Objective To evaluate the surgical method and the results of endoscopic decompression and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve for treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. Methods Between May 2008 and August 2009, 13 cases of cubital tunnel syndrome were treated with endoscopic decompression and anterior transposition of the ulnar nerve. There were 4 males and 9 females with an average age of 47.5 years (range, 32-60 years). The injury was caused by fractures of the humeral medial condyle in 1 case, by long working in elbow flexion position with no obvious injury in 10 cases, and subluxafion of ulnar nerve in 2 cases. The locations were the left side in 6 cases and the right side in 7 cases. The disease duration was 4-30 months. The time from onset to operation was 3-20 months (mean, 8.5 months). Ten patients compl icated by intrinsic muscle atrophy. Results The operation was successfully performed in 13 cases, and the operation time was 45-60 minutes. All the wounds gained primary heal ing. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). The numbness of ring finger, l ittle finger, and the ulnar side of hand were decreased obviously on the first day after operation. The examination of electromyogram showed that the ulnar nerve conduction increased at 2 weeks, the ampl itude was improved, and recruitment of the intrinsic muscles of hand enhanced. In 10 cases compl icated by intrinsic muscle atrophy, myodynamia was recovered to the normal in 7 cases and was mostly recovered in 3 cases at 3 months after operation. The symptom of cubital tunnel syndrome disappeared and gained a normal function at 12 months after operation. According to the assessment of Chinese Medical Association and Lascar et al. grading criteria, the cl inical results were excellent in 10 cases and good in 3; the excellent and good rate was 100%. Patients recovered to work 12-16 days (mean, 14 days) after operation. No recurrence occurred during followup. Conclusion The surgical method of endoscope and microscope assisted three small incisions for treatment cubital tunnel syndrome has less invasion with small incision and complete decompression. Patients can recover to work early. It is a convenient and efficient procedure for treating cubital tunnel syndrome.
ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic evaluation of catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with multiple minimally invasive techniques of endovascular in the treatment of lower extremity atherosclerotic occlusive disease (ASO). MethodsClinical data of 64 ASO patients who were treated in our hospital from June 2011 to October 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. These patients were divided into two groups according to the therapies:33 patients were treated by catheter-directed thrombolysis combined with multiple minimally invasive techniques of endovascular (combination group), and the other 31 patients were only treated by multiple minimally invasive techniques of endovascular (intervention group). Comparison of the clinical indexes was performed between the 2 groups, including vascular patency rate, stent implantation rate, operation time, ankle-brachial index (ABI), saturation of blood oxygen (SO2) of toes, temperature of foot skin, amputation rate, and hospitalization expense. ResultsIn the same group (combination group and intervention group), compared with the time point of before operation, the clinical indexes of the ABI, SO2 of toes, and temperature of foot skin were higher after operation (P<0.05). At the same time point of before or after operation, there were no significant difference between the 2 groups in ABI, SO2 of toes, and temperature of foot skin (P>0.05). The vascular patency rate of combination group was higher than that of intervention group[97.0% (32/33) vs. 83.9% (26/31)], P<0.05. But the stent implantation rate[18.2% (6/33) vs. 64.5% (20/31)], amputation rate[3.0% (1/33) vs. 16.1% (5/31)], operative time[(2.0±0.5) h vs. (4.0±1.1) h], and hospitalization expense of patients who got successful limb salvage[(8 500±1 200) yuan vs. (34 000±2 100) yuan] of combination group were all lower or shorter than those of intervention group (P<0.05). After operation, there were no complication happened in the patients who got successful limb salvage of combination group (n=32) and intervention group (n=26). In postoperative 6 months, the lower extremity arteries in patients who got successful limb salvage of combination group and intervention group were all examined by color ultrasonography, and they were unblocked. The lower extremity arteries of the patients with stent implantation in the 2 groups suffered with no obvious stenosis or occlusion. ConclusionsCatheter-directed thrombolysis combined with multiple minimally invasive techniques of endovascular can become one of the surgical treatment methods for ASO, which characterized by minimally invasive operation, effective treatment, and low cost.