Aims. Several previously identified patient-, injury-, and treatment-related factors are associated with the development of nonunion in distal femur fractures. However, the predictive value of these factors is not well defined. We aimed to assess the predictive ability of previously identified risk factors in the development of nonunion leading to secondary surgery in distal femur fractures. Methods. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients with traumatic distal femur fracture treated with lateral locking plate between 2009 and 2018. The patients who underwent secondary surgery due to fracture healing problem or plate failure were considered having nonunion. Background knowledge of risk factors of distal femur fracture nonunion based on previous literature was used to form an initial set of variables. A logistic regression model was used with previously identified patient- and injury-related variables (age, sex, BMI, diabetes, smoking, periprosthetic fracture, open fracture, trauma energy, fracture zone length, fracture comminution, medial side comminution) in the first analysis and with treatment-related variables (different surgeon-controlled factors, e.g. plate length, screw placement, and proximal fixation) in the second analysis to predict the nonunion leading to secondary surgery in distal femur fractures. Results. We were able to include 299 fractures in 291 patients. Altogether, 31/299 fractures (10%) developed nonunion. In the first analysis, pseudo-R. 2. was 0.27 and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.81. BMI was the most important variable in the prediction. In the second analysis, pseudo-R. 2. was 0.06 and AUC was 0.67. Plate length was the most important variable in the prediction. Conclusion. The model including patient- and injury-related factors had moderate fit and predictive ability in the prediction of distal femur fracture nonunion leading to secondary surgery. BMI was the most important variable in prediction of nonunion. Surgeon-controlled factors had a minor role in prediction of nonunion. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2023;4(8):584–593

Aims. Abduction bracing is commonly used to treat developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) following closed reduction and spica casting, with little evidence to support or refute this practice. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of abduction bracing after closed reduction in improving acetabular index (AI) and reducing secondary surgery for residual hip dysplasia. Methods. We performed a retrospective review of patients treated with closed reduction for DDH at a single tertiary referral centre. Demographic data were obtained including severity of dislocation based on the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) classification, age at reduction, and casting duration. Patients were prescribed no abduction bracing, part-time, or full-time wear post-reduction and casting. AI measurements were obtained immediately upon cast removal and from two- and four-year follow-up radiographs. Results. A total of 243 hips underwent closed reduction and 82% (199/243) were treated with abduction bracing. There was no difference between those treated with or without bracing with regard to sex, age at reduction, severity of dislocation, spica duration, or immediate post-casting AI (all p > 0.05). There was no difference in hips treated with or without abduction brace with regard to AI at two years post-reduction (32.4° (SD 5.3°) vs 30.9° (SD 4.6°), respectively; p = 0.099) or at four years post-reduction (26.4° (SD 5.2°) vs 25.4° (SD 5.1°), respectively; p = 0.231). Multivariate analysis revealed only IHDI grade predicted AI at two years post-reduction (p = 0.004). There was no difference in overall rate of secondary surgery for residual dysplasia between hips treated with or without bracing (32% vs 39%, respectively; p = 0.372). However, there was an increased risk of early secondary surgery (< two years post-reduction) in the non-braced group (11.4% vs 2.5%; p = 0.019). Conclusion. Abduction bracing following closed reduction for DDH treatment is not associated with decreased residual dysplasia at two or four years post-reduction but may reduce rates of early secondary surgery. A prospective study is indicated to provide more definitive recommendations. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(12):1327–1332

This retrospective matched cohort study tested the hypothesis that an incomplete periacetabular acetabuloplasty, as an added step to delayed open reduction, diminishes the risk of developing acetabular dysplasia.

29 hips from 23 patients with idiopathic DDH that underwent intentionally delayed open reduction and acetabuloplasty at our institution from 2003 to 2010 were matched for age at presentation and bilaterality to historic controls. These were 29 hips from 26 patients, treated with open reduction alone from 1989 to 2003. Residual dysplasia treated with pelvic osteotomy, AVN grade II-IV, and rate of re-intervention were the outcome measures.

