• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.26 no.4
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• pp.286-290
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• 2013

Purpose: To report the postoperative Clinical and Radiological outcomes following distal femoral fractures in elderly patients compared with young patients. Methods: From March, 1996 to March, 2012, 83 patients who received surgical treatment for fractures of the distal femur were enrolled in this retrospective study. Ages more than 65 was named group A. Group A was 49 cases and mean age is 72.5 year(65~91year). Group B was 49 cases and mean age is 45.7 year(16~61 year). Surgical methods are retrograde IM nail, locking compression plate, cannulated screw and postoperative rehabilitation is no difference between two groups. Clinical results were evaluated using Neer scores, radiographic results and the presence of clinical complications. Results: The mean union period was 18.4(12-40) weeks in group A and 17(10-24) weeks in group B. Neer functional scores are no significant statistical difference between two groups. There are 5 cases metal breakage in group A and 1case in group B. There are 3 cases nonunion in group A and 1 case in group B. Conclusion: In the case of fractures of the distal femur in elderly patients, locking plate using minimally invasive percutaneous periosteal osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique may be one of the most effective methods and preoperative bone stock evaluation in important.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Precision Engineering Conference
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• 2009.06a
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• pp.997-998
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• 2009

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.162-168
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) with locking compression plate (LCP) for distal tibial metaphyseal intra-articular fracture compared with extra-articular fracture. Materials and Methods: From February 2006 to June 2008, 21 patients with distal tibia metaphyseal intra-articular fracture and 20 patients with extra-articular fracture were treated operatively by MIPPO technique with LCP and followed for at least one year. In the group with intra-articular fracture, mean age was 48.85 years old and a mean follow-up was 15 months. In the other group with extra-articular fracture, mean age was 52.35 years old and a mean follow-up was 14.5 months. The type of fracture was evaluated using the AO/OTA classification and open-fractures were according to the Gustilo-And gron classification. Radiologic evaluation with fracture healing and tibial alignment, clinical evaluation with Olerud and Molander ankle score and restriction of motion were done for treatment. Results: According to AO/OTA classification, There were 21 type A, 15 type B, 5 type C. Average union time of the intra-articular fracture (type B, C) was 18.7 weeks. Average union time of the extra-articular fracture (type A) was 17.1 weeks. All fractures were healed without malunion. There were no difference of mean restriction angle between intra-articular fracture (ankle dorsiflexion was 3.57 degree, plantar-flexion was 5.95 degree) and extra-articular fracture (ankle dorsiflexion was 3 degree, plantar-flexion was 3.75 degree). There were no difference of Olerud and Molander ankle score between them as a mean score of intra-articular and extra-articular was 89.25, 91.25 each other. As a complication, there were 3 case of skin necrosis, 8 case of discomfortable skin tenting by plate and 1 superficial infection, but could be healed by conservative care. Conclusion: MIPPO technique, combined articular reduction, with LCP of distal tibial metaphyseal fracture was a good method with high functional recovery.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.20 no.1
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• pp.37-41
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• 2017

Background: Increased frequency of comminuted clavicle mid-shaft fractures and importance of functional satisfaction through early joint exercise has resulted in higher emphasis on surgical treatments. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical radiological results of treatment of clavicle mid-shaft fractures by open reduction and internal fixation using a plate with a small incision. Methods: The subjects of this study were 80 clavicle mid-shaft fracture cases treated with internal fixation using a plate from October 2010 to July 2014. Clavicle mid-shaft fractures were internally fixated using anatomical plates or locking compression plates. Achievement of bone union, union period, and clavicle length shortening were evaluated radiologically, and clinical assessment was done by using Constant and University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) scores. Results: All 80 cases were confirmed to have achieved bone union through radiographs with an average union period of 10.9 weeks (range: 7-18 weeks). The average clavicle length of shortening in the affected side was 1.8 mm (range: 0-17 mm). The average UCLA score and Constant score were 33.6 (range: 25-35) and 92.5 (range: 65-100), respectively. Regarding complications, four cases reported skin irritation by metal plates, and one case reported a screw insertion site fracture due to minor trauma history. Conclusions: We were able to induce successful bone union and obtain clinically satisfactory results in displaced mid-shaft fractures of the clavicle without major complications such as nonunion through treatment of internal fixation using a plate.

