BACKGROUND Ankle arthrodesis may be achieved using the Ilizarov method. Comorbidities, such as diabetes, Charcot neuroarthropathy, osteomyelitis, leg length discrepancy, and smoking, can make an ankle fusion complex and may be associated with lower rates of healing. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES We asked if (1) smoking and other comorbidities led to lower fusion rates, (2) time wearing the frame affecte...

We report the use of Grosse-Kempf reamed intramedullary nailing in the treatment of 41 Gustilo type II and III open tibial fractures. The union times and infection rates were similar to those previously reported for similar fractures treated by external skeletal fixation, but the incidence of malunion was less and fewer required bone grafting. The role of exchange nailing is discussed and a tre...

We describe a surgical technique for ankle arthrodesis using an anterior approach to the ankle and internal fixation with an anteriorly-placed AO T plate. A total of 33 patients who had ankle arthrodeses have been followed retrospectively. Thirty-one (94%) of the ankles fused although two patients developed tibial stress fractures. Four patients had a superficial infection which did not prevent...

Treatment of tibial shaft fractures is still discussed controversial. In the present study current literature was reviewed with the objective to demonstrate current recommendations concerning tibial shaft fractures. Tibial shaft fractures are often caused by high-energy trauma with severe concomitant soft-tissue injuries. Solid bone union without hypertrophy, fast mobilization and full range of...

High-energy tibial plateau fractures associated with severe soft tissue injury are difficult to manage. The risk of wound complications following open reduction and internal fixation is notably high owing to extensive soft tissue dissection. Alternatively, application of hybrid external fixator minimizes soft tissue dissection and provides adequate fracture stabilization to allow early range of...

There are several definitions for bony nonunion. We use the one that defines it as no clinical, radiographic, or scintigraphic evidence of healing 12 months after injury and by the need for secondary surgery. Delayed union is defined as the completion of union Letter to the Editor Immediate interlocking nailing versus external fixation followed by delayed interlocking nailing for Gustilo type I...

Background: The treatment of distal clavicle fracture is always a challenge, as it is mostly unstable and has higherrate of delayed union, malunion, non-union and associated acromioclavicular arthritis. So the management of thesefractures remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the functional results of Type 2 distal endclavicle fractures treated with superior anterior l...

Interlocking intramedullary nailing is currently the preferred treatment for most tibial fractures requiring operative treatment, with good results and a relatively low complication rate as reported in large clinical series. However, vascular and neurological complications caused by interlocking screws have been reported. In addition, insertion of distal interlocking screws can be technically d...