1.Factors Associated with Functional Outcomes Following Combined Pelvic Ring and Acetabular Fractures: A 2-Year Retrospective Analysis
Yong-Cheol YOON ; Chang-Wug OH ; Sang-Roc HAN ; Hee-June KIM ; Joon-Woo KIM
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2026;18(1):19-29
Background:
Combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures are complex injuries associated with high morbidity. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, limited data are available on the long-term functional outcomes and associated factors. This study aimed to identify the factors associated with functional outcomes in surgically treated patients with combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 25 adult patients who underwent definitive surgical fixation for radiologically confirmed combined pelvic ring and acetabular fractures at a Level I trauma center between 2005 and 2021, with a minimum clinical and radiological follow-up of 24 months. Surgical approaches included the Kocher–Langenbeck or modified Stoppa methods, tailored to fracture morphology. Matta–Saucedo and Matta criteria assessed the pelvic ring and acetabular reduction quality, respectively. Functional outcomes at 2 years were evaluated using the Rommens–Hessmann criteria. Neurological recovery was assessed clinically and by electromyography where indicated. The association between the injury characteristics and functional recovery was evaluated using t-tests and Fisher’s exact test.
Results:
The mean patient age was 40.4 years, and 72% were male. Transverse acetabular fractures (58.6%) and anteroposterior compression pelvic ring injuries (64%) were the most common injuries. Anatomic or congruent acetabular reduction (within 2–3 mm) was achieved in 89.6% of fractures and was significantly associated with superior functional outcomes (p = 0.002). Conversely, the pelvic ring reduction quality did not significantly correlate with functional outcomes (p = 0.314). Transverse acetabular fractures (p = 0.046) and initial neurological deficits (p = 0.032) were associated with poorer recovery. Among the patients with neurological injury, 60% achieved partial or full recovery. Overall, bony union occurred in 96% of cases, with a mean time to union of 14.3 weeks. Reported complications included neurological deficits (40%) and infections (8%).
Conclusions
Functional outcomes following the surgical fixation of combined pelvic and acetabular fractures are primarily influenced by the acetabular reduction quality and neurological status at presentation. Transverse fracture patterns are complex and associated with nerve injuries, posing additional challenges. These findings emphasize the importance of precise joint reduction and early neuroassessment. Further multicenter, prospective studies are warranted to optimize the management of these complex injuries.
2.Comparative Study of 3-Dimensional-Printed Poly-L-Lactic Acid/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)/Collagen Bone Substitute and Commercial Hydroxyapatite/BMP for Bone Regeneration Efficacy Using a Mouse Calvarial Model
Tae Ho KIM ; Yu Ri HONG ; Jeong Ok LIM ; Chang-Wug OH
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(2):340-345
Background:
Bone substitutes such as hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic and recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are essential in treating bone defects. However, the challenges of controlled and localized BMP-2 delivery necessitate the development of advanced bone graft substitutes. This study introduces and evaluates an innovative, ready-to-use bone substitute employing 3-dimensional-printed poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds combined with BMP-2 to enhance bone regeneration efficiency.
Methods:
We conducted a comparative study using C57BL/6 mice to evaluate the efficacy of rhBMP-2-coated PLLA scaffolds against traditional HA-based bone graft materials. The PLLA scaffolds were coated with varying concentrations of BMP-2 using an alginate-catechol method. Bone regeneration was assessed through micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging and histological analysis 4 weeks after implantation. The statistical significance of bone mass and formation differences across groups was determined using Student t-test and analysis of variance.
Results:
Micro-CT analysis revealed substantial bone formation in the group with PLLA scaffolds containing 0.1% BMP-2, exhibiting a bone volume ratio of 11.1% ± 2.8%, significantly higher than all other groups (p = 0.008). Histological analysis corroborated these findings, showing dense collagen deposition and active osteoblast presence in this group, indicating enhanced bone regeneration.
Conclusions
The novel PLLA scaffold with alginate-catechol-coated BMP-2 significantly enhances bone regeneration compared to traditional bone graft materials. This innovative approach holds promising potential for clinical applications in orthopedics, particularly for treating bone defects.