The mean ages at diagnosis and at surgery were 8.62 weeks and 12.97 months, respectively. At latest follow-up, 27 hips in the acetabuloplasty group and 22 in the open reduction alone group had satisfactory radiographic outcome (Severin class Ia, Ib or II) (p=0.16). 18 of the 58 hips (31.0%) had AVN, 7 (24.14%) in the case group and 11(37.93%) in the control group. Further surgery was required in 15 of the 29 hips in the open reduction alone group. These included 2 revision of open reductions, 5 pelvic osteotomies, 3 varus derotation osteotomies, and 5 apo or epiphysiodesis whilst only one patient in the acetabuloplasty group required a medial screw epiphysiodesis for late lateral growth arrest. There is a positive association between the need for further surgery and open reductions alone: the odds ratio is 14.00 and the 95% confidence interval (1.97, 99.63), p=0.0017. The five hips in the open reduction alone group that required a pelvic osteotomy were intervened at an average of 31.45 (±9.07) months.

The addition of an incomplete periacetabular periacetabuloplasty to all hips undergoing open reduction eliminated residual acetabular dysplasia in this cohort whilst it does not appear to have deleterious effects, as evidenced by the similar Severin and McKay scores.

Aims

In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the Mobi-C implant in cervical disc degeneration, a randomised study was conducted, comparing the Mobi-C prosthesis arthroplasty with anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF) in patients with single level cervical spondylosis.

Introduction. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common knee injuries amongst elite athletes and usually require an ACL reconstruction (ACLR) to enable return to sport. Secondary surgery can result in a longer rehabilitation period and often a. significant time away from sport which can have implications to the athlete including contract obligations and sponsorship. Advances in ACLR techniques and meniscal repair techniques as well as an awareness of meniscal root lesions, ramp lesions and lateral extraarticular procedures (LEAPs) during ACL surgery has improved outcomes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rates of secondary surgery following the introduction of a systematic arthroscopic evaluation of the knee, improved meniscal repair techniques and the addition of a concomitant LEAP This systematic approach was introduced after October 2012 (10/2012). Methods. Professional athletes who underwent primary ACLR with a minimum follow-up of 2 years were identified from the (blinded for review). Those who had undergone major concomitant procedures such as multi-ligament reconstruction or osteotomy were excluded. Analysis of the database and review of medical records identified athletes who had underwent secondary surgery procedures. Results. A total of 342 athletes with a mean follow-up of 100.2 +/− 51.9 months (range, 24–215 months) were analysed. 130 athletes underwent surgery before 10/2012 and 212 athletes underwent surgery after 10/2012. Overall, 74 patients (21.6%) underwent secondary surgery. 39 patients (30.0% including 13.1% for graft rupture) before 10/2012 and 35 patients (16.5% including 6.6% for graft rupture) after 10/2012. A multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model and demonstrated that athletes undergoing ACLR before10/2012 were at almost 2-fold risk of secondary surgery (hazard ratio (HR), 1.768(1.103;2.836), p=0.0256) when compared with those undergoing ACLR after 10/2012. (Figure 1). Conclusion. Professional athletes undergoing ACLR with a systematic arthroscopic evaluation with the use of advanced meniscal repair techniques and the combination with a LEAP result in a significantly lower rate of secondary surgery. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

The February 2024 Children’s orthopaedics Roundup. 360. looks at: Hip impingement after in situ pinning causes decreased flexion and forced external rotation in flexion on 3D-CT; Triplane ankle fracture patterns in paediatric patients; Improved forearm rotation even after early conversion to below-elbow; Selective dorsal rhizotomy and cerebral palsy (CP) hip displacement; Abduction bracing following anterior open reduction for developmental dysplasia of the hip does not improve residual dysplasia or reduce secondary surgery; 40% risk of later total hip arthroplasty for in situ slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) pinning; Does brace treatment following closed reduction of developmental dysplasia of the hip improve acetabular coverage?; Waterproof hip spica casts for paediatric femur fractures

Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, comparing differences in clinical outcomes between either autologous or synthetic bone grafts in the operative management of tibial plateau fractures: a traumatic pattern of injury, associated with poor long-term functional prognosis. A structured search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Bone & Joint and CENTRAL databases from inception until 07/28/2021 was performed. Randomised, controlled, clinical trials that compared autologous and synthetic bone grafts in tibial plateau fractures were included. Preclinical studies, clinical studies in paediatric patients, pathological fractures, fracture non-union or chondral defects were excluded. Outcome data was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) framework and synthesised in random-effect meta-analysis. Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis guidance was followed throughout. Six comparable studies involving 352 patients were identified from 3,078 records. Following ROB2 assessment, five studies (337 patients) were eligible for meta-analysis. Within these studies, more complex tibia plateau fracture patterns (Schatzker IV-VI) were predominant. Primary outcomes showed non-significant reductions in articular depression at immediate postoperative (mean difference −0.45mm, p=0.25, 95% confidence interval (95%CI): −1.21-0.31mm, I. 2. =0%) and long-term (>6 months, standard mean difference −0.56, p=0.09, 95%CI: −1.20-0.08, I. 2. =73%) follow-up in synthetic bone grafts. Secondary outcomes included mechanical alignment, limb functionality, defect site pain, occurrence of surgical site infections, secondary surgery, perioperative blood loss, and duration of surgery. Blood loss was lower (90.08ml, p<0.001, 95%CI: 41.49-138.67ml, I. 2. =0%) and surgery was shorter (16.17minutes, p=0.04, 95%CI: 0.39-31.94minutes, I. 2. =63%) in synthetic treatment groups. All other secondary measures were statistically comparable. Our findings supersede previous literature, demonstrating that synthetic bone grafts are non-inferior to autologous bone grafts, despite their perceived disadvantages (e.g. being biologically inert). In conclusion, surgeons should consider synthetic bone grafts when optimising peri-operative patient morbidity, particularly in complex tibial plateau fractures, where this work is most applicable

Aims. It is not clear which type of casting provides the best initial treatment in adults with a distal radial fracture. Given that between 32% and 64% of adequately reduced fractures redisplace during immobilization in a cast, preventing redisplacement and a disabling malunion or secondary surgery is an aim of treatment. In this study, we investigated whether circumferential casting leads to fewer fracture redisplacements and better one-year outcomes compared to plaster splinting. Methods. In a pragmatic, open-label, multicentre, two-period cluster-randomized superiority trial, we compared these two types of casting. Recruitment took place in ten hospitals. Eligible patients aged ≥ 18 years with a displaced distal radial fracture, which was acceptably aligned after closed reduction, were included. The primary outcome measure was the rate of redisplacement within five weeks of immobilization. Secondary outcomes were the rate of complaints relating to the cast, clinical outcomes at three months, patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) (using the numerical rating scale (NRS), the abbreviated version of the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), and Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) scores), and adverse events such as the development of compartment syndrome during one year of follow-up. We used multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression for the analysis of the primary outcome measure. Results. The study included 420 patients. There was no significant difference between the rate of redisplacement of the fracture between the groups: 47% (n = 88) for those treated with a plaster splint and 49% (n = 90) for those treated with a circumferential cast (odds ratio 1.05 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.65 to 1.70); p = 0.854). Patients treated in a plaster splint reported significantly more pain than those treated with a circumferential cast, during the first week of treatment (estimated mean NRS 4.7 (95% CI 4.3 to 5.1) vs 4.1 (95% CI 3.7 to 4.4); p = 0.014). The rate of complaints relating to the cast, clinical outcomes and PROMs did not differ significantly between the groups (p > 0.05). Compartment syndrome did not occur. Conclusion. Circumferential casting did not result in a significantly different rate of redisplacement of the fracture compared with the use of a plaster splint. There were comparable outcomes in both groups. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2024;106-B(7):696–704

