ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of channel-assisted minimally invasive repair (CAMIR) for acute closed Achilles tendon ruptures. MethodsBetween January 2011 and June 2012, 30 patients (30 sides)with acute closed Achilles tendon ruptures were treated with CAMIR technique. Among 30 patients, 18 were male and 12 were female with an average age of 30.4 years (range, 22-50 years); the locations were left side in 10 cases and right side in 20 cases. All the causes were sports injury. B-ultrasound was used to confirm the diagnosis, with the average distance from the rupture site to the Achilles tendon insertion of 4.4 cm (range, 2-8 cm). The time from injury to operation was 3 hours to 9 days (median, 4 days). All injuries were repaired by CAMIR technique. ResultsThe average operation time was 17.0 minutes (range, 10-25 minutes), and the mean incision length was 2.0 cm (range, 1.5-2.5 cm). All the incisions healed by first intention. There was no complication of wound problem, deep vein thrombosis, re-rupture, or sural nerve injury. All cases were followed up 12-24 months with an average of 16 months. At last follow-up, the patients could walk normally with powerful raising heels and restored to normal activity level. MRI imaging suggested the continuity and healing of ruptured tendon. The circumference difference between affected leg and normal leg was less than 1 cm, and the ankle dorsi-extension was 20-30°, plantar flexion was 20-30°. Arner Lindholm score showed that the surgical results were excellent in 28 cases and good in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. ConclusionCAMIR is a safe and reliable method to repair acute closed Achilles tendon rupture, with many advantages of minimal injury, low re-rupture and infection. Sural nerve injury can be minimized using CAMIR by carefully placing the suture channel with a stab incision and special trocar based on a modified Bunnel suture technique.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and method of Ilizarov technology for the treatment of infected forearm nonunion. MethodsBetween January 2004 and March 2014, 19 patients with infected forearm nonunion were treated, including 12 males and 7 females with a mean age of 37.4 years (range, 18-62 years). The injury causes included traffic accident in 11 patients, falling from height in 4 patients, and machine twist injury in 4 patients. The patients had received surgical treatment for 1-5 times (mean, 2.7 times). Bone defects located at the radius in 10 cases, at the ulna in 7 cases, and at the radius and ulna in 2 cases. The mean time of chronic infection was 8.3 months (range, 4-16 months). The mean length of the bone defects after debridement was 3.54 cm (range, 2.2-7.5 cm). Under the guidance of C-arm fluoroscope, the Orthofix unilateral external fixator was used to fix. Distraction was performed at 7-10 days after operation, and X-ray film was taken regularly to detect the osteogenesis. ResultsThe mean external fixation time was 6.5 months (range, 3-12 months), and the mean external fixation index was 1.72 months/cm (range, 1.14-2.15 months/cm). All patients were followed up for 35.4 months on average (range, 24-55 months). The bone union time was 3-11 months (mean, 6 months); and no recurrence of infection was observed. At last follow-up, the mean wrist range of motion (ROM) were 52.78° (range, 42-55°) in flexion and 46.53° (range, 40-60°) in extension; the mean elbow ROM were 139.23° (range, 130-150°) in flexion and 3.57° (range, 0-20°) in extension; and the mean forearm ROM were 76.68° (range, 68-90°) in pronation and 81.75° (range, 72-90°) in supination. ConclusionIlizarov technology for infected forearm nonunion can acquire satisfactory clinical results. Radical debridement is the key to control bone infection.