Treatment of unstable distal radial fractures by intrafocal, intramedullary K-wires

A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Various Treatment Options for Distal Radius Fractures

Purpose

To conduct a cost-effectiveness study of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for distal radius fractures using distinct posttreatment outcome patterns.

Methods

We created a decision tree to model the following treatment modalities for distal radius fractures: nonsurgical management, external fixation, percutaneous pinning, and plate fixation. Each node of the model was associated with specific costs in dollars, a utility adjustment (quality-adjusted life year [QALY]), and a percent likelihood. The nodes of the decision tree included uneventful healing, eventful healing and no further intervention, carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, and tendon rupture as well as associated treatments for each event. The percent probabilities of each transition state, QALY values, and costs of intervention were gleaned from a systematic review. Rollback and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio analyses were conducted to identify optimal treatment strategies. Threshold values of $50,000/QALY and $100,000/QALY were used to distinguish the modalities in the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio analysis.

Results

Both the rollback analysis and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio analysis revealed nonsurgical management as the predominant strategy when compared with the other operative modalities. Nonsurgical management dominated external fixation and plate fixation, although it was comparable with percutaneous fixation, yielding a $2,242 lesser cost and 0.017 lesser effectiveness.

Conclusions

The cost effectiveness of nonsurgical management is driven by its decreased cost to the health care system. Plate and external fixation have been shown to be both more expensive and less effective than other proposed treatments. Percutaneous pinning has demonstrated more favorable effectiveness in the literature than plate and external fixation and, thus, may be more cost effective in certain circumstances. Future studies may find value in investigating further clinical aspects of distal radius fractures and their association with nonsurgical management versus that with plate fixation.

Type of study/level of evidence

Economic/decision analysis II.

Hollow Notched K-Wires for Bone Drilling With Through-Tool Cooling

Kirschner wire (K-wire) is a common tool in clinical orthopedic surgery for bone fracture fixation. A significant amount of heat is generated in bone drilling using K-wires, causing bone thermal necrosis and osteonecrosis. To minimize the temperature rise, a hollow notched K-wire in a modified surgical hand drill with through-tool cooling was developed to study the bone temperature, debris evacuation, and material removal rate. The hollow notched K-wire was fabricated by grinding and micro-milling on a stainless steel tube. Bone drilling tests were conducted to evaluate its performance against the solid K-wires. Results showed that compared with solid K-wires, hollow notched K-wire drilling without cooling reduced the peak bone temperature rise, thrust force, and torque by 42%, 59%, and 62% correspondingly. The through-tool compressed air reduced the peak bone temperature rise by 48% with the forced air convection and better debris evacuation. The through-tool water cooling decreased the bone temperature by only 26% due to accumulation and blockage of bone debris in the groove and channel. This study demonstrated the benefit of using the hollow notched K-wire with through-tool compressed air to prevent the bone thermal necrosis. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 37:2297-2306, 2019.

A Comparative Study between Closed Reduction and Cast Application Versus Percutaneous K- Wire Fixation for Extra-Articular Fracture Distal end of Radius

INTRODUCTION

In extra-articular distal radius fractures closed reduction and casting has been the mainstay of treatment, difficulty lies in predicting and maintaining the proper reduction at final union. Percutaneous K-wire stabilization is also a widely accepted treatment option, but there is no consensus on its outcome in comparison to closed reduction and casting.

AIM

To evaluate the results of closed reduction and casting versus closed reduction with percutaneous K wire fixation and casting in the treatment of the distal radius extra-articular fracture with reference to the restoration of radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt of the distal articular surface and to assess the functional outcome of the same measured by the Gartland and Werley demerit scoring system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective study was conducted on 60 patients attending the Department of Orthopaedics, from December 2013 to May 2015 with extra-articular fractures (AO type 23-A2 and 23-A3) of distal radius and fulfilling all the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cases were randomly divided into two equal groups of 30 patients, the first group treated by closed reduction and below elbow cast application, while the second group were treated by closed reduction percutaneous K-wire application and below elbow cast application. The radiological outcome of both groups were evaluated by measuring the Volar inclination, Radial inclination and Radial height, while the functional outcome was evaluated by the demerit scoring system of Gartland and Werley.