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and reconstruction nail with minimally invasive technique for ipsilateral femoral shaft and extracapsular hip fractures in young and middle-aged patients. Methods Sixty-nine young and middle-aged patients with ipsilateral femoral shaft and extracapsular hip fractures were treated between January 2000 and August 2010, and their data were analyzed retrospectively. Of them, fractures were fixed by reconstruction nail in 44 cases (reconstruction nail group) and by PFNA in 25 cases (PFNA group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, weight, injury cause, fracture type, or disease duration between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, blood loss, fracture healing time, complications, and functional outcomes were compared between 2 groups to evaluate the effectiveness. Results The operation time and blood loss in the PFNA group were significantly less than those in the reconstruction nail group (P lt; 0.05). The follow-up time was 12-38 months (mean, 20 months ) in the PFNA group and was 12-48 months (mean, 22 months) in the reconstruction nail group. No complication occurred as follows in 2 groups: wound infection, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, breakage of the implants, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or serious rotation and shortening deformity of lower limbs. In the PFNA group and the reconstruction nail group, 1 patient underwent technical difficulty in nail implant and 7 patients underwent technical difficulty in proximal locking screw, respectively; 3 patients and 6 patients had intra-operative iatrogenic fracture of femoral shaft, respectively; and delayed union of femoral shaft was observed in 1 patient and 2 patients, respectively. The complication rate was 20% (5/25) in the PFNA group and 34% (15/44) in the reconstruction nail group, showing no significant difference (χ2=1.538, P=0.215). No significant difference was found in fracture healing time between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in Harris hip score and Evanich knee score between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion PFNA or reconstruction nail with minimally invasive technique is a good method to treat ipsilateral femoral shaft and extracapsular hip fractures, but the PFNA is superior to the reconstruction nail because of simple operation.
ObjectiveTo share the experience of treating special cardiac malformations by applying minimally invasive techniques.MethodsEight children with special cardiac malformations admitted to our hospital from July 2014 to September 2020 were recruited, including 3 males and 5 females, aged 0.8-1.2 (1.1±0.4) years, and weighted 7.8-11.5 (9.6±2.9) kg. There were 2 patients of huge muscular ventricular septal defect (VSD), 3 perimembranous cribriform VSD, 1 right coronary-right atrial fistula, 1 right coronary-right ventricular fistula, and 1 young, low-weight child with large aortopulmonary. All were treated with minimally invasive techniques using transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) as a guiding tool. All children received intraoperative TEE immediately to evaluate the curative effect of the surgery, and all went to outpatient clinic for reexamination of echocardiography, electrocardiogram and chest X-ray after discharge.ResultsEight children underwent minimally invasive surgery successfully without any incision infection, intracardiac infection, arrhythmia or pericardial effusion. None of the 8 children were lost to follow-up, and the results of all reexaminations were satisfactory.ConclusionThe application of minimally invasive techniques is a bold and innovative attempt for the treatment of a few special types of cardiac malformations. It has significant advantages in reducing trauma and medical costs in some suitable patients, and has certain clinical reference values.
Objective To explore and summarize the application of minimally invasive technique to every stage of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). Methods The treatment of 101 SAP patients admitted to our hospital between January 1995 and December 2008 were retrospectively analyzed. After calculi were removed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatograpy (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) were applied, then rhubarb liquid was perfused into gut with a nutrient canal and ultrasound-guided abdominal drainage tube were simultaneously placed at the early stage. Some patients received continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) at the same time. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) was performed at the subacute stage, and choledochoscope was introduced to remove parapancreatic necrotic tissues at the late stage of SAP.Results Of all the 101 cases treated by the method mentioned above, 75 cases received ERCP (or EST) and ENBD, and 31 cases underwent rhubarb liquid perfusion with a nutrient canal. Eight cases underwent continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Forty-eight cases underwent LC and ultrasoundguided abdominal drainage. Thirtysix cases with infected peripancreatic tissue or abscess underwent debridement under choledochoscope 3 to 14 times at the later stage. Five cases died of multiple organ failure (MOF) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The hemobilia ocurred in 2 patients during choledochoscopy and was cured under direct visualization by electric coagulation. Intestinal fistula happened in 3 cases and cured by drainage. Pancreatic pseudocyst was latterly seen in 3 cases and treated by the anastomosis of cyst with jejunum through selective operation. After the hospitalization of 9-132 d (mean 24 d), 96 cases completely recovered. Conclusion Timely application of minimally invasive technique to every stage of SAP can avoid the defects of traditional operations, decrease the injury and interference to the maximum, and raise the cure rate.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) via Luxor retractor associated with Mantis pedicle screw for the treatment of moderate or severe lumbar spondylol isthesis (LSL). MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the cl inical data of 32 patients with LSL treated with TLIF via Luxor retractor associated with Mantis pedicle screw between June 2010 and June 2012. There were 20 males and 12 females, with the mean age of 48 years (range, 36-69 years). LSL occurred at the L4, 5 in 17 patients and at the L5, S1 in 15 patients. Of them, 18 cases were rated as Meyerding grade Ⅱ, and 14 cases as grade Ⅲ. The disease duration was 8 months to 6 years (mean, 3.5 years). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and preoperative and postoperative (1 week and 1 year) intervertebral height and sl ipping angle were recorded, and the sl ipping rate was calculated; Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was used for cl inical efficacy assessment. ResultsThe operation time was 90-130 minutes (mean, 110 minutes); intraoperative blood loss was 120-300 mL (mean, 210 mL). Incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 24-36 months (mean, 28 months), and no complications of leakage of cerebrospinal fluid and nerve root injury occurred; X-ray films showed satisfactory reduction of spondylolisthesis and good position of pedicle screw and interbody fusion cage. The mean bone fusion time was 4.0 months (range, 3.8-6.0 months). The JOA score, sl i pping rate, sl i pping angle, and intervertebral height at 1 week and 1 year after operation were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between at 1 week and at 1 year after operation (P>0.05). ConclusionTLIF via Luxor retractor associated with Mantis pedicle screw fixation is a safe and effective minimally invasive technique in treating moderate or severe LSL.
ObjectiveTo investigate the biomechanical influence of the oblique locking plate on the fixation of femoral shaft fracture. MethodsForty imitation artificial femur model with mechanical properties similar to human femur were selected and randomly divided into groups A, B, C, and D, 10 in each group; the femur fracture model was made by transverse osteotomy at 15 cm and 17 cm below the lesser trochanter of the femur and fixed with locking plate with 12 holes and cortical bone screws. The plate was placed in the middle of the longitudinal axis of the femur in group A, and was placed at 5, 10, and 15° angle axis in groups B, C, and D respectively. The axial compression, three-point bending, torsion tests were carried out to measure the strain. ResultsWith the compressive load and bending load increasing, the medial and lateral strains were significantly increased in each group (P<0.05); but no significant difference was found in strains under compressive load and bending load among 4 groups (P>0.05). With increasing torque, the strain was significantly increased in each group (P<0.05). At 10 N·m torque, there was no significant difference in the strain values among 4 groups (P>0.05); the strain value was significantly higher in groups C and D than groups A and B (P<0.05) and in group D than group C (P<0.05) at torque of 20 and 50 N·m, but no significant difference was found between groups A and B (P>0.05). ConclusionUnder different stress, the strain will be significantly increased when the plate is placed at >10° angle axis.