3.Comparative Study of 3-Dimensional-Printed Poly-L-Lactic Acid/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)/Collagen Bone Substitute and Commercial Hydroxyapatite/BMP for Bone Regeneration Efficacy Using a Mouse Calvarial Model
Tae Ho KIM ; Yu Ri HONG ; Jeong Ok LIM ; Chang-Wug OH
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(2):340-345
Background:
Bone substitutes such as hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic and recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are essential in treating bone defects. However, the challenges of controlled and localized BMP-2 delivery necessitate the development of advanced bone graft substitutes. This study introduces and evaluates an innovative, ready-to-use bone substitute employing 3-dimensional-printed poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds combined with BMP-2 to enhance bone regeneration efficiency.
Methods:
We conducted a comparative study using C57BL/6 mice to evaluate the efficacy of rhBMP-2-coated PLLA scaffolds against traditional HA-based bone graft materials. The PLLA scaffolds were coated with varying concentrations of BMP-2 using an alginate-catechol method. Bone regeneration was assessed through micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging and histological analysis 4 weeks after implantation. The statistical significance of bone mass and formation differences across groups was determined using Student t-test and analysis of variance.
Results:
Micro-CT analysis revealed substantial bone formation in the group with PLLA scaffolds containing 0.1% BMP-2, exhibiting a bone volume ratio of 11.1% ± 2.8%, significantly higher than all other groups (p = 0.008). Histological analysis corroborated these findings, showing dense collagen deposition and active osteoblast presence in this group, indicating enhanced bone regeneration.
Conclusions
The novel PLLA scaffold with alginate-catechol-coated BMP-2 significantly enhances bone regeneration compared to traditional bone graft materials. This innovative approach holds promising potential for clinical applications in orthopedics, particularly for treating bone defects.
4.Comparative Study of 3-Dimensional-Printed Poly-L-Lactic Acid/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)/Collagen Bone Substitute and Commercial Hydroxyapatite/BMP for Bone Regeneration Efficacy Using a Mouse Calvarial Model
Tae Ho KIM ; Yu Ri HONG ; Jeong Ok LIM ; Chang-Wug OH
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(2):340-345
Background:
Bone substitutes such as hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic and recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are essential in treating bone defects. However, the challenges of controlled and localized BMP-2 delivery necessitate the development of advanced bone graft substitutes. This study introduces and evaluates an innovative, ready-to-use bone substitute employing 3-dimensional-printed poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds combined with BMP-2 to enhance bone regeneration efficiency.
Methods:
We conducted a comparative study using C57BL/6 mice to evaluate the efficacy of rhBMP-2-coated PLLA scaffolds against traditional HA-based bone graft materials. The PLLA scaffolds were coated with varying concentrations of BMP-2 using an alginate-catechol method. Bone regeneration was assessed through micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging and histological analysis 4 weeks after implantation. The statistical significance of bone mass and formation differences across groups was determined using Student t-test and analysis of variance.
Results:
Micro-CT analysis revealed substantial bone formation in the group with PLLA scaffolds containing 0.1% BMP-2, exhibiting a bone volume ratio of 11.1% ± 2.8%, significantly higher than all other groups (p = 0.008). Histological analysis corroborated these findings, showing dense collagen deposition and active osteoblast presence in this group, indicating enhanced bone regeneration.
Conclusions
The novel PLLA scaffold with alginate-catechol-coated BMP-2 significantly enhances bone regeneration compared to traditional bone graft materials. This innovative approach holds promising potential for clinical applications in orthopedics, particularly for treating bone defects.
5.Comparative Study of 3-Dimensional-Printed Poly-L-Lactic Acid/Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)/Collagen Bone Substitute and Commercial Hydroxyapatite/BMP for Bone Regeneration Efficacy Using a Mouse Calvarial Model
Tae Ho KIM ; Yu Ri HONG ; Jeong Ok LIM ; Chang-Wug OH
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2025;17(2):340-345
Background:
Bone substitutes such as hydroxyapatite (HA) ceramic and recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) are essential in treating bone defects. However, the challenges of controlled and localized BMP-2 delivery necessitate the development of advanced bone graft substitutes. This study introduces and evaluates an innovative, ready-to-use bone substitute employing 3-dimensional-printed poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) scaffolds combined with BMP-2 to enhance bone regeneration efficiency.
