Revision of subtrochanteric femoral nonunions after intramedullary nailing with dynamic condylar screw

$\bf Background:$ Nonunions of the subtrochanteric region of the femur after previous intramedullary nailing can be difficult to address. Implant failure and bone defects around the implant significantly complicate the therapy, and complex surgical procedures with implant removal, extensive debridement of the nonunion site, bone grafting and reosteosynthesis usually become necessary. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the records of a series of patients with subtrochanteric femoral nonunions who were treated with dynamic condylar screws (DCS) regarding their healing rate, subsequent revision surgeries and implant-related complications. $\bf Methods:$ We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients with aseptic femoral subtrochanteric nonunions after failed intramedullary nailing. Nonunion treatment consisted of nail removal, debridement of the nonunion, and restoration of the neck shaft angle (CCD), followed by DCS plating. Supplemental bone grafting was performed in all atrophic nonunions. All patients were followed for at least six months after DCS plating. $\bf Results:$ Between 2002 and 2017, we identified 40 patients with a mean age of 65.4 years (range 34–91 years) who met the inclusion criteria. At a mean follow-up period of 26.3 months (range 6–173), 37 of the 40 (92.5%) nonunions healed successfully (secondary procedures included). The mean healing time of the 37 patients was 11.63 months (± 12.4 months). A total of 13 of the 40 (32.5%) patients needed a secondary revision surgery; one patient had a persistent nonunion, nine patients had persistent nonunions leading to hardware failure, two patients had deep infections requiring revision surgery, and one patient had a peri-implant fracture due to low-energy trauma four days after the index surgery. $\bf Conclusions:$ The results indicate that revision surgery of subtrochanteric femoral nonunions after intramedullary nailing with dynamic condylar screws is a reliable treatment option overall. However, secondary revision surgery may be indicated before final healing of the nonunion

Simultaneous septic arthrodesis of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints with the Ilizarov external fixator

$\bf Purpose$ Treatment of joint destruction of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints caused by acute or chronic infections in compromised hosts is a challenging problem. In these cases, simultaneous septic arthrodesis with the use of the Ilizarov external fixator represents a possible alternative to amputation. This case series presents the results and complications of patients with acute or chronic infection of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. $\bf Methods$ Between 2005 and 2015, 13 patients with acute or chronic infections were treated by simultaneous single-stage debridement/arthrodesis of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints. In seven patients, there was a florid infection with fistula formation and soft tissue defects, and in six patients, there was chronic osteomyelitis with closed soft tissue. In addition to the demographic data, the time spent in the fixator, the major and minor complications and the endpoint of consolidation were reviewed. $\bf Results$ The mean time spent in the fixator was 18 (min 15, max 26) weeks. The mean follow-up time for nine patients was 100 (min 3, max 341) weeks. Complete osseous consolidation of both the tibiotalar and subtalar joints was achieved in 10 patients (77%). In three (23%) patients, there was complete consolidation of one of the joints and partial consolidation of the other joint. $\bf Conclusion$ The Ilizarov external fixator allows for simultaneous arthrodesis of the tibiotalar and subtalar joints in septic joint destruction. However, the healing rates are below the rates reported in the literature for isolated tibiotalar or tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis in comparable clinical situations

Medial augmentation plating of aseptic distal femoral nonunions

$\bf Background$ Distal femur nonunions are well-recognized contributors to persistent functional disability, with limited data regarding their treatment options. In the current study, we asked whether additional medial augmentation plating is a feasible treatment option for patients with aseptic distal femoral nonunion and intact lateral implants. $\bf Methods$ We conducted a single-center, retrospective study including 20 patients treated for aseptic distal femoral nonunion between 2002 and 2017. The treatment procedure included a medial approach to the distal femur, debridement of the nonunion site, bone grafting and medial augmentation plating utilizing a large-fragment titanium plate. Outcome measures were bone-related and functional results, measured by the Hospital for Special Surgery Knee Rating Scale (HSS) and the German Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaire (SMFA-D). $\bf Results$ Eighteen of 20 nonunions showed osseous healing at 8.16 $\pm$ 5.23 (range: 3–21) months after augmentation plating. Regarding functional results, the mean HSS score was 74.17 $\pm$ 11.12 (range: 57–87). The mean SMFA-D functional index was 47.38 $\pm$ 16.78 (range 25.74–71.32) at the last follow-up. Index procedure-associated complications included two cases of persistent nonunion and one case of infection. $\bf Conclusions$ According to the assessed outcome measures, augmentation plating is a feasible treatment option, with a high proportion of patients achieving bony union and good functional outcomes and a few patients experiencing complications

