ObjectiveTo design and produce a lesser trochanteric reduction fixation system and verify its value and effectiveness. MethodsA lesser trochanteric reduction fixation system was designed and produced according to the anatomical features of the lesser trochanteric fractures. Sixty-six patients with intertrochanteric fractures of Evans type Ⅲ were included between January 2010 and July 2012. Of 66 patients, 32 were treated with dynamic hip screw (DHS) assisted with the lesser trochanteric reduction fixation system (study group), and 34 cases were treated with DHS only (control group). The 2 groups were comparable with no significant difference in gender, age, the reasons, and the types of the fractures (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, neck-shaft angle, bone healing time, ratio of successful fixations, and the functional evaluation of the hip joint after operation were compared between 2 groups. ResultsThe study group had shorter operation time [(58.4±5.3) minutes] and less intraoperative blood loss [(186.3±6.6) mL] than the control group[(78.5±6.2)minutes and (246.2±8.7) mL], showing significant differences (t=-14.040, P=0.000; t=-31.145, P=0.000). There was no significant difference in neck-shaft angle between study group [(138.6±3.0)°] and control group [(139.4±2.9)°] (t=-1.044, P=0.301). The wounds healed by first intention in both groups. The 30 and 31 patients were followed up 12 to 24 months (mean, 15 months) in the study group, and 13 to 25 months (mean, 16 months) in the control group, respectively. All fractures healed well in 2 groups. The study group had significantly shorter healing time [(8.8±2.0) weeks] than the control group [(10.7±3.4) weeks] (t=-2.871, P=0.006). At 12 months after operation, coxa vara happened in 2 cases of the study group with a successful fixation ratio of 93.3% and in 10 cases of the control group with a successful fixation ratio of 67.7%, showing significant difference (χ2=6.319, P=0.022). According to Harris hip score, the excellent and good rate was 83.3% in the study group (25/30) and was 58.1% in the control group (18/31), showing significant difference (χ2=4.680, P=0.049). ConclusionThe application of the lesser trochanteric reduction fixation system can reduce stripping of the soft tissue around the fracture fragments, shorten the operation time and the healing time, and preserve the function of the hip joint maximumly.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness and adverse effect of the absorbable fixation system on cranial bone flap reposition and fixation after craniotomy. Methods Between July 2010 and December 2011, 67 cases underwent cranial bone flap reposition and fixation with absorbable fixation system after craniotomy and resection of intracranial lesions. There were 38 males and 29 females with a median age of 32 years (range, 5 months to 73 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 months to 6 years (median, 25 months). Forty-one lesions were located at supratentorial and 26 at subtentorial, including at the frontotemporal site in 13 cases, at the frontoparietal site in 12 cases, at the temporal oprietal site in 8 cases, at the temporooccipital site in 5 cases, at the occipitoparietal site in 4 cases, and at the posterior cranial fossa in 25 cases. The diagnosis results were glioma in 15 cases, cerebral vascular diseases (aneurysm, arteriovenous malformation, and cavemous angioma) in 8 cases, meningioma in 7 cases, arachnoid cyst in 7 cases, acoustic neurinoma in 5 cases, cholesteatoma in 3 cases, primary trigeminal neuralgia in 5 cases, cerebral abscess in 3 cases, hypophysoma in 2 cases, craniopharyngioma in 2 cases, metastatic tumor in 2 cases, radiation encephalopathy in 2 cases, medulloblastoma in 1 case, ependymocytoma in 1 case, germinoma in 1 case, atypical teratoma/rhabdoid tumor in 1 case, facial spasm in 1 case, and subdural hematoma in 1 case. Intracranial lesion size ranged from 3 cm × 2 cm to 7 cm × 5 cm. The changes of local incision and general condition were observed. Results Subcutaneous effusion occurred in 2 supratentorial lesions and 3 subtentorial lesions, which was cured at 2 weeks after puncture and aspiration. All incisions healed primarily and no redness or swelling occurred. CT scans showed good reposition of the cranial bone flap and smooth inner and outer surfaces of the skull at 2 weeks after operation. All 67 patients were followed up 3-20 months (mean, 10.3 months). During follow-up, the skull had satisfactory appearance without discomfort, local depression, or effusion. Moreover, regular CT and MRI scans showed no subside, or displacement of the cranial bone flap or artifacts. Conclusion Absorbable fixation system for reposition and fixation of the cranial bone flap not only is simple, safe, and reliable, but also can eliminate the postoperative CT or MRI artifact caused by metals fixation system.
