Objective To summarize the recent minimally invasive approach for cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR). Methods The recent l iterature at home and abroad concerning minimally invasive approach for CSR was reviewed and summarized. Results There were two techniques of minimally invasive approach for CSR at peresent: percutaneous puncture techniques and endoscopic techniques. The degenerate intervertebral disc was resected or nucleolysis by percutaneouspuncture technique if CSR was caused by mild or moderate intervertebral disc herniations. The cervical microendoscopicdiscectomy and foraminotomy was an effective minimally invasive approach which could provide a clear view. The endoscopy techniques were suitable to treat CSR caused by foraminal osteophytes, lateral disc herniations, local l igamentum flavum thickening and spondylotic foraminal stenosis. Conclusion The minimally invasive procedure has the advantages of simple handl ing, minimally invasive and low incidence of compl ications. But the scope of indications is relatively narrow at present.
Objective To study the technique and effect of adjunctive cancellous screw in treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with dynamic hi p screw (DHS) fixation. Methods Between April 2004 and August 2007, 33 patients with intertrochanteric fracture were treated with DHS fixation and adjunctive cancellous screw. There were 13 males and 20 females, aging 43-82 years with an average age of 67 years. Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 7 patients, by fall ing from height in 11 patients, by sprain in 15 patients. All fractures were closed. The patients were operated 3-12 days after injury. According to Evans classification, there were 12 cases of type II, 15 cases of type III, and 6 cases of type IV. Twenty-twocases had osteoporosis. Weight bear time and compl ication were recorded. Fracture heal ing and neck-shaft angle were observed on radiogram. Hip functions were evaluated using Radford criterion. Results Thirty-three patients had no intraoperative compl ications with incision heal ing by first intension. All patients were followed up from 14 months to 38 months, with an average of 21 months. Fracture heal ing was achieved within 14 weeks to 21 weeks, with an average of 17 weeks after operations. The neck-shaft angles were (134.2 ± 13.7)° 3 days after operation, (128.6 ± 8.9)° 8 weeks after operation, and (128.5 ± 9.3)° after fracture heal ing, showing no significant difference when compared with that of the third day after operation (P gt; 0.05). According to the Radford criterion at last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of hi p function was 93.9% (excellent in 21 cases, good in 10 cases, and poor in 2 cases). Compl ications such as loosening, breakage, or grievous migration of hardware were not observed. Conclusion The adjunctive cancellous screw in treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with DHS fixation can provide counteraction of tension and rotation, promote fixation stabil ity, enhance fracture heal ing and decrease compl ication.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of bridging fixation with long locking plate for displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Methods Between October 2010 and December 2011, 18 patients with displaced midshaft clavicular fracture were treated with reduction and bridging fixation with 9 or 10 holes locking plate. There were 17 males and 1 female with an average age of 47 years (range, 23-82 years). Fracture was caused by traffic accident in 6 cases, by falling in 10 cases, by crushing in 1 case, and by crashing object in 1 case. All fractures were closed and displaced or shortened (range, 2.1-3.4 cm; mean, 2.62 cm) with angulation deformity. According to Robinson classification criteria, 5 cases were rated as type 2B1 and 13 as type 2B2. The duration from injury to surgery was 5 hours to 19 days (mean, 5 days). The fracture healing time and complication were recorded; the effectiveness evaluation was performed with Constant-Murley score and satisfaction to appearance. Results No neurologic or vascular complication occurred with primary healing of incision. All patients were followed up 12-22 months (mean, 14.7 months). The fracture healing time was 9-14 weeks (mean, 11.4 weeks). During follow-up, no loosening or breakage of internal fixator was observed. The Constant-Murley score was 82-98 (mean, 92.4) at last follow-up; the satisfaction rate of appearance was 88.9% (16/18). Conclusion Bridging fixation with long locking plate is an effective method for treatment of displaced midshaft clavicular fractures. Preserved blood supply and stable angle are important to fracture healing.
Objective To introduce a modified technique for treating acute closed Achilles tendon rupture and evaluate the preliminary effectiveness. Methods Between March 2011 and September 2015, 8 cases (8 sides) with acute closed Achilles tendon rupture were repaired with the laminated bevel suturing technique. All of the patients were male with an average age of 39.3 years (range, 22-58 years), injured in nonprofessional sports. The diagnosis was confirmed by typical signs of positive heel-lift test and Thompson test; the complete rupture of Achilles tendon was determined by color Doppler ultrasound or MRI, and the distance between the stump and calcaneus was 2-5 cm (mean, 3.3 cm). The time from injury to operation was 2-12 days (mean, 4.1 days). With the patient in prone position, a posterior longitudinal incision medial to the tendon was made, the broken stumps of Achilles tendon were divided into 3 layers on the coronal plane, fibers made into strips. The strips were staggered and stacked, stitched side to side with absorbable suture. The ankle joint at the plantar flexion position was fixed with plaster, and early rehabilitation exercise was carried out. Results The operation time was 70-135 minutes (mean, 99 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 5-30 mL (mean, 15.6 mL). All the incisions healed by first intention without infection, except for 1 case who need dressing exchange because of partial delayed healing. All the patients were followed up 6-50 months (mean, 30.5 months). There was no complication of surgical site infection, sural nerve injury, or deep vein thrombosis. The patients could walk normally with powerful raising heels and return to previous sports, without complication of re-rupture. Compared with the contralateral side, the activity of ankle joint dorsiflexion reduced 0-6° (mean, 3°); plantar flexion reduced 1-5° (mean, 2°). At last follow-up, according to Arner-Lindholm score, the surgical results were excellent in 7 cases and good in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion Laminated bevel suturing technique is simple for repairing acute closed Achilles tendon rupture without the need of special surgical instruments. It provides enough tensile strength for early rehabilitation exercise to rapid and good recovery.