Methods:
We conducted a comparative study using C57BL/6 mice to evaluate the efficacy of rhBMP-2-coated PLLA scaffolds against traditional HA-based bone graft materials. The PLLA scaffolds were coated with varying concentrations of BMP-2 using an alginate-catechol method. Bone regeneration was assessed through micro-computed tomography (CT) imaging and histological analysis 4 weeks after implantation. The statistical significance of bone mass and formation differences across groups was determined using Student t-test and analysis of variance.
Results:
Micro-CT analysis revealed substantial bone formation in the group with PLLA scaffolds containing 0.1% BMP-2, exhibiting a bone volume ratio of 11.1% ± 2.8%, significantly higher than all other groups (p = 0.008). Histological analysis corroborated these findings, showing dense collagen deposition and active osteoblast presence in this group, indicating enhanced bone regeneration.
Conclusions
The novel PLLA scaffold with alginate-catechol-coated BMP-2 significantly enhances bone regeneration compared to traditional bone graft materials. This innovative approach holds promising potential for clinical applications in orthopedics, particularly for treating bone defects.
6.Staged Fixation with Respect to Soft Tissue in Tibial Plateau Fractures with Acute Compartment Syndrome: Correlation Analysis of Complications
Yong-Cheol YOON ; Ye Joon KIM ; Chang-Wug OH ; Hee-June KIM ; Seung-Bo SIM ; Sang-Woo SON ; Joon-Woo KIM
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2024;16(6):854-862
Background:
Staged operations are commonly employed in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures (TPF) complicated by acute compartment syndrome (ACS); however, complications, such as nonunion, deep wound infection, and traumatic arthritis, often occur due to severe bone and soft-tissue damage. We aimed to report the radiological and clinical outcomes of staged surgical interventions performed following complete closure of the fasciotomy wound for the treatment of TPF complicated by ACS.Additionally, we analyzed factors associated with complications arising from these procedures.
Methods:
Thirty patients with TPF and ACS were included (23 men and 7 women; average age, 59.7 years). The mean followup period was 33.2 months (range, 12–85 months). An external fixator was initially applied with emergency fasciotomy, and open reduction and plate fixation were performed after complete closure of the fasciotomy wound and soft-tissue stabilization (mean, 31 days; range, 9–55 days). Radiological evaluation of bone union and alignment was conducted, functional evaluation of the knee and ankle joints was performed using the Knee Society and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications and related factors were analyzed.
Results:
Primary bone union was achieved in 29 of the 30 cases (96.7%) at an average of 20.8 weeks (range, 12–35 weeks). Malalignment was not observed in any case. At the final follow-up examination, the mean Knee Society and AOFAS scores were 92.5 (range, 65–100) and 95.5 (range, 74–100), respectively. Complications included 1 case of nonunion (3.3%), 2 cases of deep wound infection (6.7%), and 5 cases of traumatic arthritis (16.7%). A statistically significant correlation was noted between complications and patients who underwent dual approaches for the fixation of bicondylar TPFs.
Conclusions
A staged operation coupled with sufficient soft-tissue healing can achieve excellent bone union and functional outcomes in patients with TPF and ACS. However, complications may occur more often in patients undergoing dual approaches for bicondylar TPFs, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.
7.Staged Fixation with Respect to Soft Tissue in Tibial Plateau Fractures with Acute Compartment Syndrome: Correlation Analysis of Complications
Yong-Cheol YOON ; Ye Joon KIM ; Chang-Wug OH ; Hee-June KIM ; Seung-Bo SIM ; Sang-Woo SON ; Joon-Woo KIM
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2024;16(6):854-862
Background:
Staged operations are commonly employed in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures (TPF) complicated by acute compartment syndrome (ACS); however, complications, such as nonunion, deep wound infection, and traumatic arthritis, often occur due to severe bone and soft-tissue damage. We aimed to report the radiological and clinical outcomes of staged surgical interventions performed following complete closure of the fasciotomy wound for the treatment of TPF complicated by ACS.Additionally, we analyzed factors associated with complications arising from these procedures.