Objective To explore the relative prognostic factors of Tile C pelvic injury after iliolumbar fixation. Methods Between March 2007 and March 2010, 60 patients with Tile C pelvic injuries were surgically treated with iliolumbar fixation, including 39 males and 21 females with an average age of 37 years (range, 17-66 years). Of them, 27 cases were classified as Tile C1, 20 as Tile C2, and 13 as Tile C3. The preoperative injury severity score (ISS) was 12-66 (mean, 29.4). The time from injury to surgery was 2-25 days (mean, 8.1 days). Iliolumbar fixation was performed in all patients. Unconditional logistic analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the age, sex, body mass index (BMI), operation opportunity, the preoperative combined injury, classification of fracture, the postoperative complication, reduction outcome, sacral nerve injury, and the time of physical exercise and the prognosis. Results All 60 patients were followed up 12-56 months (mean, 27.3 months). Infection of incisions occurred in 12 cases and were cured after dressing change; healing of incision by first intention was obtained in the other patients. Delay sacral nerve injury was found in 15 patients, 6 patients underwent nerve decompression, and 9 underwent conservative treatment. Ten patients had nail protrusion of Schanz screws at the posterior superior illac spine, and 3 patients had pain, which was relieved after removal of the internal fixator. One patient had bone-grafting nonunion of sacroiliac joint, which was improved by pressured bone graft. Five patients had the beam breakage without significant effect. Six patients had deep vein thrombosis, among them 4 underwent filter and 2 underwent nonsurgical treatment. The healing time of fracture was 3-6 months (mean, 3.9 months). According to the Matta function score, the results were excellent in 31 cases, good in 24 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 91.7% at last follow-up. Majeed score was 58-100 (mean, 86), 28 were rated as excellent, 12 as good, 16 as fair, and 4 as poor with an excellent and good rate of 66.7%. The logistic analysis showed that the age, sex, BMI, and postoperative complications were not prognostic factors; early operation (within 10 days), early function exercises (within 7 days), the better reduction quality, and the less sacral nerve injury were in favor of prognosis; and the worse preoperative combined injury and pelvic injury were, the worse the prognosis was. Conclusion Operation opportunity, the preoperative combined injury, reduction outcome, sacral nerve injury, and the time of physical exercise are all significantly prognostic factors of Tile C pelvic injuries
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of acetabular tridimensional memory alloy-fixation system (ATMFS) combined with autologous il iac bone in the treatment of old acetabular posterior wall fracture with bone defect. Methods Between January 2002 and February 2009, 17 patients with old acetabular posterior wall fracture and bone defect were treated, including 11 males and 6 females with an average age of 41.7 years (range，20-60 years). The time from fracture to admission was 14-180 days (mean, 63 days). The displacement of the acetabular articular surface was more than or equal to 3 mm. According to the America Association of Orthopedic Surgeon (AAOS) acetabular fracture and defectclassification standard, there were 4 cases of type I, 6 cases of type II, 5 cases of type III, and 2 cases of type IV. After the residual fracture fragments of the acetabular posterior wall and soft tissue hyperplasia were removed, the femoral head was reducted, and posterior wall defect was repaired with autologous il iac bone graft; ATMFS was used to fix acetabular posterior wall and artificial capsular l igament to reconstruct the hip so as to prevent re-dislocation of the femoral head. Results According to Matta imaging assessment standard, the results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 82.3%. All incisions healed by first intention, and no sciatic nerve injury occurred. All patients were followed up 1-8 years (mean, 3.9 years). The mean time of fracture union was 3.6 months (range, 2-6 months). Avascular necrosis of femoral head occurred in 1 case, heterotopic ossification around the acetabulum in 1 case. According to Merle d’ Aubigné-Postel scoring system evaluation, the cl inical results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case with an excellent and good rate of 88.2%. Conclusion ATMFS combined with autologous il iac bone graft and artificial l igament reconstruction of the hip joint capsule is a good choice for the treatment of old acetabular posterior wall fractures with bone defect, which can resume the posterior hip joint stabil ity and prevent re-dislocation of the femoral head.
