Long bone fractures are a commonly presented paediatric injury. Whilst the possibility of either accidental or non-accidental aetiology ensures significant forensic relevance, there remain few clinical approaches that assist with this differential diagnosis. The aim of this current study was to generate a reproducible model of spiral fracture in immature bone, allowing investigation of the potential relationship between the rotational speed and the angle of the subsequent spiral fracture. Seventy bovine metacarpal bones were harvested from 7 day old calves. Sharp dissection ensured removal of the soft tissue, whilst preserving the periosteum. The bones were then distributed evenly before eleven groups, before being aligned along their central axis within a torsional testing machine. Each group of bones were then tested to failure at a different rotational speed (0.5, 1, 15, 20, 30, 40, 45, 60, 75, 80 and 90 degrees s-1). The angle of spiral fracture, relative to the long axis, was then measured, whilst the fracture location, the extent of comminution and periosteal disruption, were all recorded. Sixty-two out of 70 specimens failed in spiral fracture, with the remaining tests failing at the anchorage site. All bone fractures centred on the narrowest waist diameter, with 5 specimens (all tested at 90 degrees s-1) demonstrating comminution and periosteal disruption. The recorded spiral fracture angles ranged from 30 - 45 degrees, and were dependant on the rotational speed. This study has established a relationship between the speed of rotation and the angle of spiral fracture in immature bovine bone. It is anticipated that further study will enable investigation of this trend in paediatric bone, ultimately providing an additional diagnostic tool for clinicians trying to verify the proposed mechanism of injury

We have analysed the initial displacement and the retention of position after reduction of 192 spiral fractures of the tibial shaft. In fractures with an initial lateral displacement of one half the width of the shaft or more, successful retention of position after the primary closed reduction was achieved in only 18%. The direction of displacement between the tibial fragments showed little variation; the proximal fragment was always medial and anterior to the distal. This resulted in an increased space between the proximal tibial fragment and the shaft of the fibula in the plane of the interosseous membrane. There was a strong correlation between the initial displacement and the initial shortening. No evidence of a posterior soft-tissue hinge, able to facilitate closed reduction, could be found. Consequently, in treating severely displaced spiral fractures, open reduction and internal fixation or a few weeks' initial calcaneal traction seem to be the rational alternatives

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is generally acknowledged to be the treatment of choice for displaced diaphyseal femoral fractures in children over the age of three years, although complication rates of up to 50% are described. Pre-bending the nails is recommended, but there are no published data to support this. Using synthetic bones and a standardised simulated fracture, we performed biomechanical testing to determine the influence on the stability of the fracture of pre-bending the nails before implantation. Standard ESIN was performed on 24 synthetic femoral models with a spiral fracture. In eight cases the nails were inserted without any pre-bending, in a further eight cases they were pre-bent to 30° and in the last group of eight cases they were pre-bent to 60°. Mechanical testing revealed that pre-bending to 60° produced a significant increase in the stiffness or stability of the fracture. Pre-bending to 60° showed a significant positive influence on the stiffness compared with unbent nails. Pre-bending to 30° improved stiffness only slightly. These findings validate the recommendations for pre-bending, but the degree of pre-bend should exceed 30°. Adopting higher degrees of pre-bending should improve stability in spiral fractures and reduce the complications of varus deformity and shortening

