Abstract Although nonoperative treatment is recognized as an effective treatment method for humeral shaft fractures, it is associated with an approximately 10% risk of nonunion and long-term impairments of the shoulder joint. There is a growing interest to treat even simple humeral shaft fractures operatively to avoid these problems. Intramedullary (IM) nailing has proven to be very effective in the treatment of femoral and tibial shaft fractures and the same method has been adopted for humeral shaft fractures. However, the results regarding union rate and shoulder joint function after antegrade insertion of an IM nail have been very controversial. The purpose of this study was to investigate fracture union, shoulder joint function and symptoms after antegrade IM nailing of humeral shaft fractures, to assess safety and results of IM nailing in pathological fractures, to evaluate the efficacy of exchange nailing and Ilizarov's technique in the treatment of nonunion after IM nailing and to find out, by comparing shoulder joint symptoms and function after antegrade IM nailing and dynamic compression (DC) plate fixation, whether antegrade access to the medullary cavity is the main reason behind shoulder joint problems. During the years 1987-1997, 126 humeral shaft fractures were operated upon in Oulu University Hospital using antegrade IM nailing. The nonunion rate was 22% and distraction of the fracture fragments was the most important risk factor associated with nonunion. The reoperation rate, for various reasons, was 25%. Shoulder joint pain and impairment of function was present in 37% of the patients. In the treatment of 18 pathological fractures IM nailing was a rapid and safe operation, associated with good pain relief. Exchange nailing of 13 cases of nonunion after IM nailing resulted in a union rate of 47% and this method is not useful in the humerus in contrast to tibial and femoral fractures. Permanent nonunion leaves the patient with severe impairment of the shoulder joint and a loose nail may lead to severe osteolysis of cortical bone. In complicated nonunion with poor bone quality, Ilizarov's technique, although associated with a high rate of minor complications and reoperations, worked well. When IM nailing was compared with DC plating it was found that there were no significant differences in shoulder pain, function scores, range-of-motion and strength. Antegrade insertion of the nail, if carried out properly, is probably not the main reason for shoulder joint impairment after IM nailing. Antegrade IM nailing of humeral shaft fractures is associated with several problems, e.g. shoulder joint impairment and difficulties in reconstruction after nonunion, and indications for this method may be exceptional, such as comminuted and pathological fractures.

INTRODUÇÃO: As fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero são frequentes, com incidência crescente no idoso e com impacto na qualidade de vida e na função do ombro. Para os casos com desvio, a placa bloqueada é o método mais utilizado de osteossíntese. Bons resultados clínicos são obtidos tanto com a placa bloqueada como com a haste intramedular bloqueada. O objetivo do estudo foi a comparação desses métodos no tratamento das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero quanto aos resultados clínicos, radiográficos e à taxa de complicações. MÉTODOS: Nesse estudo clínico prospectivo e randomizado, 72 pacientes com fraturas desviadas da extremidade proximal do úmero, classificadas como em 2 ou 3 partes de Neer, foram alocados para receberem osteossíntese com placa bloqueada (36 pacientes - Grupo Placa) ou haste intramedular bloqueada (36 pacientes - Grupo Haste). Os desfechos clínicos foram avaliados aos 3, 6 e 12 meses e incluíram as escalas de Constant e Murley, Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles modificada (UCLA), escala visual analógica de dor (EVA) e o questionário \"Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand\"(DASH) e a amplitude de movimento passiva. Os desfechos radiográficos consistiram na avaliação da consolidação e do ângulo cabeça-diáfise. As complicações foram avaliadas até os 12 meses e incluíram a avaliação do manguito rotador pela ultrassonografia. O desfecho primário do estudo foi a avaliação pela escala de Constant e Murley, aos 12 meses de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e