ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of external fixation and volar locking compression plate in the treatment of distal radius fractures of type C. MethodsBetween March 2012 and March 2013, 122 patients with distal radius fractures of type C were enrolled in the prospective randomized study. Fractures were treated by external fixation in 61 patients (external fixation group) and by open reduction and internal fixation using a volar locking compression plate in 61 patients (plate group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, fracture side, weight, height, body mass index, fracture type, and interval of injury and operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The blood loss, operation time, hospitalization days, fracture union time, wrist function, and complications were compared between 2 groups. And the quality of reduction was observed, including volar tilting angle, ulnar deviation, radial height, and articular reduction. ResultsThe blood loss, operation time, and hospitalization days in plate group were significantly higher than those in external fixation group (P<0.05). All of the patients in both groups were followed up 12-28 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (6.6%) of external fixation group (pin tract infection in 2 cases and radial nerve neuritis in 2 cases) and in 5 patients (8.2%) of plate group (wound infection in 1 case, carpal tunnel syndrome in 2 cases, and tendon rupture in 2 cases), showing no significant difference between 2 groups (P=0.500). The X-ray films showed fracture healing in all patients of 2 groups; the union time of plate group was significantly longer than that of external fixation group (P<0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in ulnar deviation and radial height between 2 groups (P>0.05), but the volar tilting angle of plate group was significantly larger than that of external fixation group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in wrist function and articular reduction between 2 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor distal radius fractures of type C, the use of external fixation or volar locking compression plate can obtain satisfactory clinical outcomes, but the external fixation has the advantages of less invasion, shorter hospitalization days, minor complications, and faster fracture union.
ObjectiveTo compare the clinical results between percutaneous poking reduction fixation and open reduction and internal fixation for the displaced Sanders Ⅱ type calcaneal fractures. MethodsA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 122 patients with Sanders Ⅱ type calcaneal fractures between May 2007 and May 2012, who accorded with the inclusion criteria. The closed reduction and percutaneus Kirschner wire fixation were used in 61 patients (closed group), and open reduction and internal fixation were used in 61 patients (open group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, fracture side, weight, height, body mass index, the causes of injury, the fracture type, Böhler angle, Gissane angle, and the time from trauma to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization days, wound complications, fracture healing time, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and radiographic results were compared between 2 groups. ResultsThe operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization days in closed group were significantly less than those in open group (P<0.05). There was no deep infections in both group; wound dehiscence, skin flap necrosis, and wound infection occurred in 3 patients, 2 patients, and 1 patient of the open group, no wound complication happened in closed group, and there was significant difference in the incidence of wound complications between 2 groups (P=0.027). The patients were followed up 24-68 months (mean, 38.7 months) in the closed group and 26-66 months (mean, 38.7 months) in the open group. There was no significant difference in the fracture healing time between 2 groups (t=-1.562, P=0.121). The Böhler angle and Gissane angle at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative angle in the closed group (t=-27.929, P=0.000; t=-26.351, P=0.000) and the open group (t=-32.565, P=0.000; t=-25.561, P=0.000), but there was no significant difference between 2 groups (P>0.05). AOFAS score showed no significant difference between 2 groups (t=-0.492, P=0.624). ConclusionFor the displaced Sanders Ⅱ type calcaneal fractures, the use of closed reduction and percutaneus Kirschner wire fixation or open reduction and internal fixation can both obtain satisfactory clinical function and radiographic results, but the former has the advantage of less trauma, shorter hospitalization time, and fewer wound complications.