Objective To explore the effectiveness of the percutaneous parallel screw fixation via the posterolateral “safe zone” for Hawkins type Ⅰ-Ⅲ talar neck fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data from 35 patients who met the selection criteria of talar neck fractures between January 2019 and June 2021. According to the surgical method, they were divided into a study group (14 cases, using percutaneous posterolateral “safe zone” parallel screw fixation) and a control group (21 cases, using traditional open reduction and anterior cross screw internal fixation). There was no significant difference in gender, age, affected side, Hawkins classification, and time from injury to operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, bone healing time, complications, and Hawkins sign were recorded, and the improvement of pain and ankle-foot function were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score at last follow-up. The overall quality of life was assessed by the short form of 12-item health survey (SF-12), which was divided into physical and psychological scores; and the satisfaction of patients was evaluated by the 5-point Likert scale. Results The operation time in the study group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). All patients werefollowed up 13-35 months, with an average of 20.6 months; there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). The time of bone healing in the study group was shorter than that in the control group, and the positive rate of Hawkins sign (83.33%) was higher than that in the control group (33.33%), and the differences were significant (P<0.05). In the control group, there were 2 cases of incision delayed healing, 7 cases of avascular necrosis of bone, 3 cases of joint degeneration, 1 case of bone nonunion, and 3 cases of internal fixation irritation; while in the study group, there were only 2 cases of joint degeneration, and there was a significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P<0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups (P>0.05), but the SF-12 physical and psychological scores, AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scores, and patients’ satisfaction in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe treatment of Hawkins type Ⅰ-Ⅲ talar neck fractures with percutaneous parallel screw fixation via the posterolateral “safe zone” can achieve better effectiveness than traditional open surgery, with the advantages of less trauma, fewer complications, faster recovery, and higher patient satisfaction.
Objective To assess the outcomes of pedicle subtration osteotomy and short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation in kyphosisdeformity. Methods From June 2001 to November 2003, 16 cases of kyphosis deformity were treated with pedicle subtration osteotomy and short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation, including 11 males and 5 females and aging 24-51 years. The kyphosis deformity was caused by ankylosing spondylitis in 12 cases, old lumbothoracic fracturedislocation in 2 cases, and vertebral dysplasia in 2 cases. The disease course was 7-25 years with an average of 12.8years. The whole spine radiographs were taken pre-and postoperatively. The sagittal balance was assessed by measuring thoracic kyphosis angle, lumbar lordosis angle, acrohorizontal angle and distance between posterosuperior point of S1and the vertical line. The clinical outcomes were assessed by Bridwell-Dewald scale for spinal disorders. Results The mean follow-up period was25.6 months. The mean bleeding was 1 100 ml. Satisfactory bone graft healing was achieved at final follow-up. Complications were paralytic intestinal obstruction in 1 case, dura laceration in 1 case, and temporary lower limb paralysis in 2 cases. Final follow-up radiograph showed an increase in lumbar lordosis angle from 9.6±16.4° to 42.6±14.3°(P＜0.05), whereas thoracic kyphosis angle remained relative stable. The distance between posterosuperior point of S1 and the vertical line was decreased from 97.5±45.6 mm to 10.7±9.6 mm(P＜0.05). Satisfactory clinical outcome was achieved by evaluating the changes of pain, social and working status. Conclusion Pedicle subtraction osteotomy and short-segment pedicle screw internal fixation is effective for correction of kyphosis deformity.
Objective Supracondylar closing wedge osteotomy is a standard operation for the management of post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity. There are many fixation methods for the broken ends of bone. However, most of these fixation methods are fraught with various complications. To evaluate the methods and functional results of double volume internal fixation for correction of adult post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity. Methods The cl inical data were retrospectively reviewed, from 22 cases of adults post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity between June 2007 and December 2010.There were 16 males and 6 females, aged 18-29 years (mean, 21 years) and they all had a history of supracondylar fracture. The deformities of cubitus varus appeared at 6 months (range, 3 months to 1 year) after fracture, and the operations were carried out at 4-17 years (mean, 8 years) after deformity occurrence. The valgus angle were 16-25° (mean, 20.6°) and the Flynn functional scores were all poor before operation. Supracondylar closing wedge osteotomies were performed. Two reconstruction plates were moulded and placed to the media and lateral volumes of the humerus to fix the broken ends of the osteotomy surfaces. External fixation was not needed and early rehabil itation was performed postoperatively in all cases. Results Incisions healed by first intention. All cases were followed up 6 to 24 months (mean, 13 months). At last follow-up, the valgus angle was 0-10° (mean, 7.5°). All cases got bone union at 8-13 weeks (mean, 10 weeks) after operation. No related complications occurred, such as infection, nervous or vein injury, and loosening or breakage of internal fixator; and no cubitus varus recurred. The Flynn scores were excellent in 17 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases; the excellent and good rate was 91%. Conclusion The operation of supracondylar osteotomy with double plates internal fixation for the correction of adult post-traumatic cubitus varus deformity can rigidly stabil ize distal humerus, which is helpful to functional training just after operation and satisfactory restoration of the elbow function.