cinco pacientes completaram 12 meses de seguimento, sendo 32 no Grupo Haste e 33 no Grupo Placa. A escala de Constant aos 12 meses foi de 70,3 pontos para o Grupo Haste e de 71,5 pontos para o Grupo Placa (p = 0,750). A escala de Constant Relativa Individual foi de 81% para o Grupo Haste e de 85% para o Grupo Placa (p = 0,400). Também não houve diferença entre os grupos aos 3 e 6 meses para a escala de Constant. A escala EVA e o questionário DASH também não apresentaram diferença aos 3, 6 e 12 meses, assim como os resultados radiográficos. A escala UCLA apresentou diferença de 4,0 pontos aos 3 meses, com melhores resultados para o Grupo Haste (p = 0,005), mas sem diferença significante aos 6 e 12 meses. A amplitude de movimento apresentou diferença de 2,1 pontos favorável ao Grupo Haste para a rotação medial aos 6 meses (p = 0,042), sem diferença para os demais planos de movimento nos diferentes momentos de avaliação. Foram registradas 38 complicações, sendo 28 no Grupo Haste e 10 no Grupo Placa, com diferença estatística (p = 0,001). As complicações ocorreram em 18 pacientes, sendo 11 (34%) do Grupo Haste e sete (21%) do Grupo Placa, sem diferença estatística (p = 0,137). CONCLUSÕES: A osteossíntese das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero com placa bloqueada ou haste intramedular bloqueada produziram resultados clínicos e radiográficos semelhantes. A fixação com haste intramedular bloqueada apresentou maior taxa de complicações e reoperações / INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the proximal humerus are common, with an increasing incidence in the elderly and with a high impact on quality of life and shoulder function. For displaced fractures, the locking plate is the most used method of osteosynthesis. Studies have shown good clinical results with the use of locking plates, but also with the fixation with locking intramedullary nail. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes, radiographic results and the complications between these two methods in patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, 72 patients with displaced fractures of the proximal humerus, classified as Neer 2- or 3-part, were randomly assigned to receive osteosynthesis with either locking plate (36 patients - Plate Group) or locking intramedullary nail (36 patients - Nail Group). The clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months and included the Constant and Murley, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) and the passive range of motion. Radiographic findings (consolidation and head shaft angle) and complications, which included the evaluation of rotator cuff by ultrasound, were also evaluated. The primary outcome was the Constant and Murley score at 12 months. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients completed 12 months of follow-up, 32 in the Nail Group and 33 in the Plate Group. The mean Constant score at 12 months was 70.3 points for the Nail Group and 71.5 points for the Plate Group (p = 0.750) and the mean Relative Constant score was 81% for the Nail Group and 85% points for the Plate Group (p = 0.400). There was also no difference at 3 and 6 months for the Constant score. VAS, DASH and radiographic findings also did not differ at 3, 6 and 12 months. Range of motion showed a 2.1 points difference in favor of the Nail Group for medial rotation at 6 months (p = 0.042), with no difference for the other motions at 3, 6 and 12 months. The UCLA score presented a difference of 4.0 points at 3 months, with better results for the Nail Group (p = 0.005), but no significant difference at 6 and 12 months. Thirty-eight complications were recorded, 28 in the Nail Group and 10 in the Plate Group, with significant difference (p = 0.001). Complications occurred in 18 patients, 11 (34%) of the Nail Group and seven (21%) of the Plate Group, with no significant difference (p = 0.137). CONCLUSIONS: Locking plates and locking intramedullary nail yielded similar clinical and radiographic results. Locking intramedullary nail fixation has a higher risk for complications and reoperations

INTRODUÇÃO: As fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero são frequentes, com incidência crescente no idoso e com impacto na qualidade de vida e na função do ombro. Para os casos com desvio, a placa bloqueada é o método mais utilizado de osteossíntese. Bons resultados clínicos são obtidos tanto com a placa bloqueada como com a haste intramedular bloqueada. O objetivo do estudo foi a comparação desses métodos no tratamento das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero quanto aos resultados clínicos, radiográficos e à taxa de complicações. MÉTODOS: Nesse estudo clínico prospectivo e randomizado, 72 pacientes com fraturas desviadas da extremidade proximal do úmero, classificadas como em 2 ou 3 partes de Neer, foram alocados para receberem osteossíntese com placa bloqueada (36 pacientes - Grupo Placa) ou haste intramedular bloqueada (36 pacientes - Grupo Haste). Os desfechos clínicos foram avaliados aos 3, 6 e 12 meses e incluíram as escalas de Constant e Murley, Universidade da Califórnia em Los Angeles modificada (UCLA), escala visual analógica de dor (EVA) e o questionário \"Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand\"(DASH) e a amplitude de movimento passiva. Os desfechos radiográficos consistiram na avaliação da consolidação e do ângulo cabeça-diáfise. As complicações foram avaliadas até os 12 meses e incluíram a avaliação do manguito rotador pela ultrassonografia. O desfecho primário do estudo foi a avaliação pela escala de Constant e Murley, aos 12 meses de pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Sessenta e cinco pacientes completaram 12 meses de seguimento, sendo 32 no Grupo Haste e 33 no Grupo Placa. A escala de Constant aos 12 meses foi de 70,3 pontos para o Grupo Haste e de 71,5 pontos para o Grupo Placa (p = 0,750). A escala de Constant Relativa Individual foi de 81% para o Grupo Haste e de 85% para o Grupo Placa (p = 0,400). Também não houve diferença entre os grupos aos 3 e 6 meses para a escala de Constant. A escala EVA e o questionário DASH também não apresentaram diferença aos 3, 6 e 12 meses, assim como os resultados radiográficos. A escala UCLA apresentou diferença de 4,0 pontos aos 3 meses, com melhores resultados para o Grupo Haste (p = 0,005), mas sem diferença significante aos 6 e 12 meses. A amplitude de movimento apresentou diferença de 2,1 pontos favorável ao Grupo Haste para a rotação medial aos 6 meses (p = 0,042), sem diferença para os demais planos de movimento nos diferentes momentos de avaliação. Foram registradas 38 complicações, sendo 28 no Grupo Haste e 10 no Grupo Placa, com diferença estatística (p = 0,001). As complicações ocorreram em 18 pacientes, sendo 11 (34%) do Grupo Haste e sete (21%) do Grupo Placa, sem diferença estatística (p = 0,137). CONCLUSÕES: A osteossíntese das fraturas da extremidade proximal do úmero com placa bloqueada ou haste intramedular bloqueada produziram resultados clínicos e radiográficos semelhantes. A fixação com haste intramedular bloqueada apresentou maior taxa de complicações e reoperações / INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the proximal humerus are common, with an increasing incidence in the elderly and with a high impact on quality of life and shoulder function. For displaced fractures, the locking plate is the most used method of osteosynthesis. Studies have shown good clinical results with the use of locking plates, but also with the fixation with locking intramedullary nail. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcomes, radiographic results and the complications between these two methods in patients with displaced proximal humerus fractures. METHODS: In this prospective, randomized clinical trial, 72 patients with displaced fractures of the proximal humerus, classified as Neer 2- or 3-part, were randomly assigned to receive osteosynthesis with either locking plate (36 patients - Plate Group) or locking intramedullary nail (36 patients - Nail Group). The clinical outcomes were evaluated at 3, 6 and 12 months and included the Constant and Murley, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) and Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, visual analog scale (VAS) and the passive range of motion. Radiographic findings (consolidation and head shaft angle) and complications, which included the evaluation of rotator cuff by ultrasound, were also evaluated. The primary outcome was the Constant and Murley score at 12 months. RESULTS: Sixty-five patients completed 12 months of follow-up, 32 in the Nail Group and 33 in the Plate Group. The mean Constant score at 12 months was 70.3 points for the Nail Group and 71.5 points for the Plate Group (p = 0.750) and the mean Relative Constant score was 81% for the Nail Group and 85% points for the Plate Group (p = 0.400). There was also no difference at 3 and 6 months for the Constant score. VAS, DASH and radiographic findings also did not differ at 3, 6 and 12 months. Range of motion showed a 2.1 points difference in favor of the Nail Group for medial rotation at 6 months (p = 0.042), with no difference for the other motions at 3, 6 and 12 months. The UCLA score presented a difference of 4.0 points at 3 months, with better results for the Nail Group (p = 0.005), but no significant difference at 6 and 12 months. Thirty-eight complications were recorded, 28 in the Nail Group and 10 in the Plate Group, with significant difference (p = 0.001). Complications occurred in 18 patients, 11 (34%) of the Nail Group and seven (21%) of the Plate Group, with no significant difference (p = 0.137). CONCLUSIONS: Locking plates and locking intramedullary nail yielded similar clinical and radiographic results. Locking intramedullary nail fixation has a higher risk for complications and reoperations

The mevalonate pathway is an important biosynthetic pathway, found in all cells of virtually all known pro- as well as eukaryotic organisms. This thesis is an investigation into the use of two drugs, originally developed for different applications, but both affecting the mevalonate pathway, in to models of fracture repair. Using two different rodent models of fracture repair, a commonly used cholesterol lowering drug (statin) and two drugs used to treat osteoporosis (bisphosphonate) were applied both systemically as well as locally in order to enhance fracture repair. Papers I and II investigate the potential of simvastatin to improve the healing of femoral fractures in mice. Papers III and IV explore the use of two bisphosphonates to improve early fixation of stainless steel screws into rat bone. The statin simvastatin lead to an increased strength of the healing cellus. The application of bisphosphonates increased early screw fixation. It seems clear that both drugs have uses in orthopaedic applications. One interesting avenue of further research would be to combine the two classes of drugs and see if we can get the benefits while at the same time diminishing the drawbacks.

Este estudo objetivou comparar, biomecanicamente, por meio dos ensaios de flexão destrutível e ciclagem, bem como a qualidade da redução óssea, após avaliação do molde da superfície articular de osteotomias centrais do acetábulo de cão fixadas com Clamp and Rod Internal Fixation (CRIF) 2,7 mm ou placa de reconstrução bloqueada 2,7 mm. Os implantes foram divididos em dois grupos, denominados grupo CRIF (GC) e grupo Placa (GP). Foram utilizadas nove pelves de cadáveres de cão com peso corporal entre 15 e 35 kg, posteriormente as pelves foram subdivididas em 18 hemipelves e distribuídas aleatoriamente para testar os dois implantes, um contralateral ao outro em uma mesma pelve. Para realização dos testes, foi simulado uma fratura central no acetábulo, por meio de osteotomia linear, realizada com auxílio de serra oscilatória e em seguida, fixadas segundo os padrões AO/SIF, sendo utilizados três parafusos craniais e dois caudais a osteotomia. Após comparação biomecânica de resistência máxima à flexão o GP (22,38±8,44 N.m) demonstrou superioridade estatística em relação ao GC (15,60±5,76 N.m), (p=0,02408). Na comparação do molde da superfície articular após 30 ciclos o GP (0,27 ± 0,24mm) demonstrou valores menores para lacuna da linha articular que o GC (0,49 ± 0,29mm), sendo o GP estatisticamente superior, (p=0,04784). Em conclusão, a aplicação da placa de reconstrução bloqueada é simples e deve ser considerada para redução de fraturas do acetábulo que necessitem de reconstrução anatômica. / The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of reduction and biomechanical characteristics of acetabular osteotomies repaired with 2.7-mm Clamp and Rod Internal Fixation (CRIF) constructs or 2.7-mm locking reconstruction plates in cyclic and load to failure flexion tests. Nine dog cadavers with body weight between 15 and 35 kg were included in this study. All 18 hemipelves were randomly assigned into two groups named after the implants tested, group CRIF (GC) and group Plate (GP). All pelves were used to test both groups with each hemipelvis belonging to a different implant group. Acetabular osteotomies were created with an oscillatory saw and then fixed according to the AO/ASIF standards, using either 5-hole, 2.7-mm locking reconstruction plates with three locked screws cranial and two caudal to the osteotomy line, or CRIF constructs with 5 clamps, three located cranial and two caudal to the osteotomy line. Load to failure at GP (22.38 ± 8.44N.m) was significantly higher than GC (15.60 ± 5.76N.m), (p = 0.02408). Imprinted cast of acetabular reduction gap after 30 cycles was statistically smaller at GP (0.27 ± 0.24mm) than GC (0.49 ± 0.29mm) (p = 0.04784). We concluded that the appliance of locking reconstruction plates is simple and should be considered for acetabular fractures, that require perfect anatomical reconstruction.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar comparativamente a rigidez vertical, horizontal e de resistência à ruptura, com liberdade de movimentos em três eixos no espaço, de mandíbulas fixadas com sistemas 2,0-mm locking e convencionais com uma ou duas placas, em fraturas unilaterais no ângulo mandibular. Vinte mandíbulas de cordeiro, submetidas a osteotomia reproduzindo fraturas, foram divididas em três grupos: F1PC - placa convencional em linha oblíqua; F2PC - duas placas convencionais de modo monoplanar; FL - placa de sistema locking 2,0mm em linha oblíqua. Foi utilizada máquina de ensaio universal, onde foi acoplado suporte metálico com rodas para as mandíbulas. O sistema foi analisado em três diferentes momentos: pré-osteotomia com mandíbulas hígidas e pós-osteotomia/fixação e resistência à ruptura. Os valores de rigidez foram submetidos a análise de variância (p<0,005). Os valores de rigidez vertical (p< 0,0001), horizontal (p= 0,0005) e resistência a ruptura (p= 0,0001) entre pré e pósosteotomia/ fixação apresentaram uma diminuição significante. Na comparação entre os grupos, houve diferença significante para a rigidez vertical (p= 0,009) e o grupo F2PC apresentou maior rigidez. Na comparação entre os grupos, não houve diferença significante para a rigidez horizontal e para resistência a ruptura. Foi concluído que para rigidez vertical, horizontal e resistência a ruptura os valores de pós-osteotomia/fixação foram significantemente menores, o sistema de fixação com duas placas convencionais mostrou maior resistência quanto à rigidez vertical que os demais sistemas e não houve diferença estatisticamente significante na comparação entre os grupos quanto a rigidez horizontal e resistência a ruptura. / The objective of this work was to evaluate the vertical, horizontal and tensile rigidity with freedom of movement in three axes in space, of mandibles fixed with 2.0-mm locking and conventional systems with one or two plates, in unilateral fractures in the Angle of the mandible. Twenty mandibles of lamb, submitted to osteotomy and reproducing fractures, were divided into three groups: F1PC - conventional oblique line; F2PC - two conventional single-mode boards; FL - 2.0mm locking system plate in oblique line. A universal test machine was used, where metal support was coupled with wheels for the jaws. The system was analyzed in three different moments: pre-osteotomy with healthy mandibles and post-osteotomy / fixation and resistance to rupture. The stiffness values were submitted to analysis of variance (p <0.005). The values of vertical rigidity (p <0.0001), horizontal (p = 0.0005) and resistance to rupture (p = 0.0001) between pre and post osteotomy / fixation showed a significant decrease. In the comparison between the groups, there was a significant difference for vertical stiffness (p = 0.009) and the F2PC group presented greater stiffness. In the comparison between the groups, there was no significant difference for horizontal rigidity and for resistance to rupture. It was concluded that for post-osteotomy / fixation values were significantly lower for vertical, horizontal and tensile rigidity, the fixation system with two conventional plates showed greater resistance to vertical rigidity than the other systems and there was no statistically significant difference in comparison between the groups for horizontal rigidity and resistance to rupture.

Wei, Fangyuan. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2013. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 182-211). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstract also in Chinese.

