Intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures in the semi-extended position using a suprapatellar portal technique

Clinical efficacy and complications of blocking screw in the treatment of lower limb long bone fracture: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Blocking screw technique has been widely applied in the treatment of long shaft fractures. However, the evidence with regard to whether intramedullary nail combined with blocking screw technique has better clinical efficacy over other is not clear. The aim of the study was to explore the clinical efficacy and complications of intramedullary nail combined with blocking screw technique in the treatment of femoral or tibial shaft fractures.

METHODS

The PuMed, Embase, OVID, Cochrane library, Web of Science, Wanfang, CNKI and Weipu data were searched for studies of intramedullary nail combined with blocking screw in treatment of femoral or tibial shaft fracture published up to Aug 31 2023. Methodological quality of the trials was assessed, relevant data were extracted, and RevMan 5.3 and Stata 15.0 software were used to perform the meta-analysis of parameters related to the consequences.

RESULT

Twenty articles were included, including 1267 patients. Meta-analysis results showed that compared with the non-blocking screw group, the blocking screw group had longer operation time (WMD = 13.24; 95% CI = 5.68-20.79, P = .0006) and more intraoperative fluoroscopy times (WMD = 57.62; 95% CI = 25.82-89.42, P = .0002). However, the postoperative therapeutic response rate was higher (OR = 5.60; 95% CI = 2.10-14.93, P = .0006), postoperative ankle joint function was better (OR = 3.48; 95% CI = 1.20-10.13, P = .02), and fracture healing rate was higher (OR = 3.56; 95% CI = 1.43-8.89, P = .006), fracture healing time was shorter (WMD = -3.59; 95% CI = -4.96 to -2.22, P < .00001), intraoperative blood loss was less (WMD = -54.80; 95% CI = -88.77 to -20.83, P = .002), hospitalization time was shorter (WMD = -1.66; 95% CI = -2.08 to -1.24, P < .00001), and complications were less (OR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.16-0.89, P = .01). There was no statistical significance in the range of motion of knee joint between the 2 groups (WMD = 10.04; 95% CI = -1.51 to 21.59, P = .09).

CONCLUSIONS

Current evidence shows that intramedullary nail combined with blocking screw technique in the treatment of lower limb long bone fracture has the advantages of good clinical efficacy, high fracture healing rate, short fracture healing time, good joint function, less complications and so on, which is worthy of clinical recommendation.

Outcome Following Intramedullary Nailing of Tibial Diaphyseal Fractures: Suprapatellar Nail Insertion Results in Superior Radiographic Parameters But No Difference in Mid-Term Function

BACKGROUND

The primary aim of this study was to compare the radiographic parameters (nail insertion-point accuracy [NIPA] and fracture malalignment) of patients who had undergone tibial intramedullary nailing via the suprapatellar (SP) and infrapatellar (IP) approaches. The secondary aims were to compare clinical outcomes and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) between these approaches.

METHODS

All adult patients with an acute tibial diaphyseal fracture who underwent intramedullary nailing at a single level-I trauma center over a 4-year period (2017 to 2020) were retrospectively identified. The nailing approach (SP or IP) was at the treating surgeon's discretion. Intraoperative and immediate postoperative radiographs were reviewed to assess NIPA (mean distance from the optimal insertion point) and malalignment (≥5°). Medical records and radiographs were reviewed to evaluate the rates of malunion, nonunion, and other postoperative complications. The Oxford and Lysholm Knee Scores (OKS and LKS) and patient satisfaction (0 = completely dissatisfied, 100 = completely satisfied) were obtained via a postal survey at a minimum of 1 year postoperatively.

RESULTS

The cohort consisted of 219 consecutive patients (mean age, 48 years [range, 16 to 90 years], 51% [112] male). There were 61 patients (27.9%) in the SP group and 158 (72.1%) in the IP group. The groups did not differ in baseline demographic or injury-related variables. SP nailing was associated with superior coronal NIPA (p < 0.001; 95% confidence interval [CI] for IP versus SP, 1.17 to 3.60 mm) and sagittal NIPA (p < 0.001; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.97 mm) and with a reduced rate of malalignment (3% [2 of 61] versus 11% [18 of 158] for IP; p = 0.030). PROs were available for 118 of 211 patients (56%; 32 of 58 in the SP group and 86 of 153 in the IP group) at a mean of 3 years (range, 1.2 to 6.5 years). There was no difference between the SP and IP groups in mean OKS (36.5 versus 39.6; p = 0.246), LKS (71.2 versus 73.5; p = 0.696), or satisfaction scores (81.4 versus 79.9; p = 0.725).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with IP nailing, SP nailing of tibial shaft fractures was associated with superior NIPA and a reduced rate of intraoperative malalignment but not of malunion at healing. However, the superior NIPA may not be clinically important. Furthermore, there were no differences in PROs at mid-term follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Semi-extended extra-synovial (SEES) tibial intramedullary nailing technique: Up to 10 year retrospective analysis of outcomes and anterior knee pain rates

Background

Tibial intramedullary nailing is a common method of fixation for fractures of the tibia, with several approaches described. Anterior knee pain is a common complication following nailing, but the reported incidence of knee pain varies in the literature between 10 % and 86 %. There is considerable variation in incidence between nailing techniques, with an exact aetiology still unknown. We investigated the reported incidence of anterior knee pain in patients undergoing tibial nailing using the semi-extended extra synovial (SEES) technique at a Major Trauma Centre (MTC) in the UK.

Methods

A retrospective review of tibial fractures treated with the SEES technique between December 2012 to February 2021. Data collected included patient demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture characteristics, length of stay, union rates and re-operation rates. Primary outcomes were anterior knee pain rates and patient reported outcome measures (PROM), the Kujala Score. Secondary outcomes were rates of union and complications.

Results

55 fractures were identified in 53 patients. Male: Female ratio was 32:21. The average age was 45.5 years. 96 % were unilateral fractures; with 53 % being right-sided. 21(38 %) fractures were open. Prior to definitive nailing 21 fractures had temporary stabilisation with an external fixator (Ex-Fix) ± wound debridement whilst the rest received plaster backslab immobilisation. 13 of the open fractures required soft tissue cover. 75 % of patients had initial surgery (SEES Nailing/Ex-Fix) within 4 days. There was a 91 % union rate with a median time to full radiographic union of 14 months. One post-operative complication of wound dehiscence was recorded. The mean follow-up time was 13.6 months. 15 % of patients reported anterior knee pain in the postoperative follow-up period. The average Kujala PROM score was 85 (Range: 52-100).

Conclusion/findings

The SEES technique had favourable PROM scores and displayed a lower incidence of anterior knee pain than the traditional infrapatellar approach. Knee pain rates were comparable to suprapatellar approaches without violating the knee joint.

Disclosures

None.

Nail insertion points in semi-extended nailing of tibial fractures and their influence on alignment: A retrospective cohort study comparing two nail insertion techniques

INTRODUCTION

Semi-extended tibial nailing techniques include the extra-articular technique (EAT) and the patellar eversion technique (PET). These approaches differ regarding the exposure of the patellar retinaculum and the size of the surgical field. This study compared the postoperative alignment and intramedullary nailing entry points between the EAT and PET for tibial fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 54 patients (aged ≥18 years) who had undergone intramedullary nailing by the EAT (n = 29) or PET (n = 25) for a tibial shaft fracture were evaluated. The intramedullary nailing entry point and postoperative alignment were measured, and the 1-year postoperative follow-up results were compared.

RESULTS

For the EAT and PET, the intramedullary nailing entry point was located at a mean distance of 4.04 mm medial to the optimal entry point and 0.27 mm lateral to the optimal entry point, respectively. The mean angular deformation observed in anteroposterior radiographs following surgery using the EAT and PET were 2.49° and 0.32° valgus, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The intramedullary nailing entry point affected postoperative alignment. Intramedullary nailing may result in malalignment while performing the EAT due to the interference of the patella at the time of nailing.

Cartilaginous defect of the lateral trochlea following suprapatellar nailing of an open tibial shaft fracture: a case report

A 34-year-old female sustained a 1.8 cm full-thickness chondral defect of the right lateral trochlear surface as the result of intramedullary tibial nailing via a suprapatellar portal to treat a displaced right sided open comminuted spiral fracture of the distal tibial shaft. An osteochondral allograft was used to treat the chondral defect. Iatrogenic injury to intraarticular structures is a potential complication when inserting a tibial nail via a suprapatellar portal. Using proper technique with cannula systems and guide pins is essential to lowering the risk of damage to intraarticular structures.

Suprapatellar versus infrapatellar approach for intramedullary nail fixation of tibial shaft fractures: a review of the literature

Semi-extended suprapatellar intramedullary nail fixation of tibial fractures has recently been gaining popularity. Several recent studies and meta-analyses compare the outcomes of the suprapatellar approach with the traditional infrapatellar approach. Despite concerns with intra-articular placement of instruments, studies show the suprapatellar approach to be a safe alternative. Several articles conclude that the suprapatellar approach may be superior to the infrapatellar approach. This review discusses recent findings comparing suprapatellar and infrapatellar approaches for nail insertion.