Introduction. It has been contentious whether an anatomic double-bundle technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR)is superior to that of a single-bundle technique. It has been hypothesized in the literature that the double-bundle technique could provide function closer to that of the anatomical knee joint. The purpose of this study was to compare the long-term clinical outcomes after single-bundle ACLR versus double-bundle ACLR. We hypothesized that the double-bundle technique would not be superior to the single-bundle technique. Methods. A retrospective, non-randomized, matched-paired comparative study was performed. Patients undergoing primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, using either a double-bundle or single-bundle technique, between 2003 and 2008 were included and matched 1:1. Matching included age, sex, BMI, time from injury to surgery, side of injury and type of sport. Patients who underwent revision procedures, multiligament reconstruction or other ACLR techniques were excluded. Patients were subsequently followed up, noting occurrence of graft rupture and any other complications. Results. A total of 1377 ACLRs were performed during the study period. Seven hundred and fifty-six patients were excluded, leaving 396patients to be included in the matching (198 matched pairs). Mean follow-up time was 176.7 +/− 7.7 months (range, 166–211 months). Overall, 40 patients (10.1%) suffered from a graft rupture which consisted of 22 patients (11.1%) in the single-bundle group and 18patients (9.1%) in the double-bundle group. A multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox model and demonstrated that graft failure had no significant association with the surgical technique (hazard ratio (HR), 0.857(0.457;1.609), p=0.6313). (Figure 1) Five patients (2.5%) in the single-bundle group and 7 patients (3.5%) in the double-bundle group underwent secondary surgery for cyclops syndrome(p=0.5637). Three patients (1.5%) in the single-bundle group and 2 patients (1.0%) in the double-bundle group underwent arthrolysis(p=0.6547). Seven patients (3.5%) in the single-bundle group underwent secondary meniscectomy compared to 6 patients (3.0%) in the double-bundle group (p=0.7630). Conclusion. Double-bundle ACLR is not superior to single-bundle ACLR at long-term follow up. Therefore, orthopaedic surgeons do not need to use a double-bundle technique when performing ACL reconstruction. For any figures or tables, please contact authors directly

Aim. This retrospective study evaluated the outcome of treatment for unhealed fracture-related infections (FRI). Methods. We identified a consecutive, single-centre cohort of patients having treatment for an FRI Consensus confirmed FRI. All fractures were unhealed at the time of treatment. Patients were followed up for at least one year. Successful outcome was a healed fracture without recurrent infection. Lack of union, persistent infection and/or unplanned reoperation defined failure. Results. Demographics: 183 patients (184 FRIs) with mean age 52.1 years (range 17-96) were treated and followed up for a mean of 2.8 years (range 1-9.4). Mean duration of FRI was 1.1 years with 65 (35.5 %) presenting within 6 months of injury. 118 patients had established infected non-union. FRI was most frequent in the tibia (74), femur (48) and humerus (24). 171 patients were BACH Complex. 75.5% of FRIs were culture positive, with Staph. aureus being the most frequent organism. Polymicrobial infection and Gram negative cultures were common (25.5% and 33.6%). Treatment: 98.3% of surgeries were performed in one stage with just 3 planned 2-stage procedures (2 endoprosthetic replacements and 1 free fibular flap). No bone graft was used in any surgery and all wounds were closed at first operation. 48 cases (26%) required flap coverage (29 free flaps and 19 local flaps). Local antibiotics were used in 124 cases (67.4%) of primary surgeries. All patients had sampling, debridement, systemic antibiotics and wound closure. 40 (21.7%) had DAIR, 31 (16.8%) had new internal fixation and 105 (57.1%) had external fixation (including 79 Ilizarov fixators). Outcomes: After primary surgery, 84.6% of all patients were infection-free and 77.2% had united. After further surgery, 98.8% were infection-free and 98.1% had united. External fixation techniques achieved infection eradication in 89.1% compared to 71.7% with any internal fixation (p=0.005). Primary internal fixation achieved union in 81.7% compared to 74.3% with external fixation (p=0.27). Secondary surgery after external fixation was mainly docking site fixation. Conclusion. Unhealed FRIs present a difficult challenge for treatment. This large series demonstrated that single-stage treatment, without bone grafting, gave acceptable results with few reoperations. Primary external fixation gave more certainty of infection eradication but required more reoperations to secure union. However, this difference in reoperation was not statistically significant. We strongly advocate managing these patients with a multidisciplinary team which can treat all aspects of the condition

