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 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 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.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical results of throacolumbar fractures treated through Wiltse paraspinal approach and conventional posterior approach. MethodsSeventy-six cases of single segmental thoracolumbar fractures (Type A) were treated by posterior reduction and pedicle screw instrumentation from January 2011 to January 2013. Thirty-five cases were treated through Wiltse paraspinal approach (group A), including 27 males and 8 females with an average age of 39.7 years. Forty-one cases were treated through conventional posterior approach (group B), including 30 males and 11 females with an average age of 41.6 years. The data including incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative volume of drainage, the anterior vertebral height, Cobb angle and complications were compared between the two groups. ResultsAll operations were finished successfully. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative volume of drainage were (8.3±1.9) cm, (74.0±21.9) min, (125.0 ±46.7) mL, and (51.0±42.6) mL respectively in group A, and (10.7±2.8) cm, (97.0±18.2) min, (245.0±56.1) mL, and (190.0±72.3) mL in group B respectively. There was significant difference between the two groups (P<0.05). The restoration of anterior vertebral height and the correction of Cobb angle were well maintained in both groups. The difference was statistically significant before and after treatment (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no difference in the complication rate between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared with conventional posterior approach, Wiltse paraspinal approach has the advantage of shorter operation time, less trauma and blood loss. It is a better option for the treatment of throacolumbar fractures.
ObjectiveTo discuss the value of surgical hip dislocation approach in the treatment of femoral head fracture. MethodsA retrospectively analysis was made on the clinical data of 15 patients with femoral head fractures treated through surgical hip dislocation approach between January 2010 and February 2013. There were 11 men and 4 women with an average age of 30.8 years (range, 15-63 years). The causes included traffic accident injury in 9 cases, falling injury from height in 5 cases, and sports injury in 1 case. According to Pipkin typing, 2 cases were rated as type Ⅰ, 7 cases as type Ⅱ, 1 case as type Ⅲ, and 5 cases as type Ⅳ. The interval of injury and operation was 2-10 days (mean, 4.1 days). Reduction was performed in 10 patients within 6 hours after injury, and then bone traction was given for 4-6 weeks except 5 patients who received reduction in the other hospital. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in all patients after surgery without complications of dislocation and lower limbs deep venous thrombosis. The mean follow-up time was 29.9 months (range, 25-36 months). During follow-up, there was no infection, breakage of internal fixation, or nonunion of femoral greater trochanter fracture. In 3 patients having necrosis of the femoral head, 2 had no obvious symptoms[staging as Ⅱa and Ⅱb respectively according to Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) staging system], and 1 (stage Ⅲb) had nonunion of the femoral neck fracture, who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA). In 4 patients having myositis ossificans (2 cases of grade Ⅰ, 1 case of grade Ⅱ, and 1 case of grade Ⅲ based on Brooker grading), no treatment was given in 3 cases and the focus was removed during THA in 1 case. According to the Thompson-Epstein scale at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 80%. ConclusionSurgical hip dislocation approach can not only protect the residual vessels of the femoral head but also fully expose the acetabulum and femoral head, which is the ideal approach for the treatment of femoral head fractures.