Benign, locally aggressive tumors of the distal femur are typically treated with intralesional curettage and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) cementation. However, it is not known whether plate fixation should be added to biomechanically augment these PMMA-filled defects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of two competing techniques for reconstruction of a distal femoral defect. For this biomechanical study, we used 12 composite femurs with properties comparable to bone. In nine femurs, identical contained medial distal femoral defects were created using a robotic arm. Group A contained three intact femurs, Group B three femurs with an unfilled defect, Group C three femurs reconstructed with PMMA alone, and Group D three femurs reconstructed with PMMA plus a medial locking plate. Locations of greatest stress concentration were determined by PhotoStress analysis, then three strain gauges were applied to each specimen at these high-stress locations. Specimens were loaded within a physiologic range followed by loading to failure. Outcome measures included construct stiffness, strain along the distal femur, and load at failure. Results showed that stiffness and strain were not significantly different between reconstructive techniques; however, both techniques reduced tensile strain along the popliteal surface by approximately 40% compared to non-reconstructed specimens. All specimens failed at the femoral neck before failing at the distal femur. These findings suggest that plate augmentation of PMMA-filled distal femoral defects like the one in this study offers insignificant biomechanical benefit within physiologic loads and therefore may be unnecessary.

BACKGROUND: Distal tibial fractures represent common lower limb injuries, frequently accompanied by significant soft tissue damage. The optimal surgical approach for managing these fractures remains a topic of considerable debate. The aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the outcomes associated with retrograde intramedullary tibial nails (RTN) and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) in the context of treating extra-articular distal tibial fractures.
METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted on a cohort of 48 patients who sustained extra-articular distal tibial fractures between December 2019 and December 2021. Patients underwent either RTN or MIPO procedures. Various parameters, including operative duration, intraoperative fluoroscopy exposure, time to union, duration until full weight-bearing, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications, were recorded and compared between the two treatment groups.
RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were observed in operative duration, time to union, angulation of the distal tibial coronal plane, or AOFAS scores between the RTN and MIPO groups. However, the RTN group had a higher average number of intraoperative fluoroscopy images (8.2 ± 2.3) compared to the MIPO group (4.1 ± 2.0). The RTN group demonstrated shorter average hospital stays (7.1 ± 1.4 days) and a quicker return to full weight-bearing (9.9 ± 1.3 weeks), which were significantly superior to the MIPO group (9.0 ± 2.0 days and 11.5 ± 1.5 weeks, respectively). In terms of complications, the RTN group had one case of superficial infection, whereas the MIPO group exhibited two cases of delayed union and nonunion, two occurrences of deep infection, and an additional three cases of superficial infection.
CONCLUSIONS: Both RTN and MIPO are effective treatment options for extra-articular distal tibial fractures. However, RTN may offer superior outcomes in terms of decreased inpatient needs, faster return to full weight-bearing capacity, and a lower rate of complications.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of the minimally invasive locking plate technique (Philos plate) and interlocking intramedullary nailing technique (TRIGEN intramedullary nail) in the treatment of Neer two-part and three-part proximal humeral fractures.
METHODS: The clinical data of 60 patients with Neer two-part and three-part proximal humerus fractures admitted to the hospital from April 2017 to April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Thirty-two patients were treated with the minimally invasive locking plate technique (minimally invasive plate group), and 28 patients were treated with the interlocking intramedullary nailing technique (intramedullary nail group). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, fracture healing time, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. The ASES score and Constant-Murley score were used to evaluate the shoulder joint function of the two groups one year after surgery.
RESULTS: All 60 patients were followed up for 12 to 24 months, with an average of 16 months. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, or fracture healing time between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the intramedullary nail group was significantly lower than that in the minimally invasive steel plate group, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the ASES score or Constant-Murley score between the two groups one year after surgery (P > 0.05).
CONCLUSIONS: The use of the minimally invasive locking plate technique and interlocking intramedullary nailing technique in the treatment of Neer two-part and three-part proximal humerus fractures has the advantages of a small incision, less blood loss, and a high fracture healing rate, and both can achieve satisfactory clinical effects. The internal nail technique is more convenient than the minimally invasive locking plate technique in controlling postoperative complications.

BACKGROUND: Biomechanical studies on medial tibial plateau fractures (MTPFs) (Schatzker classification type IV) are currently few, while studies using locking plates (LPs) placed on medial proximal tibias are unavailable. Hence, we compared the biomechanical properties of plate osteosynthesis at the medial and anteromedial placements using large- and small-fragment LPs in porcine bones.
METHODS: MTPFs were internally fixed using LPs on 40 porcine tibias. Specimens were equally divided into four groups: medial placement using a large-fragment LP (LPs for the medial (LM) group), anteromedial placement using a large-fragment LP (LAM group), medial placement using a small-fragment LP (SM group), and anteromedial placement using a small-fragment LP (SAM group). The translation patterns of the constructs in each group were examined by cycling loading test (displacement and translation along the mechanical axis at 10-100, 100-500, 500-1000, 1000-1500, and 1500-2000 cycles). Then, articular gaps and step-off changes after 2000 cycles were compared among the four groups.
RESULTS: One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant differences in displacement and translation during cyclic loading. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis revealed that the anterior gap was lower in LPs for the medial (LM) than in SM (P = 0.029) and SAM (P = 0.0026). The central gap was also lower in LM than in SM (P = 0.042) and SAM (P < 0.001), and it was lower in LAM than in SAM (P = 0.047). Likewise, the posterior gap was lower in LM than in LAM (P = 0.025) and SAM (P < 0.001). Furthermore, the central step-off of SAM was higher than that of LM, LAM, and SM (P < 0.001, P = 0.0014, and P = 0.0077, respectively). The posterior step-off was lower in LM than in SAM and LAM (P = 0.037 and P < 0.001), and it was also lower in SM than in SAM (P = 0.0082).
CONCLUSIONS: Medial LP placement for MTPFs in porcine bones resulted in significantly lower posterior step-offs after cyclic loading than anteromedial placement, and large-fragment LPs for MTPFs caused significantly lower fracture gaps in the central articular after cyclic loading than small-fragment LPs.

BACKGROUND: The stiffness of locked plates suppresses healing process, prompting the introduction of far cortical locking to address this issue. This study aimed to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of far cortical locking constructs in treating distal femoral fractures in an Asian population.
METHODS: This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted at four university hospitals between February 2018 and February 2021. Demographic data, the presence of metaphyseal comminution, and surgical fixation details were recorded. Clinical outcomes, including single-leg standing, EQ-5D, and EQ-VAS scores, and radiologic outcomes, including the RUST score of each cortex, were evaluated and compared according to the presence of metaphyseal comminution.
RESULTS: There were 37 patients (14 men and 23 women) with a mean age of 67.3 ± 11.8 years. Twenty-two patients had metaphyseal comminution (59%), and 15 presented simple fractures in metaphyseal areas. Four patients (13%) could stand on one leg >10s at 6 weeks, and 24 patients (92%) at 1 year. EQ-5D increased from 0.022 ± 0.388 to 0.692 ± 0.347, and the mean EQ-VAS 51.1 ± 13.1 to 74.1 ± 24.1 between discharge (n = 37) and post-operative 1 year (n = 33), respectively. RUST score presented increment for time, from 6.2 ± 1.8 at 6 week to 11.6 ± 1.1 at 1 year. Radiological healing demonstrated rapid increase from week 6 (16/28, 43%) to month 3 (27/31, 87%), with no obvious increase was observed in 6 months (23/26, 89%) or 12 months (25/28, 89%). Simple metaphyseal fractures presented significantly higher RUST scores at 6 weeks and 3 months, but there was no difference in RUST scores at 6 months or 1 year according to metaphyseal comminution.
CONCLUSIONS: Plate constructs with far cortical locking screws provided safe and effective fixation for distal femoral fractures, with consistent radiological and clinical results, regardless of metaphyseal comminution.

BACKGROUND: Talar neck fractures are rare but potentially devastating injuries, with early reduction and rigid fixation essential to facilitate union and prevent avascular necrosis. Even small degrees of malunion will alter load transmission and subtalar joint kinematics. Changes in fixation techniques have led to dual plating strategies. While locked plating has perceived advantages in porotic bone and comminution, its biomechanical benefits in talar neck fractures have not been shown.
OBJECTIVE: To compare the strength of locking vs. non-locking plate fixation in comminuted talar neck fractures.
METHODS: Seven pairs of cadaveric tali were randomised to locking or non-locking plate fixation. A standardised model of talar neck fracture with medial comminution was created, and fixation performed. The fixed specimens were mounted onto a motorised testing device, and an axial load applied.
RESULTS: Peak load to failure, deformation at failure, work done to achieve failure, and stiffness of the constructs were measured. No statistically significant difference was found between locking and non-locking constructs for all parameters.
CONCLUSIONS: Both constructs provide similar strength to failure in talar neck fracture fixations. Mean peak load to failure did not exceed the theoretical maximum forces generated of 1.1 kN when weight-bearing. We would advocate caution with early mobilisation in both fixations.

UNASSIGNED: About 20% of proximal humerus fractures (PHFs) are unstable and/or markedly displaced and therefore require surgery. Locking plate fixation after anatomical reduction has become the current treatment of choice for these fractures in the active population. However, studies have shown complication rates up to 36%, such as loss of reduction and avascular necrosis. To date, data from literature are inconclusive on outcomes following the use of an intramedullary fibula allograft in PHFs, possibly due to the case mix. It is hypothesized that the use of a fibula allograft is beneficial to prevent secondary displacement of the fracture in cases where the medial hinge is markedly displaced and unstable, resulting in better clinical and patient reported outcomes.
UNASSIGNED: In this multicenter matched cohort study, patients with an unstable, displaced PHF, including anatomic neck fractures and significantly displaced surgical neck fractures, were included. Patients that were treated with a locking plate augmented with a fibula allograft were matched to patients who had undergone locking plate reconstruction without the allograft. The matches were made based on fracture characteristics, age, and performance status. Functional outcomes, Patient Reported Outcome Measures, complications, and radiographic results were compared.
UNASSIGNED: Twelve patients with fibula allograft augmented osteosyntheses were included and matched to 12 control patients. The mean age was 58 years in the fibula allograft group compared to 62 years in the control group. Minimum follow-up was 12 months. Disability of the Arm Shoulder and Hand score, Constant Shoulder score, abduction, and external rotation were significantly better in the fibula allograft group (17.4 ± 8.6 vs. 26.1 ± 19.2, P = .048; 16.5 ± 11.5 vs. 19.8 ± 16.5 P = .040; mean 127° ± 38° vs. mean 92° ± 49° P = -.045; 50° ± 21° vs. mean 26° ± 23°, P = .004). There was no statistically significant difference in the Oxford Shoulder score between groups (P = .105). The Visual Analog Scale was not significantly different between groups (3.1 ± 1.8 vs. 1.6 ± 1.9, P = .439). Radiographic union was reached in 11 patients of the fibula allograft group compared to 8 in the control group (P = .317). The complication rate was twice as high in the control group (3 vs. 7).
UNASSIGNED: Additional support of the medial hinge in unstable PHFs with a locking plate in combination with a fibula allograft appears to create a more stable construct without compromising the viability of the articular surface of the head. The use of a fibula allograft in selected complex cases could therefore result in better clinical outcomes with lower complication rates.

UNASSIGNED: The management of gap non-union is a major challenge to both the clinician and the patient as it is technically difficult, time-intensive, and physically arduous for the patient along with an unpredictable result. Gap non-union can arise from extrusion of bony fragment at the time of trauma or after debridement of unhealthy bone later. Moreover, Tibia because of its subcutaneous anatomy can easily undergo bone-loss and segmental defect. Among various methods available for managing gap non-union of tibia distraction osteogenesis using either ilizarov fixator or mono-rail fixator is the most popular one. Here we present functional and bony outcomes of combined use of locking plate and Limb Reconstruction System (LRS) in tibial gap non-union and assess whether it decreases fixator time and related complications.
UNASSIGNED: A prospective intervention study constituting 10 patients with Paley\'s type B1 tibial gap non-union over a period of 22months. In first stage, debridement was done; tibial locking plate and mono-rail fixator were applied along with corticomy at proximal tibia. Distraction was started 7-14 days later. At the end of distraction phase, fixator was removed and transported segment was fixed with screws with or without bone grafting at docking site. Patients were followed up every 6 weeks for radiological and clinical assessment. Functional assessment using Application for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) functional score, and Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) functional score while bone outcome was assessed with ASAMI bone score. Quality of regenerate was assessed by Fernandez-Esteve grading. Detailed scoring was done at the time of index surgery, at the time of LRS removal and at the time of consolidation phase.
UNASSIGNED: All the 10 patients were male with mean age of 33 years. The mean defect size was 4.94 cm after debridement. Minimum duration of follow up was 30 weeks after removal of LRS. Mean duration between trauma and inclusion in the study was 17.7 months. The median external fixator index was 15.63 days/cm. The complication rate was 1.3/patient. According to Paley\'s classification, there were eleven problems and two obstacles, and no true complications. Both ASAMI bone score and functional scores were excellent in three and good in six patients. The median MSTS composite score was 76.66%.
UNASSIGNED: The integrated fixation is an effective and satisfactory method enabling early external fixator removal with low rate of complication. So, this technique can be recommended for the management of segmental tibial defects.
UNASSIGNED: II.

Medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy is currently the most common osteotomy, but its complication is an increased posterior tibial slope over time. However, no study has clarified whether the plate position of medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy could reduce the increase in posterior tibial slope after cyclic loading.
Fourteen porcine bones were biomechanically evaluated by performing medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy and placing TOMOFIX medially and anteromedially. Cyclic testing was performed to investigate the posterior tibial slope over time for medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy with medial or anteromedial plate. The displacement along the mechanical axis during cyclic testing from 10 to 100th, 100-500th, 500-1000th, 1000-1500th, and 1500-2000th cycles, and changes in anterior and posterior gaps after 2000 cycles were compared between plate position.
There were no significant differences in displacement. A significant difference was found in posterior gap changes (-0.20 ± 0.84 mm in group of using medial plate, 1.07 ± 0.82 mm in group of using anteromedial plate) (P = 0.014), but none was found in anterior gap changes.
Medial plate placement in medial open wedge high tibial osteotomy resulted in significantly less increased posterior tibial slope than anteromedial plate placement after cyclic loading.

BACKGROUND: Ankle fractures are common injuries in the young and elderly populations. To prevent post-traumatic arthritis, an anatomic reconstruction of the ankle structure is mandatory. Open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice among orthopaedics. Conventional plates allow stability of the fracture if bone quality is present. Locking plates might offer an advantage for the treatment of lateral malleolar fracture in patients with comminution, severe instability, distal fractures, or osteoporotic bone. Our hospital introduced a new locking plate for fracture of the distal fibula.
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate locking plates in terms of outcomes and complications in young and elderly patients.
METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed a total of 67 patients treated for displaced distal fibula fractures. Demographic data, number of comorbidities, use of inter fragmentary screw, complication, time of fracture healing, partial or full weight bearing, and reoperation were recorded for all patients. Clinical outcome was assessed by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society clinical scoring system. Radiographs were obtained at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 wk until radiographic union was obtained.
RESULTS: All patients displayed complete bony union on radiographic assessment, and no patients developed any serious complications. We observed two superficial infections, one delayed wound healing, and two plate intolerances. Significant differences were observed between the two age groups in terms of radiographic healing (11.9 wk in younger patients vs 13.7 wk in older patients; P = 0.011) and in the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score at 6 mo after surgery (88.2 in younger patients vs 86.0 in older patients; P = 0.001) and at 12 mo after surgery (92.6 in younger patients vs 90.0 in older patients; P = 0.000).
CONCLUSIONS: Locking plates provide a stable and rigid fixation in multifragmentary and comminuted fractures or in the presence of poor bone quality.