Objective To illustrate the effect and complication of orthopedic applications for biodegradable and absorbable internal fixation of fractures, and to indicate the existent problem and research aspect currently. Methods The recent literatures on orthopedic applications and study of biodegradable and absorbable internal fixation for fractures were reviewed. The effect of biodegradable materials on bone healing was summarized. Results It is good for the stability of fracture fixation and result of treeatment. The biodegradable and absorbable internal fixation fractures had no adverse effect on bone healing. Conclusion There will be more widespread application for biodegradable and absorbable materials in orthopedics, but the intensive research should be carried out to prevent its complication.
Objective To review the feature, biomechanics, and cl inical appl ication of percutaneous 360 degree axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) technique. Methods Recent l iterature on investigation and appl ication of percutaneous360 degree AxiaLIF technique was reviewed. Results Percutaneous 360 degree AxiaLIF technique mainly contained operative approach, axial technique, and posterior fixation. It was obviously different from other lumbar interbody fusion techniques due to its capabil ity of maintaining the integrity of the bilateral facet joints, the anterior/posterior longitudinal l igament, and the annulus fibrosus. Three-dimensional AxiaLIF RodTM provided axial support and firmly fixation, thereby rel ieving stenosis of lumbar intervertebral foramen and restoring the intervertebral disc height and the whole height and physiological curvature of the lumbar spine. The recovery of the intervertebral disc height could restore the folded or crumpled flavum, the posterior longitudinal l igament, and the herniated annulus, resulting in the improvement of stenosis symptoms of nerve root canal or central vertebral canal. Conclusion Percutaneous 360 degree AxiaLIF technique achieves satisfying therapeutic effects, although it has fairly narrow indication and needs long-term follow-up observation.
Objective To study the surgical procedures and results for treating the nonunion of lateral humeral condyle fracture combined with cubitus valgus in adolescents. Methods From June 2004 to October 2006, 5 patients with nonunion of lateral humeral condyle fracture and cubitus valgus were treated, including 3 males and 2 females aged 8-17 yearsold. Three cases received external fixation for 2-3 weeks in other hospital, while 2 cases were misdiagnosed as soft tissue injury. The patients were hospital ized after they were diagnosed with nonunion of lateral humeral condyle fracture and cubitus valgus 4-12 years after injury. Preoperatively, the angle of cubitus valgus deformity was 25-55° (average 44.8°), and the elbow motion range of flexion and extension was 135-140° (average 139°) and 0-20° (average 7°), respectively. One case with the symptoms of ulnar neuritis was diagnosed as incomplete injury of ulnar nerve. The time between admission to hospital and operation was 3-7 days. All the patients were treated with wedge shaped supracondylar osteotomy of the distal aspect of humerus and humerus lateral column reconstruction. Regular follow-up was conducted after operation and the elbow function was evaluated according to the scale system of Jupiter et al. Results All incisions healed by first intention and all the cases were followed up for 14-28 months (average 20 months). X-ray films revealed that bone union was attained in all the 5 cases, among which the bone union at the supracondylar osteotomy site was reached 5-8 weeks after operation (average 6 weeeks) and the bone union at the lateral column reconstruction site was reached 3-6 months after operation. The deformity of cubitus valgus was corrected in all thecases. At latest follow-up, the flexion motion of the elbow was 100-135° (average 121°), and the extension range was 0-30° (average 13°), the angle of postoperative cubitus valgus deformity was — 5-10° (average 2°). According to the system of Jupiter et al, 2 cases were excellent, 2 cases were good and 1 case was fair. One patient and symptoms of radial nerve traction injury after operation and achieved complete recovery 3 months later; and 1 case suffering from ulnar neuritis before operation recovered 6 months after operation. No other compl ications occurred. Conclusion It is effective to use wedge-shaped supracondylar osteotomy of the distal aspect of the humerus and lateral colum reconstruction through internal fixation to treat the nonunion of the lateral humeral condyle fracture combined with cubitus valgus.
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.
Objective To investigate the surgical treatment effectiveness of acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures by Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Methods Between January 2002 and February 2009, 17 patients with acetabulartransverse and posterior wall fractures were treated with Kocher-Langenbeck approach and fracture reduction and fixation. There were 12 males and 5 females with an average age of 33.4 years (range, 20-65 years). The disease causes were traffic accident in 16 cases and fall ing from height in 1 case. The disease duration was 6 hours to 11 days. According to Letournel classification, all fractures were rated as acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures. Concomitant injuries included posterior hi p dislocation in 3 cases, fracture of extremities in 8 cases, injury of sciatic nerve in 3 cases, craniocerebral injury in 1 case, and l ienal rupture in 1 case. Results The incisions healed primarily and no compl ication of infection and deep venous thrombosis occurred after operation. All patients were followed up 12 to 36 months with an average of 19 months. The X-ray films showed that fracture healed 3 to 5 months after operation. After operation, anatomic reduction was found in 9 cases, satisfactory reduction in 5 cases, and unsatisfactory reduction in 3 cases according to Matta et al criterion. According to modified grading system of Merle D’Aubigne and Postel, the results were excellent in 4 cases, good in 9, fair in 3, and poor in 1 at last follow-up with an excellent and good rate of 76.5%. The nerve function was recovered in patients with sciatic nerve injury at 12 months after symptomatic treatment. Traumatic arthritis occurred in 5 cases, avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 1, and heterotopic ossification in 5 between 9 weeks and 12 months after operation. Conclusion For acetabular transverse and posterior wall fractures, it is important to make adequate preoperative preparation, to get the imaging data, and to perform open reduction andinternal fixation with Kocher-Langenbeck approach as early as possible.
Objective To explore an effective way fortreating severe complicated distal femoral fractures. Methods Twenty-six patients with complicated distal femoral fracture who all belonged to 33C3.3type according to AO/ASIF lassification, were treated with a lateral condylar buttress plate or self-desinged aliform anatomical plate, and operated on with allogeneic bone grafting. Results All cases were followed up for an average of 14 months (ranging 5-25 months). Twenty-four wounds were primary healing postoperatively, 2 wounds were infected and healed after dressing change. Twenty-four had bone healing after 411 months, 2 needed to operate again because of earlier weight-bearing resulting in fixation failure. According to shelbourne and Brueckmann score, the excellent and good rate was 88.46%. Conclusion The internal fixation forcomplicated distal femoral fracture by self-designed aliform anatomical plate and lateral condylar buttress plate with a great deal of allograft bone is an effective surgical method. As it has long oval holes and the holes are consecutive ,the aliform anatomical plate is more suitable for severe complicated fractures. At the same time, autogenous-ilium transplantation can be substituted by the allograft bone.
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.
OBJECTIVE: Both primary and metastatic tumor of spine can influence spinal stability, spinal cord and nerves. The principles of dealing spinal tumor are resection of tumor decompression on spinal cord and reconstruction of spinal stability. METHODS: Since Aug. 1993 to Oct. 1996, 15 cases with spinal tumor were treated, including 4 primary spinal tumor and 11 metastatic tumor. Tumor foci were mainly in thoracic and lumbar spine. Graded by Frankel classification of spinal injuries, there were 1 case of grade A, 1 of grade B, 3 of grade C, 5 of grade D and 5 of grade E. Tumors of upper lumbar spine and thoracic spine were resected through anterior approach. Posterior approach also was adopted once posterior column was affected. Tumors of lower lumbar spine were resected by two-staged operation: firstly, operation through posterior approach to reconstruct spinal stability: secondly, operation through anterior approach. After resection of tumor, the spines were fixed by Kaneda instrument, Steffee plate or Kirschner pins. To fuse the spine, bone grafting was used in benign tumor and bone cement used in malignant tumor. RESULTS: Except one patient died from arrest of bone marrow, the others were followed up for 3 to 20 months. Postoperatively, 11 patients could sit up on one foot with the help of body supporter, and 9 patients could walk in two weeks under careful monitoring. There was no exacerbation of symptom and failure of fixation. The function of spinal cord was improved: 1 case from grade B to grade E, 1 from A to C, 2 from C to E and 4 from D to E. CONCLUSION: The spine can be reconstructed for weight bearing early by internal fixation. The symptom can be relieved and the nervous function can be improved by resection of tumor and decompression.
