OTA 2006 Posters


Scientific Poster #2 Polytrauma

Effects of Reamed or Unreamed Intramedullary Nailing Under Nondamaged Conditions on Pulmonary Function in Sheep: Using "Second-Hit" Alone Model
Shinichi Aoki, MD1 (*);
Kazuhiko Yokoyama, MD2 (*);
Moritoshi Itoman, MD3 (*);
1Atsugi Hokubu Hospital, Atsugi, Japan;
2Machida Municipal Hospital, Tokyo, Japan; 3Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan


Purpose: Pulmonary damage after reamed or unreamed femoral nailing has been controversial in clinical and experimental studies. We investigated changes in pulmonary function and coagulatory response in normal lungs of sheep after reamed or unreamed intramedullary nailing of an unfractured femur. We performed these experiments in order to evaluate deleterious effects on pulmonary and systemic function induced by reamed or unreamed femoral nailing without confounding factors, especially at the acute phase. In other words, there is no "first-hit" in this experiment and we focused on reamed or unreamed"nailing, which could associate with the so-called "second-hit" to pulmonary disorders.

Methods: We used 3 groups of sheep (each group, n = 6): reamed femoral nailing (RFN), unreamed femoral nailing (UFN), and sham control group. Femoral osteotomies and lung contusions were not made. Hemodynamic monitoring data and blood gas data (BGD) were recorded, and blood samples for biochemistry (antithrombin III, lipid peroxidase, and fibrinogen) were collected 0 to 6 hours after nailing. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in pulmonary tissue were analyzed 6 hours after nailing.

Results: There were no significant differences in time course of hemodynamic monitoring data, BGD, or biochemical data among the 3 groups. In BALF analysis, the lipid-laden cell count in the RFN group was higher than those of the other groups, and MPO activity was highest in the RFN group.

Conclusion: The present results indicate that, under nonfractured conditions, normal lung conditions, lack of impending fat embolism status, and nonhypovolemic conditions, RFN does not influence pulmonary function at the physiologic level, and does not induce a hypercoagulatory response at the acute stage. RFN can lead to the flow of fat globules into the pulmonary circulation. However, under normal conditions, RFN can lead to leukocyte activation in lung tissue, without worse alteration of alveolar permeability when compared to that of UFN, in the acute postoperative course.


If noted, the author indicates something of value received. The codes are identified as a-research or institutional support; b-miscellaneous funding; c-royalties; d-stock options; e-consultant or employee; n-no conflicts disclosed, and *disclosure not available at time of printing.
· The FDA has not cleared this drug and/or medical device for the use described in this presentation (i.e., the drug or medical device is being discussed for an "off label" use). · · FDA information not available at time of printing.