RESULTS

The Cast application group had 13 excellent, 9 good, 7 fair and 1 poor result the mean outcome score of the group was 5.2. The K wiring group had 11 excellent, 13 good, 5 fair and 1 poor result, the mean score of the group was 5.17. The unpaired student's t-test on the values obtained from both groups yielded a p-value of 0.9816. The mean radial height in the Cast application group was 8.033mm while the mean in the k wiring group was 11.783mm. The mean volar tilt was 4.867 degrees and 7.5 degrees respectively. The mean radial inclination was 14.23 degrees and 19.1respectively. Unpaired student's t-test on the values revealed a p-value of 0.0001 for all three.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that closed reduction with percutaneous K-wire fixation under C-arm for treatment of extra articular fractures of distal radius gives statistically significantly better radiological outcome than treatment with closed reduction and casting alone, but there is no statistically significant difference in functional outcome.

Improvements in Pinning Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

Despite the increasingly widespread use of the volar plate, the pinning of the distal radius keeps its place as a basic technique in the treatment of extra-articular and intra-articular fractures with dorsal displacement and little comminution. To date, there are 2 types of pinning recognized as stable and reliable: the "cross-pinning" with 2 styloid pins and a dorso-ulnar one and the multiple mixed pinning, which is an improved version of the classical technique of Kapandji. This article offers a modified technique of mixed multiple pinning: the pinning type Fort-de-France, which offers a more stable reduction. However, our technique would have to be confirmed by clinical and biomechanical studies.

Treatment of Gartland type III pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures with the Kapandji technique in the prone position

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to report the efficacy of the Kapandji technique performed in the prone position for humeral supracondylar fractures in children.

DESIGN

Retrospective.

SETTING

Level I trauma center.

PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS

We retrospectively reviewed 34 children with Gartland type III supracondylar humerus fractures. There were 22 boys and 12 girls with a mean age of 5.2 years (range, 1-12.7 years).

INTERVENTION

Closed reduction and the Kapandji technique were performed in the prone position for all patients. The mean follow-up was 17.4 months (range, 13.2-24.8 months).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

We assessed preoperative and postoperative radiographs to evaluate the quality of the reduction. The clinical outcome was assessed according to the criteria of Flynn.

RESULTS

All operations were performed in a closed manner, no cases required open reduction. Loss of reduction after K-wire fixation was identified in 2 patients. There were no pin-related nerve injuries. The mean range of elbow motion was 139.6 degrees. The clinical outcome was excellent in 31 patients, good in 2 patients (97% excellent or good), and fair in 1 patient.

CONCLUSIONS

This technique is an effective and safe option to treat type III supracondylar humerus fractures in children. In patients with severe soft tissue swelling, unstable fracture reduction, or unable to achieve acceptable reduction, this technique could facilitate fracture reduction and avoid unnecessary open reduction. The disadvantage of this technique is that the prone position is less desirable for airway management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

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

Treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures by the volar intrafocal Kapandji method: a case series

At present, the most common treatment for intra-articular fractures with a volar fragment is open reduction and internal fixation with a volar locking plate. This manuscript describes and evaluates the safety and efficacy of a modified Kapandji technique with insertion of a volar Kirschner wire for osteosynthesis of intra-articular distal radius fractures with a volar fragment. Four patients treated with the "volar Kapandji technique" completed follow-up of at least 12 (12 to 54) months. The mean age was 43 (23 to 53) years. The mean Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was 21.7 (0 to 41) and the mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score was 12.9 (0 to 25.8). The mean loss of flexion was 13.7 (0 to 30) degrees, the mean loss of extension was 10 (0 to 30) degrees, the mean loss of supination was 0 degrees, and the mean loss of pronation was 10 (0 to 20) degrees. There was no loss in dorsal angulation, radial inclination, or radial length compared with the other hand. No early or late complications were recorded.

Intrafocal pinning for distal radius metaphyseal fractures in children

The purpose of this retrospective case control study was to evaluate the results of intrafocal pinning for distal radius metaphyseal fractures in children and to compare these results with conventional pinning. Data were collected from medical records and radiographs from patients who underwent closed reduction and percutaneous pinning for distal radius fracture in a Level I trauma center at the authors' institution between 2008 and 2010. Inclusion criteria included a dorsally angulated metaphyseal fracture without physeal involvement, an open distal radius physis, and a follow-up to radiographic union. A total of 10 patients with intrafocal pinning were compared to 26 patients with conventional pinning. Preoperatively, angulation was greater in patients who received intrafocal pinning than conventional pinning based on anteroposterior radiographs. Postoperatively, the 2 groups did not differ in angulation on either anteroposterior or lateral radiographs. One malunion and 2 pin-related complications occurred in the conventional pinning group, and 1 pin-related complication occurred in the intrafocal pinning group. The 2 groups did not differ by age, sex, side of injury, days to surgery, or initial shortening. This study affirms that the intrafocal pinning technique is an alternative to the conventional pinning technique for the stabilization of displaced metaphyseal distal radius fractures in children. Intrafocal pinning can also be used as a reduction tool for fractures that cannot be reduced by closed manipulation. The complications are comparable between the 2 techniques.

