Locking retrograde nail, non-locking retrograde nail and plate fixation in the treatment of distal third femoral shaft fractures: radiographic, bone densitometry and clinical outcomes

Background Distal third femoral shaft fractures are characterized by increasing incidence and complexity and are still considered a challenging problem (high morbidity and mortality). No consensus on best surgical option has been achieved. This study aims to investigate radiographic, mineral bone densitometry and clinical outcomes of locking retrograde intramedullary (LRN) nailing, non-locking retrograde intramedullary nailing and anatomical locking plate to surgically treat distal third femoral shaft fractures in young adults. Our hypothesis was that there is no significant statistical difference among the surgical options in terms of results (radiographic, bone densitometry and outcomes assessment). Methods Retrospective study: 90 patients divided into three groups (group 1 LRN, group 2 NLRN, group 3 plating). Average age was respectively 42.67 (± 18.32), 44.27 (± 15.11) and 42.84 (± 18.32) years. Sex ratio F:M was respectively 2.75, 2.33 and 2.00. AO Classification, KOOS, NUSS and RUSH score, VAS, DEXA scans and plain radiographs were used. Evaluation endpoint: 12 months after surgery. Results There were no statistical differences in terms of surgery time, transfusions, and wound healing. Results were similar with regard to average time of bone healing, RUSH scores, VAS, KOOS, regression between RUSH and VAS, average correlation clinical–radiographic results and patients outcomes. Conclusions Our results showed no statistical difference in the use of LNR, NLNR and plating for treatment of distal third femur shaft fractures in terms of radiographic, bone densitometry and clinical outcomes. Good subjective and objective results are provided by all three techniques. The choice among the studied techniques must be based on surgeons’ experience, indications and subjective patients’ aspects. The absence of relevant similar data in the published literature does not allow definitive validation (or rejection) of our hypothesis. A more powered study with a bigger cohort is needed for definitive validation.

Peri-implant fractures proximal to a long retrograde femoral nail – A case series

Low energy peri-trochanteric fractures may happen in the presence of a retrograde nail in the femur. The management of these peri-implant fractures are very rarely reported. This is a series of seven cases from a level one trauma centre in Hong Kong. All fractures arose from low energy falls and were either inter-trochanteric or subtrochanteric. Removal of previous implants to allow cephalo-medullary fixation of the new fracture could be considered, but this is often difficult, time-consuming, and may inflict damage to the articular cartilage. Furthermore, this is not an option if the distal fracture is not yet well healed. Six of the seven fractures presented here were treated operatively with an extra-medullary device fixed to the proximal shaft with cerclage cables. The choice of fixation implants were based on the fracture type and available space above the proximal end of the retrograde nail. All seven fractures healed with no implant failure and major complications. There were no thirty-day and one-year mortality. A treatment algorithm is proposed for the management of these uncommon but difficult cases.

Lower Limb Salvage Using Patent-Specific 3D-Printed Titanium Cage Following Severe Left Ankle Traumatic Partial Amputation: A Pediatric Case Report

Background Patients with large bony defects of the ankle who wish to avoid amputation have limited surgical intervention options for limb salvage. Each of these interventions are technically complex and present significant risk for complications. The use of a patient-specific 3D-printed titanium cage in conjunction with a tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis using a retrograde nail is another management option. This case adds to the scarce published literature on this technique. Case presentation This report presents the case of a 16-year-old female who suffered a traumatic partial amputation of her left distal lower extremity following an all-terrain-vehicle accident that resulted in a 10.0 × 10.0 cm skin laceration and a 5-cm subsegmental bony loss of the distal tibia. She was successfully treated using a patient-specific 3D-printed titanium truss cage in conjunction with a TTC arthrodesis using a retrograde nail. Conclusions The decision to amputate or attempt limb salvage in a severely injured lower limb is still a topic of active debate. However, literature has shown that patients who undergo limb salvage surgery have better psychological health outcomes and equivalent functional outcomes as patients who have undergone amputation. Therefore, research on techniques that optimize and advance limb salvage surgery is needed. As the numerous potential benefits and limitations of patient-specific 3D-printed implants are assessed throughout the field of orthopedics, further research and cost-analysis will be required. Cases such as the one presented add to the limited existing literature of patient-specific 3D-printed implant for treatment of large distal lower extremity bony defects. Levels of Evidence Level V (Case Report)

