Novel Method of Tackling Fracture Non-Union


Authors : Dr. Vinay V Sherlekar

Volume/Issue : Volume 9 - 2024, Issue 10 - October


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4bzfv48v

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/36da9y62

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/IJISRT24OCT396

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : Aim: To evaluate the novel methods in revision surgery to tackle non-union fractures of different cases of patients.  Background: Non-union of bone is the body's inability to heal a fracture. The most agreed-upon standard definition of non -union made by the FDA is a fracture that persists for a minimum of nine months without signs of healing for three months. Non-union fractures of femur pose significant challenges in orthopaedic surgery, often requiring revision procedures to achieve successful bone healing. In cases where the initial implant has failed, innovative solutions are necessary to promote bone union and functional recovery.  Case Description: The case report presented with four different geriatric patients had previously undergone implants surgery, which subsequently failed to promote bone healing. The patients were reoperated using a proximal femur nail (PFN) and augmented with a locking compressed plate (LCP) to address the non-union. The combination of the PFN and LCP along with bone graft successfully provided stability to the fracture site, promoting bone union, and enabling functional recovery. Radiographic evidence and clinical assessment demonstrated excellent healing progress.  Conclusion: This case study emphasizes the significance of customized care for non-union femur shaft fractures, particularly in cases where implant failure has occurred in the past. When treating difficult non-union fractures, 35mm locking plate and bone graft coupled can be a useful tool for stabilizing the fracture and promoting effective bone healing.  Clinical Significances: This case report exemplifies the need for innovative and individualized approaches in the management of challenging non-union femur fractures. Locking compression plates along with PFN and bone graft present a viable method, but further investigation and clinical data are needed to confirm the efficacy and long- term results of this strategy. Even with such complex orthopedic settings, successful outcomes can be attained via meticulous planning and a patient-centered approach. Moreover, to prevent revision, the initial treatment must be the best.

Keywords : Proximal Femoral Nails (PFN), Locking Compression Plates (LCP), Closed Reduction And Internal Fixation (CRIF), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Hypertension (HTN), And Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

References :

