Background: this pilot study aimed at determining whether the application of a novel new method of generating pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF), the Fracture Healing Patch (FHP), accelerates the healing of acute distal radius fractures (DRF) when compared to a sham treatment. Methods: 41 patients with DRFs treated with cast immobilization were included. Patients were allocated to a PEMF group (n = 20) or a control (sham) group (n = 21). All patients were assessed with regard to functional and radiological outcomes (X-rays and CT scans) at 2, 4, 6 and 12 weeks. Results: fractures treated with active PEMF demonstrated significantly higher extent of union at 4 weeks as assessed by CT (76% vs. 58%, p = 0.02). SF12 mean physical score was significantly higher in PEMF treated group (47 vs. 36, p = 0.005). Time to cast removal was significantly shorter in PEMF treated patients, 33 ± 5.9 days in PEMF vs. 39.8 ± 7.4 days in sham group (p = 0.002). Conclusion: early addition of PEMF treatment may accelerate bone healing which could lead to a shorter cast immobilization, thus allowing an earlier return to daily life activities and work. There were no complications related to the PEMF device (FHP).

Introduction: Mason Type 3 radial-head fractures are typically treated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) or radial-head arthroplasty (RHA). Prosthetic options include traditional monobloc implants and newer modular implants designed to match patient anatomy. While short- and medium-term outcomes of metallic RHA are generally favorable, this study aims to compare the long-term outcomes of patients treated with monobloc versus modular implants. Methods: The medical records of all the patients who underwent RHA at a level I trauma center between 2000 and 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who were available for follow-up were invited for reassessment, which included physical examination, questionnaires for the assessment of elbow pain and function, and follow-up radiographs. Results: Out of 35 patients who had RHA, 13 (37%) had a monobloc prosthesis and 22 (63%) had a modular prosthesis. Out of the patients that could be traced, 4 patients from the monobloc group and 10 patients from the modular group agreed to participate in the study. The mean follow-up time was 15 years in the monobloc group and 12.4 years in the modular group. Patients in the modular group demonstrated superior functional outcomes compared to the monobloc group, with statistically significant improvements in MEPS and DASH scores and a non-significant trend towards better ASES scores and VAS scores. Physical examination revealed a decline in function in the operated arm for both groups, with statistically significant differences favoring the modular group in elbow flexion and extension. Radiographic analysis showed varying degrees of implant loosening, with the modular group exhibiting less loosening compared to the monobloc group. Mild degenerative changes and heterotopic ossification were also observed, predominantly in the modular group. Conclusions: The results suggest that modular implants offer superior functional outcomes compared to monobloc implants. The modular group showed statistically significant improvements in elbow flexion and extension. These findings indicate that modular implants may be a more favorable option for enhancing patient outcomes. Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to confirm these trends and to better understand the long-term benefits of modular implants.

Objectives: To assess outcomes and complications of conservatively managed humeral diaphyseal fractures in elderly patients, with an emphasis on the subgroup diagnosed with dementia. Design: Retrospective. Setting: Upper extremity surgery unit at an academic Level I trauma center. Patients/Participants: Consecutive patients 65 years of age and older who were managed conservatively for humeral diaphyseal fractures between 2007 and 2015. Intervention: Conservatively managed humeral diaphyseal fractures. Main Outcome Measurements: Complications and radiographic outcomes. Results: One-hundred twenty-four patients who were conservatively managed for humeral diaphyseal fractures were identified. Their mean age was 77 (65–92) years, 36 (30%) of them were male and 88 (70%) were female. Fifty-seven (46%) patients experienced complications associated with their treatment, and 33 (27%) patients were eventually treated surgically. Seventeen (14%) patients were diagnosed with dementia. This subgroup had 64% fracture-related complications, and all of them were operated (P-value <0.01 compared with age-matched patients among the other 107 participants in the study). Conclusion: Conservative management of humeral diaphyseal fractures seems to be associated with greater morbidity in elderly patients, especially in those diagnosed with dementia. Therefore, early surgical treatment should be considered. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Purpose: Although open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) by plating are the treatment of choice for diaphyseal fractures of the forearm, delayed union and non-union remain as existing complications. This study aimed to analyze predictive factors for the union time in diaphyseal fractures of the forearm. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on all adult patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures who underwent surgical treatment with plate fixation between 2007 and 2016 at a tertiary care referral center. The patients were divided into two groups based on their union times: ≤3 months or >3 months. They were then compared for demographics, fracture pattern and characteristics, associated injuries, type of fixation, and quality of postoperative reduction. Results: Eighty-six diaphyseal forearm bone fractures (radius, ulna, or both) were observed in 55 adults. Out of these fractures, 55 (65.1%) achieved union within ≤3 months, 26 (30.3%) took more than 3 months to achieve union, and 4 (4.6%) resulted in nonunion. The use of a locking plate in open reduction and internal fixation of diaphyseal forearm fractures significantly increased the likelihood of union within ≤3 months (p = 0.043). The parameter of gap width at the fracture site, as observed on postoperative X-rays, showed a qualitative and quantitative correlation with union time (p = 0.028). Conclusion: The use of a locking plate, combined with reducing the gap width at the fracture site after reduction during open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of diaphyseal forearm fractures, is significantly correlated with an increased likelihood of achieving bone union within 3 months.