Vogels, L.M.M.

Humeral shaft fractures: Retrospective results of non-operative and operative treatment of 186 patients (Article)

2013-04-01T00:00:00Z

Background: Humeral shaft fractures account for 1-3% of all fractures and 20% of the fractures involving the humerus. The aim of the current study was to compare the outcome after operative and non-operative treatment of humeral shaft fractures, by comparing the time to radiological union and the rates of delayed union and complications. Methods: All patients aged 16 years or over treated for a humeral shaft fracture during a 5-year period were included in this retrospective analysis; periprosthetic and pathological fractures were excluded. Radiographs and medical charts were retrieved and reviewed in order to collect data on fracture classification, time to radiographic consolidation and the occurrence of adverse events. Results: A total of 186 patients were included; 91 were treated non-operatively and 95 were treated operatively. Mean age was 58.7 ± 1.5 years and 57.0% were female. In 83.3% of the patients, only the humerus was affected. A fall from standing height was the most common cause of the fracture (72.0%). Consolidation time varied from a median of 11-28 weeks. The rate of radial nerve palsy in both groups was similar: 8.8% versus 9.5%. In 5.3% of the operatively treated patients, the palsy resulted from the operation. Likewise, delayed union rates were similar in both groups: 18.7% following non-operative treatment versus 18.9% following surgery. Conclusion: The data indicated that consolidation time and complication rates were similar after operative and non-operative treatment. A prospective randomised clinical trial comparing non-operative with operative treatment is needed in order to examine other aspects of outcome, meaning shoulder and elbow function, postoperative infection rates, trauma-related quality of life and patient satisfaction.

The management of acute distal tibio-fibular syndesmotic injuries: Results of a nationwide survey (Article)

2012-10-01T00:00:00Z

Introduction: Ankle fractures are one of the most frequently encountered musculoskeletal injuries, and 10% of patients have a concomitant distal tibiofibular syndesmotic disruption necessitating surgical repair. A national survey was conducted to gain more insight into the current approaches in the management of syndesmotic injuries in the Netherlands. Materials and methods: A postal survey was sent to one or two staff members of the trauma and orthopaedic surgery departments in each of the 86 hospitals in the Netherlands. Questions concerned the pre-, per- and postoperative strategies and the different ideas on the type, number and placement of the syndesmotic screw. Results: A total of 85.2% of the trauma surgeons and 61.9% of the orthopaedic surgeons responded (representing 87% of all hospitals). Syndesmotic injury was judged mainly using the 'Hook test'. Syndesmotic injuries in a Weber-B ankle fracture were treated with one screw in 81.2% of cases and in Maisonneuve injuries mainly with two screws. The 3.5-mm screw was used most frequently over three cortices at 2.1-4.0 cm above the tibial plafond. Removal of the syndesmotic screw was routinely done by 87.0% of surgeons, mostly between 6 and 8 weeks. Of all respondents, 62.3% showed interest in participating in a randomised controlled trial comparing standard removal with removal on indication. Conclusion: Compared with previous surveys our survey is more complete, has the highest response rate and has almost national coverage. Most individual items reviewed compare well with current literature, except for the routine removal of the syndesmotic screw, which might not be encouraged from a literature point of view. For this reason, the results of the current survey will be used in the development of a multicentre randomised controlled trial comparing the functional outcome in routine removal of the syndesmotic screw compared with removal on indication.

Closing the medullary canal after retrograde nail removal using a bioabsorbable bone plug: Technical tip (Article)

2012-06-01T00:00:00Z

We describe a simple technique for closure of the intra-articular opening after the removal of a retrograde femur nail. With the use of a gelatine bioabsorbable bone plug the medullary canal is closed, reducing leakage of blood and cancellous bone particles from the bone into the knee joint.

Rigidity of unilateral external fixators - A biomechanical study (Article)

2011-12-01T00:00:00Z

Introduction: External fixation is the primary choice of temporary fracture stabilisation for specific polytrauma patients. Adequate initial fracture healing requires sufficient stability at the fracture site. The purpose of this study was to compare the rigidity of the Dynafix DFS®Standard Fixator (4 joints) with the Orthofix ProCallus Fixator®(2 joints), which differ in possibilities for adapting the configuration for clinical needs. Materials and methods: Both devices were tested 10 times in a standardised model. In steps of 10 N, loading was increased to a maximum of 160 N in parallel, transversal and axial direction (distraction and compression). Translation resultant and rotation resultant were calculated. Results: With a force of 100 N in parallel direction the mean translation resultant (Trmean) of the Dynafix DFS®Standard Fixator (6.65 ± 1.43 mm) was significantly higher than the ProCallus Fixator®(3.29 ± 0.83 mm, p < 0.001; Student's t-test). With a maximum load of 60 N in transverse direction the Trmeanof the Dynafix DFS®Standard Fixator was significantly lower (8.14 ± 1.20 mm versus 9.83 ± 0.63 mm, p < 0.005). Translation was significantly higher with the Dynafix DFS®Standard Fixator, for both distraction (2.13 ± 0.32 mm versus 1.69 ± 0.44 mm, p < 0.05) and compression (1.55 ± 1.08 mm versus 0.15 ± 0.33 mm, p < 0.005). The mean rotation resultant (Rrmean) at 160 N distraction was lower for the Dynafix DFS®Standard Fixator (0.70 ± 0.17° versus 0.97 ± 0.21°, p < 0.005). Conclusions: Both fixators were most sensitive to transverse forces. The Dynafix DFS®Standard Fixator was less rigid with parallel and axial forces, whereas transverse forces and rotation at distraction forces favoured the Dynafix DFS®Standard Fixator. Repeated heavy loading did not influence the rigidity of both devices.

Letter to the editor about V. Gulkan a.o., Long-term results of conservative treatment of Sanders type 4 fractures of the calcaneum: A series of 64 cases. (Letter To Editor)

2011-07-18T00:00:00Z

Hemi-Castaing ligamentoplasty for the treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability: a retrospective assessment of outcome (Article)

2011-06-03T00:00:00Z

Purpose: In the treatment of chronic ankle instability, most non-anatomical reconstructions use the peroneus brevis tendon. This, however, sacrifices the natural ankle stabilising properties of the peroneus brevis muscle. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of patients treated with a hemi-Castaing procedure, which uses only half the peroneus brevis tendon. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent hemi-Castaing ligamentoplasty for chronic lateral ankle instability between 1993 and 2010, with a minimum of one year follow-up. Patients were sent a postal questionnaire comprising five validated outcome measures: Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), Karlsson Ankle Functional Score (KAFS), Tegner Activity Level Score (pre-injury, prior to surgery, at follow-up), visual analog scale on pain (VAS) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36). Results: Twenty patients completed the questionnaire on functional outcome. The OMAS showed good to excellent outcome in 80% and the KAFS in 65%, the Tegner Score improved from surgery but did not reach pre-injury levels, the VAS on pain was 1 of 10 and the SF-36 returned to normal compared with the average population. Conclusions: Even though most patients were satisfied with the results, outcome at long-term follow-up was less favourable compared with the literature on anatomical reconstructions. In accordance with the literature, we therefore conclude that the initial surgical treatment of chronic lateral ankle instability should be an anatomical repair with augmentation (i.e. the Broström-Gould technique) and the non-anatomical repair should be reserved for unsuccessful cases after anatomical repair or in cases where no adequate ligament remnants are available for reconstruction.

Letter to the Editor about T. Tomesen, J. Biert, & J.P.M. Frölke, Treatment of Displaced Intra-Articular Calcaneal Fractures with Closed Reduction and Percutaneous Screw Fixation. (Letter To Editor)

2011-06-01T00:00:00Z

Subtalar versus triple arthrodesis after intra-articular calcaneal fractures (Article)

2010-03-22T00:00:00Z

Depending upon initial treatment, between 2 and 30% of patients with a displaced intra-articular calcaneal fracture require a secondary arthrodesis. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of subtalar versus triple arthrodesis on functional outcome. A total of 33 patients with 37 secondary arthrodeses (17 subtalar and 20 triple) with a median follow-up of 116 months were asked to complete questionnaires regarding disease-specific functional outcome (Maryland Foot Score, MFS), quality of life (SF-36) and overall satisfaction with the treatment (Visual Analogue Scale, VAS). Patient groups were comparable considering median age at fracture, initial treatment (conservative or operative), time to arthrodesis, median follow-up, and post-arthrodesis radiographic angles. The MFS score was similar after subtalar versus triple arthrodesis (59 vs. 56 points; P = 0.79). No statistically significant difference was found for the SF-36 (84 vs. 83 points; P = 0.67) and the VAS (5 vs. 6; P = 0.21). Smoking was statistically significantly associated with a non-union (χ2 = 6.60, P = 0.017). The current study suggests that there is no significant difference in functional outcome between an in situ subtalar or triple arthrodesis as a salvage technique for symptomatic arthrosis after an intra-articular calcaneal fracture. Smoking is a risk factor for non-union.