  1. Denisiuk M, Afsari A. Femoral Shaft Fractures. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 [cited 2024 Oct 2]. Available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556057/
  2. Bucholz RW, Jones A. Fractures of the shaft of the femur. JBJS. 1991 Dec;73(10):1561.
  3. Johnstone DJ, Radford WJP, Parnell EJ. Interobserver variation using the AO/ASIF classification of long bone fractures. Injury. 1993 Mar 1;24(3):163–5.
  4. Ricci WM, Gallagher B, Haidukewych GJ. Intramedullary Nailing of Femoral Shaft Fractures: Current Concepts. JAAOS - J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2009 May;17(5):296.
  5. Bianco Prevot L, Nannini A, Mangiavini L, Bobba A, Buzzi S, Sinigaglia F, Peretti G. What Is the Best Treatment of the Femoral Shaft Nonunion after Intramedullary Nailing? A Systematic Review. Life. 2023 Jul 4;13(7):1508.
  6. Metsemakers WJ, Roels N, Belmans A, Reynders P, Nijs S. Risk factors for nonunion after intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures: Remaining controversies. Injury. 2015 Aug;46(8):1601–7.
  7. Weresh MJ, Hakanson R, Stover MD, Sims SH, Kellam JF, Bosse MJ. Failure of exchange reamed intramedullary nails for ununited femoral shaft fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2000;14(5):335–8.
  8. Calori GM, Mazza EL, Mazzola S, Colombo A, Giardina F, Romanò F, Colombo M. Non-unions. Clin Cases Miner Bone Metab Off J Ital Soc Osteoporos Miner Metab Skelet Dis. 2017;14(2):186–8.
  9. MAHORNER H. Fractures of the femur : report of three hundred and eight cases. Surg Gynecol Obstet. 1933;56:1066–79.
  10. Neer CSI, Grantham SA, Shelton ML. Supracondylar Fracture of the Adult Femur: A STUDY OF ONE HUNDRED AND TEN CASES. JBJS. 1967 Jun;49(4):591.
  11. Gill S, Mittal A, Raj M, Singh P, Singh J, Kumar S. Extra Articular Supracondylar Femur Fractures Managed with Locked Distal Femoral Plate or Supracondylar Nailing: A Comparative Outcome Study. J Clin Diagn Res JCDR. 2017 May;11(5):RC19–23.
  12. Hierholzer C, von Rüden C, Pötzel T, Woltmann A, Bühren V. Outcome analysis of retrograde nailing and less invasive stabilization system in distal femoral fractures: A retrospective analysis. Indian J Orthop. 2011;45(3):243–50.
  13. Jankowski JM, Szukics PF, Shah JK, Keller DM, Pires RE, Liporace FA, Yoon RS. Comparing Intramedullary Nailing Versus Locked Plating in the Treatment of Native Distal Femur Fractures: Is One Superior to the Other? Indian J Orthop. 2021 Jan 13;55(3):646–54.
  14. Birjandinejad A, Ebrahimzadeh MH, Ahmadzadeh-Chabock H. Augmentation plate fixation for the treatment of femoral and tibial nonunion after intramedullary nailing. Orthopedics. 2009 Jun;32(6):409.
  15. Attum B, Douleh D, Whiting PS, White-Dzuro GA, Dodd AC, Shen MS, Obremskey WT, Sethi MK. Outcomes of Distal Femur Nonunions Treated with a Combined Nail/Plate Construct and Autogenous Bone Grafting. J Orthop Trauma. 2016 Dec 26;
  16. Quinzi DA, Ramirez G, Kaplan NB, Myers TG, Thirukumaran CP, Ricciardi BF. Early complications and reoperation rates are similar amongst open reduction internal fixation, intramedullary nail, and distal femoral replacement for periprosthetic distal femur fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2021 Jun;141(6):997–1006.
  17. Liporace FA, Yoon RS. Nail Plate Combination Technique for Native and Periprosthetic Distal Femur Fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2019 Feb;33(2):e64–8.
  18. Garala K, Ramoutar D, Li J, Syed F, Arastu M, Ward J, Patil S. Distal femoral fractures: A comparison between single lateral plate fixation and a combined femoral nail and plate fixation. Injury. 2022 Feb;53(2):634–9.
  19. Hussain MS, Dailey SK, Avilucea FR. Stable Fixation and Immediate Weight-Bearing After Combined Retrograde Intramedullary Nailing and Open Reduction Internal Fixation of Noncomminuted Distal Interprosthetic Femur Fractures. J Orthop Trauma. 2018 Jun;32(6):e237–40.
  20. Saxena V, Akshay V, Panwar A, Kumar S. Management of Non-union Distal Femur Fractures With Augmentation Nail Plate Construct. Cureus. 15(4):e37173.

Aim: To evaluate the novel methods in revision surgery to tackle non-union fractures of different cases of patients.  Background: Non-union of bone is the body's inability to heal a fracture. The most agreed-upon standard definition of non -union made by the FDA is a fracture that persists for a minimum of nine months without signs of healing for three months. Non-union fractures of femur pose significant challenges in orthopaedic surgery, often requiring revision procedures to achieve successful bone healing. In cases where the initial implant has failed, innovative solutions are necessary to promote bone union and functional recovery.  Case Description: The case report presented with four different geriatric patients had previously undergone implants surgery, which subsequently failed to promote bone healing. The patients were reoperated using a proximal femur nail (PFN) and augmented with a locking compressed plate (LCP) to address the non-union. The combination of the PFN and LCP along with bone graft successfully provided stability to the fracture site, promoting bone union, and enabling functional recovery. Radiographic evidence and clinical assessment demonstrated excellent healing progress.  Conclusion: This case study emphasizes the significance of customized care for non-union femur shaft fractures, particularly in cases where implant failure has occurred in the past. When treating difficult non-union fractures, 35mm locking plate and bone graft coupled can be a useful tool for stabilizing the fracture and promoting effective bone healing.  Clinical Significances: This case report exemplifies the need for innovative and individualized approaches in the management of challenging non-union femur fractures. Locking compression plates along with PFN and bone graft present a viable method, but further investigation and clinical data are needed to confirm the efficacy and long- term results of this strategy. Even with such complex orthopedic settings, successful outcomes can be attained via meticulous planning and a patient-centered approach. Moreover, to prevent revision, the initial treatment must be the best.

Keywords : Proximal Femoral Nails (PFN), Locking Compression Plates (LCP), Closed Reduction And Internal Fixation (CRIF), Diabetes Mellitus (DM), Hypertension (HTN), And Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe