolated transverse fractures never displace, and consequently do not require further radiographs following the initial check radiograph after the application of the plaster cast. In seven of the 25, the fracture was spiral or oblique and displacement into varus occurred for up to 2 weeks after the initial injury. These need careful follow-up, with weekly radiographs for the first 2 weeks. If the varus displacement is greater than 5 degrees we recommend manipulation in that period. After this time the fracture site is sticky, and manipulation will fail. Non-operative treatment is recommended for this fracture.

Casts, Surgical↗

The segmental tibial fracture.

A series of 31 segmental tibial fractures is reported. Eighty-four percent of the patients sustained multiple trauma and 80% of these were open fractures. The series includes treatment with 20 external fixators, seven unreamed intramedullary nails, two casts, and two amputations. Complications included a 48% incidence of elevated compartment pressures necessitating fasciotomy. Despite rapid early decompression, there was a 19% incidence of residual motor and sensory deficit. Other complications observed were a 35% incidence of wound infection, nonunion, and malunion. Eighty-one percent of delayed or nonunions occurred at the distal fracture site. Intramedullary nailing produced the fewest complications. The segmental tibial fracture is at high risk for complications. Close observation of the limb for high compartment pressures is advisable. Treatment for compartment syndrome includes prompt decompression and stabilization of the fracture and, as indicated, intramedullary rods without preliminary reaming.

Adult↗

Anterior compartment pressures in patients with tibial fractures.

Twenty patients with tibial fractures had measurements of tissue pressure in the anterior compartment acutely and for the first 72 hours following injury. Measurements were made using a mercury monometric indicator similar to that described by Whitesides. Patients with fractures of the proximal third of the tibia, those with displacement of the fracture fragments greater than 50%, and those whose injury was the result of high-energy trauma developed higher compartment pressures and we conclude that such patients should be observed closely for the development of a compartment syndrome. In normotensive patients in this series fasciotomy was not necessary for tissue pressures less than 50 mm Hg in the absence of any sensory or motor compromise.

Adolescent↗

Compartmental pressure in adults with tibial fracture.

Acute compartment syndrome is associated with tibial fractures and failure to diagnose it leads to grave consequences. This study was conceived with the aim of determining the intra-compartmental pressure in adults with closed tibial fractures and intended to provide early diagnosis of acute compartment syndrome. The Whitesides injection method was used, using hospital [corrected] available materials. The intra-compartmental pressure in the anterior and deep posterior compartments of 52 patients with closed tibial fractures was measured at presentation and 4 hourly for 24 h. In three patients, the pressure was very high, and the differential pressure (i.e. the difference between the diastolic blood pressure and the intra-compartmental pressure) was less than or equal to [corrected] 30 mmHg, which was diagnostic of acute compartment syndrome. They were all treated by fasciotomy. It is concluded that Whitesides' [corrected] method can be used to diagnose acute compartment syndrome. The apparatus is easy to set up, cheap [corrected] and therefore ideal for use in our environment where sophisticated devices of tissue pressure measurement are not available.

Adolescent↗

A functional below-the-knee cast for tibial fractures. 1967.

An experimental method of treating tibial fractures with use of the below-the-knee total-contact weight-bearing cast is discussed. The success of this method appears to depend on the careful application and molding of plaster to the fractured leg after the swelling has been reduced to a minimum and a closed reduction has been obtained. Good alignment is essential, but slight shortening or overriding of fragments can be accepted with the expectation that little or no increase in the amount of shortening will occur. The results obtained indicate that this type of cast not only holds reduction well but also permits healing of tibial fractures in a relatively short period of time. The maintenance of the limb in a near physiological condition throughout the entire reparative process is offered as an explanation for rapid healing. Treatment of tibial fractures by this method offers the advantages of retaining functional activity of the extremity during healing and eliminating the need for extensive rehabilitation of the knee and thigh muscles after healing has occurred.

Casts, Surgical↗

Treatment of the femoral and tibial fractures with Grosse and Kempf locking nails.

In a series of 104 femoral and 50 tibioendomedullary nailings using Grosse-Kempf (G-F) locking nails, 24% of femoral fractures and 12% of tibial fractures were comminuted; 48% of the patients had multiple injuries. The nail was locked at proximal and distal levels in 54% of the cases for the femur. Dynamization of the nail was carried out at an average of 12 weeks. Nonweight-bearing was imposed for both series from three weeks to three months. Bone healing was achieved before six months in 100% of tibial fractures. Following Thoressen criteria, the results of femoral cases were all excellent and good; the percentage reached 96% for tibial cases. The G-F nail is suitable for high-energy, comminuted fractures.

Adolescent↗

Total knee arthroplasty: periprosthetic tibial fractures.

