Articles: fracture-fixation.
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Femoral neck fractures, particularly Pauwels type II and III, pose significant challenges due to their vertical instability and susceptibility to complications such as non-union and avascular necrosis (AVN). Medial buttress plates (MBPs) have emerged as a promising adjunct in fixation, offering biomechanical advantages by neutralizing shearing forces and enhancing stability. However, the clinical efficacy of MBPs across different fixation techniques, plate configurations, and positioning remains unclear. ⋯ MBPs are a valuable adjunct in managing Pauwels type II and III femoral neck fractures, providing favourable outcomes with low rates of failure and complications. The combination of MBPs with various fixation techniques has shown promising results, highlighting the potential for improved stability and outcomes. Further research is needed to optimize plate size, screw type, positioning, and the role of MBPs in augmenting fixation techniques for these challenging fractures.
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Paediatric upper limb fractures are commonly treated with Kirschner (K) wire fixation, which can be buried or left exposed. Although both techniques are widely used, controversy remains regarding infection risk, complications, and other clinical outcomes between buried and exposed K-wires. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare infection rates and secondary outcomes between buried and exposed K-wires in paediatric upper limb fractures located distal to and including the elbow, and proximal to the carpus. ⋯ Our systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that, while buried K-wires are associated with lower overall infection rates, the risk of deep infection is comparable between buried and exposed K-wires. Buried K-wires show higher rates of skin erosion and increased need for removal in theatre. Given these findings, exposed K-wires offer a safe and more cost-effective option for paediatric upper limb fracture fixation. Further studies are needed to assess patient-reported outcomes and environmental impacts.
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Multicenter Study
Low-grade infections in nonunion of the femur and tibia without clinical suspicion of infection - Incidence, microbiology, treatment, and outcome.
Treatment algorithms for fracture nonunion depend on the presence or absence of bacterial infection. However, it is often impossible to identify infection preoperatively. While some infections may present with clinical signs of infection, low-grade infections lack infection signs and have a clinical presentation similar to aseptic nonunion. ⋯ Our findings suggest that unexpected low-grade infection is frequently associated with nonunion. While expected and confirmed infected nonunion differs significantly from aseptic nonunion, low-grade infected nonunion is very similar to aseptic nonunion, except for intraoperative bacterial detection. In addition to antibiotic therapy, surgical nonunion revision with implant exchange and debridement appears to be highly effective in achieving consolidation of low-grade infected nonunion.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Isolated posterior stabilization of the pelvic ring in type III/IV fragility fractures of the pelvis are beneficial compared to 360° antero-posterior surgical approaches. A dual-center cohort analysis.
Fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) in elderly patients are an increasing concern due to their association with osteoporosis and the aging population. These fractures significantly affect patients' mobility and quality of life. This study evaluates different surgical techniques in patients suffering from FFP to provide standardized recommendations for treatment strategies. In addition, we compared therapeutic concepts and their outcome between two major trauma centers in Germany. ⋯ This study underscores the importance of minimally invasive surgical techniques in managing FFP in elderly patients, highlighting their potential to reduce the length of hospital stay and improve recovery.
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The surgical treatment of radial head fractures like Mason type III comminuted radial head fractures is challenging and controversial. Whether to use open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial head arthroplasty (RHA) as treatment methods is under constant debate. ⋯ This study provides evidence that 3- and 4-part Mason type III fractures are prone to plate osteosynthesis. In contrast, greater than 4-part fractures can more reliably be treated by replacement. This leads to a proposed increase in fragment numbers to four, where ORIF most likely leads to good clinical results. However, in patients with 4+ fragment patterns, ORIF did not show statistically significantly worse results concerning the collected clinical values. This study supports the use of the ORIF approach to save the radial head.