Aims. The aim of this study was to determine the immediate post-fixation stability of a distal tibial fracture fixed with an intramedullary nail using a biomechanical model. This was used as a surrogate for immediate weight-bearing postoperatively. The goal was to help inform postoperative protocols. Methods. A biomechanical model of distal metaphyseal tibial fractures was created using a fourth-generation composite bone model. Three fracture patterns were tested: spiral, oblique, and multifragmented. Each fracture extended to within 4 cm to 5 cm of the plafond. The models were nearly-anatomically reduced and stabilized with an intramedullary nail and three distal locking screws. Cyclic loading was performed to simulate normal gait. Loading was completed in compression at 3,000 N at 1 Hz for a total of 70,000 cycles. Displacement (shortening, coronal and sagittal angulation) was measured at regular intervals. Results. The spiral and oblique fracture patterns withstood simulated weight-bearing with minimal displacement. The multifragmented model had early implant failure with breaking of the distal locking screws. The spiral fracture model shortened by a mean of 0.3 mm (SD 0.2), and developed a mean coronal angulation of 2.0° (SD 1.9°) and a mean sagittal angulation of 1.2° (SD 1.1°). On average, 88% of the shortening, 74% of the change in coronal alignment, and 75% of the change in sagittal alignment occurred in the first 2,500 cycles. No late acceleration of displacement was noted. The oblique fracture model shortened by a mean of 0.2 mm (SD 0.1) and developed a mean coronal angulation of 2.4° (SD 1.6°) and a mean sagittal angulation of 2.6° (SD 1.4°). On average, 44% of the shortening, 39% of the change in coronal alignment, and 79% of the change in sagittal alignment occurred in the first 2,500 cycles. No late acceleration of displacement was noted. Conclusion. For spiral and oblique fracture patterns, simulated weight-bearing resulted in a clinically acceptable degree of displacement. Most displacement occurred early in the test period, and the rate of displacement decreased over time. Based on this model, we offer evidence that early weight-bearing appears safe for well reduced oblique and spiral fractures, but not in multifragmented patterns that have poor bone contact. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2021;103-B(2):294–298

Aims. This study evaluates risk factors influencing fracture characteristics for postoperative periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFFs) around cemented stems in total hip arthroplasty. Methods. Data were collected for PFF patients admitted to eight UK centres between 25 May 2006 and 1 March 2020. Radiographs were assessed for Unified Classification System (UCS) grade and AO/OTA type. Statistical comparisons investigated relationships by age, gender, and stem fixation philosophy (polished taper-slip (PTS) vs composite beam (CB)). The effect of multiple variables was estimated using multinomial logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Surgical treatment (revision vs fixation) was compared by UCS grade and AO/OTA type. Results. A total of 584 cases were included. Median age was 79.1 years (interquartile range 72.0 to 86.0), 312 (53.6%) patients were female, and 495 (85.1%) stems were PTS. The commonest UCS grade was type B1 (278, 47.6%). The most common AO/OTA type was spiral (352, 60.3%). Metaphyseal split fractures occurred only with PTS stems with an incidence of 10.1%. Male sex was associated with a five-fold reduction in odds of a type C fracture (OR 0.22 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.41); p < 0.001) compared to a type B fracture. CB stems were associated with significantly increased odds of transverse fracture (OR 9.51 (95% CI 3.72 to 24.34); p < 0.001) and wedge fracture (OR 3.72 (95% CI 1.16 to 11.95); p = 0.027) compared to PTS stems. Both UCS grade and AO/OTA type differed significantly (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) between the revision and fixation groups but a similar proportion of B1 fractures underwent revision compared to fixation (45.3% vs 50.6%). Conclusion. The commonest fracture types are B1 and spiral fractures. PTS stems are exclusively associated with metaphyseal split fractures, but their incidence is low. Males have lower odds of UCS grade C fractures compared to females. CB stems have higher odds of bending type fractures (transverse and wedge) compared to PTS stems. There is considerable variation in practice when treating B1 fractures around cemented stems. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):466–475

Spiral fractures are one of the most common fractures seen in non-accidental injury. In such cases, with radiographic evidence for the mechanism of injury, the physician is more capable of identifying any inconsistencies in the offered explanatory history. The objectives of the study were to detail and differentiate the fracture patterns created by rotation forces in different directions and to determine the reliability of that recognition method applied to standard radiographs. Twenty rabbit femurs were fractured using a torque transducer and imaged using standard anterior-posterior and lateral radiographs. The radiographic interpretation skills of paediatric, radiology, orthopaedic and emergency room doctors were assessed before and after being given the findings of this study. The radiographic propagation of the spiral fractures was consistent and followed six simple principles. There was a statistically significant difference in the numbers of correctly diagnosed radiographs, before and after the explanation of our findings, by these doctors (chi-squared=14.06, df=1, p=0.002). The direction of the torsional force producing spiral fractures can be determined from characteristic features on routine radiographs but does not seem to be intuitive. These derived six principles will be a useful aid to physicians who manage paediatric spiral fractures where non-accidental injury is being considered