Risk analysis and clinical outcomes of intraoperative periprosthetic fractures

$\bf Background$ Intraoperative periprosthetic fractures (IPF) are a well-described complication following hip hemiarthroplasty. Our aims were to identify risk factors that characterize IPF and to investigate postoperative mobility. $\bf Methods$ We retrospectively reviewed 481 bipolar hemiarthroplasties for displaced femoral neck fractures; of which, 421 (87.5%) were performed without cement, from January 2013 to March 2018. Data on the patients’ demographics, comorbidities, femoral canal geometry (Dorr canal type, Canal Flare Index), surgeon’s experience (junior vs. senior surgeon), and timing of surgery (daytime vs. on-call duty) were obtained. In patients with intraoperative fractures, further information was obtained. Patient mobility was assessed using matched-pair analysis. Mobility was classified according to the NHFD mobility score. The chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Fisher-Freeman-Halton exact test were used for comparison between categorical variables, while the Mann-Whitney $\it U$ test was used for continuous variables. The data analysis was performed using SPSS. $\bf Results$ Of 481 procedures, 34 (7.1%) IPFs were encountered. The Dorr canal type C was identified as a significant risk factor ($\it p$ = .004). Other risk factors included female sex (OR 2.30, 95% CI .872–6.079), stovepipe femur (OR 1.749, 95% CI .823–3.713), junior surgeon (OR 1.204, 95% CI .596–2.432), and on-call-duty surgery (OR 1.471, 95% CI .711–3.046), although none showed a significant difference. Of 34 IPFs, 25 (73.5%) were classified as Vancouver type A. The treatment of choice was cerclage wiring. Within the 12 matched pairs identified, the postoperative mobility was slightly worse for the IPF group (delta = .41). $\bf Conclusions$ IPF is a serious complication with bipolar hemiarthroplasty. The identification of risk factors preoperatively, in particular femur shape, is crucial and should be incorporated into the decision-making process

Accuracy of radiographic measurement techniques for the Taylor spatial frame mounting parameters

$\bf Aim$ The correction accuracy of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) fixator depends considerably on the precise determination of the mounting parameters (MP). Incorrect parameters result in secondary deformities that require subsequent corrections. Different techniques have been described to improve the precision of MP measurement, although exact calculation is reportedly impossible radiologically. The aim of this study was to investigate the accuracy of intraoperative and postoperative radiographic measurement methods compared to direct MP measurement from TSF bone mounting. $\bf Methods$ A tibial Sawbone® model was established with different origins and reference ring positions. First, reference MPs for each origin were measured directly on the frame and bone using a calibrated, digital vernier calliper. In total 150 MPs measured with three different radiographic measurement techniques were compared to the reference MPs: digital radiographic measurements were performed using soft-copy PACS images without (method A) and with (method B) calibration and calibrated image intensifier images (method C). $\bf Results$ MPs measured from a non-calibrated X-ray image (method A) showed the highest variance compared to the reference MPs. A greater distance between the origin and the reference ring corresponded to less accurate MP measurements with method A. However, the MPs measured from calibrated X-ray images (method B) and calibrated image intensifier images (method C) were intercomparable ($\it p$ = 0.226) and showed only minor differences compared to the reference values but significant differences to method A ($\it p$ < 0,001). $\bf Conclusion$ The results demonstrate that MPs can be accurately measured with radiographic techniques when using calibration markers and a software calibration tool, thus minimizing the source of error and improving the quality of correction