Methods:
Thirty patients with TPF and ACS were included (23 men and 7 women; average age, 59.7 years). The mean followup period was 33.2 months (range, 12–85 months). An external fixator was initially applied with emergency fasciotomy, and open reduction and plate fixation were performed after complete closure of the fasciotomy wound and soft-tissue stabilization (mean, 31 days; range, 9–55 days). Radiological evaluation of bone union and alignment was conducted, functional evaluation of the knee and ankle joints was performed using the Knee Society and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications and related factors were analyzed.
Results:
Primary bone union was achieved in 29 of the 30 cases (96.7%) at an average of 20.8 weeks (range, 12–35 weeks). Malalignment was not observed in any case. At the final follow-up examination, the mean Knee Society and AOFAS scores were 92.5 (range, 65–100) and 95.5 (range, 74–100), respectively. Complications included 1 case of nonunion (3.3%), 2 cases of deep wound infection (6.7%), and 5 cases of traumatic arthritis (16.7%). A statistically significant correlation was noted between complications and patients who underwent dual approaches for the fixation of bicondylar TPFs.
Conclusions
A staged operation coupled with sufficient soft-tissue healing can achieve excellent bone union and functional outcomes in patients with TPF and ACS. However, complications may occur more often in patients undergoing dual approaches for bicondylar TPFs, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.
8.Staged Fixation with Respect to Soft Tissue in Tibial Plateau Fractures with Acute Compartment Syndrome: Correlation Analysis of Complications
Yong-Cheol YOON ; Ye Joon KIM ; Chang-Wug OH ; Hee-June KIM ; Seung-Bo SIM ; Sang-Woo SON ; Joon-Woo KIM
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2024;16(6):854-862
Background:
Staged operations are commonly employed in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures (TPF) complicated by acute compartment syndrome (ACS); however, complications, such as nonunion, deep wound infection, and traumatic arthritis, often occur due to severe bone and soft-tissue damage. We aimed to report the radiological and clinical outcomes of staged surgical interventions performed following complete closure of the fasciotomy wound for the treatment of TPF complicated by ACS.Additionally, we analyzed factors associated with complications arising from these procedures.
Methods:
Thirty patients with TPF and ACS were included (23 men and 7 women; average age, 59.7 years). The mean followup period was 33.2 months (range, 12–85 months). An external fixator was initially applied with emergency fasciotomy, and open reduction and plate fixation were performed after complete closure of the fasciotomy wound and soft-tissue stabilization (mean, 31 days; range, 9–55 days). Radiological evaluation of bone union and alignment was conducted, functional evaluation of the knee and ankle joints was performed using the Knee Society and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications and related factors were analyzed.
Results:
Primary bone union was achieved in 29 of the 30 cases (96.7%) at an average of 20.8 weeks (range, 12–35 weeks). Malalignment was not observed in any case. At the final follow-up examination, the mean Knee Society and AOFAS scores were 92.5 (range, 65–100) and 95.5 (range, 74–100), respectively. Complications included 1 case of nonunion (3.3%), 2 cases of deep wound infection (6.7%), and 5 cases of traumatic arthritis (16.7%). A statistically significant correlation was noted between complications and patients who underwent dual approaches for the fixation of bicondylar TPFs.
Conclusions
A staged operation coupled with sufficient soft-tissue healing can achieve excellent bone union and functional outcomes in patients with TPF and ACS. However, complications may occur more often in patients undergoing dual approaches for bicondylar TPFs, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.
9.Staged Fixation with Respect to Soft Tissue in Tibial Plateau Fractures with Acute Compartment Syndrome: Correlation Analysis of Complications
Yong-Cheol YOON ; Ye Joon KIM ; Chang-Wug OH ; Hee-June KIM ; Seung-Bo SIM ; Sang-Woo SON ; Joon-Woo KIM
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2024;16(6):854-862
Background:
Staged operations are commonly employed in the management of high-energy tibial plateau fractures (TPF) complicated by acute compartment syndrome (ACS); however, complications, such as nonunion, deep wound infection, and traumatic arthritis, often occur due to severe bone and soft-tissue damage. We aimed to report the radiological and clinical outcomes of staged surgical interventions performed following complete closure of the fasciotomy wound for the treatment of TPF complicated by ACS.Additionally, we analyzed factors associated with complications arising from these procedures.
Methods:
Thirty patients with TPF and ACS were included (23 men and 7 women; average age, 59.7 years). The mean followup period was 33.2 months (range, 12–85 months). An external fixator was initially applied with emergency fasciotomy, and open reduction and plate fixation were performed after complete closure of the fasciotomy wound and soft-tissue stabilization (mean, 31 days; range, 9–55 days). Radiological evaluation of bone union and alignment was conducted, functional evaluation of the knee and ankle joints was performed using the Knee Society and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and complications and related factors were analyzed.
Results:
Primary bone union was achieved in 29 of the 30 cases (96.7%) at an average of 20.8 weeks (range, 12–35 weeks). Malalignment was not observed in any case. At the final follow-up examination, the mean Knee Society and AOFAS scores were 92.5 (range, 65–100) and 95.5 (range, 74–100), respectively. Complications included 1 case of nonunion (3.3%), 2 cases of deep wound infection (6.7%), and 5 cases of traumatic arthritis (16.7%). A statistically significant correlation was noted between complications and patients who underwent dual approaches for the fixation of bicondylar TPFs.
Conclusions
A staged operation coupled with sufficient soft-tissue healing can achieve excellent bone union and functional outcomes in patients with TPF and ACS. However, complications may occur more often in patients undergoing dual approaches for bicondylar TPFs, necessitating vigilant monitoring and management.
10.Outcomes of Angular Stable Locking System in Femoral Diaphyseal Fractures of Elderly Patients:A Multicenter Comparative Study
Kyu Tae HWANG ; Incheol KOOK ; Jae-Ho LEE ; Chang-Wug OH ; Oog-Jin SOHN ; Ji Wan KIM ; Ki-Chul PARK
Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery 2023;15(3):349-357
Background:
The angular stable locking system (ASLS) was developed to provide additional stability to the distal interlocking screw of the intramedullary (IM) nail. Effects of ASLS on the treatment of femoral diaphyseal fractures in the elderly remain unknown. The aim of this study was to compare radiological outcomes of IM nailing using ASLS screws to IM nails with conventional interlocking screws in elderly patients with femoral shaft fractures.
Methods:
A multicenter retrospective review of 129 patients (average age, 73.5 years; 98 women and 31 men) aged 65 years or older who underwent IM nail fixation for femoral diaphyseal fractures (AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association [OTA] classification 32) was conducted. Demographic information of patients, fracture site (subtrochanteric or shaft), fracture type (traumatic or atypical), and AO/OTA fracture classification were investigated. Reduction status was evaluated by postoperative plain radiography. Presence of union and time to union were evaluated through serial plain radiograph follow-up. Reoperation due to nonunion or implant failure was also evaluated.
Results:
ASLS was used in 65 patients (50.3%). A total of 118 patients (91.5%) achieved union without additional surgery and the mean union time was 31.8 ± 13.0 weeks. In terms of reduction status, angulation was greater in the group using ASLS. There were no statistically significant differences of union rate, time to union, and reoperation rate according to the use of ASLS (p > 0.05). There was no difference in the outcomes according to the use of ASLS even when the analysis was divided in terms of fracture site or fracture type (p > 0.05). In further subgroup analysis, only the traumatic subtrochanteric area group showed statistically significantly shorter time to union when ASLS was used (p = 0.038).
Conclusions
In geriatric patients with femoral diaphyseal fractures, the use of ASLS was not considered to have a significant effect on fracture healing. Fracture healing seemed to be more affected by surgical techniques such as minimizing the gap and fracture characteristics such as atypical femoral fractures, rather than implants.

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