Cemented total hip replacement (THR) provides excellent outcomes and is cost-effective. Polished taper-slip (PTS) stems demonstrate successful results and have overtaken traditional composite-beam (CB) stems. Recent reports indicate they are associated with a higher risk of postoperative periprosthetic femoral fracture (PFF) compared to CB stems. This study evaluates risk factors influencing fracture characteristics around PTS and CB cemented stems. Data were collected for 584 PFF patients admitted to eight UK centres from 25/05/2006-01/03/2020. Radiographs were assessed for Unified Classification System (UCS) grade and Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type. Statistical comparisons investigated relationships by age, gender, and stem fixation philosophy (PTS versus CB). The effect of multiple variables was estimated using multinomial logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Median (IQR) age was 79.1 (72.0–86.0) years, 312 (53.6%) patients were female, and 495 (85.1%) stems were PTS. The commonest UCS grade was type B1 (278, 47.6%). The commonest AO/OTA type was spiral (352, 60.3%). Metaphyseal-split fractures occurred only with PTS stems with an incidence of 10.1%. Male gender was associated with a five-fold reduction in odds of a type C fracture (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.12 to 0.41, p<0.001) compared to a type B fracture. CB stems were associated with significantly increased odds of transverse fracture (OR 9.51, 95% CI 3.72 to 24.34, p <0.001) and wedge fracture (OR 3.72, 95% CI 1.16 to 11.95, p <0.05) compared to PTS stems. This is the largest study investigating PFF characteristics around cemented stems. The commonest fracture types are B1 and spiral fractures. PTS stems are exclusively associated with metaphyseal-split fractures, but their incidence is low. Males have lower odds of UCS grade C fractures compared to females. CB stems had higher odds of bending type fractures (transverse and wedge) compared to PTS stems. Biomechanical testing is needed for validation and investigation of modifiable factors which may reduce the risk of unstable fracture patterns requiring complex revision surgery over internal fixation

There is an increasing acceptance that the clinical outcomes following posterior malleolar fractures are less than satisfactory. Current ankle classification systems do not account for differences in fracture patterns or injury mechanisms, and as such, the clinical outcomes of these fractures are difficult to interpret. The aim of this study was to analyse our posterior malleolar fractures to better understand the anatomy of the fracture. In a series of 42 consecutive posterior malleolar, who all underwent CT imaging, we have described anatomically different fracture patterns dictated by the direction of the force and dependent on talus loading. We found 3 separate categories. Type 1 – a rotational injury in an unloaded talus resulted in an extraarticular posterior avulsion of the posterior ligaments. This occurred in 10 patients and was most commonly associated with either a high fibular spiral fracture or a low fibular fracture with Wagstaffe fragment avulsion. The syndesmosis was usually disrupted in these patients. Type 2 – a rotational injury in a loaded talus resulting in a posterolateral articular fracture, of the posterior incisura. This occurred in 16 patients and was most commonly associated with a posterior syndesmosis injury, low fibular spiral fracture and an anterior collicular fracture of the medial malleolus. Type 3 – axially loaded talus in plantarflexion causing a posterior pilon. This occurred in 16 patients and was most commonly associated with a long oblique fracture of the fibular and a Y shape fracture of the medial malleolus. The syndesmosis was usually intact in these patients. In conclusion, the anatomy of the posterior malleolar should not be underestimated and requires careful consideration during treatment and categorisation in outcome studies to prevent misinterpretation

