2. Trauma MCQs

Pauwels type III femoral neck fractures (fracture line > 50 degrees from the horizontal) are characterized by a highly vertical orientation, which subjects the fracture site to immense vertical shear forces rather than compressive forces. In young adults, anatomic reduction and absolutely stable internal fixation are critical to prevent varus collapse, nonunion, and osteonecrosis. Biomechanical studies consistently demonstrate that multiple parallel cancellous lag screws are insufficient at resisting these high vertical shear forces and carry a significantly higher failure rate in Pauwels III patterns. A fixed-angle device, such as a sliding hip screw, provides a mechanically robust construct that acts as a buttress against vertical shear, offering superior resistance to varus collapse. The addition of a derotational screw placed superiorly provides necessary rotational stability during initial healing. Standard cephalomedullary nails do not offer superior biomechanical advantages for isolated femoral neck fractures over a sliding hip screw and carry additional risks regarding entry point morbidity.

A child with a traumatic brain injury generally achieves significant neurologic recovery and has a more favorable prognosis than an adult. Early stabilization of fractures facilitates transportation of the child for diagnostic tests and decreases the incidence of shortening and malunion. Surgical treatment of the fracture is indicated when cerebral perfusion pressure has stabilized. Casting or traction is not the most appropriate treatment of a femoral fracture in a child of this age with a brain injury. Fracture reduction is difficult to maintain if the brain injury leads to spasticity, and transportation within the hospital for tests is more difficult. Insertion of a reamed antegrade intramedullary nail inserted at the piriformis fossa is associated with a small risk of osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The transverse femoral fracture in this patient is ideally suited for stabilization with flexible intramedullary nails. Ligier and associates treated 123 femoral shaft fractures in children with flexible intramedullary nails, including 35 patients with head injury. In one patient with hemiplegia and a urinary tract infection, a deep wound infection developed, necessitating nail removal. The remaining patients all healed without major complications. Heinrich and associates treated 78 diaphyseal femoral fractures with flexible intramedullary nails, including 14 with head injury. No major complications were reported and all fractures healed. Tolo VT: Management of the multiply injured child, in Rockwood CA, Wilkins KE, Beaty JH (eds): Fractures in Children, ed 4. Philadelphia, PA, Lippincott-Raven, 1996, pp 83-95. Ligier JN, Metaizeau JP, Prevot J, et al: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing of femoral shaft fractures in children. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1988;70:74-77. Heinrich MS, Drvaric DM, Darr K, et al: The operative stabilization of pediatric diaphyseal femur fractures with flexible intramedullary nails: A prospective analysis. J Pediatric Orthop 1994;14:501-507.

The radiographs show a lateral condyle fracture with 2 mm of displacement. As opposed to other pediatric elbow fractures, lateral condyle fractures have a higher incidence of nonunion. This may be due to minimal metaphyseal bone on the distal fragment, the intra-articular nature of the fracture, or from further displacement when treated nonsurgically. These fractures with 2 mm and greater of displacement should be treated with reduction and stabilization. Osteonecrosis and fishtail deformity may be seen in very rare cases of lateral condyle fractures. The incidence is certainly less than the rates of nonunion seen in nonsurgically treated fractures with 2 mm and greater of displacement. Varus malunion from overgrowth and elbow stiffness are more likely seen in fractures treated surgically. Pirker ME, Weinberg AM, Hollwarth ME, et al: Subsequent displacement of initially nondisplaced and minimally displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children. J Trauma 2005;58:1202-1207. Finnbogason T, Karlsson G, Lindberg L, et al: Nondisplaced and minimally displaced fractures of the lateral humeral condyle in children: A prospective radiographic investigation of fracture stability. J Pediatr Orthop 1995;15:422-425.

The coracoid process is an essential component of the superior shoulder suspensory complex and must be maintained. Open reduction and internal fixation is recommended if the fragment is large and displaced more than 1 cm. Froimson AI: Fracture of the coracoid process of the scapula. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1978;60:710-711.

