Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Articles in E-pub version are posted online ahead of regular printed publication.

Review Articles

Definitive fixation for traumatic pelvic ring injuries: a dynamically informed, posterior-referenced framework: Jeong-Hyun Koh, Seungyeob Sakong; Received January 13, 2026 Accepted January 14, 2026 Published online March 24, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2026.00045 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: Optimal definitive fixation for traumatic pelvic ring injuries remains challenging because static radiographs and computed tomography, although essential for defining morphology, do not consistently predict load-dependent behavior during early mobilization. This uncertainty contributes to substantial practice variation and continued reliance on simplified displacement thresholds, such as the 2.5 cm rule. Such rules can misclassify instability by underrepresenting posterior competence and by privileging static measurements over functional behavior. In this narrative review, we propose a dynamically informed, posterior- referenced framework composed of three linked elements: (1) decision-linked terminology that explicitly distinguishes dynamic instability, radiographic change, and clinical failure; (2) selective stress-based assessment when uncertainty is likely to alter management; and (3) escalation along a fixation continuum that weighs incremental stability against operative burden. When static imaging cannot establish posterior competence with confidence, we outline selective stress-based approaches to assess pelvic ring behavior and to translate demonstrated instability into fixation selection along a defined continuum. Across all steps, the framework emphasizes minimum necessary fixation and explicitly incorporates the cost of selection as a primary decision variable. The operative question, therefore, shifts from gap width alone to clinically relevant motion and preservation of posterior competence. In doing so, this approach aims to reduce both undertreatment and overtreatment and to improve the consistency and defensibility of definitive fixation strategies across diverse practice environments.

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Nonoperative management of distal radius fractures: when and how?: Shin Woo Choi, Jae Kwang Kim; Received January 6, 2026 Accepted January 29, 2026 Published online March 10, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2026.00024 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: Distal radius fractures are among the most common injuries of the upper extremity, particularly in the elderly population. Although the use of volar locking plate fixation has increased in recent years, evidence from randomized and prospective studies demonstrates that, while operative treatment may achieve superior radiographic alignment and enable more rapid early recovery, these advantages tend to diminish over time and do not result in superior long-term patient-reported functional outcomes in elderly patients. In addition, radiographic parameters show only a limited correlation with functional recovery. Consequently, nonoperative treatment remains a valid and important treatment option for distal radius fractures. The decision to pursue nonoperative management should be based on a comprehensive assessment of radiographic parameters—including dorsal tilt, radial shortening, and intraarticular displacement—together with patient-specific factors such as age, activity level, comorbidities, and functional expectations. For stable or minimally displaced fractures, an immobilization period of 3‒4 weeks is generally recommended, whereas displaced fractures typically require immobilization for 5‒6 weeks. In cases requiring manual reduction, traditional treatment protocols recommend weekly radiographic follow-up during the first 2‒3 weeks to monitor for secondary displacement. Successful nonoperative management should also emphasize effective swelling control through limb elevation, as well as the initiation of early finger exercises to prevent hand stiffness. After removal of the cast or splint, active wrist mobilization is essential for restoring optimal range of motion and achieving functional recovery.

