ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and operative methods to treat first metatarsal diaphysis comminuted fractures with mini-plate via medial approach. MethodsBetween January 2012 and January 2013, 15 patients with first metatarsal shaft comminuted fractures were treated. There were 11 males and 4 females (6 left feet and 9 right feet) with an average age of 38.6 years (range, 27-56 years). The injury causes included falling injury in 6 cases, crash injury of heavy object in 7 cases, and sprain in 2 cases. The left side was involved in 6 cases and the right side in 9 cases. The time from injury to operation was 8.5 days on average (range, 7-10 days). According to AO classification, all cases were rated as 81(T)-C2 type. The surgical treatments included open reduction and internal fixation with mini-plate by medial approach. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in all cases, and no infection occurred. Twelve patients were followed up 18 months on average (range, 12-24 months). All fractures healed well, and the mean time of bone union was 11.5 weeks (range, 10-14 weeks). No loosening or breakage of internal fixation was observed. At last follow-up, the patients could walk with full weight-bearing, and had no pain. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hallux metatarsophalangeal-interphalangeal scale, the mean score was 85.2 (range, 76-96). ConclusionAnatomic reduction and stable internal fixation are important for first metatarsal comminuted fracture, which is the key point for recovery of foot form and foot arch function. And the medial approach could achieve full exposure and improve the cosmetic results.
Objective To assess the effectiveness of the new anterolateral approach of the distal femur for the treatment of distal femoral fractures. Methods Between July 2007 and December 2009, 58 patients with distal femoral fractures were treated by new anterolateral approach of the distal femur in 28 patients (new approach group) and by conventional approach in 30 patients (conventional approach group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, affected side, type of fracture, disease duration, complication, or preoperative intervention (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, hospitalization days, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score of knee were recorded. Results Operation was successfully completed in all patients of 2 groups, and healing of incision by first intention was obtained; no vascular and nerves injuries occurred. The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency of new approach group were significantly less than those of conventional approach group (P lt; 0.05). But the intraoperative blood loss and the hospitalization days showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 19.8 months). Bone union was shown on X-ray films; the fracture healing time was (12.62 ± 2.34) weeks in the new approach group and was (13.78 ± 1.94) weeks in the conventional approach group, showing no significant difference (t=2.78, P=0.10). The knee HSS score at last follow-up was 94.4 ± 4.2 in the new approach group, and was 89.2 ± 6.0 in the conventional approach group, showing significant difference between 2 groups (t=3.85, P=0.00). Conclusion New anterolateral approach of the distal femur for distal femoral fractures has the advantages of exposure plenitude, minimal tissue trauma, and early function rehabilitation training so as to enhance the function recovery of knee joint.
Objective To investigate the efficacy of double-plating fixation via U-shaped incision in the treatment of type C3.3 distal femoral fractures. Methods From July 2006 to February 2009, 11 cases of type C3.3 distal femoral fractures were treated, including 5 open fractures and 6 closed fractures. Among them, there were 7 males and 4 females with an averageage of 43 years (range, 27-55 years). The locations were left side in 6 cases and right side in 5 cases. Fracture was caused by traffic accident in 8 cases and fall ing from height in 3 cases. The time from injury to hospital ization was 30 minutes to 7 days. After bone traction for 3 to 8 days, the operations were performed by double-plating fixation via U-shaped incision, and autograft of il iac bone or allogeneic bone grafting. Results The average time of operation was 128 minutes (range, 105-150 minutes). The average blood loss during operation was 344 mL (range, 290-380 mL). Shallow local skin flap necrosis occurred in 2 cases, and incision healed by first intention in others patients. All patients were followed up 22 months on average (range, 12-36 months). The bone union was achieved within 3-6 months (4.4 months on average). No implant loosening or refracture was found. According to Merchan et al criteria for knee joint function evaluation, the results were excellent in 4 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case at last follow-up; the excellent and good rate was 81.8%. Conclusion The double-plating fixation via U-shaped incision has the advantages of better exposure, great convenience to manipulation, anatomical reduction, and rigid fixation. It provides an effective treatment for type C3.3 distal femoral fracture. However, its operation indications and operating instructions should be strictly followed.
