Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Atypical femoral fractures: an update: Won-Tae Cho, Jeong-Hyun Koh, Seungyeob Sakong, Jung-Taek Kim; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(2):41-52. Published online March 28, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00031

Abstract PDF: This narrative review provides an up-to-date overview of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs), emphasizing diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, and evaluation with screening strategies. AFFs are rare but significant complications associated with prolonged bisphosphonate (BP) therapy for osteoporosis. Although the pathogenesis of AFFs has not been fully elucidated, its primary mechanism is thought to involve impaired bone remodeling, leading to unhealed microfractures that progress to stress fractures under repetitive loading. AFFs can occur in various regions of the femur, influenced by femoral geometry and the lower limb axis. Other risk factors include prolonged steroid use, arthroplasty, genetic predispositions, and metabolic bone disorders. The diagnosis of AFFs is based on criteria established by the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. Key radiographic features include lateral cortical transverse fracture lines and localized cortical thickening, typically with minimal or no comminution on the medial cortex. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry for screening tests and magnetic resonance imaging as an advanced imaging modality enable the early detection of incomplete fractures. This multi-modal approach facilitates the prompt identification of prodromal cortical changes, reducing the risk of complete fractures in high-risk populations, particularly patients undergoing prolonged BP therapy. Level of Evidence: V

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Avulsion fractures around the hip joint and pelvis: Won-Sik Choy, Yonghan Cha, Jung-Taek Kim, Jun-Il Yoo, Jin-Woo Kim; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(2):53-62. Published online March 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00010

Abstract PDF: Avulsion fractures occur when tendons or ligaments are subjected to forces greater than they can withstand at the apophysis or enthesis, regardless of fusion status. The pelvis and hip joint are vulnerable to these injuries due to the diverse muscular structures in these structures, which serve as origins for multiple muscles leading to the lower extremities. Pelvic avulsion fractures commonly affect young athletes, but can also occur in adults. The diagnosis typically involves assessing trauma history, a clinical examination, and radiographic imaging. If the diagnosis is unclear, additional tests such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging may assist in the diagnosis and provide useful information for treatment decisions. While most avulsion fractures respond well to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be preferred in severe displacements, cases of significant retraction in active athletes, or when a faster recovery is necessary. Chronic or neglected injuries may lead to excessive osseous formation around the pelvis, causing impingement syndromes. Recognizing characteristic radiological findings based on pelvic anatomy helps to make an accurate diagnosis, as chronic injuries can mimic tumors or infectious conditions, necessitating a careful differential diagnosis.

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Easily missed nondisplaced fractures accompanying complete fractures in the lower extremity and pelvis: a narrative review: Young-Chang Park; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(1):5-12. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00017

Abstract PDF: Nondisplaced fractures accompanying complete fractures are often difficult to detect on plain radiographs or computed tomography scans, posing a diagnostic challenge. The diagnosis of these frequently overlooked injuries can be delayed, potentially leading to suboptimal patient outcomes. This review discusses four commonly missed fracture patterns in the lower extremity and pelvis, including posterior involvement in fragility fractures of the pelvis, intertrochanteric extensions in isolated greater trochanter fractures, ipsilateral femoral neck fractures in high energy femoral shaft fractures, and posterior malleolar fractures in distal spiral tibial shaft fractures. An accurate diagnosis of these accompanying nondisplaced fractures is critical for optimizing surgical outcomes. Surgeons should incorporate thorough preoperative evaluations into their clinical practice to facilitate early detection and appropriate treatment strategies. Prompt identification and comprehensive management remain essential for improving patient outcomes.

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Interpositional tricortical iliac bone graft in nonunion of midshaft clavicular fractures: Eun-Seok Son, Bum-Soon Park, Chang-Jin Yon, Chul-Hyun Cho; J Musculoskelet Trauma 2025;38(1):23-31. Published online January 24, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jmt.2025.00004

Abstract PDF: Background
The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiological and clinical outcomes after interpositional tricortical iliac bone graft with plate fixation for the nonunion of clavicle midshaft fractures. Methods: Between 2007 and 2020, 17 cases who were treated by interpositional tricortical iliac bone graft with plate fixation for the clavicle midshaft nonunion combined with bone defect were investigated. The mean age was 53 years (range, 22–70 years). The mean follow-up period was 102.2 months (range, 18–193 months). Serial plain radiographs were used to evaluate radiological outcomes. The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and Quick-disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score were used to evaluate clinical outcomes. Complications were also evaluated. Results: All cases achieved complete bony union with mean healing time of 17.6 weeks (range, 14–22 weeks). The mean clavicle length difference was significantly decreased from 9.1 mm preoperatively to 2.6 mm postoperatively (P<0.001). The mean UCLA and ASES scores were significantly improved from 18.1 and 52.2 before surgery to 30.6 and 88.6 after surgery (both P<0.001), respectively. The mean final Quick-DASH score was 18.0. Three cases (17.6%) developed postoperative complications including two cases of shoulder stiffness and one case of screw irritation. Conclusions: Interpositional tricortical iliac bone graft with plate fixation for the clavicle midshaft nonunion demonstrated excellent radiological and clinical outcomes. In cases of atrophic nonunion combined with bone defect, this technique is an effective option that can provide structural support and restore clavicle length. Level of evidence: Level IV, case series.

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Fracture-Related Complication: Fat Embolism Syndrome: Beom-Soo Kim; J Korean Fract Soc 2023;36(3):95-102. Published online July 31, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2023.36.3.95

Abstract PDF: Fat embolization is a common occurrence after trauma or during orthopedic procedures involving intramedullary manipulation. Although uncommon, fat embolism syndrome (FES) with respiratory failure, neurologic dysfunction, and petechial rash can be fatal to patients. Two theories are proposed for the manifestation of FES: in the mechanical theory, FES occurs when fat tissue in the bone marrow enters the bloodstream and mechanically blocks it; the biochemical theory proposes that FES occurs due to an inflammatory reaction caused by free fatty acids. There are currently no clear diagnostic criteria for FES, and symptoms and signs are typically nonspecific. For the treatment of FES, conservative and supportive management is performed for the specific symptoms, and close monitoring of the respiratory and neurologic systems is required in high-risk groups. Early fracture fixation of long bones helps prevent and reduce the severity of fat embolism.

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Delayed Operative Treatment of Long Bone Fractures in Patients with Brain Injury: Hong Moon Sohn, Sang Ho Ha, Jun Young Lee, Young Kwan Lee; J Korean Fract Soc 2006;19(2):157-162. Published online April 30, 2006; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2006.19.2.157

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the postoperative progress and outcomes of bone injured patients with long bone fracture showing callus formation and deformity due to delayed surgical treatment.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
10 cases with more than 1 year follow up were chosen from 12 patients with long bone fracture whose surgical treatment was delayed due to brain injury. Exuberant callus formation and deformations were observed. Average delayed period was 6.7 weeks (4~10 weeks). Preoperative callus formation, shortening and angulation were evaluated using plain radiographs. Total operation time and transfusion amount were compared with that from operations done within 2 weeks following accident. Postoperative bone union was checked.
RESULTS
In all cases, preformed angulation and hypertrophic ossification made reduction difficult and this increased total operation time and transfusion amount but had no statistical importance. In patients with humerus and femur fractures accompanying brain injury, massive hypertrophic ossification was observed both in preoperative period and in postoperative period. Average bone union period was 13.5 weeks in humerus fractures, 17.9 weeks in femur fractures. The bone union period was shorter in subject group but had no statistical importance.
CONCLUSION
Early surgical treatment is essential to patients with long bone fracture accompanying brain injury but if early surgical treatment can not be done, proper immobilization to fracture site should be done.

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Alterations in Serum Levels of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand and Osteoprotegerin in Patients with Head Injury and Fracture
Shin Young Park, Kuen Tak Suh, Chang Hoon Ryu, Seung Hun Woo, Jung Sub Lee, Seong-Gang Kim
Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(2): 145. CrossRef

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Use of Cancellous Bone Allograft in the Treatment of Long bone Fractures: Keun Bae Lee, Taek Rim Yoon, Jae Yoon Chung, Sung Taek Jung, Jae Joon Lee; J Korean Soc Fract 2001;14(4):776-782. Published online October 31, 2001; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.2001.14.4.776

Abstract PDF

PURPOSE
The goal of our study was to evaluate the usefulness of frozen cancellous bone allograft in the treatment of long bone fractures that had bone defect and nonunion.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
22 cases of long bone fractures(femur and tibia) with severe comminution or bone defect and nonunion were treated by operation using frozen cancellous bone allograft from March 1998 through May 2000. Thirteen were male and nine were female. The average age was 55 years old (range, 17-76 years) and the mean duration of follow-up was 20.1 months(range, 10-37 months). Eleven cases were femoral fractures, 7 cases of tibial fractures, and 4 cases of nonunion. Allografts were achieved from the patients of femoral neck fracture or osteoarthritis of the hip, and cadaveric donors. The specimens were carefully evaluated based on medical history and laboratory examination about the acute or chronic infection, and bloodtransmitted diseases. The results were evaluated by clinically, such as infection, pain at fracture site, immunological rejection and by radiologically union or resorption of allografts.
RESULTS
Radiologically, bone union was obtained in 14 cases(63.6%) at 6 months after operation, in all except two cases(90.9%) at 9 months after operation. Clinically, pain at fracture site, infection, and immunologic rejection were not observed.
CONCLUSION
In the treatment of severe comminuted fracture or nonunion of long bones, cancellous allograft transplantation after strict donor selection and appropriate screening was a good substitution for autograft avoiding of donor site morbidity or limitation in quantity.

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Influence of Process Conditions on the Quality Characteristics of Beef-Bone Broth
Byung-Su Kim, Gye-Won Kim, Jae-Yong Shim
Food Engineering Progress.2014; 18(1): 15. CrossRef

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Surgical Treatment of Concomitant Ipsilateral Humerus and Forearm Fractures: Jeung Tak Suh, Sung Hun Kim, Chong Il Yoo; J Korean Soc Fract 1994;7(2):316-321. Published online November 30, 1994; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jksf.1994.7.2.316

Abstract PDF: The term "floating elbow" refers to concomitant ipsilateral humeral and forearm bone fractures. This type of fractures is relatively rare and has few guidelines for treatment. Author reviewed 14 cases of these fractures which were treated by open reduction and rigid internal fixation in Pusan National University Hospital from January 1983 to January 1993. In follow up study, Author obtained that good results in 10 cases(71%) of patient, and fair results in 3 cases of patient. Author advocate the patient with concomitant ipsilateral humerus and forearm bone fractures should requires open reduction and stable internal fixation of the both humerus and forearm bone, as soon as possible.

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