Objective To observe the effectiveness of locking compression hook plate in treatment of humeral greater tuberosity fractures. Methods Between March 2014 and September 2017, 16 patients with isolated humeral greater tuberosity fractures were terated with open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression hook plates. There were 11 males and 5 females, with an average age of 38.4 years (range, 22-67 years). The cause of injury was falling injury in 13 cases and sport injury in 3 cases. All patients were closed fractures. Of all patients, 14 patients accompanied with shoulder joint dislocations. CT scan showed the average displacement of fragment was 12.6 mm (range, 8-21 mm) after reduction. All patients began passive functional exercise at 3 days after operation. Results Primary healing of the incisons achieved in all patients, without complications such as infection and nerve injury. All patients were followed up 12-20 months (mean, 15.3 months). At 3 months after operation, X-ray film showed that all fractures achieved bone union, all of which met the imaging anatomical reduction standard. According to the Neer scoring criteria, 11 cases were excellent and 5 cases were good at last follow-up. One patint presented slight pain of shoulder joint and mild activity limitation, which relieved after 1 year. Conclusion The method of open reduction and locking compression hook plate internal fixation for isolated humeral greater tuberosity fractures has advantages, such as less intraoperative hemorrhage, mild postoperative pain, firm fixation, and allowing patients to perform functional exercise earlier, which is conducive to shoulder functional recovery and obtain satisfactory effectiveness.
Objective To explore the effectiveness and related issues in the treatment of multiple segments of thoracolumbar tuberculosis through posterior unilateral debridement with bone graft and internal fixation. Methods The clinical data of 29 patients with multiple segments of thoracolumbar tuberculosis who met the selection criteria were retrospective analyzed between January 2012 and July 2015. There were 17 males and 12 females, with age of 21-62 years (mean, 37.4 years). Lesions contained 3-8 vertebral segments, including 3 segments in 6 cases, 4-6 segments in 17 cases, and 7-8 segments in 6 cases. The center lesions located at thoracic spine in 8 cases, lumbar spine in 10 cases, and thoracolumbar segment in 6 cases, and thoracic lumbar skip lesions in 5 cases. The complications included vertebral abscess in 7 cases, psoas major abscess in 6 cases, sacral spine muscle abscess in 7 cases, iliac fossa and the buttocks abscess in 1 case, spinal canal abscess in 2 cases. Preoperative neurological function was assessed according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) classification: 1 case of grade B, 3 cases of grade C, 8 cases of grade D, and 17 cases of grade E. The disease duration was 6-48 months (mean, 19.3 months). All the patients were treated with posterior unilateral transpedicular or transarticular debridement with bone graft fusion and internal fixation under general anesthesia. Pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and sagittal Cobb angle were recorded and compared. Bridwell classification standard was used to evaluate bone graft fusion. According to the number and the center of the lesion, the necessity to placement of titanium mesh cage was analyzed. Results All the patients were followed up 18-30 months (mean, 24 months). Cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred in 3 cases, intercostal neuralgia in 2 cases, wound unhealed and fistula formation in 1 case, and ofiliac fossa abscess recurred in 1 case, and all recovered after symptomatic treatment. During follow-up, no fracture or loosing of internal fixation was found and all the lesions were cured at last follow-up. According to Bridwell classification standard, bone graft achieved bony fusion during 4-9 months after operation. The VAS score, ODI, and Cobb angle at immediate after operation and at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). At last follow-up, the neural function of all patients improved significantly when compared with preoperative one (Z= –3.101, P=0.002). The ratio of no placement of titanium mesh cage was significantly higher in patients with more than 6 lesion segments (6/6, 100%) than in patients with less than 6 lesion segments (4/23, 17.4%) (χ2=14.374, P=0.000). And the ratio of placement of titanium mesh cage was not significantly different between the patients with the different locations of center focus (χ2=0.294, P=0.863). Conclusion For treating multiple segments of thoracolumbar tuberculosis, the method of posterior unilateral debridement with bone graft and internal fixation can decrease the damage of posterior spinal structures and surgical trauma.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of external fixation (EF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for unstable distal radius fractures in adults. Methods We searched MEDLINE (1966 to September 2008), Cochrane Central register of controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2008), EMbase (1974 to September 2008), CBM, CNKI, and collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of EF and ORIF for unstable distal radius fractures in adults. The quality of the included studies was critically assessed and data analyses were performed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 5.0 software. Results Seven RCTs involving 634 patients were included, of which 269 were in EF group, and 293 were in ORIF group. Only 1 study had relative high quality, all the others had some limitation in randomization, blinding, and allocation concealment. The results of meta-analyses showed that, 1) about the effectiveness: according to the Gartland and Werley grade standard, the ORIF group was better than the EF group with statistic difference (RR=1.50, 95%CI 1.11 to 2.03, P=0.008); because of the original studies did not offer the detailed data including pad strength, grip strength, flexion-extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation, we only processed a descriptive analysis; and 2) about complications: the infection rate of the pin track was higher in the EF group than that in the ORIF group with statistic difference (RR=0.24, 95%CI 0.08 to 0.76, P=0.02); but there were no differences between the two groups in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) (RR=0.88, 95%CI 0.30 to 2.56, P=0.82), extensor tendon rupture (RR=3.93, 95%CI 0.45 to 34.62, P=0.22), and compartment syndrome (RR=3.13, 95%CI 0.51 to 19.09, P=0.22). Conclusions Compared with EF, ORIF is much better based on Gartland and Werley grade standard, and causes much less infection. Because of the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more proofs are required from more RCTs with large sample.