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Original Articles

Percutaneous anterior leverage technique for anteromedial cortical support in intertrochanteric femur fractures: a computed tomography-based validation study: Whee Sung Son, Bum Jin Shim, Oog-jin Shon; Received September 24, 2025 Accepted December 10, 2025 Published online March 27, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00311 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: Background
Anteromedial cortical support (AMCS) enhances stability in intertrochanteric femur fractures. However, reproducible, validated methods of achieving AMCS have not previously been reported. This study introduces a percutaneous anterior leverage technique and validates its AMCS effects using computed tomography (CT).
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients treated by a single surgeon between March 2022 and December 2024. The inclusion criteria were an AO/OTA classification of A1–A3, application of the percutaneous anterior leverage technique, available pre- and postoperative CT, and ≥6 months follow-up. Outcomes included CT-based AMCS (anterior on axial and medial on coronal images, classified as positive, neutral, or negative), time to union, union rate, changes in neck-shaft angle, and treatment failure (varus collapse, blade cut-through, or nonunion without the former two). The risk factors for failure were analyzed.
Results
Of 273 patients reviewed, 53 met the inclusion criteria. Follow-up was at least 6 months in all cases. Positive anterior support was achieved in 37 patients (69.8%) and positive medial support in 42 (79.25%). No patient demonstrated negative anterior support; one (1.9%) had negative medial support. Cortical support improved significantly after surgery. CT images demonstrated significant postoperative improvements (anterior P=0.026; medial P<0.001). Bone union was achieved in 50 patients (94.34%) at a mean of 3.93±1.48 months. The mean change in the neck-shaft angle at last follow-up was 1.75°±2.34° varus. Three patients (5.66%) experienced treatment failure. Anteromedial cortical breakage during follow-up differed between failure and non-failure groups (P=0.002), but regression identified no independent predictors. No technique-related complications were observed.
Conclusions
Our percutaneous anterior leverage technique produced favorable CT-confirmed AMCS and high union with low failure, supporting its safety and effectiveness in intertrochanteric femur fractures. Level of evidence: IV.

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Sex-specific bottlenecks and risk zones in the retrograde superior pubic ramus screw corridor: a 3D CT-based morphometric cadaver study: Ji Won Jeong, Jung Tae Ahn, Gu Hee Jung, Kun Tae Kim; Received January 22, 2026 Accepted February 7, 2026 Published online March 26, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2026.00066 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF Supplementary Material: Background
Superior ramus screw fixation is commonly used to stabilize anterior pelvic ring injuries but is constrained by a narrow, irregular, and curved intraosseous corridor. Trajectory-based morphometric analysis may assist in screw diameter selection and enable identification of reproducible anatomic constriction zones.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional computed tomography (CT)-based morphometric study of 82 cadaveric pelvises (42 males, 40 females). Bottleneck diameter was defined as the diameter of the largest fully contained virtual cylinder along the planned trajectory, and cylinder length was recorded. Orthogonal cross-sections at 9.5-mm intervals (up to 12 segments) were generated to measure segment-wise effective diameter (defined as twice the minimum centerline-to-cortex distance) and cortical clearance, which was used as a diameter-based safety margin. Segments were realigned to the acetabular start segment to define relative segment positions (Δ seg). Feasibility was assessed for prespecified screw diameters ranging from 3.5 to 7.3 mm.
Results
Mean bottleneck diameter was larger in males than in females (7.34±1.10 vs. 5.93±0.98 mm), whereas trajectory length was similar between sexes (127.85±8.54 vs. 128.85±8.20 mm). Δ seg realignment localized corridor constriction to two discrete zones: a preacetabular zone (Δ seg −6 to −4) and a periacetabular zone (Δ seg 1 to 2), where effective diameter and cortical clearance were most limited. Feasibility rates were 100% at 3.5–4.5 mm, 95.2% vs. 82.5% at 5.0 mm, 81.0% vs. 27.5% at 6.5 mm, and 59.5% vs. 10.0% at 7.3 mm in males and females, respectively.
Conclusions
Female models demonstrated smaller trajectory-wide bottleneck diameters and segment-wise effective diameters than male models. Acetabular-referenced Δ seg realignment identified two reproducible anatomic risk zones: a preacetabular zone adjacent to the obturator neurovascular bundle and a periacetabular zone near the external iliac vessels. At diameters ≥6.5 mm, cortical proximity increased more prominently in females than in males. Level of evidence: III.