Aims. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to compare open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with primary arthrodesis (PA) in the treatment of Lisfranc injuries, regarding patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), and risk of secondary surgery. The aim was to conclusively determine the best available treatment based on the most complete and recent evidence available. Methods. A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and SPORTDiscus. Additionally, ongoing trial registers and reference lists of included articles were screened. Risk of bias (RoB) and level of evidence were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tools and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. The random and fixed-effect models were used for the statistical analysis. Results. A total of 20 studies were selected for this review, of which 12 were comparative studies fit for meta-analysis, including three randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This resulted in a total analyzed population of 392 patients treated with ORIF and 249 patients treated with PA. The mean differences between the two groups in American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS), VAS, and SF-36 scores were -7.41 (95% confidence interval (CI) -13.31 to -1.51), 0.77 (95% CI -0.85 to 2.39), and -1.20 (95% CI -3.86 to 1.46), respectively. Conclusion. This is the first study to find a statistically significant difference in PROMs, as measured by the AOFAS score, in favour of PA for the treatment of Lisfranc injuries. However, this difference may not be clinically relevant, and therefore drawing a definitive conclusion requires confirmation by a large prospective high-quality RCT. Such a study should also assess cost-effectiveness, as cost considerations might be decisive in decision-making. Level of Evidence: I. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(10):842–849

Aims. Our objective was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis, to establish whether differences arise in clinical outcomes between autologous and synthetic bone grafts in the operative management of tibial plateau fractures. Methods. A structured search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the online archives of Bone & Joint Publishing, and CENTRAL databases from inception until 28 July 2021 was performed. Randomized, controlled, clinical trials that compared autologous and synthetic bone grafts in tibial plateau fractures were included. Preclinical studies, clinical studies in paediatric patients, pathological fractures, fracture nonunion, or chondral defects were excluded. Outcome data were assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 (ROB2) framework and synthesized in random-effect meta-analysis. The Preferred Reported Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses guidance was followed throughout. Results. Six studies involving 353 fractures were identified from 3,078 records. Following ROB2 assessment, five studies (representing 338 fractures) were appropriate for meta-analysis. Primary outcomes showed non-significant reductions in articular depression at immediate postoperative (mean difference -0.45 mm, p = 0.25, 95%confidence interval (CI) -1.21 to 0.31, I. 2. = 0%) and long-term (> six months, standard mean difference -0.56, p = 0.09, 95% CI -1.20 to 0.08, I. 2. = 73%) follow-up in synthetic bone grafts. Secondary outcomes included mechanical alignment, limb functionality, and defect site pain at long-term follow-up, perioperative blood loss, duration of surgery, occurrence of surgical site infections, and secondary surgery. Mean blood loss was lower (90.08 ml, p < 0.001, 95% CI 41.49 to 138.67) and surgery was shorter (16.17 minutes, p = 0.04, 95% CI 0.39 to 31.94) in synthetic treatment groups. All other secondary measures were statistically comparable. Conclusion. All studies reported similar methodologies and patient populations; however, imprecision may have arisen through performance variation. These findings supersede previous literature and indicate that, despite perceived biological advantages, autologous bone grafting does not demonstrate superiority to synthetic grafts. When selecting a void filler, surgeons should consider patient comorbidity, environmental and societal factors in provision, and perioperative and postoperative care provision. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(3):218–228

