There is no abstract for this article...

There is no abstract for this article...

"Osteobiologics" is the term that has been introduced to refer to the class of engineered materials that have been created and which promote healing of fractures and bone defects. The list of osteobiologics is rapidly expanding as new products incorporating osteoconductive materials are mixed with a variety of osteoinductive proteins, demineralized bone, and preparations of osteogenic cells. The growth in osteobiologics has been stimulated by the early success of osteoconductive materials as graft substitutes in the repair of fractures and by the increasing demand for grafts in all areas of orthopaedics. Although allografts have historically been employed with success, the number of donors has grown much slower than demand leading to the development of artificial materials. Manufactured bone graft substitutes, or osteobiologics, attempt to mimic the components of an autogeneous bone graft by reproducing the bone matrix, which is osteoconductive and osteoinductive. Other products aim to introduce osteogenic cells by concentrating bone marrow while others introduce differing growth factors from platelets in peripheral blood. Very few of these products have been supported by appropriate clinical studies and as such their value is unknown. Orthopaedic surgeons employing these products must understand the basic science principles behind their development in order to understand the indications and limitations of their application. Properly designed clinical studies should be performed to determine the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of both current and future products.

Plate fixation for unstable fractures of the proximal humerus has seen mixed results as evidenced by the trials of new methods of fixation. The deltopectoral surgical approach is most frequently used and requires significant muscle retraction and soft tissue stripping to expose the lateral humeral neck. This may contribute to avascular necrosis and fixation failure. Lateral approaches have been limited to 5 cm distal to the acromion because of the course of the anterior branch of the axillary nerve. A recent anatomic study has demonstrated the predictability of the position of the axillary nerve as it crosses the anterior deltoid raphe, which allows it to be isolated and protected, and dissection can be extended distally. In addition, no accessory motor branches to the anterior head of the deltoid cross the raphe, so extending an incision through the raphe after protecting the main motor branch of the axillary does not place the innervation to the anterior deltoid at risk. This surgical approach allows exposure of the proximal humerus and indirect reduction of the fracture, with subsequent locking plate fixation, adhering to the principles of biological fixation.

Proximal humerus fractures in the elderly are a relatively rare injury, the treatment of which remains controversial, especially regarding Neer displaced two-part, and threepart and four-part fractures. Operative indications for most displaced proximal humerus fractures in the elderly remain poorly defined, but recent literature is actually supporting less aggressive approaches except for the most severe fractures. Recent epidemiological and larger scale retrospective studies fail to show a significant functional difference between operative and non-operative treatment of displaced two-part and three-part fractures in the elderly. Most fourpart fractures appear to be best treated with hemiarthroplasty. Recent meta-analyses show a need for well-executed, randomized, prospective studies that can be used to provide evidence-based templates for appropriate management of displaced proximal humerus fractures in the elderly.

Fracture-dislocations of the elbow remain a complex problem in orthopaedics. The myriad of treatment protocols and methodologies focuses on precise articular alignment and restoration of the skeletal architecture. The goal is to re-establish function as quickly as possible so as to allow rehabilitation involving the full range of motion. Surgical management, primarily reconstruction of the secondary stabilizers of the elbow joint as well as preserving soft tissue structures, subsequently provides the possibility of a speedier recovery. If proper skeletal alignment does not confer enough stability, hinged external fixation becomes an integral part of the treatment strategy for the reconstructive and trauma surgeon.

A structured meta-analysis of the available literature was performed to evaluate the outcome of the treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. A comprehensive search of Medline using the key words "radius" and “fracture” revealed over 4,000 articles. After limiting the search to clinical trials in English and excluding pediatric and geriatric age groups as well as biomechanical and animal studies, 615 abstracts were identified in the period from 1976 to May 1998. Thirtyone articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These included two prospective randomized comparative trials, two non-randomized comparative trials, one half prospective case series and half historical control, and 27 papers on case series. Four papers dealt with external fixation versus closed reduction and cast treatment and one paper looked at open reduction internal fixation with or without additional external fixation. There was insufficient data to perform a scientific meta-analysis because of the poor quality of the studies and lack of a uniform method of outcome assessment. However, the data from the comparative trials showed that external fixation was favored over closed reduction and casting. Additionally, comparing the results of the case series showed that external fixation was superior to internal fixation.