Purpose: Radial paralysis is a major complication of humeral shaft fractures. In most cases, the paralysis is regressive but in certain patients surgical repair is required to achieve full neurological recovery. We reviewed retrospectively our patients to determine the causes of non-recovery and evaluate the efficacy of different treatments. Material and methods: Thirty patients were operated between 1990 and 1997 for radial nerve paralysis that was observed immediately after trauma or developed secondarily. Mean follow-up after surgery was 6.3 years. There were 22 men and 8 women, 16 right side and 14 left side. Mean delay from injury to surgery was four months (0–730 days). Elements that could be involved in radial paralysis were noted: type of fracture, level of the fracture, treatment, approach, material used. There were ten cases with non-union. Neurological recovery at three years was assessed with muscle tests and with the Alnot criteria. An electrical recording was also made in certain patients. Surgery involved neurolysis in 23 cases, nerve grafts in five and tendon transfers in two. Results: Outcome was very good and good in 22 patients, good in one and could not be evaluated in one (tendon transfer). There were three failures (two neurolysis and one graft) and two patients were lost to follow-up. After neurolysis, mean delay to recovery was seven months; it was 15 months after nerve grafts. Recovery always occurred proximally to distally. Discussion: Radial paralysis after femoral shaft fracture regresses spontaneously in 76% to 89% of the cases, depending on the series. There is a predominance in the 20 to 30 year age range. Several factors could be involved in radial paralysis (fracture of the distal third of the humerus, spiral fracture, plate fixation, nonunion). The anterolateral approach allows a better exposure of the nerve. Unlike other authors, we do no advocate exploration of the injured nerve during surgical treatment of the fracture because it is most difficult to determine the potential for recovery of a continuous nerve. Conclusion: The risk of radial nerve paralysis is greatest for spiral fracture of the distal third of the humerus. In such cases, it may be useful to explore the nerve during the primary procedure and insert a plate. For other cases, we prefer to wait for spontaneous nerve recovery. If reinnervation is not observed at 100 days, we undertake exploration

The management of radial nerve palsy associated with fractures of the shaft of the humerus has been disputed for several decades. This study has systematically reviewed the published evidence and developed an algorithm to guide management. We searched web-based databases for studies published in the past 40 years and identified further pages through manual searches of the bibliography in papers identified electronically. Of 391 papers identified initially, encompassing a total of 1045 patients with radial nerve palsy, 35 papers met all our criteria for eligibility. Meticulous extraction of the data was carried out according to a preset protocol. The overall prevalence of radial nerve palsy after fracture of the shaft of the humerus in 21 papers was 11.8% (532 palsies in 4517 fractures). Fractures of the middle and middle-distal parts of the shaft had a significantly higher association with radial nerve palsy than those in other parts. Transverse and spiral fractures were more likely to be associated with radial nerve palsy than oblique and comminuted patterns of fracture (p < 0.001). The overall rate of recovery was 88.1% (921 of 1045), with spontaneous recovery reaching 70.7% (411 of 581) in patients treated conservatively. There was no significant difference in the final results when comparing groups which were initially managed expectantly with those explored early, suggesting that the initial expectant treatment did not affect the extent of nerve recovery adversely and would avoid many unnecessary operations. A treatment algorithm for the management of radial nerve palsy associated with fracture of the shaft of the humerus is recommended by the authors

Introduction: The incidence of Peri-prosthetic fractures is about 1% following Lower limb arthroplasty. The management of these fractures is difþcult,complex,challenging and controversial. Aim of Study: To study the results of Dal- Miles Plating system in Peri-prosthetic fractures. To þnd the difference, if any in the outcome of Transverse vs. Spiral fractures. Material and Methods: 13 patients, who were treated with Dal-Miles plating for periprosthetic fractures in last 4 years in our hospital, were reviewed. There were 7 females and 6 males. Average age of the patients was 73.8 years. Fractures were classiþed according to Vancouver classiþcation. Fractures were also classiþed according to their pattern into Transverse and Spiral Fractures. Results: There was high rate of complications during the postoperative period with half the patients having some complication. (Implant failure-3, malunion-1, Infection-2, Fracture distal to plate-3). All the patients who had Implant failure had transverse type of Fracture. No patient with spiral type fracture had non-union. Conclusions: Treatment of Peri-prosthetic fractures with Dal-Miles Plating is complicated and associated with high rate of complication. Transverse type fractures have high rate of failure (50% in our study) following þxation with Dal-Miles Plating system

The April 2023 Wrist & Hand Roundup³⁶⁰ looks at: MRI-based classification for acute scaphoid injuries: the OxSMART; Deep learning for detection of scaphoid fractures?; Ulnar shortening osteotomy in adolescents; Cost-utility analysis of thumb carpometacarpal resection arthroplasty; Arthritis of the wrist following scaphoid fracture nonunion; Extensor hood injuries in elite boxers; Risk factors for reoperation after flexor tendon repair; Nonoperative versus operative treatment for displaced finger metacarpal shaft fractures.