Objective To explore the effective surgical approaches in treating subclavian artery occlusion. Methods Between December 2005 and February 2010, 53 patients with subclavian artery occlusion were treated, including left subclavian artery occlusion (35 cases) and stenosis (5 cases), right subclavian artery occlusion (5 cases) and stenosis (4 cases), and bilateral subclavian artery occlusion (4 cases). There were 40 males and 13 females with an average age of 64 years (range, 22-77 years), including 49 cases of arteriosclerosis obl iterans and 4 cases of aortic arteritis. The disease duration was 15 days to 20 months (6.5 months on average). In 49 patients with unilateral subclavian artery occlusion, 39 cases compl icated by carotid or / and cerebral artery lesion underwent axillo-axillary bypass grafting, and 10 cases without carotid or /and cerebral artery lesion underwent carotid-subclavian bypass grafting. Ascending aorta to bisubclavian bypass graftings were performed on 4 cases with bilateral subclavian artery occlusion. After operation, patients received routine treatment with anticoagulant and antiplatelet agents. Results The operations were successfully performed in 52 cases with a successful rate of 98.11%. Thrombogenesis at anastomotic site occurred in 1 case of aortic arteritis after 48 hours. Two cases had brachial plexus crush injury and 4 had hematoma around the bilateral anastomosis after axillo-axillary bypass grafting, and all recovered with nonoperative therapy. A total of 52 patients were followed up 1-52 months (24.5 months on average). All patients survived and the symptoms of basilar and upper l imb artery ischemia disappeared. Doppler ultrasonography showed that the blood flow was patent through anastomosis and polytetrafluoroethylene graft, and the vertebral artery flow was normal. Pseudoaneurysm at anastomosis was found in 1 case after 18 months and treated by interventional embol ization. The postoperative graft patency rate was 100% at 1 year and at 2 years. Conclusion Both thoracic and extrathoracic surgical approaches are effective for treating subclavianartery occlusion. The reasonable surgical approach should be selected according to the arteriopathy and the patient’s condition. Perioperative treatment and strict intraoperative manipulation are important to guarantee the success of surgery.
Objective To investigate a new surgical approach for presacral lesion by double door via S3- 5. Methods From June 2007 to January 2008, 5 female patients (56-84 years old) with presacral lesion were treated. One patient had straining feel ing in anus, 2 patients had difficult defecation and bloody stool and 2 patients had no symptoms. Digital rectal examination revealed rectal tumor in 2 cases and anus examination of presacral tumor showed no abnormal ity in 3 cases. B-ultrasound, CT and MRI examination displayed presacral tumor in 3 cases and rectumal tumor in 2 cases. The size ofthe lesions was 4 cm × 3 cm × 3 cm - 20 cm × 15 cm × 13 cm. The disease course was 12-50 days (average 18 days). All 5 patients received total resection of tumor through the surgical approach featured by double door via S3-5. Results The operations were successful in all the 5 patients, and no severe presacral venous hemorrhage, rectal injury, direct injury of pelvic nerve and structure damage of pelvic bottom occured during operation. The approach exposure time was 12-28 minutes (average 20 minutes) and the blood loss for approach was 30-130 mL (average 80 mL); and the operation time was 80-120 minutes (average 105 minutes) and the blood loss during operation was 100-350 mL (average 280 mL). All incision healed by first intention. Pathological examination of resected tissue after operation revealed presacral teratoma in 1 case, dermoid cyst in 1 case, spindle cell tumor in 1 case and rectal tubiform villus adenoma in 2 cases. All the patients suffered from perineal hypoesthesia to various degrees after operation, which were recovered to the normal 6 months later, and X-ray films showed bone union occurred in all the cases. No gatism occured. During the followed-up period of 6-13 months, no sacrum defect, pelvic instabil ity and sacroil iitis was observed in the 5 cases. B-ultrasound, CT and MRI examination showed no recurrence of tumor. Conclusion The approach of double door via S3-5 is a simple and safe surgical procedure featured by a good surgical exposure with less bleeding, short operative time, no sacrum defect, no severe sacral nerve damage, and early postoperative convalescence.
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 compare the differences between volar and dorsal plate positions in the treatment of unstable fracture of distal radius. Methods From June 2000 to December 2006, 61 cases with fracture of distal radius weretreated, 27 males and 34 females aged 22-70 years (55.5 years on average), among which 18 cases were caused by traffic accidents and 43 cases falls. All cases were fresh closed fractures. All patients had AP and lateral X-ray films of the wrist preoperatively and 30 cases experienced CT scan. According to AO, there were 25 cases for B1, 18 for B2, 7 for B3, 7 for C1, and 4 for C2. All the cases were randomized into 2 groups: the wrist palmar group (group A, n=34) and dorsal group (group B, n=27), to perform volar and dorsal plate fixation, respectively. As to the measurement of fortune for the preoperative ruler and incl ination angle, group A were (—45.0 ± 53.0)º and (8.6 ± 3.1)º, respectively, and group B were (—40.0 ± 30.0)º and (7.3 ± 5.6)º, respectively. Preoperative radial shortened (12.0 ± 5.3) mm in group A, and (10.3 ± 4.2) mm in group B. Joint surface level was (4.3 ± 2.2) mm in group A, and (4.1 ± 3.3) mm in group B. Results All of the 61 cases were followed up for 6-27 months (16 months on verage). All the fractures were healed, the time to heal ing in group A was (8.2 ± 1.6) weeks, and in group B was (8.1 ± 1.2) weeks, and the difference was not significant (P gt; 0.05). As for the wrist function by Cartland-Werley scoring at the 8th week after operation, 7 cases were excellent, 10 good, and 17 poor in group A with the choiceness rate of 50.0%, while 7 cases were excellent, 11 good and 9 poor in group B with the choiceness rate of 66.7%. There was significant difference between the two groups (P lt; 0.01). And at the 24th week after operation, 21 cases were excellent, 9 good, and 4 poor in group A with the choiceness rate of 88.2%, while 18 cases were excellent, 5 good, and 4 poor in group B with the choiceness rate of 85.2%. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P gt; 0.05). As for radiological assessment by Sarmiento, device and palm incl ination angles in group A were (9.5 ± 3.1)º and (18.0 ± 8.2)º, respectively, and in group B were (11.0 ± 4.7) º and (16.0 ± 7.6)º, respectively. No radial shortening was found either in group A or in group B, and joint surface level in both groups were less than 1 mm. There was no significant difference between group A and group B in terms of all indicators postoperatively (P gt; 0.05), but there was significant difference when compared with preoperation (P lt; 0.001). With regard to comparison of postoperative compl ications between the two groups, there was no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) in early postoperative compl ications, but there was in long-term compl ications (P lt; 0.01). Conclusion The volar and dorsal plate positions may offer effective stabil ity for unstable distal radial fracture and early functional exercise. The volar plate position may influence the pronation function of the wris joint in the short run, while the dorsal plate position may cause more compl ications in the long run.
