Bioresorbable implants vs. Kirschner-wires in the treatment of severely displaced distal paediatric radius and forearm fractures – a retrospective multicentre study

BackgroundDistal radius fractures are very common in paediatric patients. Severely displaced fractures may require surgical intervention. The gold standard surgical method is percutaneous K-wire osteosynthesis followed by immobilisation. Metal implants can be removed with a second intervention; however, these extra procedures can cause further complications. Several studies confirm the benefits of bioabsorbable implants for paediatric patients. The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the complication rates of displaced distal metaphyseal radius and forearm fractures in children operated on with K-wires versus a novel technique with bioresorbable implants.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 94 patients in three paediatric trauma centres who underwent operations due to severely displaced distal forearm or metaphyseal radial fractures between January 2019 and January 2020. The mean age was 8.23 (ranging from 5-12). 30 patients (bioresorbable group, BR-group) were treated with biodegradable PLGA implants (Bioretec®, ActivaPin®), 40 patients with one or two stainless steel Kirschner-wires (K-wires, Sanatmetal®) which were buried under the skin (KW I-group) and 30 children with K-wires left outside the skin. (KWII. Group). We examined the number of minor and major complications as well as the need for repeated interventions. Follow-up was at least one year.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the complication rates at the two KW groups (p = 0.241; Cramer’s V = 0.211), while the complication rate of the BR group was significantly lower. (p = 0.049; Cramer’s V = 0.293 and p = 0.002; Cramer’s V = 0.418 respectively). No later than half a year after the injury, no difference was observed between the functional outcomes of the patients in each group. One and a half years after the injury, no signs of growth disturbance were found in any of the children. No second surgical intervention was required in the BR group.ConclusionsSurgeries with bioresorbable intramedullary implants may have fewer complications than K- wire osteosynthesis in the treatment of severely displaced distal forearm fractures. The benefits are most pronounced in the first six weeks after surgery, reducing the number of outpatient visits and increasing the child's sense of comfort. As no second intervention is required, this can lead to significant cost savings. After half a year, there is no difference in the outcomes between the different surgical treatment strategies.

3-Dimensional Plates Versus Conventional Mini plates in Maxillofacial Trauma- A Review

Maxillofacial trauma is any physical injury to the facial bones. Facial bones are frequently fractured bones in RTA, Assault, Domestic violence etc. Facial trauma includes Maxillary fractures, Mandibular fractures, Orbital Fractures, Nasal Bone Fractures, soft tissue injury such as lacerations, bruises etc. Over the years, there are many refinements in the management of maxillofacial trauma. The incidence of maxillofacial trauma is more in males because they are involved in more physical activities and assault compared to women. In Older times for facial bone fractures, surgeons performed maxillomandibular fixation using wire osteosynthesis for minimum three weeks to 6 weeks, and mouth opening was difficult, poor oral hygiene leading to periodontal problems, difficulty in speech and masticatory functions. The management of maxillofacial trauma includes the use of Maxillomandibular fixation using wire osteosynthesis, conventional mini plates and 3-D plates. For the management of facial bone fractures, Maxillofacial surgeons perform open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF) whenever needed. In the case of ORIF, Surgeons use mini plates either 3D or Conventional Plates for stabilising the fractured segments. This technique requires skill and experience and is also expensive. The advantages of this method are improved quality of life. The objective of this review is to compare 3-Dimensional plates and Conventional Plates in Maxillofacial trauma.

Complications of the use of trans-osseous wire osteosynthesis in the management of compound, unfavorable and non-comminuted mandibular angle fractures

Objective: To analyze cases of compound, unfavorable and non-comminuted mandibular angle fractures treated by trans-osseous wiring, presenting postoperative complications, in a low resource center.Materials and methods: This was a 13-year retrospective study of 1,324 fractures in 1,317 subjects. The predictor variables were age, gender, aetiology, time lag between injury and treatment, and concomitant mandibular and midfacial fractures. The outcome variable was the development of complication(s) after treatment. Descriptive and bivariate statistics were computed with EPI INFO 7 version software, and the P value was set at 0.05.Results: The sample size was composed of 63/1317 (4.8%) of patients with complications. There were 48 males and 15 females with male: female ratio of 3.2:1. The age of the patients ranged from 21 to 62 years (mean 37.4± 5.6 years). The test of significance showed statistically significant association between complications of mandibular angle fractures and increasing age (P<0.002), male gender (P<0.001), road traffic accident (P<0.001), longer time lag between injury and treatment of fractures (P<0.000), and concomitant mandibular fractures (P<0.000). Deranged occlusion (n=19, 28.8%) and limited mouth opening <35mm (n=16, 24.2%) were the common complications. The complications were successfully treated during follow-up.Conclusion: The use of trans-osseous wire osteosynthesis gave good results, and can still be useful in centres that are less well equipped and where access to rigid internal fixation with mini plates is either limited or unavailable. Funding: Self-fundedKeywords: Mandible, angle, fracture, trans-osseous wiring, complications

Fractures of the Zygomaticomaxillary Complex and Their Treatment: A Case Report

SummaryFractures of the zygomaticomaxillary complex are the second most common of all facial fractures. Several fixation methods have been used over the years, including wire osteosynthesis, lag screw fixation, transfacial Kirschner wire fixation, titanium plate and screw fixation, and more recently, resorbable plating system. Internal fixation with titanium plates and screw provides the most rigid fixation and thus greater immobility of the fracture segments. The degree of immobilization created with titanium plates and screws also allows fixation at fewer anatomic points.