• Journal of Korean Foot and Ankle Society
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.51-57
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• 2011

Pilon fractures involving distal tibia remain one of the most difficult therapeutic challenges that confront the orthopedic surgeons because of associated soft tissue injury is common. To introduce and describe the diagnosis, current treatment, results and complications of the pilon fractures. In initial assessment, the correct evaluation of the fracture type through radiographic checkup and examination of the soft tissue envelope is needed to decide appropriate treatment planning of pilon fractures. Even though Ruedi and Allgower reported 74% good and excellent results with primary open reduction and internal fixation, recently the second staged treatment of pilon fractures is preferred to orthopedic traumatologist because of the soft tissue problem is common after primary open reduction and internal fixation. The components of the first stage are focused primarily on stabilization of the soft tissue envelope. If fibula is fractured, fibular open reduction and internal fixation is integral part of initial management for reducing the majority of tibial deformities. Ankle-spanning temporary external fixator is used to restore limb alignment and displaced intraarticular fragments through ligamentotaxis and distraction. And the second stage, definitive open reduction and internal fixation of the tibial component, is undertaken when the soft tissue injury has resolved and no infection sign is seen on pin site of external fixator. The goals of definitive internal fixation should include absolute stability and interfragmentary compression of reduced articular segments, stable fixation of the articular segment to the tibial diaphysis, and restoration of coronal, transverse, and sagittal plane alignments. The location, rigidity, and kinds of the implants are based on each individual fractures. The conventional plate fixation has more advantages in anatomical reduction of intraarticular fractures than locking compression plate. But it has more complications as infection, delayed union and nonunion. The locking compression plate fixation provides greater stability and lesser wound problem than conventional implants. But the locking compression plate remains poorly defined for intraarticular fractures of the distal tibia. Active, active assisted, passive range of motion of the ankle is recommended when postoperative rehabilitation is started. Splinting with the foot in neutral is continued until suture is removed at the 2~3 weeks and weight bearing is delayed for approximately 12 weeks. The recognition of the soft tissue injury has evolved as a critical component of the management of pilon fractures. At this point, the second staged treatment of pilon fractures is good treatment option because of it is designed to promote recovery of the soft tissue envelope in first stage operation and get a good result in definitive reduction and stabilization of the articular surface and axial alignment in second stage operation.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.199-209
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• 2010

The locking compression plates-distal femur(LCP-DF) are being widely used for surgical management of the extra-articular complex fractures of the distal femur. They feature locking mechanism between the screws and the screw holes of the plate to provide stronger fixation force with less number of screws than conventional compression bone plate. However, their biomechanical efficacies are not fully understood, especially regarding the number of the screws inserted and their optimal configurations. In this study, we investigated effects of various screw configurations in the shaft and the condylar regions of the femur in relation to structural stability of LCP-DF system. For this purpose, a baseline 3-D finite element (FE) model of the femur was constructed from CT-scan images of a normal healthy male and was validated. The extra-articular complex fracture of the distal femur was made with a 4-cm defect. Surgical reduction with LCP-DF and bone screws were added laterally. To simulate various cases of post-op screw configurations, screws were inserted in the shaft (3~5 screws) and the condylar (4~6 screws) regions. Particular attention was paid at the shaft region where screws were inserted either in clustered or evenly-spaced fashion. Tied-contact conditions were assigned at the bone screws-plate whereas general contact condition was assumed at the interfaces between LCP-DF and bone screws. Axial compressive load of 1,610N(2.3 BW) was applied on the femoral head to reflect joint reaction force. An average of 5% increase in stiffness was found with increase in screw numbers (from 4 to 6) in the condylar region, as compared to negligible increase (less than 1%) at the shaft regardless of the number of screws inserted or its distribution, whether clustered or evenly-spaced. At the condylar region, screw insertion at the holes near the fracture interface and posterior locations contributed greater increase in stiffness (9~13%) than any other locations. Our results suggested that the screw insertion at the condylar region can be more effective than at the shaft during surgical treatment of fracture of the distal femur with LCP-DF. In addition, screw insertion at the holes close to the fracture interface should be accompanied to ensure better fracture healing.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.220-226
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• 2018