Comparison of Infrapatellar and Suprapatellar Approaches for Intramedullary Nail Fixation of Tibia Fractures

OBJECTIVE

To assess clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes after intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of tibia fractures with an infrapatellar approach compared to a suprapatellar approach.

DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Level 1 trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred four patients with 208 tibia fractures treated with intramedullary nailing between 2008 and 2018.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of tibia fractures was conducted. The clinical and functional outcomes of tibia fractures treated with IMN were compared between groups treated with an infrapatellar approach versus a suprapatellar approach. Multivariate models were created to control for confounding demographic, comorbidity, and injury-related confounders.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Outcome measures included nonunion, malunion, and infection. Subjective functional patient outcomes were assessed using pain interference and physical function Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements Systems scores.

RESULTS

There were 101 patients treated with infrapatellar nailing (49%) and 107 patients treated with suprapatellar nailing (51%). On multivariate analysis, suprapatellar nailing was independently associated with decreased risk of malunion (adjusted odds ratio, 0.165; 95% confidence interval, 0.054-0.501; P = 0.001) and decreased risk of postoperative knee pain (adjusted odds ratio, 0.272; 95% confidence interval, 0.083-0.891; P = 0.032). There was no difference in the rate of nonunion (P = 0.44), infection (P = 0.45), or Patient-Reported Outcome Measurements Systems pain interference or physical function scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Suprapatellar IMN fixation of tibial shaft fractures is independently associated with lower risk of malunion and postoperative knee pain compared to the infrapatellar approach. However, there are no functional differences between approaches.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Lateral position: a friendly surgical position for intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures via infrapatellar approach

BACKGROUND

The conventional infrapatellar approach to intramedullary nailing of tibial fractures adopts the supine high-flexion knee position. However, this has disadvantages including difficulty in obtaining the proximal tibial anteroposterior view during intraoperative fluoroscopy, prolonged duration of fluoroscopy. Accordingly, the present study investigated the utility of the lateral position in the infrapatellar approach to intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures.

METHODS

The present study was a retrospective analysis of 112 patients who sustained closed tibial shaft fractures and treated with intramedullary nailing via the infrapatellar approach. Patients were divided into two groups according to surgical position: lateral or supine. The demographic and clinical data were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 54 patients in the lateral and 58 in the supine position groups. The duration of surgery and fluoroscopy was shorter in the lateral group than the supine group (p < 0.05). Blood loss during surgery was lower in the lateral compared with supine position group (p < 0.05). The malunion rate was lower in the lateral position group as compared with the supine position group (p < 0.05); moreover, fewer surgical assistants were needed than in the supine group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in fracture healing time, other complications between the two groups (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The lateral position was a more convenient choice for intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures via infrapatellar approach.

[Treatment of tibial shaft fracture with intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach]

Objective

To investigate the effectiveness of intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach for tibial shaft fracture.

Methods

Between July 2018 and September 2019, 22 patients with tibial shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach. There were 15 males and 7 females, with an average age of 46.4 years (range, 25-68 years). The fractures were caused by falling in 7 cases, by traffic accident in 14 cases, and by a heavy object in 1 case. Sixteen patients were closed fractures and 6 were open fractures. According to the AO classification, there were 4 cases of 42-A1 type, 2 cases of 42-A2 type, 3 cases of 42-A3 type, 3 cases of 42-B2 type, 4 cases of 42-B3 type, 2 cases of 42-C1 type, 3 cases of 42-C2 type, and 1 case of 42-C3 type. Twenty cases complicated with fibular fractures. The time from injury to operation was 2-15 days (mean, 7.5 days). The fracture healing time, complications, the incidence of anterior knee pain during the follow-up were observed; and knee joint functions were evaluated by Lysholm score at last follow-up.

Results

The operation time was 50-140 minutes (mean, 85 minutes). Two cases experienced incision exudation which healed after symptomatic treatment. The incisions of other patients healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-23 months (mean, 14.9 months). X-ray films reexamination showed that all fractures healed with the healing time of 12-20 weeks (mean, 14.4 weeks). Four patients (18.18%) experienced the anterior knee pain. No patellofemoral instability was observed during the follow-up period. Lysholm score of knee function was 85-100 (mean, 94.3) at last follow-up.

Conclusion

Application of the intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach is effective for tibial shaft fractures, which can not only realize the effective fixation of the fracture, but also avoid the adverse factors including re-displacement and anterior knee pain in the application of the intramedullary nailing fixation via the sub-patellar approach.