Outcomes of percutaneous pinning in treatment of distal radius fractures

Distal radius fractures are among the most common bone fractures all over the world. Close reduction and fixation by percutaneous pinning is a less invasive method comparing with other open surgeries. This study aims at evaluating the functional outcome of this treatment in distal radius fractures. In this prospective study, 50 patients with distal radius fractures underwent percutaneous pinning during a 16 month period in Tabriz Shohada Hospital. Follow-up for 3 months was possible in 48 (96%) patients. Possible complications (such as infection, nonunion, pin loosening and pain), functional outcomes (including range of motion, grip and pinch strengths) and radiological outcome were documented in intervals during follow-up. Forty eight patient, 22 males and 27 females with a mean age of 47.1 +/- 13.7 (19-80) years were enrolled. Local pain, infection and pin loosening were documented in 14.6, 16.7 and 2.1% of cases, respectively. Based on radiological reports, unacceptable palmar tilt, articular step, radial inclination and radial shortening were present in 6.3, 0, 2.1 and 6.3% of cases, respectively three months post-operation. The clinical outcomes according to Cooney's modification of the Green and O'Brien scheme were as excellent, good, fair and poor in 52.1, 31.3, 10.4 and 6.3% of cases, respectively. According to these results, closed reduction and percutaneous pinning of distal radius fractures is a rather successful method with minor complications.

Distal radius fractures: nonoperative and percutaneous pinning treatment options

Nonoperative treatment of distal radial fractures by reduction and immobilization remains the most common treatment, based on the incidence of appropriate fracture types, as seen in many epidemiological studies in the literature. In this article, the indications, technique, predictors of failure, outcomes, and complications are reviewed. A variety of treatment options have been proposed for distal radial fractures that are predicted, or subsequently identified, to be too unstable for nonoperative management. Percutaneous pinning is an effective option for select fractures. The authors also review the indications, described techniques, complications and outcomes associated with this treatment option.

Biomechanical analysis of distal radius fractures using intramedullary Kirschner wires

Colles's fracture is the most common type of distal radius fracture. Surgically, it remains a challenge to restore radial height and volar tilt in order to regain optimal wrist function. Ulson's procedure provides a dynamic effect on fixing fractured fragments and restoring joint function using two wires. However, the biomechanical influences of bone and wire remain critical issues for fracture reduction and bone union in Ulson's procedure. Based on elastic beam and foundation theory, this study formulated a closed-form mathematical model to investigate the effects of bone and wire parameters on wire deflection and bony reaction. The wire deflection and bony reaction were chosen as the indices of wrist stability and reduction within the post-operative period. The predicted results showed that greater bone strength, higher wire stiffness, and longer wire contact length provide a more stable wire-bone construct, thus facilitating fracture reduction and bone union. The wire stiffness had a much more significant effect on the construct stability compared with bone quality and contact length. In terms of entry point and insertion angle, surgical planning for the contact length was more important than bony quality for stabilizing the whole wire-bone construct.

Stellenwert der Kirschner-Draht-Osteosynthese in der Behandlung der distalen Radiusfraktur

The age distribution of patients with distal radius fractures shows a clear predominance of patients over 60. In such patients fractures must be treated with due consideration for the general condition, accompanying illnesses, such as osteoporosis, and the often lesser ambitions concerning the function of the wrist joint. Three cases of patients over 70 years of age are presented: two of these patients were suffering from dementia and one, from multiple morbidities and poor general condition: In all three, severe osteitis of the distal radius developed after K-wire pinning to treat distal radius fractures. In two cases, the treatment culminated in radiocarpal arthrodesis, while in the third the definitive treatment was resection of the metaphysis of the distal radius. The presented cases indicate that in distal radius fracture patients who are affected by dementia or have a poor general condition K-wire pinning with protruding K-wires should not be regarded as the therapy of first choice.

Distal radius fractures: nonoperative and percutaneous pinning treatment options

Nonoperative treatment of distal radial fractures by reduction and immobilization remains the most common treatment, based on the incidence of appropriate fracture types, as seen in many epidemiological studies in the literature. In this article, the indications, technique, predictors of failure, outcomes, and complications are reviewed. A variety of treatment options have been proposed for distal radial fractures that are predicted, or subsequently identified, to be too unstable for nonoperative management. Percutaneous pinning is an effective option for select fractures. The authors also review the indications, described techniques, complications and outcomes associated with this treatment option.

