The biology and treatment of acute long-bones diaphyseal fractures: Overview of the current options for bone healing enhancement.
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ABSTRACT: Diaphyseal fractures represent a complex biological entity that could often end into impaired bone-healing, with delayed union and non-union occurring up to 10% of cases. The role of the modern orthopaedic surgeon is to optimize the fracture healing environment, recognize and eliminate possible interfering factors, and choose the best suited surgical fixation technique. The impaired reparative process after surgical intervention can be modulated with different surgical techniques, such as dynamization or exchange nailing after failed intramedullary nailing. Moreover, the mechanical stability of a nail can be improved through augmentation plating, bone grafting or external fixation techniques with satisfactory results. According to the "diamond concept", local therapies, such as osteoconductive scaffolds, bone growth factors, and osteogenic cells can be successfully applied in "polytherapy" for the enhancement of delayed union and non-union of long bones diaphyseal fractures. Moreover, systemic anti-osteoporosis anabolic drugs, such as teriparatide, have been proposed as off-label treatment for bone healing enhancement both in fresh complex shaft fractures and impaired unions, especially for fragility fractures. The article aims to review the biological and mechanical principles of failed reparative osteogenesis of diaphyseal fractures after surgical treatment. Moreover, the evidence about the modern non-surgical and pharmacological options for bone healing enhancement will discussed.
Project description:BACKGROUND:The healing of long bones diaphyseal fractures can be often impaired and eventually end into delayed union and non-union. A number of therapeutic strategies have been proposed in combination with surgical treatment in order to enhance the healing process, such as scaffolds, growth factors, cell therapies and systemic pharmacological treatments. Our aim was to investigate the current evidence of bone healing enhancement of acute long bone diaphyseal fractures. METHODS:A systematic review was conducted by using Pubmed/MEDLINE; Embase and Ovid databases. The combination of the search terms "long-bones; diaphyseal fracture; bone healing; growth factors; cell therapies; scaffolds; graft; bone substitutes; orthobiologics; teriparatide". RESULTS:The initial search resulted in 4156 articles of which 37 papers fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were the subject of this review. The studies included 1350 patients (837 males and 513 females) with a mean age of 65.3 years old. CONCLUSIONS:General lack of high-quality studies exists on the use of adjuvant strategies for bone healing enhancement in acute shaft fractures. Strong evidence supports the use of bone grafts, while only moderate evidence demineralized bone matrix and synthetic ceramics. Conflicting results partially supported the use of growth factors and cell therapies in acute fractures. Teriparatide showed promising results, particularly for atypical femoral fractures and periprosthetic femoral fractures.
Project description:OBJECTIVES:To evaluate inter-rater reliability of the modified Radiographic Union Score for Tibial (mRUST) fractures among patients with open, diaphyseal tibia fractures with a bone defect treated with intramedullary nails (IMNs), plates, or definitive external fixation (ex-fix). DESIGN:Retrospective cohort study. SETTING:Fifteen-level one civilian trauma centers; 2 military treatment facilities. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS:Patients ≥18 years old with open, diaphyseal tibia fractures with a bone defect ≥1 cm surgically treated between 2007 and 2012. INTERVENTION:Three of 6 orthopedic traumatologists reviewed and applied mRUST scoring criteria to radiographs from the last clinical visit within 13 months of injury. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:Inter-rater reliability was assessed using Krippendorff's alpha (KA) statistic; intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) is presented for comparison with previous publications. RESULTS:Two hundred thirteen patients met inclusion criteria including 115 IMNs, 24 plates, 29 ex-fixes, and 45 cases that no longer had instrumentation at evaluation. All reviewers agreed on the pattern of scoreable cortices for 90.4% of IMNs, 88.9% of those without instrumentation, 44.8% of rings, and 20.8% of plates. Thirty-one (15%) cases, primarily plates and ex-fixes, did not contribute to KA and ICC estimates because <2 raters scored all cortices. The overall KA for the 85% that could be analyzed was 0.64 (ICC 0.71). For IMNs, plates, ex-fixes, and no instrumentation, KA (ICC) was 0.65 (0.75), 0.88 (0.90), 0.47 (0.62), and 0.48 (0.57), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:In tibia fractures with bone defects, the mRUST seems similarly reliable to previous work in patients treated with IMN but is less reliable in those with plates or ex-fixes, or after removal of instrumentation.