Abstract. Aim. The aim of this study was to present the results of treatment of displaced lateral clavicle fractures by an arthroscopically inserted tightrope device (‘Dogbone’, Arthrex). Methods. We performed a retrospective series of our patients treated with this technique between 2015 and 2019. Patients were identified using the ‘CRS Millennium’ software package and operation notes/clinic letters were analysed. We performed an Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) on all the patients at final follow-up. Our electronic ‘PACS’ system was used to evaluate union in the post-operative radiographs. Results. We treated 26 patients with displaced lateral clavicle fractures between 2015 and 2019. There were 4 patients who were treated with a ‘dogbone’ and supplementary plate fixation and the remaining 22 were treated with a ‘dogbone’ alone. Radiological union was seen in 22 (84%) patients. The mean Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) was 46. Apart from one patient who required removal of the superior endobutton and knot under local anaesthetic there was no other secondary surgery. There were no cases of infection, nerve injury or frozen shoulder. Conclusions. Arthroscopic ‘dogbone’ treatment of lateral clavicle fractures is a safe, cosmetically friendly technique with promising high rates of fracture union and return to normal function. We recommend its use over the more conventional treatment of a hook plate

Aims. The most important complication of treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head, which can result in proximal femoral growth disturbances leading to pain, dysfunction, and eventually to early onset osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to identify morphological variants in hip joint development that are predictive of a poor outcome. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed all patients who developed AVN after DDH treatment, either by closed and/or open reduction, at a single institution between 1984 and 2007 with a minimal follow-up of eight years. Standard pelvis radiographs obtained at ages one, two, three, five, and eight years, and at latest follow-up were retrieved. The Bucholz-Ogden classification was used to determine the type of AVN on all radiographs. Poor outcome was defined by Severin classification grade 3 or above on the latest follow-up radiographs and/or the need for secondary surgery. With statistical shape modelling, we identified the different shape variants of the hip at each age. Logistic regression analysis was used to associate the different modes or shape variants with poor outcome. Results. In all, 135 patients with AVN were identified, with a minimum of eight years of follow-up. Mean age at time of surgery was 7.0 months (SD 0.45), and mean follow-up was 13.3 years (SD 3.7). Overall, 46% had AVN type 1 while 54% type 2 or higher. More than half of the patients (52.6%) had a poor outcome. We found 11 shape variants that were significantly associated with a poor outcome. These shape variants were predominantly linked to AVN type 2 or higher. Conclusion. Specific morphological characteristics on pelvis radiographs of AVN hips were predictive for poor outcome, at a very young age. There was an overall stronger association to Bucholz-Ogden types 2-3-4 with the exception of two modes at age two and five years, linked to AVN type 1. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(5):999–1004

Antibiotic resistance represents a threat to human health. It has been suggested that by 2050, antibiotic-resistant infections could cause ten million deaths each year. In orthopaedics, many patients undergoing surgery suffer from complications resulting from implant-associated infection. In these circumstances secondary surgery is usually required and chronic and/or relapsing disease may ensue. The development of effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections is needed. Recent evidence shows that bacteriophage (phages; viruses that infect bacteria) therapy may represent a viable and successful solution. In this review, a brief description of bone and joint infection and the nature of bacteriophages is presented, as well as a summary of our current knowledge on the use of bacteriophages in the treatment of bacterial infections. We present contemporary published in vitro and in vivo data as well as data from clinical trials, as they relate to bone and joint infections. We discuss the potential use of bacteriophage therapy in orthopaedic infections. This area of research is beginning to reveal successful results, but mostly in nonorthopaedic fields. We believe that bacteriophage therapy has potential therapeutic value for implant-associated infections in orthopaedics. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):234–244

