BackgroundThe aims of this retrospective study were to compare the functional and radiological outcomes of primary arthrodesis and open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) for the treatment of complete Lisfranc fracture dislocations.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of 39 patients treated for a complete Lisfranc fracture dislocation, defined as Myerson types A and C2, over a period of 8 years at a level 1 trauma centre was performed. Of these, 18 underwent primary arthrodesis, and 21 ORIF. The primary outcome measures included the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score, the validated Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire functional tool, and the secondary outcome was the radiological Wilppula classification of anatomical reduction.ResultsSignificantly better functional outcomes were seen in the primary arthrodesis group. These patients had a mean Manchester Oxford Foot Questionnaire score of 30.1 points, compared with 45.1 for the ORIF group (P = 0.017). Similarly, the mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society score was 71.8 points in the fusion group versus 62.5 in the ORIF group (P = 0.14). Functional outcome was dependent on the quality of final reduction (P < 0.001). Primary arthrodesis achieved good initial reduction in 83% cases compared to 62% with ORIF (P = 0.138). There was a loss of reduction quality of 47% in the ORIF group over time.ConclusionPrimary arthrodesis for complete Lisfranc fracture dislocations resulted in improved functional outcomes and quality of reduction compared to open reduction and internal fixation.

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Multi-faceted interventions directed at the spectrum of trauma resuscitation from pre-hospital care to definitive surgical management were associated with significant reduction in mortality of patients with severe pelvic injury from 2002 to 2013. This demonstrates the effectiveness of an integrated, inclusive trauma system in achieving improved outcomes.

Midshaft clavicle fractures are commonly fixed with locking plates. The subclavian vein risks injury during this procedure and the consequences can be fatal. The purpose of this present study is to describe a clavicular osteotomy technique in order to equip orthopaedic surgeons with a means of rapidly accessing a subclavian vein injury. The osteotomy should only be performed following an urgent intraoperative vascular surgery assessment. There must be shared consensus from both orthopaedic and vascular surgery that direct repair of the subclavian vein is necessary, and further exposure is required. The results of the technique performed on thirteen embalmed cadaveric specimens are also included. The osteotomy was able to expose 3.16 cm (SD = 0.60) of the subclavian vein and both the fracture and osteotomy site of all clavicles (100%) were able to be reduced and fixed using a single pre-contoured fifteen-hole lateral plate intended for use on the contralateral shoulder. This surgical technique study confirms that in the rare circumstance that the osteotomy is utilized, adequate exposure of the subclavian vein is achieved.

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the rate of union of scaphoid fractures managed with volar plating and assess postoperative complications. Methods: Retrospective consecutive case series of 28 patients with scaphoid fractures, 9 acute and 19 chronic nonunions, undergoing surgical fixation with volar scaphoid plating by a single surgeon between 2013 and 2019. Patients were followed up for a minimum of 3 months with scaphoid bony union being confirmed on radiograph or computed tomography. Postoperative complications and need for plate removal were recorded. Results: Overall union rate of 96% with all 19 chronic nonunions demonstrating radiological union and 1 of 9 acute fractures not uniting and requiring revision surgery. The only postoperative complication identified was symptomatic plate impingement which necessitated plate removal in 57% of cases. Conclusions: This case series demonstrates volar plating of scaphoid fractures can be used as an alternative technique to achieve union.