Radiographic Evaluation of the Tibial Intramedullary Nail Entry Point

INTRODUCTION

Tibia fractures are common injuries that can often be effectively treated with intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation. The ideal starting point for IMN reaming and nail placement is well described and regarded as a crucial aspect in the technique. The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy and precision with which the starting point is established and if this is maintained after nail insertion during fracture fixation.

METHODS

Fifty consecutive tibia fractures treated by IMN fixation sized 9 to 13 mm through an infrapatellar or medial parapatellar approach and 50 treated with a suprapatellar approach were evaluated. The starting point for reaming and IMN placement was measured using intraoperative fluoroscopy. Postoperative radiographs were used to determine the center of the IMN after placement. The distance between the measured points and the ideal starting point was measured.

RESULTS

Deviation from the ideal entry point on intraoperative fluoroscopy averaged 4.6 ± 4.0 mm medially, 2.9 ± 3.7 mm anteriorly, and 2.7 ± 3.3 mm distally. In 30% of cases, the final IMN position varied from the entry point by greater than one SD in the coronal or sagittal plane. No difference between approaches was appreciated.

DISCUSSION

Although the ideal starting point for tibial IMN fixation is known, this is frequently not the starting point accepted in practice. Final position of the IMN is independent of IMN size or approach and is not markedly different than the obtained starting point.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic level III.

[Current treatment strategies for lower leg fractures in adults]

Shaft fractures of the tibia and fibula mainly affect younger patients and are therefore of great socioeconomic importance. Due to the high proportion of high-energy direct trauma mechanisms and the thin soft tissue covering layer of the ventromedian tibia, open factures occur in up to 39%. A structured diagnostic and therapeutic approach is essential for successful treatment. Reamed intramedullary nailing is currently the gold standard surgical procedure. The suprapatellar approach, representing an interesting alternative to the popular infrapatellar approach, postoperative complications, such as anterior knee pain as well as the management of non-unions are discussed in this article. Furthermore, the indications and the application of minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and external fixators are described. Every trauma surgeon should be familiar with the etiology and the surgical treatment of compartment syndrome. A firm knowledge of the classifications of open and closed soft tissue injury is mandatory.

Implications of three-dimensional modeling of tibia for intramedullary nail fixation: A virtual study on Asian cadaver tibia

INTRODUCTION

To determine the optimal entry point (EP) of intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation and introduce a consistent landmark for practical application by analyzing three-dimensional (3D) modeling and virtual implantation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 104 cadaveric femurs (50 males and 54 females) underwent continuous 1.0 mm slice computed tomography (CT) scans. CT images were imported into Mimics® software to reconstruct 3D model of tibiofibular bone with medullary canal. Expert Tibial Nail (ETN®, Ø12mm/Length 315 mm) was processed into a 3D model at the actual size and optimally implanted in the tibia. After IMN was aligned in a neutral position, it was defined as a true AP projection. In the true AP projection, optimal EP and relationship with adjacent structures were assessed based on the degree of tibial rotation.

RESULTS

EP was placed eccentrically around the lateral tibial spine in cephalad view and in true AP projection in all models. In true AP projection, the overlapping point between fibular tip and cortical margin of lateral condyle was placed lateral to the fibular tip in 62 models, and exactly matched with fibular tip in 42 models. As tibia rotates, the position of EP in the AP view changes. When tibia was externally rotated, EP was located to the lateral, not the medial side of the lateraltibialspine. The obliquity of guide wire also changed withtibialrotation; the obliquity of guide wire aligned in a straight in true AP projection.

CONCLUSION

Optimal determination of EP and guide wire direction should be performed by considering the overlapping point that should be placed to just or lateral side of fibular tip in AP projection. Compared with fibular bisector line, the overlapping point is also useful as a practical landmark for making true AP projection and determining optimal EP.

Application of the Chinese Aircraft-shaped Sleeve system in the treatment of tibial shaft fractures using a suprapatellar approach for tibial intramedullary nailing: a randomised controlled trial

Background

The use of the suprapatellar approach for intramedullary nailing has recently become popular for the treatment of tibial fractures. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of using the Chinese Aircraft-shaped Sleeve (CASS) system on the clinical outcomes of tibial intermedullary nailing using a suprapatellar approach for the treatment of tibial fractures in a cohort of adult Chinese patients.

