Kuntscher Nail: A Forgotten Entity Yet a Reliable Modality in Treatment of Winquist Type I and II Closed Femoral Shaft Fractures

Background

Interlocking intramedullary nail is used for almost all types of femoral shaft fractures worldwide because of its better mechanical stability. In countries like India with limited healthcare infrastructure, the use of Kuntscher nail (K-nail) in Winquist type I and type II isthmic fractures is still debated. Therefore, we conducted this study to compare the functional outcome, radiation exposure, and cost of the implant between closed reduction and internal fixation of Winquist type I and II fractures in the middle one-third shaft region by K-nail and intramedullary locked nails (IMILN), respectively.

Methods

This was a hospital-based non-blinded randomized trial which included 56 patients with closed Winquist type I and II femoral shaft fractures of the middle one-third femoral shaft (isthmic and paraisthmic zone). All the patients were either treated by K-nail or IMILN. The patients were followed up every three weeks for the initial six months and quarterly thereafter. Per operative duration of surgery and radiation exposure by C-arm was documented and assuming scattered radiation 20%, radiation exposure to the surgeon was calculated and patients were assessed clinically and radiologically for union.

Results

The patients were divided into two groups: group I (K-nail, n = 25) and group II (IMILN, n = 31). In groups I and II, the patients achieving radiological union were 88% (n = 22/25) and 84% (n = 27/31) at six months’ duration, respectively. The mean duration for the radiological union was 3.65 ± 0.55 months in group I (K-nail) and 3.76 ± 0.59 months in group II (IMILN), respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the duration of the union (p = 0.4963). The average number of C- arm exposures was 16.36 ± 3.18 in group I as compared to 27.29 ± 4.01 in group II, and the mean scattered radiation was 5.0 ± 1.63 in group I and 6.61 ± 4.06 in group II. This difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion

Kuntscher intramedullary nailing can provide comparable rates of union as is achieved with interlocking intramedullary nailing with an advantage of less radiation exposure and duration of surgery, provided the patient selection is proper (isthmic and paraisthmic zone).

Resistant Non-union of Humerus After Intramedullary Nailing Treated with Locking Compression Plate with Bone Grafting With Nail in Situ and Shoulder Spica: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Humerus non-union is a challenging situation for the surgeon and devastating and morbid situation for the patient. Surgical approach to the humerus is demanding because of the complex neurovascular anatomy and especially when previous surgeries have been attempted.

CASE REPORT

We report a case of a young adult male who sustained a compound fracture of humerus shaft treated with intramedullary nailing followed by subsequent bone grafting and eventually landed up in non-union and was treated at our center by locking compression plate application with nail in situ with iliac crest autogenous bone graft followed by shoulder spica application.

CONCLUSION

Although humerus nailing is a valid therapeutic option for humeral shaft fractures, compression plating is considered the gold standard and non-union secondary to failed interlocking nailing is a challenging situation.

A comparative study of intramedullary interlocking nailing and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis in extra articular distal tibial fractures

BACKGROUND

Extraarticular distal tibial fractures are among the most challenging fractures encountered by an orthopedician for treatment because of its subcutaneous location, poor blood supply and decreased muscular cover anteriorly, complications such as delayed union, nonunion, wound infection, and wound dehiscence are often seen as a great challenge to the surgeon. Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and intramedullary interlocking nail (IMLN) are two well-accepted and effective methods, but each has been historically related to complications. This study compares clinical and radiological outcome in extraarticular distal tibia fractures treated by intramedullary interlocking nail (IMLN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

42 patients included in this study, 21 underwent IMLN and 21 were treated with MIPO who met the inclusion criteria and operated between June 2014 and May 2015. Patients were followed up for clinical and radiological evaluation.

RESULTS

In IMLN group, average union time was 18.26 weeks compared to 21.70 weeks in plating group which was significant (P < 0.0001). Average time required for partial and full weight bearing in the nailing group was 4.95 weeks and 10.09 weeks respectively which was significantly less (P < 0.0001) as compared to 6.90 weeks and 13.38 weeks in the plating group. Lesser complications in terms of implant irritation, ankle stiffness, and infection, were seen in interlocking group as compared to plating group. Average functional outcome according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score was measured which came out to be 96.67.

CONCLUSION

IMLN group was associated with lesser duration of surgery, earlier weight bearing and union rate, lesser incidence of infection and implant irritation which makes it a preferable choice for fixation of extra-articular distal tibial fractures. However, larger randomized controlled trials are required for confirming the results.

Humeral head necrosis after proximal humeral nailing: what are the reasons for bad outcomes?

INTRODUCTION

Humeral head necrosis (HHN) remains a major problem in fracture care. Neither its occurrence, its extend, nor its impact on clinical outcomes is predictable on the long term. This study was designed to evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes in patients depending on the influence of HHN.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

32 patients with a 3-6 year follow up participated in this study. Their humeral fractures had been stabilized with a standard Targon PH nail (Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) for an acute humeral head fracture. Constant score (CS), DASH score, UCLA shoulder rating scale, and Neer score were assessed. Range of motion (ROM) as well as pain during exercise was documented (VAS). HHN was detected radiologically and graded in stages 0-5.

RESULTS

All fractures had healed. HHN was found in 10 cases (31.3%). 4 patients (12.5%) showed interlocking screw perforation as part of the head collapse caused by HHN. Median CS was 73 (range: 24-85). There was no association detectable between number of fracture fragments and CS (p ≥ 0.631). The median DASH score was 16.4 (range: 0-74.1), UCLA score 30 (range: 9-35), Neer score 80 (range: 29-100). Three (37.5%) of the patients with a stage IV or V osteonecrosis reported about pain (twice VAS grade 4, once VAS grade 5). All patients suffering from pain were affected by high grade HHN and screw perforation. CS was nonsignificantly affected by HHN (75.5 vs. 63.5; p = 0.12), however massively diminished if additional implant protrusion was present (63.5 vs. 25; p = 0.02). Findings for normalised CS, relative CS, DASH score, UCLA shoulder rating scale, Neer score, and ROM were analogous.

DISCUSSION

Whereas HHN itself seems to contribute only mildly to functional outcome, we identified screw protrusion as major predictor for bad clinical results. The high rate of HHN found in our study (31.3%) may be attributed to the inclusion of mild HHN and our long follow-up period, as it is known that late-onset HHN may occur more than 3 years after trauma.

CONCLUSIONS

HHN may lead to screw perforation, resulting in poorest outcomes. We recommend regular clinical and radiographic follow-up for at least five years in order to detect impending screw perforation and plan screw removal in time.