We have reviewed the results of treating 75 fractures of the proximal femoral shaft in the presence of a cemented femoral prosthesis. A simple radiographic classification into four types is proposed, and suggestions are made on the appropriate management of each. Comminuted fractures around the implant need early revision, whilst spiral fractures in this region may be treated conservatively or by operation. Transverse fractures at the level of the tip of the prosthesis are difficult to manage, and may require open reduction and internal fixation

1. Linear fractures of the shaft of the long bones are divided into four basic types: 1) transverse; 2) oblique transverse; 3) spiral; and 4) oblique. 2. The mode of production of these fractures is deduced on the grounds of simple mechanical theory: 1) transverse fractures are a result of angulation; 2) oblique transyerse are the result of angulation with axial loading; 3) spiral fractures are the result of axial twists with or without axial loading; 4) oblique fractures are the result of angulation and axial twisting in the presence of axial loading

Background. Sub-trochanteric fractures are challenging to treat due to various anatomical and biomechanical factors. High tensile forces contribute to the challenge of fracture reduction. Intramedullary nailing has become the treatment of choice. If anatomical reduction is not achieved, any mal-alignment will predispose to implant failure. Open reduction with cerclage wires can add to construct stability and improve the quality of reduction. There is no consensus or classification to guide surgeons on when to perform open reduction, which is often performed intra-operatively when closed reduction fails often with no planning. This can lead to intraoperative delays as theatre staff would not have prepared the correct equipment necessary for open reduction. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to assess outcomes of closed and open reduction of traumatic sub-trochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary nailing and to propose a new classification system to dictate management. Methods. After a review of current classification systems, a 3-tier classification was proposed (Type 1, 2 and 3). Type 1 indicated a transverse fracture, Type 2 was a spiral fracture with an intact posterior and medial wall and a Type 3 fracture were fractures with no posterior and/or medial walls. Over a two-year period (2013–2015), patients with sub trochanteric fractures were classified into Type 1, 2 or 3 injuries based on radiographic appearances by two senior clinicians. Patients with Type 3 injuries were divided into two groups based on whether they were treated with open or closed reduction. A clinical and radiographic review was performed. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of implant failure, whereas secondary outcome measures were related to fracture reduction. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism Version 6 (GraphPad Software Inc. California, USA). Fisher's exact test was used for independent categorical data and Mann–U Whitney for continuous nonparametric data. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results. 75 patients had intramedullary nailing for subtrochanteric fractures over the study period with a mean age of 82.6 years. There were 48 patients who had a Type 3 fracture pattern with a deficient medial and/or posterior wall. Reduction was achieved open with cerclage wires in 42% of patients (n=20 and closed in 58% (n=28). Overall there were a total of 18 (37.5%) major complications. In patients treated with closed reduction, 9 patients suffered mechanical complications (6 distal locking screw failures, 3 lag screw cut outs). There was a significantly increased risk of implant failure in patients treated with closed reduction compared to open reduction (p=0.006). No cases with cerclage wire had implant failure. Open reduction with cerclage wires improved the quality of reduction (p=0.0001) compared with closed reduction. There was no significant increase in operating time in patients treated with cerclage wires (p=0.4334). Conclusions. Open reduction with cerclage wires should be considered in patients with Type 3 sub-trochanteric fractures as it has shown to significantly reduce the risk of implant failure and improve the quality of reduction with no significant increase in operating time

Fractures of the distal tibia metaphysis comprise a challenge for the orthopaedic trauma surgeon because of the poor blood irrigation they do not heal very easy leading sometimes to pseudarthrosis and many times arise problems with the skin. We compare the following techniques: LC-DCP and LCP plates, MIPO, External fixators (hybrids or simple one), intramedullary nailing with multiple screws at the distal end. 94 cases of distal tibia fractures from all AO types were treated during last 3 years (2005–2008) with the following techniques:. 16 ORIF with LC-DCP plates. 9 ORIF with LCP plates. 19 MIPO. 35 External fixators. 15 intramedullary nailing. The simple oblique or spiral fractures which treated with the 1st and 2nd method (ORIF), they do not seem any remarkable difference in healing but both methods demonstrate a delay in fracture healing over 5 months. The 3rd method display faster healing 2,5 months average in simple fractures with no skin wound at all. The 4th method display 3 pin track infections and dealt with removal of the material and 2 pseudarthrosis which encountered with ORIF and bone grafting from the iliac. The 5th method display 2 malunions but because of the small angle in varus we do not perform any treatment. Every technique has its own position on those type of fractures, depending of the personality of the fracture and the skill of the surgeon

