SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the epidemiological data and available treatments for fractures secondary to radiotherapy treatment. METHODS: Identification of publications on pathological skeletal fractures previously exposed to ionizing radiation. RESULTS: The incidence of fractures after irradiation varies from 1.2% to 25% with a consolidation rate of 33% to 75%, being more frequent in the ribs, pelvis, and femur. The time elapsed between irradiation and fracture occurs years after radiotherapy. Risk factors include age above 50 years, female gender, extensive periosteal detachment, circumferential irradiation, tumor size, and anterior thigh location. The etiology is still uncertain, but cellular disappearance, reduction of bone turnover and activity were observed hematopoietic as possible causes of failure of consolidation. CONCLUSION: There is no consensus in the literature on the factors related to the development of fractures, with radiation dose, previous tumor size and periosteal detachment being suggested as potential factors.

Objectiveto test the null hypothesis that patients with the terrible triad of the elbow (dislocation together with fractures of the radial head and coronoid process) who are treated with open reduction and internal fixation of the radial head have final results that are comparable with those of patients treated with arthroplasty or partial resection of the radial head.Methodstwenty-six patients with the terrible triad of the elbow who were operated by a single surgeon were evaluated on average 23 months after the surgery (range: 16–36 months). There were 17 men and nine women of mean age 41 ± 13.4 years. The fractures of the radial head were treated by means of osteosynthesis (12 patients), arthroplasty (nine) or resection of a small fragment or no treatment (five). Fixation of the coronoid process/anterior capsule was performed in 21 patients. The lateral ligament complex (LLC) was repaired in all the patients, while the medial ligament complex (MLC) was repaired in three patients whose elbows remained unstable after treatment for the radial head and LLC, but without fixation of the coronoid process.Resultsthe mean final range of flexion and extension was 112°. The mean pronation was 70° and supination, 6°. The mean DASH score (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder & Hand) was 12 and mean MEPI (Mayo Elbow Performance Index) was 87. According to the MEPI scores, 21 patients (80%) had good and excellent results. There was no statistically significant difference in the results between the patients who underwent fixation of the radial head and those who underwent arthroplasty or resection of a small fragment.Conclusionthere was no difference between the patients treated with arthroplasty of the radial head and those treated with other techniques.

Fractures of the clavicle and acromioclavicular dislocations are very common injuries when they occur separately. The combination of an acromioclavicular dislocation and a fracture of the lateral third of the clavicle is not rare. However, there are very few reported cases of acromioclavicular dislocations associated with fractures of the middle third of the clavicle; those associated with fractures of the medial third are even rarer. We report the case of an adult male who suffered an acromioclavicular dislocation (type IV) associated with a displaced extra-articular fracture of the medial end of the clavicle (Almann group 3) in a cycling accident. The patient was treated during the acute phase with open reduction and internal fixation of the two lesions. At the clinical evaluation 12 months after the surgery, the patient was asymptomatic, with full active and passive mobility, and normal strength and endurance of the shoulder girdle. Radiographs and a three-dimensional CT scan showed persistent posterosuperior subluxation of the acromioclavicular joint and anatomical consolidation of the clavicular fracture.

ObjectiveTo compare the clinical and radiographic results from osteosynthesis of fractures of the lateral third of the clavicle, using two methods: T plates or anchors together with Kirschner wires.MethodsFifteen patients of mean age 34.3 years (range: 19–57) and mean follow-up 22.7 months (range: 14–32) were evaluated. In nine cases, a T plate was used; and in six cases, coracoclavicular fixation was used with anchors in the coracoid process and Kirschner wires through the acromioclavicular joint. The evaluation included the Constant score, personal satisfaction and radiographic assessment.ResultsBoth types of treatment achieved consolidation in all cases. Group 1 presented a higher Constant score (83.4) than that of Group 2 (76.4) (p = 0.029). Neither of the techniques presented any severe complications, and mild complications were only observed in Group 2 (80%), mostly consisting of migration of the Kirschner wire and superficial infection.ConclusionSurgical treatment of fractures of the distal clavicle using T plates provided the same consolidation rate as shown by coracoclavicular fixation with anchors in the coracoid process and Kirschner wires through the acromioclavicular joint, and better clinical results.Level of evidenceLevel III evidence was obtained. Comparative retrospective study and therapeutic study were performed.

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