Open reduction and internal fixation of humeral midshaft fractures

$\bf Background:$ Fractures of the humeral shaft represent 2–4% of all fractures. Fractures of the humerus have traditionally been approached posteriorly for open reduction and internal fixation. Reports of treating midshaft fractures with an open anterolateral approach and anterior plating are limited. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of humeral shaft fractures treated with plate osteosynthesis regarding the effect of the approach and plate location on the healing rate and occurrence of complications. $\bf Methods:$ We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients aged over 18 years with humeral midshaft fractures treated with anterior or posterior plate fixation. Selection of the approach to the humerus was based on the particular pattern of injury and soft tissue involvement. The minimum follow-up duration was set at six months. The outcomes included the rate of union, primary nerve palsy recovery, secondary nerve damage, infection and revision surgery. $\bf Results:$ Between 2006 and 2014, 58 patients (mean age, 59.9; range, 19–97 years) with humeral midshaft fractures were treated with anterior ($\it n$ = 33) or posterior ($\it n$ = 25) plate fixation. After a mean follow-up duration of 34 months, 57 of 58 fractures achieved union after index procedure. Twelve fractures were associated with primary radial nerve palsy. Ten of the twelve patients with primary radial palsy recovered completely within six months after the index surgery. In total, one patient developed secondary palsy after anterior plating, and three patients developed secondary palsy after posterior plating. No significant difference in the healing rate ($\it p$ = 0.4), primary nerve palsy recovery rate ($\it p$ = 0.6) or prevalence of secondary nerve palsy ($\it p$ = 0.4) was found between the two clinical groups. No cases of infection after plate fixation were documented. $\bf Conclusions:$ Open reduction and internal fixation using an anterior approach with plate fixation provides a safe alternative to posterior plating in the treatment of humeral shaft fractures. An anterior approach allows supine positioning of the patient and yields union and complication rates comparable to those of a posterior approach with plate fixation for the treatment of humeral shaft fractures

Secondary purulent infections of the elbow joint

$\bf Background$ Septic arthritis of the elbow joint is a rare condition. Limited data is available on infections of the elbow joint following trauma or prior surgery on this joint. The aim of this study was to describe the etiology, comorbidities, bacterial spectrum and therapy of secondary purulent elbow infections. $\bf Methods$ Patients treated in our hospital were selected through retrospective chart review between 2006 and 2015. We included all patients with an empyema of the elbow after a trauma or surgical intervention on this joint. 30 patients between 26 and 82 years (mean: 52.47) were included. $\bf Results$ Seven patients (23.3%) were female, 23 (76.7%) male. 22 patients (73.3%) had a history of trauma, eight (26.7%) had prior elective surgeries on their elbow. Between one and 25 surgeries (mean: 5.77) were necessary for treatment. In nine patients, debridement and synovectomy were sufficient, eight patients (26.7%) received resection of the elbow joint. One patient was treated with a chronic fistula. In 18 patients (60%), cultures of aspiration/intraoperative swabs were positive for $\textit {Staphylococcus aureus}$, four of these were methicillin-resistant. Four patients (13.3%) had positive cultures for $\textit {Staphylococcus epidermidis}$, in five patients (16.7%) no bacteria could be cultured. $\bf Conclusions$ Secondary infections of the elbow joint are a rare disease with potentially severe courses, requiring aggressive surgical treatment and possibly severely impacting elbow function. $\textit {Staphylococcus aureus}$ was the most common bacteria in secondary infections and should be addressed by empiric antibiotic treatment when no suspicion for other participating organisms is present

Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov fixator in compromised hosts

$\bf Introduction$ Salvage of joint destruction of the tibiotalar and subtalar joint with necrosis or infection of the talus in compromised hosts is a challenging problem. In these cases, tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov external fixator represents a possible alternative to amputation. This retrospective study presents the results and complications of this salvage procedure. $\textbf {Materials and methods}$ Between 2005 and 2015, 19 patients were treated with tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov external fixator. Ten patients received tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis due to an acute or chronic infection with joint destruction. The other nine patients presented posttraumatic necrosis of the talus or Charcot arthropathy. In addition to demographic data, the time spent in the fixator, the major and minor complications and the endpoint of the consolidation were evaluated retrospectively. Furthermore, clinical outcomes were measured using the modified American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score. $\bf Results$ The average time spent in the fixator was 22 (range 14–34) weeks. The average follow-up in 17 patients was 116 (range 4–542) weeks. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Complete osseous consolidation was achieved in 14 out of 19 patients. One patient presented partial consolidation, and in four patients, pseudarthrosis could be detected. The mean modified AOFAS score at the final follow-up was 53 out of 86 possible points. $\bf Conclusion$ Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov fixator is a possible salvage procedure even in compromised hosts. However, the healing rates are below the rates reported in the literature for tibiotalar arthrodesis in comparable clinical situations