Using antibiotic cement nail with multiple screws fixation as a single-stage salvage procedure for patient with infected tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis: A case report

Tibiotalocalcaneal (TTC) arthrodesis with retrograde nail is a widely used treatment option for severe ankle arthropathy. With inherent biomechanical benefits in axial loading and strong bending stiffness, high union rate and good clinical outcomes have been reported in the literature. However, some undesired complications, such as osteomyelitis or implant failure, can develop after this procedure. Herein, we report the case of an 86-year-old man with right ankle osteomyelitis after TTC arthrodesis with retrograde nail. After removing the previous implants and extensive debridement, we used an antibiotic cement nail with multiple screws fixation as a salvage procedure in the same operation. The patient fully recovered without further surgical treatment.

Intramedullary reaming modality for management of postoperative long bone infection: a prospective randomized controlled trial in 44 patients

Background Studies addressing the management of intramedullary infection are mainly retrospective and with a limited number of cases. Reaming can be performed using either conventional reaming or using the reamer/irrigator/aspirator (RIA) system. Until now there have been no comparative prospective studies between these two methods. We aimed to compare the efficacy of RIA with conventional reaming followed by insertion of antibiotic-loaded cement, for the treatment of intramedullary nail infection of long bones. We assessed the rate of remission between groups after two-year follow-up and identified microorganisms using tissue cultures and sonication of explanted intramedullary nail (IMN). Methods A noninferiority, randomized clinical trial was carried out between August 2013 and August 2015 involving 44 patients of whom a locked IMN implant of the femur and/or tibia was retrieved and who all met the clinical and radiological criteria for IMN-associated osteomyelitis. Patients were randomized into two groups: RIA alone versus conventional reaming followed by antibiotic-loaded cement insertion. Both groups also underwent six-weeks of antibiotic treatment according to the results of the antibiogram. Patients were evaluated after 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months for radiological and clinical follow-up. Results After 24 months, the rate of infection remission was similar between the two groups, 87% in the RIA group and 95.5% in the conventional reaming group (p = 0.60). Among four patients who had recurrence of infection, the time to reappearance of symptoms varied from 20 days to twenty-two months. Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci were isolated in 23 (40.4%) and 13 (22.9%) patients, respectively. Interestingly, we identified 20% (9/45) of polymicrobial infection. Conclusion This study concludes that the RIA system alone, is noninferior to conventional reaming followed by antibiotic cement spacer in the treatment of IMN infection. However, RIA shows greater efficacy in the collection of infected medullary bone tissue, mainly in cases of infected retrograde nail of the femur. Trial registration ISRCTN82233198. Retroactively registered on July 29, 2019.