Objective To evaluate the operative procedure and the cl inical effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of posterior malleolus fractures. Methods Between June 2005 and December 2008, 46 patients with posterior malleolus fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation and followed up. There were 29 males and 17 females with an average age of 47.7 years (range, 19-76 years). Fractures were caused by sprain in 17 cases, by fallingin 15 cases, by traffic accident in 12 cases, and by other reasons in 2 cases. The locations were left ankle in 25 cases and right ankle in 21 cases. There were 6 simple posterior malleolus fractures, 13 lateral and posterior malleolus fractures, and 22 trimalleolar fractures, and 5 lateral and posterior malleolus fractures accompanying by injury of deltoid l igament of ankle. According to Lauge- Hansen classification system, 13 cases and 9 cases were rated as supination-external rotation type III and type IV respectively, and 18 cases as pronation-external rotation type IV. According to Naoki’s classification of posterior malleolus fractures, there were 29 cases of posterolateral-obl ique type, 11 cases of medial-extension type, and 6 cases of small-shell type. Seven patients underwent emergency operation and 39 patients underwent selective operation. Results Two patients developed superficial infection, which was cured after dressing change, and the other incisions healed by first intention. Forty-six patients were followed up 37 months on average (range, 18-63 months). All fractures healed after 3 to 6 months (mean, 4.3 months). One patient developed lateral suralcutaneous nerve injury, and 9 patients had mild weight-bearing pain or discomfort. The results of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score were excellent in 17 cases, good in 21 cases, and fair in 8 cases with an excellent and good rate of 83%. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 1.9 (range, 0-5). Conclusion The anatomic reduction and internal fixation can achieve the satisfactory results in the treatment of posterior malleolus fractures. The best treatment and fixation methods should be chosen based on different types of posterior malleolus fractures.
Objective To exploere the effectiveness and advantages of elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) combined with curettage and graft for the treatment of benign lesions of humerus complicating by pathological fracture in children. Methods ESIN internal fixation combined with curettage and graft was used to treat benign lesions of the humerus complicating by pathological fracture in 11 children patients between January 2007 and January 2011. Of 11 patients, 7 were boy and 4 were girl, aged from 5 to 14 years (mean, 9.4 years). The disease duration ranged from 2 to 14 days (mean, 6 days). All fractures were closed fracture, which locations were the proximal humerus in 6 cases, the humeral shaft in 4 cases, and the distal humerus in 1 case; benign lesions of the humerus included aneurysmal bone cyst in 1 case, simple bone cyst in 7 cases, and fibrous dysplasia in 3 cases. Based on imaging studies, preoperative diagnosis was almost clear. The time from hospitalization to operation was 3-5 days Results Healing of incision by first intention was obtained in all cases, with no infection. The mean follow-up was 25.6 months (range, 12-36 months). All patients achieved pain relief at 6 weeks postoperatively and fractures healed completely at 3 to 4 months after operation (mean, 3.3 months). No recurrence or re-fracture was observed during follow-up. The ESIN was removed at 10-14 months after operation (mean, 12.5 months). The lesion disappeared completely in 8 cases and partially in 3 cases. No pain of affected limb or motion limitation of shoulder and elbows was observed. One patient had limb shortening of 2 cm at last follow-up, but he had no function problem. According to Neer shoulder and Mayo elbow function scores, the results were excellent in 11 cases. Conclusion It is a good method to treat benign lesions of the humerus complicating by pathological fracture in children to use ESIN internal fixation combined with curettage and graft. After only a single operation intervention, it can provide early mechanical stability and rapid fracture healing and allow early rehabilitation exercise.