A classification for periprosthetic tibial fractures is presented. It is based on the anatomic location of the fracture in reference to the tibial component; whether the fracture occurred during surgery or in the postoperative period; and whether the prosthesis is radiographically well-fixed or loose. A treatment algorithm is proposed for each fracture type.

Algorithms↗

Open tibial fractures with severe soft-tissue loss. Limb salvage compared with below-the-knee amputation.

The long-term outcomes and the quality of life were studied in patients who had had an open fracture of the tibial shaft with severe soft-tissue loss. Limb salvage with a free flap was attempted in twenty-seven patients (sixteen of whom had a successful procedure and were examined personally by us), while eighteen patients were managed concurrently with an early below-the-knee amputation. Soft-tissue coverage was successful in all but one patient in whom limb salvage had been attempted. Ultimately, however, five extremities were amputated, with an infection at the site of a non-union being the most common reason for amputation. The patients who had had limb salvage had more complications (p < 0.001), more operative procedures (p < 0.001), and a longer stay in the hospital (p < 0.05) than the patients who had had an early below-the-knee amputation. The long-term functional results for sixteen patients who had had a successful limb-salvage procedure (average duration of follow-up, thirty-five months) were compared with those for eighteen patients who had had a below-the-knee amputation (average duration of follow-up, forty-four months). The patients who had had a successful limb-salvage procedure took significantly more time to achieve full weight-bearing (p < 0.05), were less willing or able to work (p < 0.01), and had higher hospital charges (p < 0.006) than the patients who had been managed with an early below-the-knee amputation. They also had a significant decrease in motion at the ankle and subtalar joint in the injured leg compared with the contralateral leg (p < 0.001). A quality-of-life evaluation was possible for only thirteen of the patients who had had a successful limb-salvage procedure and for sixteen of the patients who had had a below-the-knee amputation. The two groups were similar in terms of their responses, but significantly more patients who had had limb salvage considered themselves severely disabled (p < 0.05). They also had more problems with the performance of occupational and recreational activities (p < 0.05). This study confirmed the reliability of modern microvascular free tissue techniques for the coverage of large soft-tissue defects associated with tibial fractures. It also showed that complications and difficulties in the restoration of osseous union are common and may be directly related to the less satisfactory functional, occupational, recreational, and quality-of-life outcomes that are seen in many patients who have had limb salvage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

[Tibial fracture with intact fibula treated by reamed nailing].

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The main difficulties encountered in the orthopedic treatment of leg fractures with intact fibula are reduction of the tibial and an unusually high rate of varus unions and non-unions. The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the outcome after reamed nailing of tibial fractures with an intact fibula. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 1986 and 1997, 38 fractures of the tibia with an intact fibula were treated by first intention centromedullar nailing. There were 28 men and 10 women, mean age 28 years, with a single fracture in 25 cases. There were 25 motor vehicle accidents (17 two-wheel, 8 four-wheel), 5 sports accidents, 2 home falls, and 6 others. Fracture of the tibial diaphysis was associated with a homolateral femoral fracture in 7 cases, 7 fractures were open (7 type 1, 2 type 2, 1 type 3), 7 fractures were associated with abrasive skin lesions. Using the AO classification, the tibial fracture was type A in 26 cases, type B in 11, and type C in 1. The fracture was in the middle third of the tibia in 21 cases, the distal third in 15 and in the proximal third. Grosse and Kempf nails were used exclusively. Static nailing was used in 27 cases, dynamic nailing in 8, and the nail was not locked in 3 cases. Nails of diameter 9 to 13 were implanted after reaming 1 mm more. RESULTS: The fracture gap increased during the reaming in 5 patients; 2 patients had to undergo a secondary aponeurectomy due to a postoperative compartment syndrome and had no further sequela. Consolidation was achieved after the first intention treatment in 30 patients, after dynamization in 6. A non-union in 2 patients was also successfully managed with new nailing and dynamization. Delay to consolidation was a mean 175 days (range 60 - 480). Transverse fractures consolidated more rapidly (mean 122 days). At last follow-up (minimum 1 year), active knee and ankle mobility were normal in all patients. Nineteen patients complained of pain at the site of the nail insertion, evaluated at 1 on a 10-point analogie scale by 10 of them and at 2 by the 9 others. Eight out of 10 patients felt cure had been achieved 5 months postoperatively. DISCUSSION: These rapidly obtained clinical results and the relatively low rate of non-union (5 p. 100) should be attributed to the reamed nailing technique. We discuss the frequency of tibial fractures with intact fibula and the underlying circumstances. The lack of patent fibular fracture does not signify the fibula is intact. Trauma-induced tibio-fibular dislocation (1 case in our series) can occur. A review of the literature emphasizes the frequency of non unions and misalignment after orthopedic treatment. The most widely used surgical technique is reamed nailing. This technique has the inconvenience of possible pain at the insertion site which usually disappears after ablation of the nail and also a compartment syndrome where reaming is a possible aggravating factor. CONCLUSION: Nailing is a reliable technique for the treatment of tibial fractures with an intact fibula. Weight bearing should be encouraged as early as possible. The indication for a locked nail depends on the anatomic type of the tibial fracture and its localization. Immediate weight bearing should be recommended. Strict surveillance allows dynamization with fibulotomy in case of late consolidation. Prospective randomized studies comparing nailing with other therapeutic methods are needed to confirm these data.