Femoral lengthening using the Precice intramedullary limb-lengthening system

Aims The Precice intramedullary limb-lengthening system has demonstrated significant benefits over external fixation lengthening methods, leading to a paradigm shift in limb lengthening. This study compares outcomes following antegrade and retrograde femoral lengthening in both adolescent and adult patients. Patients and Methods A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was undertaken of a consecutive series of 107 femoral lengthening operations in 92 patients. In total, 73 antegrade nails and 34 retrograde nails were inserted. Outcome was assessed by the regenerate healing index (HI), hip and knee range of movement (ROM), and the presence of any complications. Results The mean lengthening was 4.65 cm (1.5 to 8) in the antegrade group and 4.64 cm (1.6 to 8) in the retrograde group. Of the 107 lengthenings, 100 had sufficient datapoints to calculate the mean HI. This was 31.6 days/cm (15 to 108). There was a trend toward a lower (better) HI with an antegrade nail and better outcomes in adolescent patients, but these were not statistically significant. Hip and knee ROM was maintained and/or improved following commencement of femoral lengthening in 44 patients (60%) of antegrade nails and 13 patients (38%) of retrograde nails. In female patients, loss of movement occurred both earlier and following less total length achieved. Minor implant complications included locking bolt migration and in one patient deformity of the nail, but no implant failed to lengthen and there were no deep infections. Three patients had delayed union, five patients required surgical intervention for joint contracture. Conclusion This study confirms excellent results in femoral lengthening with antegrade and retrograde Precice nails. There is a trend for better healing and less restriction in hip and knee movement following antegrade nails. There are clinical scenarios, that mandate the use of a retrograde nail. However, when these are not present, we recommend the use of antegrade nailing. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1168–1176

Retrograde intramedullary nail fixation compared with fixed-angle plate fixation for fracture of the distal femur: the TrAFFix feasibility RCT

Background Fractures of the distal femur are an increasingly common injury; the optimal management of these injuries remains controversial. The two interventions used in UK practice are intramedullary fixation, with a locked retrograde nail, and extramedullary fixation, with a fixed angle plate. Objectives This study assessed the feasibility of a definitive trial and included a process evaluation to understand the generalisability and likely success of a future trial. Design A multicentre, parallel, two-arm, randomised controlled feasibility trial with an embedded process evaluation. Treatment with a plate or nail was allocated in a 1 : 1 ratio, stratified by centre and chronic cognitive impairment. Surgeons were not blinded, but participants were not told their allocation. Setting Seven NHS hospitals. Participants Patients aged ≥ 18 years with a fracture of the distal femur who the attending surgeon believed would benefit from internal fixation were potentially eligible. Patients were excluded if they had a loose arthroplasty requiring revision or a femoral deformity or arthroplasty that precluded nail fixation. The sample was recruited between 29 September 2016 and 31 August 2017. Consent was obtained from the patient or appropriate consultee before enrolment. Interventions Patients were randomised to receive fixation of their distal femur fracture with either a proximally and distally locked retrograde nail that spanned the diaphysis of the femur or an anatomical distal femoral locking plate with at least one locked screw distal to the fracture. Reduction and supplemental fixation were at the surgeon’s discretion. Outcomes The primary outcome measures for this study were the recruitment rate and the completion rate of the EuroQol-5 Dimensions, five-level version (EQ-5D-5L), at 6 weeks and 4 months. Additional measurements included baseline characteristics, measures of social support and self-efficacy, disability rating index, dementia quality-of-life measures and a radiographical assessment of any malunion. Participants’ and staff views were obtained, at interview, for the process evaluation. Results The process evaluation showed that surgeon-related factors, principally confidence with both technologies and a lack of individual equipoise, were key barriers to recruitment. A total of 23 participants were randomised and analysed (nail, n = 11; plate, n = 12). The recruitment rate was estimated as 0.42 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27 to 0.62] participants per centre per month, lower than the prespecified feasibility threshold of 1.0 participants per centre per month. Data completeness of the EQ-5D-5L was estimated at 65% (95% CI 43% to 83%). Conclusions This feasibility study has challenged many of the assumptions that underpinned the development of proposed definitive trial protocol. A modified protocol is proposed that would be feasible given the recruitment rate observed here, which is equal to that reported in the similar FixDT trial [Health Technology Assessment (HTA) 11/136/04: Costa ML, Achten J, Hennings S, Boota N, Griffin J, Petrou S, et al. Intramedullary nail fixation versus locking plate fixation for adults with a fracture of the distal tibia: the UK FixDT RCT. Health Technol Assess 2018;22(25)], which delivered to target and budget. Future work A definitive trial with a modified design is recommended, including an internal pilot to confirm initial recruitment rate assumptions. Registration Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN92089567. Funding This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 23, No. 51. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information. Funding was also supported by the NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre.