Objective To investigate the improved reduction technique for depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau and its effectiveness. Methods Between January 2008 and December 2010, 48 patients (48 knees) with depression fractures of the lateral tibial plateau (Schatzker II or III fractures) were treated. There were 32 males and 16 females with an average age of 45.8 years (range, 16-79 years). All fractures were fresh closed fractures, which were caused by traffic accident in 27 cases, by falling from height in 5 cases, by crushing in 8 cases, and by sustained falls in 8 cases. According to Schatzker classification, 29 cases were classified as type II and 19 cases as type III. The lateral cortex was cut off to expose the depression and compacted cancellous bone was elevated to reset the articular surface. After reduction, autologous iliac bone graft and locking plate internal fixation were used. Results Healing of incision by first intention was achieved in all patients, and no complication occurred. All patients were followed up 1.7 years on average (range, 1-3 years). At last follow-up, the knee extension was ( — 0.5 ± 0.3)°, and the knee flexion was (136.9 ± 8.8)°. X-ray films showed that the fracture healing time was 52 weeks and no breakage of internal fixation occurred. According to Rasmussen clinical score, the results were excellent in 35 cases, good in 10 cases, and fair in 3 cases. According to Rasmussen radiographical score, the results were excellent in 41 cases, good in 7 cases; there were 41 excellent scores and 7 good scores of articular reduction; all gained good recovery of coronal and sagittal alignment and condylar width. The articular surface collapse was (1.0 ± 0.7) mm at immediate postoperatively and (1.2 ± 0.7) mm at last follow-up, showing no significant difference (t= — 1.42, P=0.20), but significant differences were found when compared with that at preoperation [(12.2 ± 8.0) mm, P lt; 0.05]. Conclusion This improved technique can provide a satisfactory effectiveness of fracture reduction and can avoid loss of reduction. The short-term effectiveness is good, but futher follow-up is necessary to determine the long-term results.
Objective To explore an improved method of surgical operation for redintegration of the articular surface and alignment with type III Pilon fractures. Methods Between August 2005 and August 2010, 31 patiens with closed type III Pilon fracture (Rüedi-Allgouml;wer type III) were treated. There were 25 males and 6 females, aged 36.8 years on average (range, 16-60 years). The injury was caused by falling from height in 18 patients, by traffic accident in 10 patients, and by other reasons in 3 patients. The average time between injury and operation was 10 days (range, 6-14 days). Temporary external fixation was used for adjustment and maintenance of limb length and power lines; application of fibular flip combined with anteromedial approach was used for the repair of articular surface; and bone grafting and fixation were performed. Results No extensive necrosis or deep infection were observed. Superficial skin infection of incision and wound edge necrosis occurred in 2 cases respectively, and were cured after dressing change. All patients were followed up 26 months on average (range, 9-79 months). According to the Burwell et al. judging standards of radiology evaluating, the anatomical reduction was found in 25 cases (80.6%), satisfactory reduction in 4 cases (12.9%), and unsatisfactory reduction in 2 cases (6.5%). The X-ray films showed bony healing was achieved in all cases with an average fracture healing time of 16 weeks (range, 12-25 weeks). According to the Mazur et al. criterion for ankle joint function, excellent result was obtained in 11 cases, good in 13, fair in 5, and poor in 2; the excellent and good rate was 77.4%. Conclusion Good exposure and fixation of articular surface or accurate adjustments and maintenance of the limb alignment are key factors of successful operation to treat type III Pilon fractures.
Objective To explore an improved method of surgical operation for reposition of the articular surface with Type Ⅲ Pilon fractures. Methods From January 1999 to December 2005, 20 patients (22 sides) with Type Ⅲ Pilon fractures were treated with the delayed open reduction and the internal fixation, which took the superior articular surface of the talus as a templet so as to reposition the lower articular surface of the tibia, strengthen the bone transplantation, fasten the internal fixation, and make an early functional exercise possible. Complete data were obtained from 16 of the patients with 18 sides (13 males,15 sides; 3 females, 3 sides; age, 14-48 years). The injury due to a fallingaccident was found in 12 patients (14 sides), and due to a traffic accident in 4patients (4 sides). Results The healing of the first intention was achieved in 14 sides, the delayed healing in 3 sides, and the infection in 1 side. The follow-up of all the 16 patients for 971 months (average, 22 months) including the X-ray examinations revealed that no screw for the internal fixation entering the articular cavity. According to the Teeny’s judging standards of radiology evaluating the result of the surgery for Pilon fractures, the anatomical reduction of the related articular surface was found in 77.8% of the sides (14/18) and thehealing of the first intention (stage Ⅰ) in 94.4% (17/18). According to the Mazur’s criteria, an excellent result was obtained in 5 sides, good in 7, fair in 5, and poor in 1. The excellent and good result was 66.7%. Conclusion Propermanagement of the injured soft tissues, prompt recovery of the tibial distant plateau height, and accurate reposition of the articular surface, enough transplant bone for the solid support, b internal fixation for the distant tibial anatomical structure, and early functional exercise are the key points to the successful operation.