Between 1999 and 2002 14 children with femoral shaft fractures were treated with closed, locked intramedullary nailing. There were 11 male and 3 female patients, aged 11–16 years (mean 14.4 years). All fractures were closed. There were 9 transverse, 1 pathologic, 1 bipolar, 1 malunited and 2 spiral fractures. The fractures occurred following MVA or falls from height. All fractures were reduced and closed locked intramedullary nailing was performed using small diameter titanium nails without reaming. The entrance of point of the nail was created at the tip of the greater trochanter and no traction was used intraoperatively. The mean hospital stay was 2 days and immediate partial weight-bearing was permitted. All fractures united according to clinical and radiological criteria within 9 weeks. The maximum patient follow-up was 24 months (mean 17 months). Hip and knee mobility was full and no case of femoral head osteonecrosis, infection or malunion was ascertained. Closed, locked intramedullary nailing in adolescent patients provides immediate fracture immobilization combining safety and limited morbidity. Meticulous adherence to the surgical technique is necessary respecting the developing upper part of the femur

Aim. In the last years, many short hip stem variants were developed, almost always sharing the principle of metaphyseal and proximal diaphyseal anchorage. In this study, we analyzed the midterm results after implanting short cementless hip stem of ESKA. Methods. A total of 380 total hip replacements using the ESKA-short cementless stems were performed in a series of 340 patients between November 2002 till May 2008. The clinical and radiological evaluation of the patients was done in September 2008. The mean follow up was 37 months (3–54 months). Results. The mean age of the patients was 65 years (35–85 years). The indications varied between osteoarthritis (n=342), avascular necrosis (n=23) and aseptic loosening of stem (n=15). Good clinical and radiological outcome without complications was observed in 361 cases. However, complications were recorded in 19 cases. Aseptic loosening was noted in 4 cases and was treated with stem exchange. Deep infection occurred in 5 cases, 3 of which had direct exchange and 2 had two-stage delayed reconstruction. Dislocation was noted in 2 cases, which were revisions after aseptic loosening. 8 patients suffered intraoperative femur fissures, 7 of which healed completely after prolonged partial weight bearing postoperatively (n=4 without osteosynthesis, n=3 needed adjunctive cerclage around the proximal femur). Only 1 spiral fracture was recorded and needed a periprosthetic NCB-plate. Conclusion. Our own experience with cementless short hip stems is, in accordance with other studies, also encouraging. Based on the metaphyseal and proximal diaphyseal anchorage, short stems established themselves as a surgical option in the hip replacement surgery. There was no increase in the postoperative complication rate compared with standard total hip arthoplasty. It is also an option for elderly population. However, long-term outcome is still to be investigated

Aim of the study : The purpose of this work was to study the short term results of the surgical treatment of subtrochanteric femoral fractures with the use of long gamma nail. Material – method : Fifteen consecutive patients suffering from subtrochanteric fracture of their femur, were treated by means of long gamma nail in our clinic during the last two years. The type of fracture concluded comminuted subtrochanteric fractures, unstable spiral fractures and fractures on previous operated on peritrochanteric fractures. Results : The patient’s age averaged the 76 years. There were 4 men and 11 women. The follow-up period was from 5 months to 2 years. The blood transfusion averaged the 2 units. All patients ambulated the second postoperative day and the fracture healing observed two months later. We have no infection, pseudarthrosis or hardware failure at this series. Conclusion : Long gamma nail is a method of choice in the treatment of subtrochanteric femoral fractures. We can achieve stable osteosynthesis, without soft tissue damage and immediate ambulating of the patient