Project description:BackgroundIt is unclear whether it is safe to convert above-elbow cast (AEC) to below-elbow cast (BEC) in a child who has sustained a displaced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture that is stable after reduction. In this multicenter study, we wanted to answer the question: does early conversion to BEC cause similar forearm rotation to that after treatment with AEC alone?Children and methodsChildren were randomly allocated to 6 weeks of AEC, or 3 weeks of AEC followed by 3 weeks of BEC. The primary outcome was limitation of pronation/supination after 6 months. The secondary outcomes were re-displacement of the fracture, limitation of flexion/extension of the wrist and elbow, complication rate, cast comfort, complaints in daily life, and cosmetics of the fractured arm.Results62 children were treated with 6 weeks of AEC, and 65 children were treated with 3 weeks of AEC plus 3 weeks of BEC. The follow-up rate was 60/62 and 64/65, respectively with a mean time of 6.9 (4.7-13) months. The limitation of pronation/supination was similar in both groups (18 degrees for the AEC group and 11 degrees for the AEC/BEC group). The secondary outcomes were similar in both groups, with the exception of cast comfort, which was in favor of the AEC/BEC group.InterpretationEarly conversion to BEC cast is safe and results in greater cast comfort.
Project description:BACKGROUND:Isolated fractures of the shaft of the ulna, which are often sustained when the forearm is raised to shield against a blow, are generally treated on an outpatient basis. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in 1998 and last updated in 2009. OBJECTIVES:To assess the effects of various forms of treatment for isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft in adults. SEARCH METHODS:We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (April 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 3), MEDLINE (1966 to April week 1 2012), EMBASE (1981 to week 15 2012), CINAHL (1982 to 16 April 2012), various trial registers, various conference proceedings and bibliographies of relevant articles. SELECTION CRITERIA:Randomised or quasi-randomised trials of conservative and surgical treatment of isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft in adults. Excluded were fractures of the proximal ulna and Monteggia fracture dislocations. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS:We performed independent assessment of risk of bias and data extraction. We contacted trialists for more information. There was no pooling of data. MAIN RESULTS:The updated search resulted in the identification of one ongoing trial comparing surgery versus conservative treatment.Four trials, involving a total of 237 participants, were included. All four trials were methodologically flawed and potentially biased.Three trials tested conservative treatment interventions. One trial, which compared short arm (below elbow) pre-fabricated functional braces with long arm (elbow included) plaster casts, found there was no significant difference in the time it took for fracture union. Patient satisfaction and return to work during treatment were significantly better in the brace group. The other two trials, both quasi-randomised, had three treatment groups. One trial compared Ace Wrap elastic bandage versus short arm plaster cast versus long arm plaster cast. The large loss to follow-up in this trial makes any data analysis tentative. However, the need for replacement of the Ace wrap by other methods due to pain indicates the potential for a serious problem with this intervention. The other trial, which compared immediate mobilisation versus short arm plaster cast versus long arm plaster cast for minimally displaced fractures, found no significant differences in outcome between these three interventions.The fourth trial, which compared two types of plates for surgical fixation, found no significant differences in functional or anatomical outcomes nor complications between the two groups. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS:There is insufficient evidence from randomised trials to determine which method of treatment is the most appropriate for isolated fractures of the ulnar shaft in adults. Well designed and reported randomised trials of current forms of conservative treatment are recommended.