Background: This study introduces a surgical technique with good clinical outcome useful in the treatment of osteoporotic displaced 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures. Methods: From May 2014 to February 2016, 16 patients with displaced 3- or 4-part proximal humeral fractures were treated by application of a locking plate with an endosteal strut allograft via a deltoid splitting approach with a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The allograft was inserted through a fractured gap of the greater tuberosity to support the humeral head and then fixed by a locking plate with meticulous soft tissue dissection to protect the axillary nerve. Surgical outcomes were evaluated by the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, radiological imaging, and clinical examination. Fixation failure on radiographs was defined as a >$5^{\circ}$ loss of neck shaft angle (NSA) compared to that on an immediate postoperative radiograph. Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the humeral head was also evaluated. Results: In all cases, complete union was achieved. The ASES and VAS scores were improved to $85.4{\pm}2.1$ and $3.2{\pm}1.3$, respectively. Twelve patients (75.0%) had greater than a $5^{\circ}$ change in NSA; the average NSA change was $3.8^{\circ}$. Five patients (31.3%) had unsatisfactory ranges of motion exhibiting a <$100^{\circ}$ active forward flexion. No axillary nerve injuries or AVN were observed at the last follow-up. One patient was converted to reverse total arthroplasty due to severe pain and functional deficit. Conclusions: Minimally invasive fixation via a locking compression plate and an endosteal fibula strut allograft in Neer classification 3-or 4-part fractures with severe osteoporosis in elderly patients can achieve good clinical results.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.137-142
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• 2008

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results of the treatment of a proximal humerus fracture with a locking compression plate(LCP). Materials and Methods: This study reviewed the results of 24 cases of a proximal humerus fracture treated with a LCP from January 2005 to April 2007, after a follow up of more than 12 months. There were 8 males and 16 females with a mean age of 68.9(33-90) years. The clinical results were evaluated using the Neer's evaluation criteria, and the radiographic results were evaluated using the bone union time and Paavoleinen method. Results: The mean time for bone union was 11.9 weeks. Using the Neer's functional evaluation, 21 cases of the 24 patients (87%) showed excellent or satisfactory results. Twenty two cases (91%) showed good results according to the Paavoleinen method. The complications encountered were metal failure (1 patient), AVN of the humeral head (1 patient) and joint stiffness (1 patient). Conclusion: The LCP demonstrated good results in the treatment of a proximal humerus fracture and has relatively fewer complications than other internal fixators.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.27-34
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• 2011

Purpose: We examined the clinical and radiological outcomes for displaced proximal humerus fractures that were treated with a PHILOS angular stable plate. Materials and Method: Forty four patients who underwent surgery between March 2007 and February 2010 were included in this study. All the cases were followed up for an average of 12 months. All the patients were examined and interviewed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score, the Constant score and standardized X-rays to check the neck-shaft angle (NSA) and the presence of medial support. Results: The average Visual Analog Scale score was 2.8 points and the average Constant score was 70.5 points. The average neck shaft angle was $122.5^{\circ}$ and this was statistically significant between the good result group and the poor result group. There were 36 cases of the presence of medial support and 8 cases of the absence of medial support and the difference was statistically significant. Complications such as fixation failure happened in 12 cases. Conclusion: PHILOS angular stable plate fixation as an operative treatment for displaced proximal humerus fractures is a good and reliable treatment option.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.15 no.1
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• pp.25-31
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• 2012

Purpose: The clinical and radiographic outcomes of the internal fixation, which were executed on patients over the age of 65 with proximal humerus fracture by using a polyaxial angular stable locking compression plate (Non-Contact-Bridging proximal humerus plate, Zimmer, Switzerland, NCB), were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Thirty two patients over the age of 65 among the proximal humerus fracture treated with NCB plate, between August 2007 and January 2011, were chosen as the subjects. The average age of patients was 71 years, and the average postoperative follow-up period was 11.5 months. The fractures included 14 two-part and 18 three-part fractures. The clinical results were evaluated, using the visual analog scale (VAS) score and the Constant score. The radiological results were evaluated by time to union and Paavolainen method, which measures the neck shaft angle. Results: At the last follow-up examination, the mean VAS score was 3 points and the mean Constant score was 64.5 points, with bone union achieved after the average of 16.2 weeks following the surgery in all the cases. The mean neck shaft angle was 125.9 and 24 cases had good results, while 8 cases had fair results by Paavolainen method, at the last follow-up. There were 1 case of delayed union and cerclage wire failure, and 3 cases of subacromial impingement. There were no complications, such as loss of reduction, nonunion, screw loosening, or avascular necrosis of the humeral head. Conclusion: Internal fixation, using a NCB plate, was considered to be an effective surgical method in treating proximal humerus fracture in the elderly patients, on whom the fixation of the fracture and maintenance of reduction are difficult.