Long-term functional and quality of live assessment following post-traumatic distraction osteogenesis of the lower limb (Article)

2009-12-01T00:00:00Z

Limb length discrepancy and segmental bone defects can be difficult problems to manage after fractures of the lower limb. Distraction osteogenesis can be applied to lengthen bone or to bridge intercalary defects by segmental bone transport. The purpose of this study was to assess the functional outcome and long-term quality of life after distraction osteogenesis of the lower limb when applied for post-traumatic problems. Three patients were treated with segmental transport for bone loss secondary to infection and debridement after a tibia fracture. Leg lengthening was performed in 12 patients with consolidated fractures (eight femurs and four tibias). Long-term functional outcomes were evaluated with the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale (LEFS) in all patients. The mean follow-up was 9 years. Functional outcomes indicated moderate difficulty in patients after segmental transport and a little difficulty in patients after lengthening of consolidated fractures. The SF-36 scores varied two points for physical functioning and one point for bodily pain as compared to the SF-36 norm-based scores. In all other six domains, patient scores were comparable with the general population. In conclusion, the quality of life and functional outcome returned to normal after post-traumatic distraction osteogenesis of the lower limb.

Long-term functional and quality of live assessment following post-traumatic distraction osteogenesis of the lower limb (Article)

2009-12-01T00:00:00Z

Complex liver trauma with bilhemia treated with perihepatic packing and endovascular stent in the vena cava (Article)

2009-08-01T00:00:00Z

Percutaneous reduction and fixation of intraarticular calcaneal fractures (Article)

2008-05-01T00:00:00Z

Objective: Percutaneous reduction by distraction and subsequent percutaneous screw fixation to restore calcaneal and posterior talocalcaneal facet anatomy. The aim of this technique is to improve functional outcome and to diminish the rate of secondary posttraumatic arthrosis compared to conservative treatment and, secondly, to reduce infectious complications compared to open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Indications: Sanders type II-IV displaced intraarticular calcaneal fractures. Contraindications: Isolated centrally depressed fragment. Contraindications: Patients who are expected to be noncompliant. Surgical Technique: Four distractors (Synthes™) are positioned, two on each side of the foot, between the tuberosity of the calcaneus and talus and between the tuberosity and cuboid. A distracting force is given over all four distractors. A blunt drifter is then introduced from the plantar side to unlock and push up any remaining depressed parts of the subtalar joint surface of the calcaneus. The reduction is fixated with two or three screws inserted percutaneously. Postoperative Management: Directly postoperatively, full active range of motion exercises of the ankle joint can start, with the foot elevated in the 1st postoperative week. Stitches are removed after 14 days. Implant removal is necessary in 50-60% of patients. Results: Between 1999 and 2004, 59 patients with 71 fractures were treated by percutaneous skeletal triangular distraction and percutaneous fixation. A total of 50 patients with 61 fractures and a minimum follow-up of 1 year were available for follow-up. According to the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Hindfoot Score, 72% had a good to excellent result. A secondary subtalar arthrodesis was performed in five patients and planned in four (total 15%). Böhler's angle increased by about 20° postoperatively. Sagittal motion was 90% andsubtalar motion 70% compared to the healthy foot.

Percutaneous treatment of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures (Article)

2007-01-01T00:00:00Z

Background. The outcome after displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures is influenced by the condition of the surrounding soft tissues. To avoid secondary soft tissue complications after surgical treatment, several less-invasive procedures for reduction and fixation have been introduced. The percutaneous technique according to Forgon and Zadravecz is suitable for all types of displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures and was therefore introduced in our clinic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of percutaneous treatment according to Forgon and Zadravecz in patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Methods. A cohort of patients with displaced intra-articular calcaneal fractures treated with percutaneous surgery was retrospectively defined. Clinical outcome was evaluated by standardized physical examination, radiographs, three published outcome scores, and a visual analogue scale of patient satisfaction. Results. Fifty patients with 61 calcaneal fractures were included. After a mean follow-up period of 35 months, the mean values of the Maryland foot score, the Creighton-Nebraska score, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score were 79, 76, and 83 points out of 100, respectively. The average visual analogue scale was 7.2 points out of 10. The average range of motion of the ankle joint was 90% of normal and subtalar joint movements were almost 70% compared with the healthy side or normal values. Superficial wound complications occurred in seven cases (11%) and deep infections in two (3%). A secondary arthrodesis of the subtalar joint was performed in five patients and was scheduled in four patients (15%). Conclusions. Compared with the outcome of historic controls from randomized trials and meta-analyses, this study indicates favorable results for the percutaneous technique compared with the open technique. Despite similar rates of postoperative infection and secondary arthrodesis, the total outcome scores and preserved subtalar motion are overall good to excellent.