Project description:Bone is continuously remodelled at many sites asynchronously throughout the skeleton, with bone formation and resorption balanced at these sites to retain bone structure. Negative balance resulting in bone loss and osteoporosis, with consequent fractures, has mainly been prevented or treated by anti-resorptive drugs that inhibit osteoclast formation and/or activity, with new prospects now of anabolic treatments that restore bone that has been lost. The anabolic effectiveness of parathyroid hormone has been established, and an exciting new prospect is presented of neutralising antibody against the osteocyte protein, sclerostin. The cellular actions of these two anabolic treatments differ, and the mechanisms will need to be kept in mind in devising their best use. On present evidence it seems likely that treatment with either of these anabolic agents will need to be followed by anti-resorptive treatment in order to maintain bone that has been restored. No matter how effective anabolic therapies for the skeleton become, it seems highly likely that there will be a continuing need for safe, effective anti-resorptive drugs.
Project description:Background & aimsMusculoskeletal pain, the most common cause of disability globally, is most frequently managed in primary care. People with musculoskeletal pain in different body regions share similar characteristics, prognosis, and may respond to similar treatments. This overview aims to summarise current best evidence on currently available treatment options for the five most common musculoskeletal pain presentations (back, neck, shoulder, knee and multi-site pain) in primary care.MethodsA systematic search was conducted. Initial searches identified clinical guidelines, clinical pathways and systematic reviews. Additional searches found recently published trials and those addressing gaps in the evidence base. Data on study populations, interventions, and outcomes of intervention on pain and function were extracted. Quality of systematic reviews was assessed using AMSTAR, and strength of evidence rated using a modified GRADE approach.ResultsModerate to strong evidence suggests that exercise therapy and psychosocial interventions are effective for relieving pain and improving function for musculoskeletal pain. NSAIDs and opioids reduce pain in the short-term, but the effect size is modest and the potential for adverse effects need careful consideration. Corticosteroid injections were found to be beneficial for short-term pain relief among patients with knee and shoulder pain. However, current evidence remains equivocal on optimal dose, intensity and frequency, or mode of application for most treatment options.ConclusionThis review presents a comprehensive summary and critical assessment of current evidence for the treatment of pain presentations in primary care. The evidence synthesis of interventions for common musculoskeletal pain presentations shows moderate-strong evidence for exercise therapy and psychosocial interventions, with short-term benefits only from pharmacological treatments. Future research into optimal dose and application of the most promising treatments is needed.
Project description:This is a study of femoral fracture healing in female rats 16 weeks old at fracture to compare intramedullary nailing, screw and plate fixation, and sham surgery. The sham surgery group received a surgical exposure of the femur, but no fracture, no plate, and no nail. Samples were collected at 1 day, 3 days, 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 6 weeks after surgery. Each sample is a pool of RNA from three rats from the same surgery group at the same time point after fracture. The middle third of the femur was collected with the cortical bone, fracture callus, and marrow elements. Mid-diaphyseal, simple, transverse fractures were induced by a Gigli saw. The no fracture sample was a time 0 control collected on the day of surgery from intact rats. Keywords = rat Keywords = fracture Keywords = plate Keywords = nail Keywords = time Keywords = femur Keywords: time-course
Project description:IntroductionFractures of the clavicle are common injuries, accounting 2.6-4% of all fractures in adults. Of these fractures, 21-28% are lateral clavicle fractures and 2-3% are medial clavicle fractures. Bipolar clavicle fractures are defined as a lateral and medial fracture and are uncommon. There is no consensus on the treatment of these fractures. The aim of this study is to provide a treatment on bipolar clavicle fractures based on the current literature.MethodsThe electronic databases PubMed, the Cochrane library and EMBASE were searched up on September 25th, 2017. Two reviewers (KR and TG) independently screened titles and abstracts for their relevance. Studies designed to evaluate the outcomes of conservative and/or operative treatment of segmental bipolar clavicle fractures in adults (> 16 years) were included. Editorials and commentaries were excluded, as well as synthetic, cadaveric and animal studies. Primary outcomes considered were pain reduction and shoulder function. Secondary outcomes considered are complications.ResultsTen studies reporting results from ten patients were included for the review. In most patients, if treated operatively, surgical treatment with the use of double plating was performed. Only in elderly patients conservative treatment was adopted. All included patients were pain free and had a full range of motion after 3-6 months. Only two case reports provided a DASH score, while in eight studies no functional outcome score was measured.ConclusionA missed bipolar fracture can complicate the clinical progress. Surgical management of these fractures may be necessary; however, the treatment of choice depends on the age of the patient, daily activities and comorbidity.
