RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical and radiographic results from osteosynthesis of fractures of the lateral third of the clavicle, using two methods: T plates or anchors together with Kirschner wires. METHODS: Fifteen patients of mean age 34.3 years (range: 19-57) and mean follow-up 22.7 months (range: 14-32) were evaluated. In nine cases, a T plate was used; and in six cases, coracoclavicular fixation was used with anchors in the coracoid process and Kirschner wires through the acromioclavicular joint. The evaluation included the Constant score, personal satisfaction and radiographic assessment. RESULTS: Both types of treatment achieved consolidation in all cases. Group 1 presented a higher Constant score (83.4) than that of Group 2 (76.4) (p = 0.029). Neither of the techniques presented any severe complications, and mild complications were only observed in Group 2 (80%), mostly consisting of migration of the Kirschner wire and superficial infection. CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of fractures of the distal clavicle using T plates provided the same consolidation rate as shown by coracoclavicular fixation with anchors in the coracoid process and Kirschner wires through the acromioclavicular joint, and better clinical results. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III evidence was obtained. Comparative retrospective study and therapeutic study were performed.
OBJETIVO: Comparar os resultados clínicos e radiográficos da osteossíntese de fraturas do terço lateral da clavícula com dois métodos: placa T ou âncoras associadas aos fios de Kirschner. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 15 pacientes com média de idade de 34,3 anos (1957) e seguimento médio de 22,7 meses (1432). Em nove casos foi usada a placa T e em seis casos a fixação coracoclavicular com âncoras no processo coracoide e fios de Kirschner através da articulação acromioclavicular (AC). A avaliação incluiu o escore de Constant, satisfação pessoal e avaliação radiográfica. RESULTADOS: Ambas as modalidades de tratamento obtiveram consolidação em todos os casos. O Grupo 1 apresentou escore de Constant mais elevado (83,4) quando comparado com o Grupo 2 (76,4) p = 0,029. Nenhuma das técnicas apresentou complicações graves, embora complicações leves tenham sido observadas apenas no Grupo 2 (80%), a maioria delas a migração do fio de Kirschner e infecção superficial. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas da clavícula distal com placa T proporciona a mesma taxa de consolidação da fixação coracoclavicular com âncoras no coracoide e fios de Kirschner através da articulação AC e melhores resultados clínicos. NÍVEL DE EVIDÊNCIA: Nível III, estudo retrospectivo comparativo, estudo terapêutico.
RESUMO
Fractures of the clavicle and acromioclavicular dislocations are very common injuries when they occur separately. The combination of an acromioclavicular dislocation and a fracture of the lateral third of the clavicle is not rare. However, there are very few reported cases of acromioclavicular dislocations associated with fractures of the middle third of the clavicle; those associated with fractures of the medial third are even rarer. We report the case of an adult male who suffered an acromioclavicular dislocation (type IV) associated with a displaced extra-articular fracture of the medial end of the clavicle (Almann group 3) in a cycling accident. The patient was treated during the acute phase with open reduction and internal fixation of the two lesions. At the clinical evaluation 12 months after the surgery, the patient was asymptomatic, with full active and passive mobility, and normal strength and endurance of the shoulder girdle. Radiographs and a three-dimensional CT scan showed persistent posterosuperior subluxation of the acromioclavicular joint and anatomical consolidation of the clavicular fracture.
RESUMO
Diaphyseal fractures of the femur and tibia in adults are mostly treated surgically, usually by means of intramedullary locked-nail osteosynthesis. Some comminuted and/or highly deviated shaft fractures may present a veritable technical challenge. Fracture (or orthopedic) tables, which enable vertical, horizontal and rotational instrumental stabilization of the limb, greatly facilitate reduction and implant placement maneuvers and are widely used by orthopedic surgeons. Humeral shaft fractures are mostly treated nonsurgically. However, some cases with indications that are well defined in the literature require surgical treatment. They can be fixed by means of plates or intramedullary nails, using anterograde or retrograde routes. In the humerus, fracture reduction and limb stabilization maneuvers for implantation of intramedullary nails are done manually, usually by two assistants. Because muscle fatigue may occur, this option may be less efficient. The aim of this paper is to present an external upper-limb traction device for use in anterograde intramedullary locked-nail osteosynthesis of humeral shaft fractures that enables vertical, horizontal and rotational stabilization of the upper limb, in a manner similar to the device used for the lower limbs. The device is portable, of simple construction, and can be installed on any operating table equipped with side rails. It was used for surgical treatment of 29 humeral shaft fractures using an anterograde locked intramedullary nail. Our experience was extremely positive. We did not have any complications relating to its use and we believe that it notably facilitated the surgical procedures.