OBJECTIVE To study the difference between two internal fixation methods Kaneda and Z-plate in the operation of anterior surgical approach and decompression after thoracolumbar fractures. METHODS: The bio-mechanical structure of the internal fixture, install when operating, complications and time of the operation were compared in the cases by Kaneda and Z-plate. RESULTS: Z-plate method had the following characteristics: reasonable of the bio-mechanical structure; stability after internal fixture being installed; capability of completely propping up the injured centrum and keeping the height of middle-column; simple operation when installing internal fixture and shorter time of operation (1.1 hours, P lt; 0.05); fewer complications. CONCLUSION: Z-plate is an ideal internal fixation method in the operation of anterior surgical approach after thoracolumbar fractures. Thoracolumbar vertebra Fracture Internal fixation
Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of unstable pelvic fractures and to find out an alternative for the treatment. Methods From October 2000 to June 2004, fifty-six patients with unstable pelvic fractures were treated by open reduction and pelvic-reconstructed plate fixation to recover the anatomical structure of pelvis and acetabulum. According to Tile classification, 33 cases were type B (15 cases were Tile B1, 11 cases were Tile B2, 7 cases were Tile B3); 23 cases were type C (10 cases were Tile C1, 8 cases were Tile C2, 5 cases were Tile C3). Results The 56 cases were followed up 12 to 68 months(26 months in average).All cases with fractures got healed during 3 to 6 mouths. According to the Majeed evaluation, 40 cases were excellent, 11 cases were good, 4 cases were fair, and only one case was a failure. The rate of excellency and goodness was 91.07%.The pelvic abnormity was rectified; partial patients felt light pain in iliac scar. Conclusion The choice of the proper operative approach and pelvic-reconstructed plate fixation by allowingfor fracture classification is a good and dependable means for treating unstablepelvic fractures.
Objective To investigate the diagnosis and effectiveness of surgical treatment for lumbar pyogenic spondyl itis. Methods Between February 2005 and June 2010, 15 cases of lumbar pyogenic spondyl itis were treated. There were 10 males and 5 females with an average age of 48.6 years (range, 26-72 years). Affected segments included L2, 3 in 3 cases,L3, 4 in 3 cases, L4, 5 in 8 cases, and L5, S1 in 1 case. All cases had cl inical manifestations of moderate or severe fever, local pain of lesion, and l imitation of the spinal movement; 10 patients had nerve root symptoms, and 8 patients had symptoms of lower limb paraplegia. Leukocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) significantly increased in all cases. The preoperative X-ray and CT examinations showed no clear bone destruction; MRI showed decreased signal intensity on T1WI and increased signal intensity on T2WI, 7 cases had local ized abscess formation. The patients underwent focal cleaning and bone grafting and fusion combined with internal fixation, including anterior operation in 13 cases, posterior operation in 1 case, and combined anterior and posterior operation in 1 case. The results of bacterial culture were positive in 10 cases. According to the results of intraoperative bacterial cultures, sensitive antibiotics were selected. Results Healing of incision by first intention was achieved in 14 cases, healing by second intention in 1 case. After 2 weeks, 1 case recurred and symptoms was rel iefed after symptomatic treatment. Back pain and (or) lower limb pain were obviously improved in the other patients; body temperature recovered to normal after 3-4 days; leukocyte, ESR, and CRP significantly decreased. All the patients were followed up 12 to 70 months with an average of 35.4 months.The patients had no rejection, no fistula formation, no lumbar kyphosis, and no fixator loosening or breakage. The bony fusion time was 4-8 months. Conclusion Combination of cl inical manifestations, laboratory tests, and MRI can diagnose lumbar pyogenic spondyl itis, of which CRP is an important indicator to determine progression of the disease, and MRI is important for diagnosis. Debridement combined with interbody fusion and internal fixation is a safe and effective treatment method.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of posteromedial and anterolateral approaches in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau collapsed and splited fractures. MethodsNineteen consecutive patients with posterolateral tibial plateau collapsed and splited fractures were treated between August 2010 and August 2013, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 6 females, with an average age of 36.9 years (range, 25-75 years). All cases had closed fractures, involving 8 left sides and 11 right sides. Fractures involved posterior column according to the threecolumn classification based on CT scans; according to the Schatzker classification, all fractures were type Ⅱ; according to the AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation classification (AO/OTA), all fractures were type 41-B3.1.2. The interval between injury and operation was 7-14 days (mean, 9 days). The reduction of collapsed fractures and implantation of artificial bone allograft were supported by T-shaped distal radius plate via the posteromedial approach. The splited fractures was fixed by less invasive stabilization system (LISS) plate via the anterolateral approach. ResultsThe mean operation time was 69.0 minutes (range, 50-105 minutes). All incisions healed by first intention without neurovascular complications or wound infection. All patients were followed up 14-20 months (mean, 18.2 months). X-ray and CT examinations showed that collapsed tibial plateau and joint surface were completely corrected; bony union was obtained at 12 weeks on average (range, 10-16 weeks). No secondary collapsed fracture and knee varus or valgus occurred. The results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 89.5% according to the Rasmussen's scoring system for knee function. ConclusionThe posteromedial approach combined with anterolateral approach for posterolateral tibial plateau fractures can fully expose the posterolateral aspects of the tibial plateau, and thus collapsed and splited fractures can be treated at the same time, which will lead to less operative time and good outcomes in the treatment of posterolateral tibial plateau collapsed and splited fractures.