Background: Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for atypical femoral fractures. However, several problems, such as iatrogenic fracture and medial gap opening, can occur during intramedullary nailing when atypical femoral fractures are associated with excessive anterolateral bowing. To overcome these problems, we have developed a new grading system for anterolateral femoral bowing and a new technique for intramedullary nailing. The core of this new technique is matching the anterior curvature of the femoral nail with the anterolateral bowing of the femur when the nail passes the apex of the curvature, by rotating the nail externally. Methods: From January 2005 through March 2016, 24 female patients (30 cases) who underwent a surgical procedure for atypical femoral fracture with anterolateral bowing at 2 institutes were evaluated. The postoperative outcomes (anterolateral bowing grade, anterior and lateral bowing angles, medial gap and posterior gap of the fracture site, iatrogenic fracture, and time to initial medial callus formation and osseous union) were compared between the new technique (18 cases) and the conventional technique (12 cases). Results: With regard to the reliability of the new grading system, the interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the new grading system demonstrated an almost perfect agreement (kappa_inter = 0.893, kappa_intra = 0.883). For patients with complete fractures, the differences between the preoperative and postoperative anterior and lateral bowing angles were significantly less (p = 0.013 for both) in the new technique group. The medial and posterior gaps at the fracture site were also significantly less in the new technique group (p = 0.013 for the medial gaps and p = 0.022 for the posterior gaps). Iatrogenic fracture occurred only in the conventional technique group, affecting 2 cases. The time to initial medial callus formation was significantly shorter (p = 0.033) in the new technique group compared with the conventional technique group. Conclusions: Our new grading system for anterolateral femoral bowing is convenient and reliable. Furthermore, the new intramedullary nailing technique with the current intramedullary nail system is appropriate for the repair of atypical femoral fractures with excessive anterolateral bowing. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Song HK, et al. Yonsei Med J. 2014 May;55(3):785-791. http://dx.doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2014.55.3.785

Background/Objective Straddle fracture, a superior and inferior ramus fracture of both sides, is generally treated conservatively. However, posterior pelvic ring injury is often associated with straddle fracture, leading to unstable pelvic bone fracture that requires surgical treatment. The present study reports the clinical and radiological outcomes of straddle fracture with posterior pelvic ring injury. Methods: This study included 73 patients (41 men, 32 women) with a straddle fracture injury. The injury mechanism, injury severity score (ISS), accompanying injuries, presence of posterior pelvic ring injury, and fixation methods for the pelvic fracture were analyzed, and outcomes were evaluated functionally and radiologically. Results: Of the 73 patients, 56 (77%) had a posterior pelvic ring injury and 7 died. In 43 patients, the posterior pelvic ring injuries constituted unstable pelvic injury and were treated surgically. The fixation method was determined based on the severity of the posterior pelvic injury. The patients’ mean ISS was 24.7 points. Radiological evaluation of surgical outcomes in 43 patients revealed the outcomes as anatomic in 20, nearly anatomic in 14, moderate in 5, and poor in 4, whereas functional evaluation revealed the outcomes as excellent in 21, good in 9, fair in 7, and poor in 6. Conclusion: Posterior pelvic ring fracture can accompany straddle fractures, which may lead to pelvic injury instability. Thus, special attention is required for patients with a straddle fracture.