Aims. In order to determine whether and for whom serial radiological evaluation is necessary in one-part proximal humerus fractures, we set out to describe the clinical history and predictors of secondary displacement in patients sustaining these injuries. Patients and Methods. Between January 2014 and April 2016, all patients with an isolated, nonoperatively treated one-part proximal humerus fracture were prospectively followed up. Clinical and radiological evaluation took place at less than two, six, 12, and 52 weeks. Fracture configuration, bone quality, and comminution were determined on the initial radiographs. Fracture healing, secondary displacement, and treatment changes were recorded during follow-up. Results. In 100 patients (59 female, 41 male; mean age 57 years), 91 of the fractures (91%) remained stable. In five of nine patients (55%) with secondary displacement, surgery was recommended. Comminution, present in 23 patients (23%), was identified as a predictor of secondary displacement (p < 0.001). Patients’ age, sex, fracture configuration, and bone quality were not associated with secondary displacement (p ≥ 0.438). Nonoperative treatment resulted in a mean absolute Constant score (CS) of 80 (49 to 98), relative CS of 101% (63% to 138%), median subjective shoulder value of 95% (interquartile range (IQR) 90% to 100%), and median EuroQol five-dimensional questionnaire score of 0.89 (IQR 0.80 to 1.00) with bone union in all cases at one-year follow-up. Conclusion. Radiological re-evaluation was only necessary in patients presenting with comminution and may be redundant for 77% of patients with one-part proximal humerus fractures. Nonoperative treatment of one-part proximal humerus fractures remains the mainstay of treatment with a low rate of secondary surgery, a high union rate, and good clinical results. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1307–1312

Aims. To compare the functionality of adults with displaced mid-shaft clavicular fractures treated either operatively or nonoperatively and to compare the relative risk of nonunion and reoperation between the two groups. Methods. Based on specific eligibility criteria, 120 adults (median age 37.5 years (interquartile range (18 to 61)) and 84% males (n = 101)) diagnosed with an acute displaced mid-shaft fracture were recruited, and randomized to either the operative (n = 60) or nonoperative (n = 60) treatment group. This randomized controlled, partially blinded trial followed patients for 12 months following initial treatment. Functionality was assessed by the Constant score (CS) (assessor blinded to treatment) and Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score. Clinical and radiological evaluation, and review of patient files for complications and reoperations, were added as secondary outcomes. Results. At 12 months, 87.5% of patients (n = 105) were available for analysis. The two groups were well balanced based on demographic and fracture-related characteristics. At six weeks of follow-up a significant difference in DASH score (p < 0.001) was found in favour of operative treatment. The functionality at 12 months of follow-up based on CS and DASH was excellent in both groups (CS > 90 points and DASH < 10 points) with no significant difference (p = 0.277 for DASH and p = 0.184 for CS) between the two groups. The risk of symptomatic nonunion was significantly higher in the nonoperative group (p = 0.014), with a relative risk of 9.47 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26 to 71.53) in this group compared to the operative group. The number-needed-to-treat to avoid one symptomatic nonunion was 6.2. Initial treatment and age were factors significantly associated with nonunion in a logistic analysis. There were 26% in both groups (n = 14 in operative group and n = 15 in nonoperative group) who required secondary surgery, with most indications in the nonoperative group mandatory due to nonunion compared to most relative indications in the operative group requiring intervention due to implant irritation. Conclusion. Superiority was not identified with either an all-operative or all-nonoperative approach. The functionality at short term (within six weeks) seems igreater following operative treatment but was not found at one year. The risk of nonunion is significantly higher with nonoperative treatment. However, an all-operative approach to lower the nonunion risk may result in unnecessary surgery and is not recommended. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(4):762–768