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of InterTan in the treatment of femoral intertrochanteric fractures. Methods Between April 2009 and July 2009, 57 patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture were treated with InterTan. There were 33 males and 24 females with an average age of 68 years (range, 45-88 years). The locations were left side in 31 cases and right side in 26 cases and all fractures were closed fractures. According to Association for Osteosynthesis/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, there were 23 cases of type 31-A1, 27 of type 31-A2, and 7 of type 31-A3. The disease duration was 2 to 8 days with an average of 3.3 days. The data of operative time, blood loss, perioperative blood transfusion, hospital ization day, fracture heal ing time, and Harris hip score were recorded. Results The operative time and the blood loss were (74.5 ± 19.7) minutes and (148.8 ± 79.6) mL, respectively. There were significant differences in the operative time and the blood loss among the AO/OTA subgroups (P lt; 0.05). Twenty-five patients required a blood transfusion and the transfusion volume was (264.0 ± 90.7) mL. The average hospital ization days were 7 days (range, 6-9 days). Thirty-five patients were followed up 12 to 15 months (13.3 months on average). X-ray films showed that all fractures healed within (2.8 ± 0.8) months. The heal ing time of fracture was (2.4 ± 0.6), (2.9 ± 0.9), and (3.8 ± 0.5) months in 31-A1 subgroup, 31-A2 subgroup, and 31-A3 subgroup, respectively. There was no significant difference in heal ing time of fracture between 31-A1 subgroup and 31-A2 subgroup (P gt; 0.05), and there were significant differences between 31-A3 group and 31-A1 subgroup, 31-A2 subgroup (P lt; 0.05). No shortening, cut-out, varus malposition, femoral shaft fracture, or implant failures was found. The Harris score at the final follow-up was 84.5 ± 8.2 with an excellent and good rate of 80% (15 cases of excellent, 13 of good, 6 of fair, and 1 of poor). Twenty patients (57%) recovered the walking abil ity. Conclusion The new intertrochanteric antegrade nail of InterTan can be used to treat femoral intertrochanteric fractures with good cl inical outcomes, high union rate, and less compl ications.
To evaluate the method and effectiveness of anterior focus clearance with autograft bone fusion and internal fixation in treating of adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis in one-stage. Methods Between March 2007 and September 2009, 8 cases of thoracic vertebra tuberculosis were treated. Of 8 cases, 6 were male and 2 were female, aged 32 years on average (range, 20-42 years). The disease duration ranged from 8 to 14 months (mean, 10.2 months). Affected vertebrae included thoracic vertebrae in 35 cases and lumbar vertebrae in 11 cases; 5 vertebrae were involved in 4 cases, 6 vertebrae in 3 cases, and 8 vertebrae in 1 case. According to Frankel classification, there were 2 cases of grade C, 4 cases of grade D, and 2 cases of grade E. All patients had different kyphosis with the Cobb angle of (25.1 ± 6.6)°. All patients received antituberculous therapy 4-6 weeks preoperatively; after complete clearance lesions, autograft bone fusion and internal fixation were performed, and then antituberculous therapy was given for 18 months. Results All incisions healed by first intention. Eight patients were followed up 18-48 months (mean, 29 months). According to JIN Dadi et al. criterion, 7 cases recovered after first operation, 1 case of relapsed tuberculosis with sious was cured after re-focus clearance. The Cobb angle was (19.5 ± 4.2)° at 7 days after operation and was (22.3 ± 3.6)° at last follow-up, showing significant differences when compared with the preoperative value (P lt; 0.05). The nerve function of all cases were classified as Frankel grade E. CT scan showed bone graft fusion at 6-8 months after operation. No loosening or displacement of grafted bone and internal fixation occurred during follow-up. Conclusion The treatment of adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis by anterior focus clearance, intervertebral autograft, and internal fixation in one-stage is effective. Anterior bone fusion and internal fixation in one-stage can correct kyphosis effectively and rebuild spinal stabil ity, so it is a good choice for surgical treatment of adjacent multivertebral tuberculosis.
ObjectiveTo analyze the curative effect of vacuum sealing drainage for early deep infection after posterior spinal internal fixation. MethodsFrom March 2009 to March 2012, 9 patients with early deep infection after posterior spinal internal fixation, including 5 males and 4 females aged between 21 and 64 years, averaging at 44.6, underwent debridement and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD). Original fixtures in all the patients were not taken out. ResultsThe patients were treated by VSD for once to three times with an average of 2.1 times, and VSD continued for 3 to 7 days every time. Two patients underwent one time of VSD, 4 underwent twice, and 3 underwent three times. In these patients, 6 achieved wound healing after VSD, one changed to ordinary dressing and wound suturing two weeks later due to hemorrhage of VSD, one changed to ordinary dressing and wound suturing wound three weeks later due to impeded drainage, one accepted skin-grafting after three times of VSD. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 38 months (18 months on average) and all of them were cured. There was no obvious back pain or signs of incision infection. The X-ray films showed that there were no bone destruction and the white blood cell count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein significantly decreased to normal after surgery. ConclusionOne-stage debridement and vacuum sealing drainage therapy is an effective method for treating early deep infection after posterior spinal internal fixation.