Methods

Magnetic resonance images (MRI) of the knee joints of 212 healthy adults with normal lower limb function from May 2011 to May 2015 were obtained from a level I Chinese regional trauma centre. Sixty inpatients at the same trauma centre who underwent treatment for tibial shaft fractures from June 2015 to June 2018 were enrolled. Tibial intramedullary nailing fixation of tibial shaft fractures via the suprapatellar approach was performed with either a CASS system or a conventional sleeve. The measurements of patellofemoral joint anatomy, the surgical time, the assessments of the patellofemoral joint cartilage conditions, and information of residual debris based on arthroscopic analysis were subsequently collected.

Results

The mean patellar angle (PA), sulcus angle (SA), sulcus width (SW) and sulcus depth (SD) were 135.40 ± 6.20°, 142.37 ± 5.33°, 33.37 ± 2.73 mm, and 4.29 ± 0.63 mm, respectively. The surgical time until entry reaming commencement and the irrigation time were significantly lower in the CASS group (P < 0.001). The difference in cartilage damage rate between groups was statistically significant (P = 0.031); the difference in residual debris conditions was not statistically significant (P = 0.1967).

Conclusion

The use of the CASS system could improve clinical outcomes of intramedullary nailing via suprapatellar approach for patients with a small patellofemoral joint space.

Intramedullary nailing of tibial shaft fractures in the semi-extended position using a suprapatellar approach: A retrospective case series

Tibial shaft fractures are extremely common injuries. High rate of union, acceptable alignment in all planes, and a low complication rate have been reported when diaphyseal fractures are treated by intramedullary nailing. However, knee pain after tibial nailing has historically been problematic. While the exact aetiology of the knee pain is still unknown, surgical approach relative to the patellar tendon, nerve transection, violation of the fat pad or joint capsule as well as nail diameter and implant prominence have been claimed as possible causes. Therefore, establishing an appropriate starting point remains a crucial step in the surgical procedure. Recently, suprapatellar nailing in the semi-extended position has been suggested as a safe and effective surgical technique. Literature is lacking on this topic, therefore the present article discusses clinical outcomes of 25 patients treated by suprapatellar nailing at 2 years follow up and a literature review.

Comparison of three different approaches for anterior knee pain after tibia intramedullary nailing

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to compare anterior knee pain and functional outcomes in patients who underwent intramedullary tibial nailing using transpatellar, medial parapatellar or suprapatellar nail entry methods.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent tibial fracture repair in our clinic between January 2010 and March 2017. After applying the exclusion criteria, 58 patients were included in the study. Patients were divided into 3 groups based on the nailing approach: medial parapatellar, transpatellar or suprapatellar. Age, body mass index, follow-up duration, Kujala Score, Lysholm Knee Score, anterior knee pain, length of hospitalization and surgical duration were assessed.

RESULTS

Of the 58 patients studied, 21 underwent a transpatellar (TP) approach, 16 a medial parapatellar (MP) approach, and 21 a suprapatellar (SP) approach. The mean Kujala Score of patients who had the TP approach was 80 ± 7.15 (72-93) and the average Lysholm Knee Score was 80.23 ± 8.74 (70-95). There was no statistically significant difference between Kujala Scores (p = 0.38) or Lysholm Knee Scores (p 0.06) among the groups; similarly, no statistically significant difference was found among the three groups in terms of anterior knee pain, length of hospitalization or surgical duration (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The suprapatellar tibia nailing method is as safe and reliable as transpatellar and medial parapatellar methods in terms of effect on postoperative anterior knee pain and functional outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level 3 case-control study.

Suprapatellar versus infrapatellar approach for tibia intramedullary nailing: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis was performed to determine the efficacy of suprapatellar versus infrapatellar approach for tibia intramedullary nailing (IMN).

METHODS

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, CNKI and Wanfang. Cochrane collaboration's tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale were used to evaluate literature qualities. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

Eight studies were eligible, including two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six retrospective cohort trials. There were no significant differences between suprapatellar and infrapatellar approaches in operation time, coronal plane alignment, and incidence of postoperative deep infection, nonunion and secondary operation. However, suprapatellar nailing achieved a significant shorter fluoroscopy time, less VAS pain score, better sagittal plane alignment and lower incidence of angular malalignment. Though pooled results indicated no significant difference in terms of final follow-up knee functional score, the RCT subgroup analysis showed that a higher knee functional score existed in suprapatellar group.

CONCLUSIONS

For tibia IMN, suprapatellar approach might be superior to infrapatellar approach with shorter fluoroscopy time, less knee pain, better knee function recovery, and more accurate fracture reduction. Meanwhile, no increased risk of postoperative complications was identified. More RCTs are required for further research.