The patient has a chondroblastoma of the proximal humerus; therefore, the treatment of choice is curettage and bone grafting. Surgical resection of the proximal humerus is not indicated in the initial treatment of an intraosseous chondroblastoma. Mirra JM: Bone Tumors: Clinical, Radiologic, and Pathologic Correlations. Philadelphia, PA, Lea and Febiger, 1989, pp 589-623.

The radiographs reveal a displaced olecranon fracture. To maximize joint congruity of this intra-articular injury, open reduction and internal fixation is the treatment of choice. A tension band plate will assist with maintenance of the reduction and may aid in early range of motion because injuries to the elbow are prone to stiffness. The oblique fracture line is particularly well suited to plate fixation. Percutaneous pin fixation is unlikely to achieve anatomic joint reduction that can be obtained with open means. External immobilization will not accomplish joint reduction and will most likely lead to a nonunion. Hotchkiss RN: Fractures and dislocations of the elbow, in Rockwood CA Jr, Green DP, Bucholz RW, Heckman JD (eds): Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults, ed 4. Philadelphia, PA, Lippincott-Raven, 1996, pp 929-1024. Murphy DF, Greene WB, Gilbert JA, Dameron TB Jr: Displaced olecranon fractures in adults: Biomechanical analysis of fixation methods. Clin Orthop 1987;224:210-214.

The soft-tissue defect is in a very difficult position - the distal tibia. The defect is too distal for a gastrocnemius flap, and the exposed bone precludes an immediate skin graft. A free flap and skin graft would be required for closure. VAC is very effective in soft-tissue defects such as this one. Healthy granulation tissues form quickly. VAC can be the definitive treatment, or it can be used before skin grafting. Wet-to-dry dressings could promote granulation, but the process is hastened substantially by VAC. Amputation is not a consideration because there are no signs of infection or fracture healing problems at this time. Mooney JF III, Argenta LC, Marks MW, et al: Treatment of soft tissue defects in pediatric patients using the V.A.C. system. Clin Orthop 2000;376:26-31.

The initial fracture was an unstable reverse oblique intertrochanteric fracture with subtrochanteric extension. Initial fixation with a high-angled screw and side plate construct may not provide stability as well as a 95 degree fixed-angle device or a intramedullary hip screw device. The follow-up radiographs show loss of fixation and further propagation of the fracture distally. Reconstruction would best be accomplished with hardware removal and conversion to a long intramedullary nail with femoral head fixation or a 95 degree angled plate and screw device. Conversion to a longer plate does not improve the biomechanical situation at the primary fracture site. In situ bone grafting would not provide any additional stability and would not correct the deformity. The proximal femoral fracture is not amenable to retrograde nailing. Cerclage wiring will not sufficiently enhance stability and is not indicated. Bridle SH, Patel AD, Bircher M, Calvert PT: Fixation of intertrochanteric fractures of the femur: A randomized prospective comparison of a gamma nail and dynamic hip screw. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1991;73:330-334. DeLee JC: Fractures and dislocations of the hip, in Rockwood CA Jr, Green DP, Bucholz RW, Heckman JD (eds): Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults, ed 4. Philadelphia, PA, Lippincott-Raven, 1996, pp 1659-1825. Haidukewych GJ, Israel TA, Berry DJ: Reverse obliquity fractures of the intertrochanteric region of the femur. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2001;83:643-650.

In a normal AP pelvis radiograph, the anterior rim of the acetabulum runs medially and distally, diverging from the posterior rim which runs much more vertically. In excessive acetabular retroversion, the anterior rim (bold line in Figure 33b) and posterior rim start laterally, and as these lines progress medially and distally, the anterior line crosses the posterior line. This predisposes to femoral acetabular impingement. Reynolds D, Lucas J, Klaue K: Retroversion of the acetabulum: A cause of hip pain. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1999;81:281-288.

Nondisplaced distal radial fractures have a higher rate of spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon. The extensor mechanism is felt to impinge on the tendon following a nondisplaced fracture and causes either a mechanical attrition of the tendon or a local area of ischemia in the tendon. Helal B, Chen SC, Iwegbu G: Rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon in undisplaced Colles' type of fracture. Hand 1982;14:41-47.