Segmental bone transport (SBT) using an external fixator is currently a standard treatment for large-diameter bone defects at the donor site with low morbidity. However, long-term application of the device is needed for bone healing. In addition, patients who received SBT treatment sometimes fail to show bone repair and union at the docking site, and require secondary surgery. The objective of this study was to investigate whether a single injection of recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (rhBMP-2)-loaded artificial collagen-like peptide gel (rhBMP-2/ACG) accelerates consolidation and bone union at the docking site in a mouse SBT model. Six-month-old C57BL/6J mice were reconstructed by SBT with external fixator that has transport unit, and a 2.0-mm bone defect was created in the right femur. Mice were divided randomly into four treatment groups with eight mice in each group, Group CONT (immobile control), Group 0.2mm/d, Group 1.0mm/d, and Group BMP-2. Mice in Group 0.2mm/d and 1.0mm/d, bone segment was moved 0.2 mm per day for 10 days and 1.0 mm per day for 2 days, respectively. Mice in Group BMP-2 received an injection of 2.0 μg of rhBMP-2 dissolved in ACG into the bone defect site immediately after the defect-creating surgery and the bone segment was moved 1.0 mm/day for 2 days. All animals were sacrificed at eight weeks after surgery. Consolidation at bone defect site and bone union at docking site were evaluated radiologically and histologically. At the bone defect site, seven of eight mice in Group 0.2mm/d and two of eight mice in Group 1.0mm/d showed bone union. In contrast, all mice in Group CONT showed non-union at the bone defect site. At the docking site, four of eight mice in Group 0.2 mm/d and three of eight mice in Group 1.0 mm/d showed non-union. Meanwhile, all mice in Group BMP-2 showed bone union at the bone defect and docking sites. Bone volume and bone mineral content were significantly higher in Group 0.2mm/d and Group BMP-2 than in Group CONT. HE staining of tissue from Group 0.2mm/d and Group BMP-2 showed large amounts of longitudinal trabecular bone and regenerative new bone at eight weeks after surgery at the bone defect site. Meanwhile, in Group CONT and Group 1.0mm/d, maturation of regenerative bone at the bone defect site was poor. Differences between groups were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and a subsequent Bonferroni's post-hoc comparisons test. P < 0.05 was considered significant. rhBMP-2/ACG combined with SBT may be effective for enhancing bone healing in large bone defects without the need for secondary procedures

Distal femoral physeal fractures can cause of growth distrurbance which frequently requires further surgical intervention. The aim of this study was to determine if tibial tuberosity ossification at the time of injury can predict further surgery in patients who have sustained a physeal fracture of the distal femur. We retrospectively investigated all patients who had operative treatment for a distal femoral physeal fracture at a paediatric level one trauma center over a 17 year period. Logistic regression analysis was performed investigating associations between the need for further surgery to treat growth disturbance and tibial tuberosity ossification, age, Salter Harris grade, mode of fixation or mechanism of injury. 74 patients met the inclusion criteria. There were 57 boys (77%) and 17 girls (23%). The average age at time of injury was 13.1 years (range 2.-17.1 years). Following fixation, 30 patients (41%) underwent further surgery to treat growth disturbance. Absence of tibial tuberosity fusion to the metaphysis was significantly associated with need for further surgery (p = < 0 .001). Odds of requiring secondary surgery after tibial tuberosity fusion to metaphysis posteriorly (compared with not fused) were 0.12, 95% CI (0.04, 0.34). The estimate of effect of tibial tuberosity ossification on reoperation rates did not vary when adjusted for gender, mechanism, fixation and Salter Harris grade. When accounting for age, the odds of further operation if the tibial tuberosity is fused to the metaphysis posteriorly (compared with not fused) were 0.28, 95% CI (0.08, 0.94). Tibial tuberosity ossification stage at time of injury is a predictor of further surgery to treat growth disturbance in paediatric distal femoral fractures. Children with distal femoral physeal fractures whose tibial tuberosity was not fused to the metaphysis posteriorly were 8.3 times more likely to require further surgery

Aims

Multiple secondary surgical procedures of the shoulder, such as soft-tissue releases, tendon transfers, and osteotomies, are described in brachial plexus birth palsy (BPBP) patients. The long-term functional outcomes of these procedures described in the literature are inconclusive. We aimed to analyze the literature looking for a consensus on treatment options.