Project description:ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the tendon-bone healing process after rotator cuff repair in a rabbit model.MethodsIn vitro, rat bone marrow stromal cells (rBMSCs) were cultured in media for cartilage-related and inflammation-related gene expression levels examination at 1.0 mg/mL of HA. In vivo, 48 New Zealand white rabbits underwent rotator cuff repair surgery, and they were randomly divided into three groups: (1) control group (n = 16), (2) microfracture (MF) group accepting MF treatment (n = 16) and (3) MF/HA group accepting MF with HA treatment (n = 16). Four rabbits from each group were sacrificed at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively for histological evaluation and biomechanical testing.ResultsIn vitro experiments reveal that HA significantly decreased inflammation-related mRNA expression (IL-1, TNF?) compared with the control group. At 6 weeks after surgery, there was no significant difference of load-to-failure between groups. At 12 weeks after surgery, the mean failure load of the MF/HA group was significantly higher than that of the control group (100.5 ± 10.1 N vs. 68.0 ± 6.2 N; p = 0.0115). The mean failure load of the MF group appeared higher than that of the control group, whereas there was no significant difference (p > 0.05). Histologically, more chondrocytes were clustered at the tendon-bone interface, and more extracellular matrixes were produced in the MF/HA group. The interface of the MF/HA group appeared similar with the normal tendon-bone interface.ConclusionHA may play a crucial role in the acceleration of tendon-to-bone healing which might be through inhibiting inflammation. Rotator cuff repair using MF along with HA led to better tendon-bone healing and a subsequent increase of biomechanical strength at the repair site.The translational potential of this articleHA injection is very common for patients with rotator cuff disease because of its antiinflammatory action and adhesion prevention preoperatively. The HA injection during surgery provides an antiinflammatory effect during tendon-bone healing process and leads to better tendon-bone healing postoperatively.
Project description:Background and purposeprevious RCT compared short-term results of above-elbow cast (AEC) with early conversion to below-elbow cast (BEC) in children with non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures. After 7 months both groups had comparable function. Our primary aim was to investigate whether forearm rotation improves or worsens over time. Secondary aims were loss of flexion and extension of the elbow and wrist, patient-reported outcomes measures, grip strength ratio, and radiographic assessment.Patients and methodsWe performed long-term follow-up (FU) of a previous RCT. All patients were invited again for the long-term FU measurements. Primary outcome was limitation of forearm rotation. Secondary outcomes were loss of flexion and extension of the elbow and wrist compared with the contralateral forearm, the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, grip strength ratio, and radiographic assessment.ResultsThe mean FU was 7.5 (4.4-9.6) years. Of the initial 47 children, 38 (81%) participated. Rotation improved in both groups over time, with no significant difference in the final forearm rotation: 8° (SD 22) for the AEC group and 8° (SD 15) for the BEC group with a mean difference of 0° (95% confidence interval -13 to 12). Secondary outcomes showed no statistically significant differences. Finally, children < 9 years almost all have full recovery of function.ConclusionLong-term follow-up showed that loss of forearm rotation after a non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture improved significantly compared with that at 7 months, independent of the initial treatment and children aged < 9 will have almost full recovery of function. This substantiates that the remaining growth behaves like a "friend" at long-term follow-up.