The patient sustained a type I unstable fracture that requires debridement of superficial fragments from the sole and surgical stabilization. Low-velocity wounds less than 8 hours old are considered type I open fractures. In contrast, gunshot wounds with associated fractures more than 8 hours old are considered type II open fractures using the Gustilo and Anderson classification. Gustilo type I stable fractures due to gunshot wounds and seen within 8 hours can be treated with tetanus toxoid (if no history of immunization or booster within 5 years), surface irrigation, and casting or a hard sole shoe. Antibiotics are not required unless gross contamination is present. However, if the extent of contamination is unclear, or if a joint is penetrated, then routine antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended. Indications for surgery include: articular involvement, unstable fractures, presentation 8 or more hours after injury, tendon involvement, and superficial fragments in the palm or sole. Type I unstable fractures may be stabilized with internal or external fixation. Type II unstable fractures should be treated with external fixation and repeat debridements until clean. Holmes GB Jr: Gunshot wounds of the foot. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2003;408:86-91.

The radiographs and CT scans reveal an anterior column acetabular fracture. The fracture has quadrilateral plate extension but does not exit out the posterior column. The CT scans confirm an intact posterior column and no wall fracture. A transverse fracture is best seen on the CT scan and runs in the sagittal plane, not the coronal plane. Letournel E, Judet R: Fractures of the Acetabulum, ed 2. New York, NY, Springer-Verlag, 1993, pp 115-140.

Several studies have documented the satisfactory outcomes of total elbow arthroplasty when osteosynthesis is not feasible for fixation of a distal humerus fracture, particularly in the physiologically older patient with low functional demands. Total elbow arthroplasty should be considered when a comminuted intra-articular distal humerus fracture occurs in a woman older than age 65 years, particularly with such associated comorbidities as systemic steroid use, osteoporosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Kamineni S, Morrey BF: Distal humeral fractures treated with noncustom total elbow replacement. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2004;86:940-947. Frankle MA, Herscovici D Jr, DiPasquale TG, et al: A comparison of open reduction and internal fixation and primary total elbow arthroplasty in the treatment of intraarticular distal humerus fractures in women older than 65. J Orthop Trauma 2003;17:473-480.

Treatment of patients with a closed head injury and a femoral fracture remains controversial but recent data suggest that intramedullary nails done acutely with avoidance of intraoperative hypotension did not compromise the outcome related to the head injury. This was especially true for high-level GCS scores. A GCS score of lower than 8 and intraoperative hypotension have been associated with worsening outcomes following acute intramedullary nailing of the femur. Skin traction and distal femur skeletal traction in a young adult man with a femoral fracture is not well tolerated secondary to spasm and pain. External fixation is an option but an unnecessary step in the treatment of this patient. Ventriculostomy is not necessary in stable patients with no significant bleeding on a CT scan of the head. Starr AJ, Hunt JL, Chason DP, et al: Treatment of femur fracture with associated head injury. J Orthop Trauma 1998;12:38-45. Nau T, Kutscha-Lissberg F, Muellner T, et al: Effects of a femoral shaft fracture on multiply injured patients with a head injury. World J Surg 2003;27:365-369. McKee MD, Schemitsch EH, Vincent LO, et al: The effect of a femoral fracture on concomitant closed head injury in patients with multiple injuries. J Trauma 1997;42:1041-1045.

Proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures may result in late genu valgum as a result of asymmetric growth of the proximal tibia. These patients are best treated with observation because the deformity is likely to remodel. Osteotomy is not indicated and potentially will lead to recurrence. Stapling of the medial tibial physis is appropriate in patients who have a severe and progressive deformity. Cozen L: Knock-knee deformity in children: Congenital and acquired. Clin Orthop 1990;258:191-203. Jackson DW, Cozen L: Genu valgum as a complication of proximal tibial metaphyseal fractures in children. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1971;53:1571-1578. Brammar TJ, Rooker GD: Remodeling of valgus deformity secondary to proximal metaphyseal fracture of the tibia. Injury 1998;29:558-560. Ogden JA, Ogden DA, Pugh L, et al: Tibia valga after proximal metaphyseal fractures in childhood: A normal biologic response. J Pediatr Orthop 1995;15:489-494.