ObjectiveTo investigate the application and technical essentials of computer-assisted navigation in the surgical management of periacetabular fractures and pelvic fractures. MethodsBetween May 2010 and May 2011, 39 patients with periacetabular or anterior and posterior pelvic ring fractures were treated by minimally invasive fixation under computer-assisted navigation and were followed up more than 2 years, and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. There were 21 males and 18 females, aged 15-64 years (mean, 36 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 23 cases, crush injury in 6 cases, and falling from height in 10 cases. Of them, 6 cases had acetabular fractures; 6 cases had femoral neck fractures; 18 cases had dislocation of sacroiliac joint; and 15 cases had anterior pelvic ring injuries. All patients were treated with closed or limited open reduction and screw fixations assisted with navigation. ResultsEighty-nine screws were inserted during operation, including 8 in the acetabulum, 18 in the neck of the femur, 33 in the sacroiliac joint, and 30 in the symphysis pubis and pubic rami. The mean time of screw implanted was 20 minutes (range, 11-38 minutes), and the average blood loss volume was 20 mL (range, 10-50 mL). The postoperative pelvic X-ray and three dimensional CT scan showed good reduction of fractures and good position of the screws. No incision infection, neurovascular injury, or implant failure occurred. All patients were followed up 27-33 months with an average of 29.6 months. The patients could walk with full weight loading at 6-12 weeks after operation (mean, 8 weeks); at last follow-up, the patients could walk on the flat ground, stand with one leg, and squat down, and they recovered well enough to do their job and to live a normal life. ConclusionMinimally invasive fixation under computer-assisted navigation may be an excellent method to treat some specific types of periacetabular and anterior and posterior pelvic ring fractures because it has the advantages of less trauma and blood loss, lower complication incidence, and faster recovery.
Objective To review the application progress of minimally invasive technique in the treatment of calcaneus fractures and to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each method as well as to predict the trend of development in the field. Methods Domestic and abroad literature concerning the minimally invasive technique applied in calcaneus fractures in recent years was reviewed extensively and analyzed thoroughly. Results There are both advantages and limitations of each minimally invasive technique including percutaneous reduction and fixation, limited incision, external fixator, arthroscopic assisted reduction, and balloon expansion reduction. But every technique is developing rapidly and becoming more and more effective. Conclusion A variety of minimally invasive technique can not only be used independently but also can be applied jointly to complement one another. It needs further study how to improve the effectiveness and expand the indications. And the theoretical basis of evidence-based medicine needs to be provided more.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of two minimally invasive methods: minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO) and expandable intramedullary nail ing technique in treatment of middle third humeral shaft fractures. Methods The cl inical data were retrospectively analyzed and compared from 33 cases with middle third humeral shaft fractures between May 2004 and December 2008. All the patients were divided into 2 groups: 14 patients were treated with MIPOtechnique (group A) and 19 with expandable intramedullary nail ing technique (group B). In group A, there were 10 males and 4 females with an average age of 35 years (range, 21-51 years). The disease cause was traffic accident in 5 cases, tumbl ing in 6 cases, machine related trauma in 2 cases, crushed by a heavy object in 1 case. Six fractures were classified as AO type A, 6 as type B, and 2 as type C. The time from injury to operation was 3 to 11 days with an average of 5.9 days. In group B, there were 12 males and 7 females with an average age of 40 years (range, 19-68 years). The disease cause was traffic accident in 7 cases, tumbl ing in 8 cases, fall ing from height in 3 cases, crush injury in 1 case. Ten fractures were classified as AO type A, 8 as type B, and 1 as type C. The time from injury to operation was 2 to 6 days with an average of 4.2 days. There was no significant difference in general data between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results The operation time was (104.6 ± 25.8) minutes in group A and (85.0 ± 35.7) minutes in group B, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). Incision healed by first intention without iatrogenic radial nerve palsy in 2 groups. The patientswere followed up 21.4 months on average (range, 12-37 months) in group A and 20.5 months on average (range, 22-35 months) in group B. The X-ray films showed bony heal ing in all patients. The fracture union time was (16.4 ± 6.1) weeks in group A and (15.0 ± 2.5) weeks in group B, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). The University of Cal ifornia Los Angeles (UCLA) End- Result scores were 34.1 ± 1.1 in group A and 31.8 ± 2.6 in group B and the Mayo Elbow Performance scores were 100 in group A and 97.6 ± 3.9 in group B; all showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Good cl inical outcomes could be obtained when middle third humeral shaft fractures are treated by either MIPO or expandable intramedullary nail ing techniques. However, MIPO technique could offer better shoulder and elbow functional results.