Objective To evaluate the surgical treatment and its results of complex tibial plateau fractures.Methods From May 2003 to November 2004, 24 cases of complex tibial plateau fractures were treated by two-incision approaches. There were 16 males(including 1 case of bilateral), and8 females, with mean age of 40.6 years(21-65 years), eleven fractures occurred in left extremity and 14 in the right. No patients suffered open fractures. Fracture was caused by fall from height in 10 cases, by traffic accident in 12 cases and by another causes in 2 cases. According to Schatzkerclassification, type Ⅴ fracture was found in 14 extremities，type Ⅵ in 11 extremities. All cases were operated with twoincision approaches and double-plates fixation. The operation was performed 6-15 days after injury with mean 10.4 days. Results All cases were followed up from 12 to 23 months (mean 15.6 months). Time of the bone healing was 69 months, with mean 7.4 months. No reduction of anatomy was achieved because of comminuted fractures of articular surfaces in 2 limbs. The line of the lower extremity did not recover because of metaphysis comminution in 1 limb, which led to knee varus. Epidermal necrolysis was observed in 3 limbs, and the wound healedafter change dressing. The function of the knee wasevaluated according to Rasmussen’s criteria, the results were excellent in 10limbs, good in 8 limbs, fair in 3 limbs, and poor in 4 limbs. Conclusion The twoincision approaches reduced the complication of softtissueinjury, which is conductive to reduction of articular surface. Double-plates provide a sufficient internal fixation. It can permit early motion of knee joint. Therefore, two-incision approach are an effective surgical approach of treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures.
Objective To discuss the optimal approach to treat suprascapular nerve compression syndrome. Methods From January 2000 to June 2003, 8 cases of suprascapular nerve compression syndrome were treated by surgical intervention to cut the transverse scapular ligament through posterior approach. Of the 8 patients, there were 2 males and 6 females (age ranged from 21 to 53) with duration of 6 months to 3 years. The change of symptom, muscle power, and muscle atrophy after operation were observed. Results One week after operation, pain around the scapular disappeared, muscle power of supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles recovered to normal. One, 6, 12 and 16 months after the operation, the patients were followed up. No recurrence was observed. Muscle atrophy didn’t recover.Conclusion To treat suprascapular nerve compression syndrome with operation through posterior approach is easy to operate. When the suprascapular nerve is entrapped in scapular notch, this approach is a good choice.
Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of anterior approach set (AAS) versus posterior approach set (PAS) in treating multilevel cervical disc herniation of three or four segments. Methods Fifty-six cases of multilevel cervical disc herniation were retrospectively studied. Thirty-seven casesunderwent anterior approach, and discectomy, selectively partial corpectomy with bone grafting and plate fixing was performed (AAS group); 19 cases underwent posterior approach, and laminectomy with lateral cervical mass plate screw fixing was performed (PAS group).Results The followup periods were 6 months to 4 years and 5 months, averaging 2 years and 10 months in AAS group and 1 year and 5 months to 5 years and 1 month, averaging 3 years and 8 months in PAS group. JOA functional assessment and sagittal diameter of dural sac were not-statistically significant between two groups before operation (Pgt;0.05) andwere significantly larger in AAS group than in PAS group after operation (Plt;0.01). The improvement rate of AAS was significant higher than that of PAS (Plt;0.01). The number of complication in AAS were slight more than that in PAS.Conclusion AAS is obviously better than PAS in the therapeutic effects. The operation of anterior decompression with bone grafting and plate fixing is an indication of multilevel cervical disc herniation of three or four segments.