Objective To investigate the cl inical effect of the acetabular tridimensional memoryalloy-fixation system (ATMFS) in treatment of posterior wall acetabular fractures with posterior dislocation of hip. Methods From January 2004 to February 2006, 15 cases of posterior wall acetabular fracture with posterior dislocation of hip were treated. There were 11males and 4 females, aged 21-68 years old with an average of 43.5 years old. Injury was caused by traffic accident in 8 cases, by fall ing from height in 5 cases and others in 2 cases. The locations were the left hip in 9 cases and the right hip in 6 cases. According to Thompson-Epstein’ fracture classification, there were 6 cases of type II, 5 cases of type III, 2 cases of type IV and 2 cases of type V. Imaging showed the acetabular articular surface displacement of 2-5 mm(mean 3 mm). The time from injury to hospital ization was 6 hours to 2 weeks(mean 1.5 days). Skeletal traction on femoral condyle was given, manual reduction was performed in 12 patients and intra-operative reduction in 3 cases. ATMFS was used after 2-7 days of hospital ization, and 4 cases received autologous free il ium because of bone defect. Results The operative time was 90-390 minutes with an average of 210 minutes. Intraoperative blood loss was 350-2 500 mL with an average of 360 mL. The hospital ization days of the patients ranged from 7 to 21 days(mean 10 days). Epidermal infection occurred and was cured after symptomatic management in 1 case. Other incisions healed by first intention. No deep infections, pulmonary embol ism, deep venous thrombosis and other compl ications occurred. The patients were followed up 1 to 3 years with an average of 1.6 years. Ischemic necrosis of femoral head occurred in 1 case. Heterotopic ossification in grade II occurred in 1 case. The hip function was still good without special treatment. According to Matta’s X-ray fracture reduction assessment, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case, the excellent and good rate was 80%. According to d’Aubigné cl inical efficacy evaluation, the results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case, the excellent and good rate was 86.7% at last followup. Conclusion ATMFS can be used for the treatment of posterior wall acetabular fracture with posterior dislocation of hip, which can improve the anatomy corresponding rate of the femoral head and reduce the incidence of compl ications and restore the function of the hip.
