This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
Locking plate fixation may supplement rod fixation in treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts
In selected cases of osteogenesis imperfecta, unicortical locking plate fixation effectively supplemented intramedullary rod fixation, according to study results recently published in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery.
Researchers stabilized 54 bone segments in 34 patients with osteogenesis imperfecta with an intramedullary rod and an additional locking plate. Union was achieved and the locking plate was removed in 37 bone segments of 24 patients who then comprised the final study population. Mean time to locking plate removal was 1.8 years. The researchers reviewed medical records and follow-up radiographs to evaluate healing, complications and the fates of screw holes after plate removal.
Results showed no infection, neurovascular injury or plate or screw breakage in all 37 cases during the follow-up. Seven cases had fracture through a screw hole, and all were treated conservatively with the intramedullary rod in place. The researchers found complete healing of the screw holes in 18 of the 19 cases followed for 1 year or more after plate removal. Screw holes were also visible on radiographs in seven of the 11 cases followed for less than 1 year, according to study results. – by Casey Tingle
Disclosures: Cho received grants from Seoul National University and has a patent Interlocked telescopic rod issued. Please see the full study for a list of all other authors’ relevant financial disclosures.
Click Here to Manage Email Alerts