Objective To discuss the clinical characteristics, mechanism, and treatment of odontoid fracture combined with lower cervical spinal cord injuries without fracture or dislocation. Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 7 male patients aged 37-71 years (mean, 51.4 years), suffered from odontoid fractures combined with lower cervical spinal cord injuries without fracture or dislocation were analyzed retrospectively between June 2007 and October 2015. The trauma causes were traffic accidents in 2 cases, fall in 2 cases, and hit injury in 3 cases. The time from injury to admission was 2 hours to 3 days with an average of 9 hours. According to Anderson-Grauer classification of odontoid fracture, 1 case of type IIA, 3 cases of type IIB, 2 cases of type IIC, and 1 case of shallow type III were found. The cervical spinal cord injuries affected segments included C4, 5 in 1 case, C4–6 in 2 cases, and C5–7 in 4 cases. All the cervical spine had different degenerative changes: 2 of mild, 3 of moderate, and 2 of severe. The lower cervical spinal cord injury was assessed by Sub-axial Injury Classification (SLIC) with scoring of 4-6 (mean, 5.1). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the occipital neck pain with scoring of 7.8±1.0; the neurological function was assessed by American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) as grade B in 1 case, grade C in 4 cases, and grade D in 2 cases; and Japanese Orthopedic Association score (JOA) was 9.2±3.9. For the odontoid fractures, 4 cases were fixed with anterior screw while the others were fixed with posterior atlantoaxial fixation and fusion. For the lower cervical spine, 4 cases were carried out with anterior cervical corpectomy and titanium fusion while the others with anterior cervical disecotomy and Cage fusion. Results The operation time was 178-252 minutes (mean, 210.2 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 60-140 mL (mean, 96.5 mL) and with no blood transfusion. All incisions healed primarily. All the patients were followed up 12-66 months (mean, 18 months). There was no direct surgical related complications during operation, and all bone grafting got a fusion at 6-9 months (mean, 7.7 months) after operation. There was no inter-fixation failure or loosening. At last follow-up, the VAS score declined to 1.7±0.7 and JOA score improved to 15.1±1.7, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (t=18.064, P=0.000; t=–7.066, P=0.000). The neurological function of ASIA grade were also improved to grade D in 5 cases and grade E in 2 cases, showing significant difference (Z=–2.530, P=0.011). Conclusion Complex forces and degeneration of lower cervical spine were main reasons of odontoid fracture combined with lower cervical spinal cord injuries without fracture or dislocation. The type of odontoid fracture and neurological deficit status of lower cervical spinal cord were important to guide making strategy of one-stage operation with a satisfactory clinic outcome.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of locking plate and intramedullary nail in treatment of Neer two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus in the elderly. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 86 elderly patients with Neer two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus met the selection criteria between January 2015 and December 2018. Forty-six patients were treated with locking plate fixation (locking plate group), and 40 patients with intramedullary nail fixation (intramedullary nail group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side and type, time from injury to operation, and comorbidities between the two groups (P>0.05). Visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgery (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score, and shoulder range of motion (forward flexion, abduction, and external rotation) were compared between the two groups. X-ray films were taken to assess the fracture healing, and the neck-shaft angle was measured at 2 days after operation and at last follow-up, and the difference between the two time points was calculated. Results Patients in both groups were followed up 18-40 months, with an average of 30.4 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up time between the two groups (t=−0.986, P=0.327). X-ray films reexamination showed that the fractures of two groups healed, and the healing time was (11.3±2.1) weeks in locking plate group and (10.3±2.0) weeks in intramedullary nail group, which had significant difference between the two groups (t=2.250, P=0.027). The difference of neck-shaft angle was (7.63±7.01)° in locking plate group and (2.85±2.82)° in intramedullary nail group, which had significant difference between the two groups (t=4.032, P<0.001). There was no significant difference in Constant-Murley score, ASES score, VAS score, and shoulder range of motion between the two groups at last follow-up (P>0.05). Complications occurred in 13 cases (28.3%) of locking plate group and in 4 cases (10.0%) of intramedullary nail group, and the difference between the two groups was significant (χ2=4.498, P=0.034). Conclusion Both locking plates and intramedullary nails can be used for the treatment of Neer two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus in the elderly. The intramedullary nail fixation surgery is more minimally invasive, which has fewer postoperative complications and faster fracture healing.