This fracture, known as a pilon fracture, represents comminution of the base of the middle phalanx with both palmar and dorsal cortical disruption. The treatment method that allows the best function and fewest complications is indirect reduction achieved through specific dynamic splinting or the use of specifically designed proximal interphalangeal joint external fixators. Early mobilization can be achieved by either of these techniques. Volar plate arthroplasty is indicated for a simple fracture-dislocation of the proximal interphalangeal joint with comminution of the volar fracture fragment and dorsal dislocation of the remaining articular surface. Open reduction and internal fixation or percutaneous pinning adds surgical risks and scarring and typically will not provide added stability. Cast immobilization will not achieve the goal of early range of motion. Stern PJ, Roman RJ, Kiefhaber TR, McDonough JJ: Pilon fractures of the proximal interphalangeal joint. J Hand Surg Am 1991;16:844-850.

The radiograph shows a valgus impacted four-part fracture. The humeral head is deeply depressed into the metaphysis but is still articulating with the glenoid as seen on the CT scan. Unlike a "classic" four-part fracture in which the head is dislocated out of the glenoid and devoid of any soft-tissue attachments (high risk of osteonecrosis), this valgus impacted head will have a medial soft-tissue hinge with a lower risk of osteonecrosis. It is most amenable to open reduction and internal fixation with minimal soft-tissue stripping techniques. Bone grafting may be necessary on occasion. Nonsurgical management for displaced proximal humeral fractures generally results in a poor outcome. This patient does not have a humeral head defect. A hemiarthroplasty is not indicated. Jakob RP, Miniaci A, Anson PS, et al: Four-part valgus impacted fractures of the proximal humerus. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1991;73:295-298.

Fractures in this area of the fifth metatarsal have a high incidence of delayed union, nonunion, and recurrence with nonsurgical management. In an acute fracture, prolonged casting in a non-weight-bearing cast may allow for healing; however, in the presence of prolonged symptoms, recurrent fracture, and intermedullary sclerosis, surgical treatment is preferred. Surgery most commonly consists of intermedullary fixation or medullary curettage and bone grafting, followed by application of a non-weight-bearing cast. Torg JS, Balduini FC, Zelko RR, Pavlov H, Peff TC, Das M: Fractures of the base of the fifth metatarsal distal to the tuberosity: Classification and guidelines for nonsurgical and surgical management. J Bone Joint Surg Am 1984;66:209-214.

The patient has a projected limb-length discrepancy of 7 cm. This includes the 4 cm she already has, plus 3 cm expected growth of the uninvolved distal femur during the 3 years of growth she has remaining. She also has moderate limb deformity. Femoral lengthening is considered the treatment of choice because it can address both the limb-length discrepancy and the deformity. Epiphyseodesis will not result in limb-length equality at maturity, with only approximately 1.8 cm of equalization expected from this procedure. Use of closed femoral shortening of 7 cm runs the risk of weakening the quadriceps on the normal side and will leave the patient with a remaining residual valgus deformity. Tibial lengthening will leave the knees at different levels. A shoe lift can be prescribed as a temporary measure but is not a good long-term solution. Westh RN, Menelaus MB: A simple calculation for the timing of epiphyseal arrest: A further report. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1981;63:117-119. Sasso RC, Urquhart BA, Cain TE: Closed femoral shortening. J Pediatr Orthop 1993;13:51-56.

Healing of forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients is the usual outcome. The use of intramedullary fixation has been reported to result in a lower frequency of refractures when compared to plate osteosynthesis due to the absence of diaphyseal holes after plate removal, which are considered stress risers. Regardless of implant technique, malunion and infection are infrequent. Loss of forearm pronation and supination is a common occurrence in surgically treated fractures due to the higher degree of soft-tissue injury, and periosteal stripping leads to fracture site instability and fracture comminution. Luhmann SJ, Gordon JE, Schoenecker PL: Intramedullary fixation of unstable both-bone forearm fractures in children. J Pediatr Orthop 1998;18:451-456.