O padrão ouro no tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas de tornozelo são as sínteses metálicas, sejam de titânio ou aço. Os implantes bioabsorvíveis foram desenvolvidos para evitar o efeito do stress shielding, ou escudo de carga, e a retirada de material de síntese. O uso de materiais absorvíveis é bem documentado, e com bons resultados em grande número de fraturas craniofaciais. O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar os resultados funcionais de fraturas de tornozelo tratadas com placas metálicas e absorvíveis. Os pacientes foram randomizados e seguidos de forma prospectiva em dois grupos, metálico e absorvível. No período pós operatório imediato os pacientes foram imobilizados com tala gessada por uma semana, substituída por órtese removível por mais 4 semanas. Carga parcial foi autorizada com 3 semanas, e carga total com 6 semanas. Dezenove pacientes foram seguidos por nove meses, e avaliados radiográfica e funcionalmente aos 6 e 9 meses. Todos consolidaram entre 8 e 12 semanas. A recuperação funcional foi similar nos dois grupos. Aos 6 meses, três pacientes no grupo metálico queixaram-se de problemas locais, e tiveram seus implantes removidos. Um paciente do grupo absorvível teve uma deiscência da sutura, tratado com boa evolução. Aos 9 meses foi aplicado o escore da AOFAS para todos os pacientes. Os resultados funcionais foram semelhantes nos dois grupos, após a retirada de implante de três pacientes no grupo metálico. Os implantes absorvíveis permitiram resultados clínicos e funcionais semelhantes aos metálicos em fraturas de tornozelo / The current gold standard fixation system for surgical ankle fractures are the metallic implants, steel or titanium made. Resorbable implants have been developed to avoid stress shielding and a new surgery for implant removal, common with metal implants. Use of resorbable implants is well documented in the literature for a range of craniofacial fractures, with good results. The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of ankle fractures using biodegradable and metal plates. Patients were randomly and prospectively treated with resorbable or metal fixation system. Post-operatively, the ankle was immobilized with a plaster cast for 1 week, removable cast for other 4 weeks. Half and full weight bearing were allowed at weeks 3 and 6. nineteen patients were followed for 9 months. Functional recovery was similar in both groups at 6 and 9 months, three patients in metal group complained implant-related problems, and had their implants removed, and one in resorbable had an acute dehiscence, solved with surgical debridement and closure. At 6 and 9 months, the AOFAS score was applied for all patients. The functional results were similar in both groups. Implant removal was necessary in three patients from the metallic group. The resorbable plate provided qualitatively similar fracture healing results as the metal plate

Displaced femoral neck fractures comprise more than a third of all hip fractures. There is controversy as to the optimal treatment. Despite attempts to improve the methods for internal fixation, complication rates have been almost unchanged: 20-40% non-union and late segmental collapse in another 10-20%. Internal fixation has been the preferred treatment in Scandinavia, whereas primary hemi- or total arthroplasty have been more prevalent in the rest of Europe and North America. In this study, patients 75 years or older, including those with mental impairment, were randomized to either internal fixation or cemented primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). A total of 146 hips in 143 patients were followed for two years. After one year 23% had died, and after two years 29%. Mortality was about the same in both groups. The accumulated mortality was pronounced among the mentally impaired patients. In the internal fixation group, 44% underwent further surgery. In the THA group, 18% dislocated. The dislocation rate was higher for the mentally impaired patients. The Harris hip scores were higher in the THA group, whereas pain was more common in the internal fixation group. The first 50 patients in each treatment group were studied concerning heterotopic ossification (HO), a well-known complication after THA. The incidence of HO in the THA group was similar to what is found after THA due to osteoarthritis. However, only 1/39 developed severe symptoms. A subgroup of 100 patients was included in a study concerning nutritional status and functional capacity using the Modified Norton scale, Katz index of ADL and a questionnaire measuring instrumental activities of daily living. The THA group fared better concerning weight change over time, locomotion and pain. The nutritional intervention did not show any measurable effects. All patients were followed until two years postoperatively and all fracturerelated hospital costs, including reoperations, were calculated. We found no difference in total costs between the treatment groups. Costs to the municipality were calculated comparing the baseline cost before surgery with the average cost per month during the first postoperative year. No difference was found between the treatment groups. On the basis of our results, we recommend arthroplasty for patients in this age group with normal mental function and high functional demands.

Thesis (M.S.)--Mississippi State University. Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine. / Title from title screen. Includes bibliographical references.