ObjectiveTo estimate the outcome of cerclage followed by a figure-of-eight tension band with a single titanium wire for the treatment of patellar fracture.MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 46 patients with patellar fractures treated between June 2012 and November 2014. There were 30 males and 16 females, aged 20-86 years (mean, 54 years). The fracture causes included falling in 27 cases, traffic accident in 16 cases, and knock in 3 cases. There were 41 cases of closed fractures and 5 cases of open fracture. The injury located at the left side in 24 cases and the right side in 22 cases. According to AO classification, fracture was rated as type 34-A in 3 cases, as type 34-B in 1 case, as type 34-C1 in 7 cases, as type 34-C2 in 13 cases, and as type 34-C3 in 22 cases. The time between injury and operation ranged 1-12 days (mean, 3.7 days). During operations, a single titanium wire was used to pass around the patellar, followed a figure-of-eight wrapping, to tight and fix at the tension of 35 kg.ResultsAll incisions healed primarily. The patients were followed up 20.6 months on average (range, 6-24 months). Partial wire loosening was found in 2 cases, irritation of skin or soft tissue in 1 case. The X-ray examination showed bony healing at 3 months after operation, without breakage of titanium wire. The internal fixation was removed in 38 cases at 12 months after operation. According to the Böstman rating score, the mean score was 28.34 (range, 24-30) at 12 months after ope-ration; the results were excellent in 42 cases and good in 4 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%.ConclusionFor patellar fracture, cerclage followed by a figure-of-eight tension band with a single titanium wire is able to achieve an effective stability and to allow early motion for patient with less complication.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of disc reduction and anchorage in treatment of diacapitular condylar fracture with disc displacement. Methods Between June 2019 and June 2021, 20 patients (27 sides) with diacapitular condylar fractures with disc displacement were treated with disc reduction and anchorage combined with internal fixation. There were 15 males and 5 females with a median age of 40 years (range, 8-65 years). The fractures were caused by falling from height in 3 cases, traffic accident in 3 cases, and falling in 14 cases. Among them, there were 13 cases of unilateral fracture and 7 cases of bilateral fractures. Five sides were type A fractures and 22 sides were type B. There were 14 simple diacapitular condylar fractures, 12 diacapitular condylar fractures combined with mandibular chin fractures, and 1 diacapitular condylar fracture combined with mandibular angle fracture. The maximum opening was 5-20 mm (mean, 9.7 mm). The time from injury to operation was 4-20 days, with an average of 11.6 days. The postoperative imaging examination was performed to evaluate the reduction of fracture and disc. The maximum opening at 6 months after operation was recorded, and the clinical dysfunction index (Di) of Helkimo index was used to evaluate the temporomandibular joint function. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All 20 patients were followed up 6-10 months (mean, 8 months). Postoperative imaging examination showed that 27 fractures were well reduced, of which 26 were anatomically reduced and 1 was basically reduced; the reduction of the temporomandibular joint disc was excellent in 25 sides, good in 1 side, and poor in 1 side, and the effective rate of disc reduction and anchorage was 96.3%. The occlusion relationship of the patient was stable and basically reached the pre-injury level, the incision scar was hidden, and the mouth opening significantly improved when compared with the preoperative level. The maximum mouth opening was 32-40 mm (mean, 36.8 mm) at 6 months after operation. Maximum opening was more than 35 mm in 17 cases. At last follow-up, joint function reached Di 0 grade in 8 sides, DiⅠ grade in 18 sides, and DiⅡ grade in 1 side. After operation, 2 cases of opening deviation, 1 case of joint click, and 2 cases of temporary disappearance of frontal striae on affected side occurred, which recovered to normal after symptomatic treatment. ConclusionFor diacapitular condylar fractures with disc displacement, it is necessary to adopt disc reduction and anchorage at the same time of fracture reduction and internal fixation, which can achieve good clinical results.