Welche Vorteile bietet die volare Plattenosteosynthese gegenüber der Kirschner-Drahtstabilisierung bei distalen Radiusextensionsfrakturen des alten Menschen?

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the outcome of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) followed immediately by physiotherapy and of percutaneous K-wire-fixation and casting for unstable distal radius fractures in elderly patients, considering the results both in general, for all such fractures, and selectively for A3 and C2 fractures.

METHODS

Follow-up examinations were performed 26 (18-48) months after surgery in 43 patients (median age 67 (60-83) years) treated with K-wire fixation and 9 (5-17) months after surgery in 46 patients (median age 76 (60-90) years) treated with ORIF, and the outcome of each was recorded as Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), Gartland-Werley and Castaing scores; the radiological loss of correction was also assessed. Statistical analysis was performed first without reference to the specific type of fracture for the K-wire- and the total ORIF -groups, and then selectively for A3 and C2 -fractures only; in the second analysis the patients were divided into three groups: KD, ORIF with and ORIF without angular stability.

RESULTS

The Garland-Werley and Castaing scores do not indicate any significant difference between the procedures specified. According to the Garland-Werley score 37 patients (86%) treated by K-wire fixation and 39 (85%) treated by ORIF achieved "excellent" and "good" results; according to the Castaing score there were 33 (77%) "good" results after K-wire fixation and 34 (74%) good results after ORIF. The radiological loss of correction (K-wire fixation/ORIF) as measured by the radial inclination (median 2/2.5 degrees), the palmar tilt (median 3/5 degrees) and the radial shortening (median 1/1 degrees mm) do not differ significantly. Suboptimal radiological results do not always correlate with results that are only "fair" or "poor". The non-fracture-specific DASH score suggests a higher degree of patient satisfaction after K-wire fixation (7 [0-87] points) than after ORIF (17 [0-82] points), which is not confirmed by fracture-specific evaluation. There is a significantly earlier return to the "activities of daily living" (4 as against 8 weeks) after ORIF.

CONCLUSION

All the treatments compared are suitable for the treatment of A3 and C2 fractures. The important advantages of ORIF are the early functional physiotherapy without casting and without obligatory second surgery and the earlier return to "activities of daily living", which are all of decisive importance for older patients, who are the ones most frequently affected.

Unstable extra-articular fractures of the distal radius

We performed a prospective, randomised study on 57 patients older than 60 years of age with unstable, extra-articular fractures of the distal radius to compare the outcome of immobilisation in a cast alone with that using supplementary, percutaneous pinning.

Patients treated by percutaneous wires had a statistically significant improvement in dorsal angulation (mean 7°), radial length (mean 3 mm) and radial inclination (mean 3 mm) at one year. However, there was no significant difference in functional outcome in terms of pain, range of movement, grip strength, activities of daily living and the SF-36 score except for an improved range of movement in ulnar deviation in the percutaneous wire group. One patient developed a pin-track infection which required removal of the wires at two weeks.

We conclude that percutaneous pinning of unstable, extra-articular fractures of the distal radius provides only a marginal improvement in the radiological parameters compared with immobilisation in a cast alone. This does not correlate with an improved functional outcome in a low-demand, elderly population.

Complications encountered while using thin-wire-hybrid-external fixation modular frames for fracture fixation. A retrospective clinical analysis and possible support for "Damage Control Orthopaedic Surgery"

One hundred ninety eight adult patients who had sustained long bone fractures were treated by external fixation from admission to bone healing and consolidation. Of these, 135 had sustained high-energy injuries, 39 of them had suffered multi-system injuries. Superficial pin track infection was the most common complication, occurring predominantly in pins located in the femur, upper tibia and upper humerus. There were no cases of deep infection or osteomyelitis. One patient with a femoral shaft fracture developed a DVT although he was on preventive low molecular weight heparin, i.e. sc Clexane 40 mg daily. There were no cases of PE or ARDS. External fixation systems are a minimal invasive surgical modality, which allow three-dimensional fracture fixation after closed or minimal open reduction. They require a good command of surgical anatomy, but provide an optimal preservation of the fracture's soft tissue envelope, the critical biological factor for new bone formation and fracture healing. Recent publications have suggested that in the critically ill patient, minimally invasive fracture fixation surgery may prevent the perpetuation of a reactive, life threatening inflammatory reaction (the "second hit") which may induce the development of multiple organ dysfunction (MODS).