Search Results

• Partial tibial plateau fractures may occur as a consequence of either valgus or varus trauma combined with a rotational and axial compression component.

• High-energy trauma may result in a more complex and multi-fragmented fracture pattern, which occurs predominantly in young people. Conversely, a low-energy mechanism may lead to a pure depression fracture in the older population with weaker bone density.

  • Pre-operative classification of these fractures, by Müller AO, Schatzker or novel CT-based methods, helps to understand the fracture pattern and choose the surgical approach and treatment strategy in accordance with estimated bone mineral density and the individual history of each patient.

• Non-operative treatment may be considered for non-displaced intra-articular fractures of the lateral tibial condyle. Intra-articular joint displacement ⩾ 2 mm, open fractures or fractures of the medial condyle should be reduced and fixed operatively. Autologous, allogenic and synthetic bone substitutes can be used to fill bone defects.

• A variety of minimally invasive approaches, temporary osteotomies and novel techniques (e.g. arthroscopically assisted reduction or ‘jail-type’ screw osteosynthesis) offer a range of choices for the individual and are potentially less invasive treatments.

• Rehabilitation protocols should be carefully planned according to the degree of stability achieved by internal fixation, bone mineral density and other patient-specific factors (age, compliance, mobility). To avoid stiffness, early functional mobilisation plays a major role in rehabilitation. In the elderly, low-energy trauma and impression fractures are indicators for the further screening and treatment of osteoporosis.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2017;2. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.2.160067. Originally published online at www.efortopenreviews.org

• The relevance of geriatric ankle fractures is continuously increasing.

• Treatment of these patients remains challenging and requires adapted diagnostic and therapeutic strategies, as compliance to partial weight bearing is difficult to maintain compared to younger patients.

• In addition, in the elderly even low impact injuries may lead to severe soft tissue trauma, influencing timing and operative strategies.

• Recently, the direct posterolateral approach and plate fixation techniques, angular stable implants as well as intramedullary nailing of the distal fibula have been found to improve stategical concepts.

• This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnostic and recent aspects with respect to how this difficult entity of injuries should be approached.

• Fractures of the scapular spine are relatively rare and can occur without (1) or with (2) association to a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA). To date there are only limited data on the topic. The aim of this scoping review was to identify all available literature and report current treatment concepts.

• A scoping review was conducted by searching PubMed for relevant studies between 2000 and October 2020. All studies were included which gave detailed descriptions of the treatment strategy.

• A total of 21 studies with 81 patients were included for the analysis. The mean age over all patients was 62 years (range: 24 to 89 years) and 77% of the patients were female. In 19.8% of cases, the fracture occurred after a traumatic fall from standing height. Eighty-six per cent of the patients had an RSA-associated scapular spine fracture (2). These patients were older compared to group (1) (47 ± 19.6 vs. 76 ± 5.6 years, p = 0.0001) and the majority were female (85%). The majority from group (1) underwent operative treatment with plate fixation. Most patients regained full function and range of motion. RSA-associated fractures (2) were mainly treated non-operatively, with moderate clinical outcome. A high rate of nonunions was reported.

• Scapular spine fractures without RSA are mainly treated operatively with good clinical results. In association with RSA, scapular spine fractures are mainly treated non-operatively and lead to inferior clinical and radiological results. This scenario seems to be problematic and further research is required to sharpen treatment concepts in this group.

Cite this article: EFORT Open Rev 2021;6:788-796. DOI: 10.1302/2058-5241.6.200153