Functional outcomes of reverse distal femoral locking plate in the extra capsular fractures of proximal femur

Background: The optimal management of unstable proximal femoral fractures is controversial. In this prospective study, the functional outcomes of reverse distal femoral locking plate for the treatment of comminuted unstable proximal femoral fractures were assessed. Objectives were to study the functional outcomes of reverse locking plate in extra-capsular fractures of the proximal femur, with respect to quality of reduction, time to bony union, mobility achieved, complications of the procedure, secondary procedures performed (if any) and delayed complications like implant breakage, delayed union, non-union.Methods: 17 patients with unstable proximal femoral fractures were assessed and managed with reverse distal femur plates, and evaluated with X-ray, physical examination, Palmer and Parker mobility score.Results: Union was achieved in all the patients, with average time to union 6.43±1.18 months (range 3-12 months). There was one loosening of implant and wound breakdown, which was managed conservatively. One case of loosening of proximal screws was there, but the fracture united in 9 months with some varus angulation. Superficial infection occurred in one patient, which healed after debridement and IV antibiotics.Conclusions: Taking into consideration the simple surgical technique, good healing rate and minimum complications, it is strongly recommended to use reverse locked distal femoral plates for the management of proximal femoral fractures and further in lean patients, sum-muscular MIPPO should be attempted

Tranexamic acid and reduction of blood transfusion in lower limb trauma surgery: a randomized controlled study

Introduction: Post-operative blood loss in lower limb trauma fractures increases morbidity. Very few studies have evaluated the efficacy of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) in reducing blood loss and the consequent requirement of blood transfusion in the Indian population. Methods: This was a randomized controlled study of 100 patients with lower limb trauma. Fifty patients were given 1 g of TXA before surgery, and 50 patients were not given TXA. The requirement of blood transfusion, fall in Hb, the number of days admitted in the hospital after surgery were recorded, and evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was monitored. Results: Baseline demographics between the groups were comparable. The required blood transfusion and fall in Hb in patients receiving intra-operative TXA were significantly lower than those not given TXA (p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups (p = 0.6). There was no significant difference in the incidence of DVT in both groups. Discussion: TXA helps reduce the morbidity of trauma patients by reducing the requirement for blood transfusion. Its use is safe in lower limb trauma surgery and lowers the cost of therapy to the patient

Osteosynthesis with long volar locking plates for meta- physeal-diaphyseal fractures of the distal radius

【Abstract】Objective: Metaphyseal-diaphyseal fractures of the distal radius are a major treatment dilemma and orthopaedic surgeons have to pay due consideration to restoration of anatomy of distal radius together with ro- tation of the radial shaft and maintenance of radial bow and interosseous space. We performed this study to evaluate the clinic-radiological outcome of metaphyseal-diaphyseal fractures of the distal radius treated with long volar locking plates. Methods: This prospective study involved 27 pa- tients (22 males and 5 females) with metaphyseal-diaphy- seal fracture of the distal radius. Their mean age was (30.12± 11.48) years (range 19-52 years) and the follow-up was 26.8 months (range 22-34 months). All patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation with a long volar locking plate. According to AO/OTA classification, there were 7 type A3, 13 type C2 and 7 type C3 fractures. Subjective assessment was done based on the disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire. Functional evaluation was done by measuring grip strength and range of motion around the wrist and the radiological determinants included radial angle, radial length, volar angle and ulnar variance. The final as- sessment was done according to Gartland and Werley scor- ing system. Results: Postoperative radiological parameters were well maintained throughout the trial, and there was signifi- cant improvement in the functional parameters from 6 weeks to final follow-up. The average DASH scores improved from 37.5 at 6 weeks to 4.2 at final follow-up. Final assessment using Gartland and Werley scoring system revealed 66.67% (n=18) excellent and 33.33% (n=9) good results. There was one case of superficial infection which responded to antibi- otics and another carpel tunnel syndrome which was ma- naged conservatively. Conclusion: Volar locking plate fixation for metaphy- seal-diaphyseal fractures of distal radius is associated with excellent to good functional outcome, early rehabilitation and minimal complications. Key words: Radius fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone plate

Early Results of a Geriatric Hip Fracture Program in India for Femoral Neck Fracture

Geriatric hip fractures are a challenging clinical problem throughout the world. Hip fracture services have been shown to shorten time to surgery, decrease the cost of admissions, and improve the outcomes. We instituted a geriatric hip fracture program for comanagement of these injuries by orthopedic and internal medicine teams at our hospital in India. From January 2010 till December 2011, 119 patients with a femoral neck fracture were treated with cemented modular hemiarthroplasty under this program using a cost-effective Indian implant. The cohort included 63 males and 56 females with a mean age of 70.7 years (range 55-98 years). Hypertension (n = 42) and diabetes mellitus (n = 29) were the most common comorbidities. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 37 months with an average of 24 months. The surgery was performed within 24 hours of admission in 60.5% (n = 72) patients. The use of antiplatelet drugs was the most common reason for delay of surgery. The mean length of hospital stay was 10.4 days (range 3-24 days) with 77% (n = 92) of patients discharged within 1 week of admission. On follow-up, good to excellent Harris hip scores were seen in 88% of patients with 76% of patients returning to the preinjury ambulatory status. The mortality rate was 6% at 6 months follow-up and 10.9% at 2 years. Our study shows that a hip fracture program can be instituted in India. The program helped us in achieving the goal of early surgery, mobilization, and discharge from hospital with decreased mortality