Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of SuperPATH approach in total hip arthroplasty (THA) compared with conventional posterolateral approach. Methods Between March 2017 and May 2017, 24 patients who planned to have a unilateral THA were enrolled in the study and randomized into 2 groups. Twelve patients were treated with SuperPATH approach (SuperPATH group) and 12 patients with posterolateral approach (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, the type of disease, complicating diseases, and American Society of Anesthesiologists grading between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, length of stay, length of incision, and perioperative complications related to operation were recorded. The hemoglobin and hematocrit were recorded; the total blood loss and intraoperative blood loss were calculated. The inflammatory response indicators (C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate) and muscle damage index (creatine kinase) were recorded in both groups. The range of motion, functional score (Harris score), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and prosthesis position were recorded. Results Patients in both groups were followed up 1 year. Compared with the control group, the operation time of the SuperPATH group was longer (t=4.470, P=0.000), and the incision was shorter (t=–2.168, P=0.041). There was no significant difference in length of stay between 2 groups (t=0.474, P=0.640). Periprosthetic fracture occurred in 1 case of the SuperPATH group. No other complications, such as infection or deep vein thrombosis, occurred in both groups. There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, total blood loss, hemoglobin and hematocrit before operation and at 1 and 3 days after operation, and C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate before operation and at 1, 3, and 14 days between 2 groups (P>0.05). For creatine kinase, SuperPATH group at 1 and 3 days were lower than control group (P<0.05), while no significant difference was found between 2 groups before operation and at 14 days after operation (P>0.05). For flexion and abduction activity, SuperPATH group at 1 and 3 days after operation were better than the control group (P<0.05), while no significant difference was found between 2 groups at 14 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year after operation (P>0.05). The Harris and VAS scores of SuperPATH group at 1 and 3 days after operation were better than those of control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in anteversion and abduction between 2 groups (P>0.05) according to the X-ray film at 1 year. During the follow-up, no loosening or migration was observed. Conclusion Compared with the posterolateral approach, the SuperPATH approach can reduce muscle damage, relieve early pain, promote recovery, and obtain the similar short-term effectiveness.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of lumbopelvic fixation using the combination of closed multi-axial screws (CMAS) iliosacral fixation system and the posterior segmental spinal fixation for unstable sacral fractures. Methods Between January 2013 and November 2014, 25 patients (39 sides) with unstable sacral fractures were treated with lumbopelvic fixation using the combination of CMAS iliosacral fixation system and the posterior segmental spinal fixation. There were 17 males and 8 females, aged 19-55 years (mean, 33.9 years). The causes were traffic accident injury in 15 cases, falling injury from height in 8 cases, and crushing injury in 2 cases. The interval of injury and operation was 1-13 days (mean, 3.5 days). Fracture was classified as Denis type I in 2 sides, type II in 20 sides, and type III in 17 sides; nerve injury was rated as Gibbons grade I in 2 cases, grade II in 2 cases, grade III in 7 cases, and grade IV in 9 cases. The reduction quality was evaluated by Matta criterion, the clinical function outcome by Majeed, and nerve function by Gibbons criterion. Results The average operation time was 110 minutes (range, 80-150 minutes). The average blood loss was 570 mL (range, 250-1 400 mL). Superficial wound infection occurred in 2 patients, and was cured after debridement and antibiotic therapy. All patients were followed up for an average of 18 months (range, 15-22 months). Postoperative X-ray and CT examination showed clinical healing of sacral fractures at 8-12 weeks after operation (mean, 10 weeks). The mean removal time of internal fixation was 13 months (range, 12-20 months). No screw loosening and fracture, adhesion of internal fixation to surrounding tissue, and obvious electrolysis phenomenon occurred. According to Matta criterion, reduction was rated as excellent in 32 sides, good in 6 sides, fair in 1 side, and the excellent and good rate was 97.5%. According to Majeed functional scoring at last follow-up, the mean score was 84.7 (range, 64-98); the results were excellent in 18 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 92.0%. The nerve function was significantly improved when compared with preoperative one; nerve injury was rated as Gibbons grade I in 8 cases, grade II in 8 cases, grade III in 3 cases, and grade IV in 1 case. Conclusion Lumbopelvic fixation using the combination of CMAS iliosacral fixation system and the posterior segmental spinal fixation is a relatively effective fixation for unstable sacral fractures. Not only is the fracture fixation rigid for early full weight-bearing, but also nerve decompression can be performed which facilitates nerve function recovery.