Objectives: Various studies have reported the use of the 95-degree condylar blade plate in the treatment of a subtrochanteric fracture or non-union. However, the holding power of standard screws in the metaphyseal and diaphyseal area is often diminished due to osteopenia. The alternative in this area is the use of locking plates, Schühlis or AO-nuts. With the latter two, non-locking screws in the blade plate can be converted to a fixed angle fixation. The objective of this study was to compare the stiffness and strength of the AO-nut augmented 95-degree condylar blade plate construct with that of a locking plate construct. In addition, a clinical series of eight patients treated with the AO-nut augmented 95-degree condylar blade plate construct is presented. Methods: Single screw-plate constructs of a 5.0 mm locking screw/locking compression plate (LCP) and a 4.5 mm non-locking screw/4.5 mm dynamic compression plate (DCP), converted to a fixed-angle screw construct using AO-nuts, were tested by cantilever bending. During loading, force and displacement were recorded, from which the bending stiffness (N/mm) and the yield strength (N) were determined. Secondarily, all patients that underwent surgical treatment for subtrochanteric fracture, malunion or non-union by the senior author using this technique, underwent chart review. Results: The stiffness of the locking screws was about four times higher compared to the AO-nut augmented construct. The yield strength was 2.3 times higher for the locking screw construct. In none of the eight patients treated with the fixed-angle blade plate, failure of the AO-nut augmented construct occurred. Conclusions: Although the stiffness and strength of the AO-nut augmented construct is less than of the locking screw, excellent clinical outcomes can be achieved utilizing this construct.

INTRODUCTION:In the past distal tibia fractures, including intraarticular fractures, frequently led to poor functional outcomes. The Ruedi-Allgower four steps open method, and later the Patterson and Sirkin recommendations for delayed operative treatment has made a drastic advancement in the treatment of these fractures. The two-stage minimally-invasive protocol using locking plate fixation proved a historical turning point, improving functional results to the highest levels compared to all other methods.AIM:To present the superior results of the two-stage minimally-invasive method using locking plate fixation, making this a historic step forward in treating distal tibia fractures.MATERIAL AND METHODS:A prospective longitudinal study, collecting data from Traumatology-Clinic in the 2014-2016 periods, available for nine-month follow-up. Twenty-three patients were finally included in the study.RESULTS:In analysing the data collected, we focused our attention on the final functional outcomes as indicated by dorsiflexion nine months after injury and also according to the AOFAS Ankle-Hindfoot Scale. Results were excellent with no or minimal consequences. Where complications were present, these were benign and did not require further surgery.CONCLUSION:We believe this modern method for the treatment of distal tibia fractures should be applied routinely and considered as the gold standard in this domain.

The ilioinguinal approach (IIA) to the acetabulum has been used as a golden standard for fifty years to treat "anterior" acetabular fractures. Since its introduction by Hirvensalo and Cole, the anterior intrapelvic approach (AIPA) has been adopted by some surgeons, whilst others remain devoted to the IIA. IIA is routinely used in the Republic of Macedonia. The aim of this study is to present a review of literature for two different anterior approaches for the treatment of acetabular fractures used in modern day surgery, focussing on AIPA and its priorities and comparing it to IIA. We performed a search, mainly electronically, and retrospective analysis of existing literature. We have identified and selected two representative and well-systematized papers for IIA, and six for AIPA. We presented the advantages and disadvantages, priorities and weaknesses of both approaches separately, comparing complications, risks and results. Based on the facts presented regarding the advantages of AIPA with a focus on visualization, accessibility and biomechanical justification, the approach should be implemented in our everyday practice and we are comfortable in stating this preference, especially due to the fact that upon comparison of the complication rate there is no significant difference between the two approaches.

Introduction: Management of degenerative lumbosacral spondylolisthesis with spinal stenosis is still controversial. Surgery is widely used, as well as non-surgical treatment. Aim: To evaluate the clinical results and functional outcome after operative treatment in Grade II and III lumbar spine spondylolisthesis. Material and methods: Twelve patients with symptoms and image-confirmed degenerative spondylolisthesis entered the study. Mean patient age was 57 years. Spondylolisthesis Grade II or III, segment L4-L5 or L5-S1 were evaluated. All patients underwent similar protocols. Operative treatment was decompressive laminectomy, posterior one segment fixation, and fusion with autologous bone grafting. Functional outcome measures were Visual Analog Scale (VAS, 10-point scale) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 100-percent scale) after 6 and 12 months. Results: Patient follow-up was 12 months. Preoperatively, 7 patients had severe disability according to ODI, 4 had moderate disability. VAS measured 6 and 7 points in 6 patients, lowest score of 4 points and the highest score of 9. After 6 months, ODI showed 5 patients had minimal and 7 had moderate disability; 2 patients had 0 points on the VAS, 2 had a score of 1, 4 had a score of 2, highest score of 4 points. Treatment outcome effects after 1 year were 9 patients with minimal disability, 3 with moderate; VAS -2 patients with O points, 3 with 1 point, 4 with 2 points. Conclusion: Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis treated surgically showed substantially greater improvement in pain and functional outcome during a period of 1 year.

BACKGROUND: Biphasic treatment of pilon fractures has been accepted as standard modality of care. AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of timing of definitive surgery for closed pilon fractures on the short-term functional outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective study focused the patients suffering pilon fracture that has undergone treatment in a biphasic manner. Initially, spanning external fixator was applied, while the definitive osteosynthesis was performed within the next several days, in accordance with surgeon’s knowledge. The final functional outcome was evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Ankle-Hindfoot Score. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were included in the study. Mean time passed from injury to definitive surgery was 11.0 ± 3.4 days. Mean value of the functional score was 86.54 ± 13.2 points, with no significant differences with regard to the demographics and injury features. Pearson correlation coefficient demonstrated negative significant correlation between timing of definitive surgery and functional outcome (r = −0.428, p = 0.033). Complications were noted in 16% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Definitive surgery should be planned as soon as possible, once the surgeon considers the soft-tissue status acceptable for surgery. Injudicious postponing has a negative effect on the short-term functional outcome.