Analysis of bone transport for ankle arthrodesis as a limb salvage procedure for the treatment of septic pilon fracture nonunion

Septic nonunion of the pilon region with ankle joint infection is challenging for orthopedic surgeons to treat and is associated with a high risk of limb loss. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of bone transport for ankle arthrodesis in salvaging the limp after septic ankle destruction of the pilon region. We conducted a single-center, retrospective study including 21 patients treated for septic pilon nonunion with accompanying septic ankle destruction via Ilizarov bone transport between 2004 and 2018. In all cases, the complete excision of the nonunion and the resection of the ankle joint were carried out, followed by treating the bone and joint defect with a bone transport into the ankle arthrodesis. In 12/21 patients an additional flap transfer was required due to an accompanying soft tissue lesion. The overall healing and failure rate, final alignment and complications were recorded by the patients’ medical files. The bone-related and functional results were evaluated according to the Association for the Study and Application of Methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring system and a modified American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scale. After a mean follow-up of 30.9 $\pm$ 15.7 months (range 12–63 months), complete bone and soft tissue healing occurred in 18/21 patients (85.7%). The patients had excellent (5), good (7), fair (4), and poor (3) results based on the ASAMI functional score. Regarding bone stock, 6 patients had excellent, 7 good, and 6 fair results. The modified AOFAS score reached 60.6 $\pm$ 18 points (range, 29–86). In total, 33 minor complications and 28 major complications occurred during the study period. In 2 cases, a proximal lower leg amputation was performed due to a persistent infection and free flap necrosis with a large soft tissue defect, whereas in one case, persistent nonunion on the docking side was treated with a carbon orthosis because the patient refused to undergo an additional surgery. Bone transport for ankle arthrodesis offers the possibility of limb salvage after septic ankle destruction of the pilon region, with acceptable bony and functional results. However, a high number of complications and surgical revisions are associated with the treatment of this severe complication after pilon fracture

Necrotizing fasciitis and the midterm outcomes after survival

$\textbf {Background and Aims}$: Radical surgical intervention is necessary to save patients’ lives in cases of necrotizing fasciitis. This leads to persistent disabilities and most likely to a deteriorated quality of life. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm outcomes after survival of necrotizing fasciitis. $\textbf {Materials and Methods}$: A retrospective analysis of 69 patients, treated for necrotizing fasciitis between 2003 and 2012. The patients were identified using the International Classification of Diseases (10th Revision) code M 72.6. Of the 50 survivors, 22 patients completed the Short Form 36 and Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment questionnaires as a postal survey. The follow-up averaged 59 months (range: 6–128 months). $\bf Results:$ The average age at the time of necrotizing fasciitis was 60.0 years. The body mass index average was 29.7. The patients had a significantly decreased physical component summary score of 33.3 compared to a normative group (p < 0.001) (Short Form 36). They further showed a significantly decreased dysfunction and bother indices (Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment) (p < 0.001). An increased age (⩾70 years) was associated with an inferior role emotional (p = 0.048) and physical functioning (p = 0.011) as well as social functioning (p = 0.038) (Short Form 36). The majority of patients (16, 72.7%) complained of pain at the final follow-up and 50% of patients required an assistive device on a regular basis. $\bf Conclusion$: Patients who survived necrotizing fasciitis suffer from functional impairment and changed body appearance. Assistive devices or pain medication are often required, and the patients present with significantly decreased physical, social, and emotional functioning at the midterm follow-up. The patient’s age is a critical factor regarding functional or mental outcome parameters. Further research on the post-hospital course and long-term multidisciplinary care is required to improve the outcomes of these patients