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of meniscectomy and transplantation repair of the knee on the stress area and average pressure of the tibiofemoral articular surface so as to provide a reference for the relevant basic and clinical researches. MethodsSeven qualified right knee joints from adult men cadavers were selected. Required structure was retained after careful dissection. The pressure-sensitive paper was clipped to the proper size in accordance with the measured size of the tibial platform to reserve. The experiment was divided into 4 groups: normal knee group (group A), knee meniscus injury group (group B), knee meniscectomy group (group C), and knee meniscus transplantation group (group D). A horizontal incision above the meniscus was made in the position of knee joint capsule, and the pressure-sensitive paper was placed into the medial and lateral space of the knee joint, then the proximal tibia and distal femur were fixed stably and finally a universal mechanical machine was used for testing in appropriate environmental conditions (the knee joints were given longitudinal 700 N pressure at 0° extension and 30, 60, 90, and 120° flexion for continuous 120 seconds) until the full color reaction. The knee models were prepared, and then the universal mechanical machine was used to perform a test according to the method stated above respectively. The pressure-sensitive paper was removed, and the color negative films were separated and marked. Colorful image analysis system was used to calculate and analyze the stress area and average pressure after the scanner being used to collect image information. ResultsThe stress area was gradually reduced and the average pressure was gradually increased with increasing flexion angle of the knee. There was significant difference in the stress area and the average pressure between various flexion angles in 4 groups (P<0.05). Group C had significantly lower stress area and significantly higher average pressure than the other 3 groups (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found among groups A, B, and D (P>0.05). ConclusionThe stress of the tibiofemoral articular surface significantly increases after knee meniscus injury or resection, and the average pressure significantly increases. The stress of the tibiofemoral articular surface can be restored to almost normal after meniscus transplantation. Therefore, the injured meniscus should also be retained or repaired in the static state.
ObjectiveTo study the surgical treatment method and effectiveness of Rüedi-Allgöwer Ⅲ type Pilon fractures. MethodsBetween May 2011 and April 2013,25 cases of Rüedi-Allgöwer Ⅲ type Pilon fracture (5 cases of open fractures and 20 cases of closed fractures) were treated.Of 25 cases,16 were male,and 9 were female,aged 24-45 years (mean,31 years).The left side was involved in 8 cases,and the right side in 17 cases.The disease causes were falling from height in 11 cases,traffic accident injury in 9 cases,and crash injury in 5 cases.The interval of injury and admission was 10-36 hours (mean,23.5 hours).The open reduction and internal fixation by posterolateral fibular incision and exposure of distal tibia and tibiotalar articular surface by anterior ankle incision were performed;the tibiotalar articular surface was reset and the tibia fracture end was fixed. ResultsHealing of incision by first intention was obtained in 15 cases,and healing by second intention in 6 cases undergoing skin grafting.Tension blister occurred in 4 patients,who achieved healing by second intention after treatment.All 25 patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean,8 months).During follow-up,no complication of ankle joint instability,traumatic arthritis,or loosening and breakage of internal fixation occurred.The X-ray films showed stable ankle joint,anatomic or near anatomic reduction of the tibiotalar articular surface,normal alignment of distal tibia,and good bony healing.At 6 to 12 months after operation,the flexion and extension of the ankle were normal,without pain of the ankle joint after removal of internal fixation.According to Mazur et al.rating system for ankle symptoms and function,the results were excellent in 5 cases,good in 12 cases,fair in 5 cases,and poor in 3 cases;the excellent and good rate was 68%. ConclusionThe procedure by anterior ankle lateral approach and posterolateral fibular approach can completely expose the tibiotalar articular surface,which is advantageous to displaced fracture reduction and fixation,and can achieve good effectiveness in treating Rüedi-Allgöwer Ⅲ type Pilon fractures.
ObjectiveTo summarize the technique and effectiveness of double metatarsal osteotomy for treating severe hallux valgus with increased distal metatarsal articular angle (DMAA).MethodsBetween June 2014 and December 2017, 64 patients (94 feet) of severe hallux valgus with an increased DMAA were treated with the double metatarsal osteotomy (distal metatarsal Reverdin osteotomy+proximal metatarsal open wedge osteotomy) combined with Akin osteotomy and soft tissue surgery to correct the deformity. There were 10 males (15 feet) and 54 females (79 feet) with an average age of 44.5 years (range, 26-66 years), including 34 of unilateral foot and 30 of bilateral feet. The Maryland metatarsophalangeal joint score of the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) was 54.3±7.4 and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.0±2.0. The pre- and post-operative AOFAS score, VAS score, DMAA, hallux valgus angle (HVA), first-second intermetatarsal angle (1-2IMA), and the first metatarsal length (FML) were recorded and compared.ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-15 months, with an average of 13.2 months. The complications occurred in 4 feet, including 1 foot of hallux stiffness, 1 foot of numbness at the edge of the wound, 1 foot of metastatic metatarsalgia, and 1 foot of metatarsal bone necrosis. At 1 year after operation, the Maryland metatarsal joint score of AOFAS was 89.2±7.4, showing significant difference compared with preoperative score (t=18.427, P=0.000); and the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 78 feet, good in 12 feet, poor in 3 feet, and bad in 1 foot, with an excellent and good rate of 95.7%. The VAS score was 1.5±2.0, showing significant difference compared with the preoperative score (t=10.238, P=0.000). The X-ray films showed that the osteotomies achieved bony healing at 3 months after operation. There were significant differences (P<0.05) in HVA, 1-2IMA, and DMAA between preoperation and 6 months and 1 year after operation; but no significant difference was found in FML between preoperation and 1 year after operation (t=0.136, P=0.863).ConclusionFor the patients with severe hallux valgus with increased DMAA, the double metatarsal osteotomy can significantly relieve the clinical symptoms and improve the imaging parameters with less postoperative complications.
Objective To establish the finite element model of varus-type ankle arthritis and to implement the finite element mechanical analysis of different correction models for tibial anterior surface angle (TAS) in supramalleolar osteotomy. Methods A female patient with left varus-type ankle arthritis (Takakura stage Ⅱ, TAS 78°) was taken as the study object. Based on the CT data, the three-dimensional model of varus-type ankle arthritis (TAS 78°) and different TAS correction models [normal (TAS 89°), 5° valgus (TAS 94°), and 10° valgus (TAS 99°)] were created by software Mimics 21.0, Geomagic Wrap 2021, Solidworks 2017, and Workbench 17.0. The 290 N vertical downward force was applied to the upper surface of the tibia and 60 N vertical downward force to the upper surface of the fibula. Von Mises stress distribution and stress peak were calculated. Results The finite element model of normal TAS was basically consistent with biomechanics of the foot. According to biomechanical analysis, the maximum stress of the varus model appeared in the medial tibiotalar joint surface and the medial part of the top tibiotalar joint surface. The stress distribution of talofibular joint surface and the lateral part of the top tibiotalar joint surface were uniform. In the normal model, the stress distributions of the talofibular joint surface and the tibiotalar joint surface were uniform, and no obvious stress concentration was observed. The maximum stress in the 5° valgus model appeared at the posterior part of the talofibular joint surface and the lateral part of the top tibiotalar joint surface. The stress distribution of medial tibiotalar joint surface was uniform. The maximum stress of the 10° valgus model appeared at the posterior part of the talofibular joint surface and the lateral part of the top tibiotalar joint surface. The stress on the medial tibiotalar joint surface increased. Conclusion With the increase of valgus, the stress of ankle joint gradually shift outwards, and the stress concentration tends to appear. There was no obvious obstruction of fibula with 10° TAS correction. However, when TAS correction exceeds 10° and continues to increase, the obstruction effect of fibula becomes increasingly significant.
Objective To introduce a new fluoroscopic method for assessing the quality of medial and lateral joint surface reduction during internal fixation of patellar fractures and to summarize the clinical outcomes of patients treated using this method. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 52 patients with patellar fractures treated between January 2018 and January 2022 who met the inclusion criteria. There were 27 male and 25 female patients, aged 21-75 years, with an average age of 62 years. The types of patellar fractures included 9 transverse fractures, 37 comminuted fractures, and 6 longitudinal fractures. According to the AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO-OTA)-2018 fracture classification, there were 21 cases of type 34A, 6 cases of type 34B, and 25 cases of type 34C. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 5 days, with an average of 2.3 days. Treatments included internal fixation with hollow screws or hollow screw tension bands, with or without anchor repair. During operation, the medial and lateral joint surfaces of the patella were observed using the tangential fluoroscopic method to assess the smoothness of reduction of the median ridge, lateral joint surface, medial joint surface, and lateral joint edge. Patients were followed up regularly, and X-ray films were taken to observe fracture healing. Knee joint range of motion, Böstman score, and Lysholm score were used to evaluate functional recovery. Results The tangential fluoroscopic method for the medial and lateral joint surfaces of the patella during operation showed satisfactory reduction of the joint surfaces and good positioning of the implants. All patients were followed up 12-16 months, with an average of 13.4 months. During the follow-up, fracture displacement occurred in 1 case and titanium cable breakage in 1 case. All patella fractures healed successfully, with a healing time of 8-16 weeks (mean, 11.4 weeks). At last follow-up, knee joint range of motion ranged from 120° to 140°, with an average of 136°. The Böstman score ranged from 20 to 30, with an average of 28, yielding excellent results in 45 cases and good results in 7 cases. The Lysholm score ranged from 88 to 100, with an average of 93, yielding excellent results in 40 cases and good results in 12 cases. Conclusion The intraoperative application of the tangential fluoroscopic method for the medial and lateral joint surfaces of the patella can quickly determine the fluoroscopic plane of the patella, accurately assess the quality of fracture reduction and the position of internal fixator, thereby improving effectiveness.