Adult↗

Incomplete linear tibial fractures in two horses.

Incomplete linear tibial fractures were identified in two horses with the aid of scintigraphy. Both horses were treated successfully by strict stall confinement, and both returned to normal athletic activity. Scintigraphy can be used to facilitate the generally difficult diagnosis of incomplete tibial fractures.

Animals↗

[Can unreamed tibial nailing replace external fixators in management of open tibial fractures?].

The recently developed unreamed tibial nail (UTN) offers a new possibility for biological osteosynthesis by intramedullary stabilization for tibial fractures including those with severe closed and open soft tissue damage. In a retrospective study we compared the well established method of external fixation with unreamed intramedullary nailing for open tibial shaft fractures. The data of our first 15 cases treated primarily by UTN (Group 1) and another 15 cases comparable in etiology, severity of trauma, fracture classification, open soft tissue damage and the rate for myocutaneous flaps and skin-grafts, treated initially by external fixation (Group 2) were reviewed. Septic complications were only seen in group 2 and made necessary a lot of following additional operations. One angular deformity was seen in each group. Group 1 showed a mean hospital stay of 26.3 days compared to 75.7 days in group 2. Full weight-bearing was achieved after 1.8 months (group 1) whereas it took 4.5 months in group 2. The first clinical experience using the UTN shows an obvious advantage in comparison to fracture management by external fixation mainly due to a low complication rate and a much shorter over all surgical treatment period.

Adolescent↗

Recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor accelerates fracture healing by enhancing callus remodeling in experimental dog tibial fracture.

Effect of recombinant human basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on fracture healing was investigated using a tibial fracture in beagle dogs. Transverse fractures in the middle of the diaphyses were created in the right tibiae and bFGF was injected into the fracture sites at a single dose of 200 micrograms. The time course of changes in callus volume and morphology of the fracture sites were evaluated at weeks 2, 4, 8, 16, and 32 after treatment, and the fracture strength was analyzed at weeks 16 and 32. At week 2, a radiogram of the fracture site showed obvious membranous ossification in the group injected with bFGF. Basic FGF extended the callus area at week 4 and increased the bone mineral content (BMC) in the callus at week 8. bFGF also increased the osteoclast number in the periosteal callus at weeks 2 and 4. In the bFGF group, a maximal increase in the osteoclast index was found at week 4, and an identical increase was recognized in the control group at weeks 8 and 16. These findings strongly suggested that bFGF stimulated not only callus formation but osteoclastic callus resorption. BMC in the bFGF group was followed by a rapid decrease from week 8, while that in the control group was identical from week 4. Fracture strength of the bFGF group showed significant recovery by week 16, and recovery was still evident by week 32. We conclude that bFGF promotes the fracture healing in dogs by the stimulation of bone remodeling.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Treatment of isolated tibial fractures in cats and dogs.

We report here a review of 33 cases of isolated tibial fractures (i.e., with the fibula intact) in 10 cats and 23 dogs, presented to four orthopaedic referral clinics. The purpose of this study was to identify factors to be considered when selecting the therapy for an isolated tibial fracture in cats and dogs. The animal species, the size of the dog breed, the age of the patient, the type of tibial fracture, the presence of an additional fracture, the treating clinic, the therapy applied, and the results after treatment were taken into account. A step-backward logistic regression analysis was applied to the series of cases to examine possible relations among the covariates. Treatment outcome was found by logistic regression analysis to depend significantly (P < or = 0.05) on age, the presence of an additional fracture, and the therapy applied. No other relations were present between the covariates. In the immature cat or dog with an isolated tibial fracture, treatment by external splinting has a good prognosis. In the mature cat or dog with an isolated tibial fracture, rigid fixation by external fixator or internal fixation is the method of choice.

Age Factors↗

Double plating of unstable proximal tibial fractures using minimally invasive percutaneous osteosynthesis technique.