Objective To investigate the detailed biomechanics of TiNi shape-memory sawtooth-arm embracing plate (TiNi SMA) by comparing with l imited-contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) and static interlocking intramedullary nail (SIiN), so as to provide theoretical evidence for cl inical appl ication. Methods Eight paired cadaveric femurs immersed in formaldehyde were harvested from eight specimens of adults. After making X-ray films and modeling midpiece transverse fracture, one side randomly was fixed by TiNi SMA (group A) and SIiN (group C) orderly, the other side was fixed by LC-DCP (group B). The axial compression, three-point bending (pressed from plate side and opposite side both of group A and group B, from inside of group C), and torsion were tested, and the stress shielding rate was compared. Results At every classified axial compression load, the strains of group A were greater than those of group B and group C (P lt; 0.05), the displacements of group A were greater than those of group B and group C (P lt; 0.05) except 100 N. At every classified three-point bending moment, the displacement of group A were greater than those of group B and group C pressed both from two sides, but there was no difference when pressing from two sides under the same load of group A (P gt; 0.05). At every torsion moment, the torsion angels of group A were greater than those of group B (P lt; 0.05), but equal to those of group C (P gt; 0.05). At 600 N of axial compression load, the stress shielding rates of groups A, B, C were 48.30% ± 22.99%, 89.21% ± 8.97%, 95.00% ± 3.15%, respectively, group A was significantly less than group B and group C (P lt; 0.01). Conclusion The anti-bending abil ity of TiNi SMA is weaker than LC-DCP and SIiN; the anti-torsion abil ity of TiNi SMA is weaker than SIiN, but TiNi SMA is a center-type internal fixation, the superior stress shielding rate and micromovement promote the stress stimulation of fracture, which makes it an ideal internal fixation device.
OBJECTIVE: To study a new kind of operation for displaced talar neck fractures. METHODS: From April 1996 to March 2001, 9 talar neck fractures were treated by internal fixation of absorbable lag screw with a medial approach and cut of medial malleolus to expose the fractures. A non-weight-bearing below-knee cast was applied for 6 to 12 weeks after operation. Once union of the fracture site is apparent, the patient should remain non-weight bearing in a removable short-leg and keep exercise every day. RESULTS: All the patients received follow-up from 15 to 60 months with an average of 28 months. The fractures healed from 20 to 42 weeks. The excellent and good rate of function was 77.8% (7/9) according to American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society Score(AOFAS). One case had the complication of superficial infection of wound and skin edge necrosis after operation, which was Hawkins type III. Late complication included two cases of avascular necrosis(AVN). Among them, one AVN of Hawkins type II was caused by early weight-bearing five weeks after operation and gained the fair score. The other AVN of Hawkins type III was inefficient to conservative therapy and proceeded ankle fusion in the end. The AOFAS of the patient was bad. CONCLUSION: Treatment of talar neck fractures by internal fixation of absorbable lag screw with a medial approach is an ideal method. It can gain a satisfactory result by the operation, strict postoperative care and rehabilitation.
Objective To observe the cl inical results of treatment of Schatzker V/VI tibial plateau fracture involved posteromedial condyle through combined posteromedial and anterolateral approach and fixed with two or three plates. Methods From April 2005 to April 2008, 18 cases of tibial plateau fracture involved posteromedial condyle were treated, including 14 males and 4 females with an average age of 38.5 years old (range, 18-62 years old). According to Schatzker classification, there were 12 cases of type V and 6 cases of type VI. The posteromedial condyle were involved in 13 cases and bilateral posterior condyle in 5 cases. All patients were given posteromedial fragment and medial condyle fracture reduction through posteromedial approach firstly, and then lateral condyle fracture reduction through anterolateral approach, and injury of meniscuses and cruciate l igaments were treated at the same time. Three plates (lateral, medial, posterior) were used in 10 cases and two plates (lateral, posteromedial) in 8 cases. Results All wounds achieved heal ing by first intention without compl ications such as infection, flap necrosis, osteofascial compartment syndrome, chronic osteomyel itis, nonunion. All patients were followed up for 12 to 48 months with an average of 24.4 months. The mean flexion of the knee was 118.4° (range, 100-130°) 1 year after operation. According to Iowa evaluation system, 12 patients got excellent results, 4 good, and 2 fair; the excellent and good rate was 88.9%. Conclusion Combined posteromedial and anterolateral approach and fixed with two or three plates is effective in treatment of the Schatzker V/VI tibial plateau fracture involved posteromedial condyle. Anatomical reduction and rigid internal fixation of the posteromedial fragment are critical to successful operation.