There is no abstract for this article...

There is no abstract for this article...

The use of intramedullary rods is accepted as the gold standard for treatment of closed femur fractures. Early fixation of these fractures has been shown to be beneficial in the multiply-injured patient. This retrospective review was undertaken to examine the isolated femur fractures in an urban trauma center over a six-year period. Of the 76 patients included in the study, 42 underwent early fixation (less than 48 hours after injury) and 34 had delayed fixation (more than 48 hours after injury). There was no statistical difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. Fixation performed within 48 hours did not seem to decrease morbidity when compared to fixation performed after 48 hours. Length of stay and hospital costs were increased with delayed fixation.

High-energy proximal tibia fractures are complicated by soft tissue compromise and this may result in sub-optimal outcomes. There is a high association of open injuries, compartment syndromes, and vascular injuries with these bony disruptions. Surgical treatment of these injuries has been associated with significant complications such as infection, knee stiffness, malunion, loss of fixation, soft tissue failure, and amputations. The loss of fixation is an issue especially in the elderly, with failure associated with age more than sixty years, premature weight bearing, preoperative displacement, fracture fragmentation, and severe osteoporosis. The use of two-stage reconstruction for the treatment of distal tibia fractures has been successful in decreasing the complication rates, including wound compromise. The two stages involve: 1. stabilization of the injured limb with a bridging external fixator to allow the soft tissues to improve and recover and 2. definitive fixation for reconstruction of the articular surface and meta-diaphyseal fractures. The use of such a protocol has been proposed for high-energy proximal tibia fractures to decrease the high rate of soft tissue compromise associated with traditional open methods of treatment. The choice of definitive fixation may include plates, nails, or non-bridging external fixation.

In order to measure errors in pin positions, a tibia with referenced pin insertions was radiographed in various locations using a mini C-arm. Changes in pin position locations up to seven millimeters and twelve degrees were found. To minimize these errors, limbs should be centered and parallel to the plane of the imaging screen of the C-arm. If possible, pin insertions should be made in this plane. Magnification due to the distance from the screen should be determined for precise pin positioning.

There is no abstract for this article...

There is no abstract for this article...

"Osteobiologics" is the term that has been introduced to refer to the class of engineered materials that have been created and which promote healing of fractures and bone defects. The list of osteobiologics is rapidly expanding as new products incorporating osteoconductive materials are mixed with a variety of osteoinductive proteins, demineralized bone, and preparations of osteogenic cells. The growth in osteobiologics has been stimulated by the early success of osteoconductive materials as graft substitutes in the repair of fractures and by the increasing demand for grafts in all areas of orthopaedics. Although allografts have historically been employed with success, the number of donors has grown much slower than demand leading to the development of artificial materials. Manufactured bone graft substitutes, or osteobiologics, attempt to mimic the components of an autogeneous bone graft by reproducing the bone matrix, which is osteoconductive and osteoinductive. Other products aim to introduce osteogenic cells by concentrating bone marrow while others introduce differing growth factors from platelets in peripheral blood. Very few of these products have been supported by appropriate clinical studies and as such their value is unknown. Orthopaedic surgeons employing these products must understand the basic science principles behind their development in order to understand the indications and limitations of their application. Properly designed clinical studies should be performed to determine the usefulness and cost-effectiveness of both current and future products.

Plate fixation for unstable fractures of the proximal humerus has seen mixed results as evidenced by the trials of new methods of fixation. The deltopectoral surgical approach is most frequently used and requires significant muscle retraction and soft tissue stripping to expose the lateral humeral neck. This may contribute to avascular necrosis and fixation failure. Lateral approaches have been limited to 5 cm distal to the acromion because of the course of the anterior branch of the axillary nerve. A recent anatomic study has demonstrated the predictability of the position of the axillary nerve as it crosses the anterior deltoid raphe, which allows it to be isolated and protected, and dissection can be extended distally. In addition, no accessory motor branches to the anterior head of the deltoid cross the raphe, so extending an incision through the raphe after protecting the main motor branch of the axillary does not place the innervation to the anterior deltoid at risk. This surgical approach allows exposure of the proximal humerus and indirect reduction of the fracture, with subsequent locking plate fixation, adhering to the principles of biological fixation.