BACKGROUND: Double plating of proximal tibial fractures with traditional open osteosynthesis gives a stable fixation, but may be complicated by wound healing problems. Minimally invasive methods have been recommended to decrease the wound complication rates. We report the efficacy of double plating of proximal tibial fractures using a minimally invasive percutaneous technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 23 proximal tibial fractures in 23 patients (mean age 54 (36-78) years) were treated with double plating using a minimally invasive percutaneous technique. Functional and radiographic results were evaluated by a modified Rasmussen scoring system. RESULTS: All fractures healed. The average time for fracture healing was 19 (10-32) weeks. 21 patients had excellent or good clinical and radiographic results. 2 patients had a fair clinical result because of associated knee injuries. Complications included 1 case of shortening (1 cm) and 2 cases of mild malalignments (varus less than 10 degrees ). There was 1 case of superficial infection that healed after removal of the plate. No deep infections occurred. INTERPRETATION: Double plating using minimally invasive percutaneous technique can provide favorable results in the treatment of proximal tibial fractures.

Adult↗

Two-ring hybrid external fixation of distal tibial fractures: a review of 47 cases.

BACKGROUND: The healing of a metaphyseal fracture line is a major problem in cases of distal tibial fracture treated with external fixation. METHODS: Forty-seven distal tibial fractures treated with two-ring Ilizarov hybrid external fixation (16 AO/OTA type A and 31 type C, 10 open) were followed up. Fracture reduction and union time was evaluated and IOWA and RAND 36-Item Health Survey scores were used to assess functional outcome. RESULTS: Thirty-five fractures united uneventfully in a median time of 20 weeks, but 12 fractures needed additional procedures because of delayed union. According to univariate analysis, the risk factors for a longer time needed for fracture union were translational displacement and current smoking, and the risk factors for reoperation because of delayed union translational displacement fibular fracture fixation, and the number of cigarettes smoked per day. In multivariate analysis, translational displacement was a risk factor for both longer time to fracture union and reoperation and fibular fracture fixation was a risk factor for reoperation. If the translational displacement was less than 3 mm, the reoperation rate was 6%, whereas if the displacement was more than 3 mm, it was 83%. Reoperation was performed on 50% of the patients who underwent fibular fixation and on 15% of the patients who did not undergo fibular fixation. There were only marginal decreases in the range of motion and arthritis scores in the AO/OTA fracture types other than type C3. There were no significant differences in RAND 36 scores between the general Finnish population aged 18 to 64 years and our patients. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid external fixation of distal tibial fractures is associated with delayed union, which is closely related to the degree of residual translational displacement after reduction. Fixation of an associated fibular fracture does not help to achieve better contact in the tibial fracture and increases the risk of delayed union.

Adolescent↗

Intramedullary nailing of proximal quarter tibial fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To report the results of intramedullary nailing of proximal quarter tibial fractures with special emphasis on techniques of reduction. DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. SETTING: Level 1 trauma center. PATIENTS: During a 36-month period, 456 patients with fractures of the tibial shaft (OTA type 42) or proximal tibial metaphysis (OTA type 41A2, 41A3, and 41C2) were treated operatively at a level 1 trauma center. Thirty-five patients with 37 fractures were treated primarily with intramedullary nailing of their proximal quarter tibial fractures and formed the study group. Thirteen fractures (35.1%) were open and 22 fractures (59.5%) had segmental comminution. Three fractures had proximal intraarticular extensions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Alignment and reduction postoperatively and at healing. An angular malreduction was defined as greater than 5 degrees in any plane. RESULTS: Fractures extended proximally to an average of 17% of the tibial length (range, 4% to 25%). The average distance from the proximal articular surface to the fracture was 67.8 mm (range, 17 mm to 102 mm, not corrected for distance magnification, included for preoperative planning purposes only). Postoperative angulation was satisfactory (average coronal and sagittal plane deformity of less than 1 degree) as was the final angulation. Acceptable alignment was obtained in 34 of 37 fractures (91.9%). Two patients had 5-degree coronal plane deformities (one varus and one valgus), and 1 patient had a 7-degree varus deformity. Two patients with open fractures with associated bone loss underwent a planned, staged iliac crest autograft procedure postoperatively. Four patients were lost to follow-up. In the remaining 31 patients with 33 fractures, the proximal tibial fractures united without additional procedures. No patient had any change in alignment at final radiographic evaluation. Secondary procedures to obtain union at the distal fracture in segmental injuries included dynamizations (n = 3) and exchange nailing (n = 1). Complications included deep infections in 2 patients that were successfully treated. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple techniques were required to obtain and maintain reduction prior to nailing and included attention to the proper starting point, the use of unicortical plates, and the use of a femoral distractor applied to the tibia. Simple articular fractures and extensions were not a contraindication to intramedullary fixation. The proximal tibial fracture healed despite open manipulations. Short plate fixations to maintain this difficult reduction, either temporary or permanent, were effective.

Adult↗