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Clinical and radiographic outcomes of elastic stable intramedullary nailing for pediatric humeral shaft fractures: a retrospective case series: Kang-San Lee, Dongju Shin, Sang Hee Kim, Il Seo, Tae-Hoon Kim, Sung Jung Kim; Received December 4, 2025 Accepted January 23, 2026 Published online March 10, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00381 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: Background
Pediatric humeral shaft fractures are uncommon and are generally treated conservatively, with satisfactory clinical outcomes reported in most cases. However, conservative management often necessitates prolonged immobilization and frequent outpatient follow-up visits, and it carries an inherent risk of residual angular or translational deformity. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) provides a simple and minimally invasive method of fracture fixation that offers adequate stability without disrupting the periosteal blood supply, thereby permitting early mobilization and promoting rapid bone union. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of ESIN fixation in pediatric patients with humeral shaft fractures.
Methods
The medical records of pediatric patients with humeral shaft fractures who underwent ESIN fixation between January 2015 and November 2025 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, mechanism of injury, fracture location, number of elastic nails used, time to union, degree of residual angulation, range of motion (ROM), and postoperative complications.
Results
The mean age of the patients was 10.0 years (range, 7 to 15 years). The mean time to radiographic union was 5.4 weeks (range, 2.4 to 10.4 weeks). The mean coronal angulation was 0.2° (range, −9.1° to 5.8°), while the mean sagittal angulation was −1.3° (range, −6.9° to 5.3°). No cases of infection, nerve injury, or nail migration were observed during the follow-up period. At the final follow-up assessment, all patients demonstrated full shoulder and elbow ROM, with no residual deformity or pain reported.
Conclusions
In this small retrospective case series, ESIN fixation resulted in favorable union rates and excellent functional outcomes in pediatric humeral shaft fractures. Level of evidence: Level IV.

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Clinical and radiographic outcomes of hemiarthroplasty for proximal humeral fractures in Korea with three or more years of follow-up: a retrospective cohort study: Sang Jin Cheon, Kyu-Hak Jung, Min Hyeok Choi, Suk-Woong Kang; Received October 27, 2025 Accepted December 8, 2025 Published online February 26, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00325 [Epub ahead of print]

Abstract PDF: Background
Shoulder hemiarthroplasty (HA) is an established treatment option for complex proximal humeral fractures, particularly in cases involving severe comminution or osteoporotic bone. This study investigated the clinical and radiographic outcomes of HA with a minimum follow-up of 3 years and aimed to identify prognostic factors associated with postoperative function.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed 44 patients (16 males and 28 females; mean age, 61.2 years; range, 23–83 years) who underwent shoulder HA for complex proximal humeral fractures between 2005 and 2018. The mean follow-up duration was 70.4 months (range, 36–168 months). Clinical evaluations included the Constant score, visual analog scale pain score, patient satisfaction, and range of motion. Radiographic assessments examined tuberosity healing, radiolucent lines, acromiohumeral distance (AHD), and glenoid arthrosis.
Results
At the 3-year follow-up, 64% of patients reported being satisfied or very satisfied. The mean Constant score was 46.6 (range, 13–71), and the age- and sex-adjusted Constant score was 53.5 (range, 19–92). Radiographically, 23% of patients demonstrated radiolucent lines, and 41% showed evidence of glenoid arthrosis. Tuberosity absorption occurred in 39% of patients, with a mean onset of 11.2 months postoperatively, and was significantly associated with lower Constant scores and reduced range of motion. Patients younger than 60 years demonstrated better functional outcomes and lower rates of tuberosity absorption. The mean AHD decreased from 8.4 mm postoperatively to 4.4 mm at the 3-year follow-up (P<0.001).
Conclusions
Shoulder HA for complex proximal humeral fractures yielded satisfactory pain relief and functional outcomes, particularly when tuberosity healing was preserved. However, elderly patients with diminished bone quality were more likely to develop tuberosity absorption and experience poorer functional recovery. Meticulous surgical technique and careful postoperative surveillance remain essential to achieving optimal results. Level of evidence: III.

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Letter to the Editor

Sacral stress fracture mimicking sacroiliac pathology in two young adults: a reminder to systematically review the sacrum on hip/ sacroiliac magnetic resonance imaging: Nihal Karayer Özgül, Sami Özgül; Received January 12, 2026 Accepted January 14, 2026 Published online February 25, 2026; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2026.00038 [Epub ahead of print]

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