Proximal humerus fractures in the elderly are a relatively rare injury, the treatment of which remains controversial, especially regarding Neer displaced two-part, and threepart and four-part fractures. Operative indications for most displaced proximal humerus fractures in the elderly remain poorly defined, but recent literature is actually supporting less aggressive approaches except for the most severe fractures. Recent epidemiological and larger scale retrospective studies fail to show a significant functional difference between operative and non-operative treatment of displaced two-part and three-part fractures in the elderly. Most fourpart fractures appear to be best treated with hemiarthroplasty. Recent meta-analyses show a need for well-executed, randomized, prospective studies that can be used to provide evidence-based templates for appropriate management of displaced proximal humerus fractures in the elderly.

Fracture-dislocations of the elbow remain a complex problem in orthopaedics. The myriad of treatment protocols and methodologies focuses on precise articular alignment and restoration of the skeletal architecture. The goal is to re-establish function as quickly as possible so as to allow rehabilitation involving the full range of motion. Surgical management, primarily reconstruction of the secondary stabilizers of the elbow joint as well as preserving soft tissue structures, subsequently provides the possibility of a speedier recovery. If proper skeletal alignment does not confer enough stability, hinged external fixation becomes an integral part of the treatment strategy for the reconstructive and trauma surgeon.

A structured meta-analysis of the available literature was performed to evaluate the outcome of the treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. A comprehensive search of Medline using the key words "radius" and “fracture” revealed over 4,000 articles. After limiting the search to clinical trials in English and excluding pediatric and geriatric age groups as well as biomechanical and animal studies, 615 abstracts were identified in the period from 1976 to May 1998. Thirtyone articles met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. These included two prospective randomized comparative trials, two non-randomized comparative trials, one half prospective case series and half historical control, and 27 papers on case series. Four papers dealt with external fixation versus closed reduction and cast treatment and one paper looked at open reduction internal fixation with or without additional external fixation. There was insufficient data to perform a scientific meta-analysis because of the poor quality of the studies and lack of a uniform method of outcome assessment. However, the data from the comparative trials showed that external fixation was favored over closed reduction and casting. Additionally, comparing the results of the case series showed that external fixation was superior to internal fixation.

There is no abstract for this article...

There is no abstract for this article...

The use of intramedullary rods is accepted as the gold standard for treatment of closed femur fractures. Early fixation of these fractures has been shown to be beneficial in the multiply-injured patient. This retrospective review was undertaken to examine the isolated femur fractures in an urban trauma center over a six-year period. Of the 76 patients included in the study, 42 underwent early fixation (less than 48 hours after injury) and 34 had delayed fixation (more than 48 hours after injury). There was no statistical difference in postoperative complications between the two groups. Fixation performed within 48 hours did not seem to decrease morbidity when compared to fixation performed after 48 hours. Length of stay and hospital costs were increased with delayed fixation.

High-energy proximal tibia fractures are complicated by soft tissue compromise and this may result in sub-optimal outcomes. There is a high association of open injuries, compartment syndromes, and vascular injuries with these bony disruptions. Surgical treatment of these injuries has been associated with significant complications such as infection, knee stiffness, malunion, loss of fixation, soft tissue failure, and amputations. The loss of fixation is an issue especially in the elderly, with failure associated with age more than sixty years, premature weight bearing, preoperative displacement, fracture fragmentation, and severe osteoporosis. The use of two-stage reconstruction for the treatment of distal tibia fractures has been successful in decreasing the complication rates, including wound compromise. The two stages involve: 1. stabilization of the injured limb with a bridging external fixator to allow the soft tissues to improve and recover and 2. definitive fixation for reconstruction of the articular surface and meta-diaphyseal fractures. The use of such a protocol has been proposed for high-energy proximal tibia fractures to decrease the high rate of soft tissue compromise associated with traditional open methods of treatment. The choice of definitive fixation may include plates, nails, or non-bridging external fixation.

In order to measure errors in pin positions, a tibia with referenced pin insertions was radiographed in various locations using a mini C-arm. Changes in pin position locations up to seven millimeters and twelve degrees were found. To minimize these errors, limbs should be centered and parallel to the plane of the imaging screen of the C-arm. If possible, pin insertions should be made in this plane. Magnification due to the distance from the screen should be determined for precise pin positioning.