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PURPOSE OF THE STUDYThe purpose of the study was to assess two therapeutic procedures of temporary fixation of displaced ankle fractures, namely the plaster fixation or Kirschner wire (KW) transfixation via the sole of the foot. MATERIAL AND METHODS Group of patientsThe randomised prospective study conducted in the period 02/2016-02/2017 compared two methods of temporary fixation of displaced ankle fractures. In total, 38 patients were included in the study (18 patients treated with plaster fixation, 20 patients treated with KW). MethodsDuring the randomisation (by envelopes, drawing of lots by the patient), in one group of patients, temporary stabilisation by plaster fixation was performed, whereas the other group was treated by percutaneously inserted KWs. The attention was focused on the quality of achieved reduction, its retention until the final treatment, and soft tissue status. After one year, the final examination was performed, in which we focused on the assessment of the clinical condition of the ankle joint with the use of the Olerud-Molander Ankle Score (OMAS), the AOFAS (American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society) score, and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) measuring the overall satisfaction. Moreover, in both the methods potential incidence of arthritic changes was monitored on radiographs. RESULTSBoth the methods achieved 100% successful reduction rate. The group with plaster fixation reported a loss of reduction in six patients (33.3%) as against the KW group where no loss of reduction occurred. This difference was significant (p = 0.007). In plaster fixation method, after its removal local complications occurred on skin in 56%, of which skin necrosis in 16.7%, and it always occurred in association with the loss of reduction, which was statistically significant (p = 0.245). In KW method, local complications on skin were present in 25% only. In the group of patients with KW, there was not a single case of surface or deep infection reported. No KW migration was observed. DISCUSSIONPotential complications of conservative treatment of displaced fractures with plaster fixation include the migration of fragments and widening of the ankle fork during the further course which may threaten the vitality of soft tissues. A total of six patients (33.3%) treated with plaster fixation showed a failure of reduction, which is by approximately 10% more than described in literature. In seven cases after the plaster fixation removal bullae were observed (38.9%) and in three cases skin necrosis was present (16.7%), which occurred in re-displaced fractures only. The bullae were present whether the reduction was successfully maintained or not. In literature, local complications after plaster fixation removal are reported in roughly 14%. Temporary percutaneous ankle KW transfixation is applied to maintain the reduced fracture in a favourable position and to facilitate monitoring and treating the soft tissues. Prior to the final surgical solution, bullae were observed in four cases (20%), of which skin necrosis in one cas...

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PURPOSE OF THE STUDYThe aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment in 41 fractures of the distal humerus classified as type C according to the AO system using conventional versus angle-stable locking plates. MATERIALFifty-one patients were treated by the open reduction and internal fixation method at our department between 2005 and 2008. The group included 28 women and 23 men with an average age of 52.5 years. Forty-one patients came to the final treatment evaluation. The average follow-up was 19 months. Of the 41 injuries, 34% were open fractures. METHODSAll patients were operated on from the standard dorsal approach. Olecranon osteotomy was performed in 83% and the Bryan-Morrey procedure was used in 17% of the patients. Stable osteosynthesis with two reconstruction plates was used in 14 patients (34%), two locking distal humeral plates (DHP) in 21 patients (51%) and a reconstruction plate combined with a DHP was employed in six patients (15%).Controlled early passive rehabilitation was started as soon as acute pain after surgery had resolved. Follow-up at 4, 8 and 12 weeks and at 6 and 12 months included clinical and radiographic examination. The functional outcome was assessed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) system. RESULTSThe average MEPS was 83.6 points. Excellent results were recorded in 19 (46%), good in 14 (34%), satisfactory in five (12%) and poor in three (8%) patients.Healing was achieved within 3 months of surgery in 82% and within 4 months in 12% of the patients. Non-union due to failure of osteosynthesis was recorded in 5 % of the patients. No differences were found in the duration of healing in relation to the implant used. The average flexion/extension range of motion (ROM) at the elbow was 108 degrees (range, 40 to 145 degrees).The complications included failure of osteosynthesis in three patients, deep wound infection in two, superficial infection in one and heterotopic ossification in five patients. Of 16 patients (39%) with ulnar nerve irritation, 15 had impairment in sensory function and one in motor function. The average operative time was 163 min. DISCUSSIONThe results of our study correspond to relevant data reported in the present-day literature. There is an agreement in excellent and good functional outcomes, as assessed using the MEPS, in ROM values and operative time as well as in complications such as non-union, infection or heterotopic ossification. Compared with other studies, the proportion of ulnar nerve irritation in our group was higher. As reported, excellent results are achieved with the use of locking compression plates, particularly in comminuted fractures of the distal humerus in osteoporotic bone. CONCLUSIONSThe method of open reduction and internal fixation with two plates performed by an experienced surgeon brings about good results in the treatment of AO type C fractures of the distal humerus.