Objective To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of self-developed distraction reduction fixation system (DRFS) and to evaluate its cl inical effect on thoracolumbar vertebrate fracture. Methods Twelve fresh porcine spines were prepared for the biomechanical test. The stiffness of each intact specimen were recorded on forward bending (20°),backward bending (10°), lateral bending (30°) and axial rotation (20°), and then specimens of fracture dislocation were made by cuneiform osteotomy of L3 vertebral body and excision of posterior facet joints. Finally, DRFS internal fixation was performed on each specimen. The stiffness of specimens in fracture dislocation and after DRFS fixation were measured during the same movements mentioned above, respectively. The cl inical effect of DRFS on thoracolumbar vertebrate fracture in 31 patients (aged 17-46 years with an average of 32.1) from April 1998 to October 2002 was summarized. Fracture types were classified according to Denis classification: 2 patients suffered simple compressed fracture, 16 burst fracture, and 13 fracture dislocation, including 2 cases of T11, 11 cases of T12, 14 cases of L1 and 4 cases of L2. Frankel and X-ray examination were adopted to assess the results. Results The stiffness during forward bending, backward bending, lateral bending and axial rotation in the fracturedislocation state was markedly lower than that of the corresponding movements of the intact porcine spines (P lt; 0.05). After DRFS, the stiffness during various movements increased to the level that significantly higher than that in the fracture-dislocation state (P lt; 0.05), and the stiffness during backward bending was of significant difference (P lt; 0.05), but without significant difference during the rest three movements (P gt; 0.05) when compared to that in intact spines. Regarding cl inical observation, the operation time was 2.2-4.1 hours (2.7 hours on average) and blood loss was 250-600 mL (450 mL on average). The patients were followed up for 5-20 months (10.2 months on average). The heal ing time for fracture was 5-11months (8 months onaverage). The mean anterior and posterior heights of the injured vertebrate recovered from 46.2% ± 7.5% and 76.4% ± 2.4% preoperatively to 89.8% ± 4.6% and 94.1% ± 1.5% postoperatively (P lt; 0.05).The median point height also raised from 60.8% ± 6.4% to 90.7% ± 2.9% (P lt; 0.05). The Cobb’s angle decreased from (26.3 ± 5.9)° to (5.2 ± 1.8)° (P lt; 0.05), and all the sl ipped vertebrates were well repositioned. Spine function was assessed by Frankel classification as follows: 2 of 5 Class A preoperatively improved to Class B postoperatively, and the other 3 remained unchanged ; 4 of 6 from B to C, and the other 2 to D; 6 of 13 from C to D, and the other 7 to E; and 7 from D to E. Conclusion DRFS is capable of providing sufficient stabil ity, meeting the requirement of the spine physical activity without any obvious side effect. DRFS, as a handy, safe and effective technique in cl inical practice, is featured by satisfying functions of distraction, reposition and fixation.
We developed a three-dimensional finite element model of the pelvis. According to Letournel methods, we established a pelvis model of T-shaped fracture with its three different fixation systems, i.e. double column reconstruction plates, anterior column plate combined with posterior column screws and anterior column plate combined with quadrilateral area screws. It was found that the pelvic model was effective and could be used to simulate the mechanical behavior of the pelvis. Three fixation systems had great therapeutic effect on the T-shaped fracture. All fixation systems could increase the stiffness of the model, decrease the stress concentration level and decrease the displacement difference along the fracture line. The quadrilateral area screws, which were drilled into cortical bone, could generate beneficial effect on the T-type fracture. Therefore, the third fixation system mentioned above (i.e. the anterior column plate combined with quadrilateral area screws) has the best biomechanical stability to the T-type fracture.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of U-shape titanium screw-rod fixation system with bone autografting for lumbar spondylolysis of young adults. MethodsBetween January 2008 and December 2011, 32 patients with lumbar spondylolysis underwent U-shape titanium screw-rod fixation system with bone autografting. All patients were male with an average age of 22 years (range, 19-32 years). The disease duration ranged from 3 to 24 months (mean, 14 months). L3 was involved in spondylolysis in 2 cases, L4 in 10 cases, and L5 in 20 cases. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores were 8.0±1.1 and 75.3±11.2, respectively. ResultsThe operation time was 80-120 minutes (mean, 85 minutes), and the blood loss was 150-250 mL (mean, 210 mL). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients without complications of infection and nerve symptom. Thirty-two patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 14 months). Low back pain was significantly alleviated after operation. The VAS and ODI scores at 3 months after operation were 1.0±0.5 and 17.6±3.4, respectively, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (t=30.523,P=0.000;t=45.312,P=0.000). X-ray films and CT showed bone fusion in the area of isthmus defects, with the bone fusion time of 6-12 months (mean, 9 months). During follow-up, no secondary lumbar spondyloly, adjacent segment degeneration, or loosening or breaking of internal fixator was found. ConclusionThe U-shape titanium screw-rod fixation system with bone autografting is a reliable treatment for lumbar spondylolysis of young adults because of a high fusion rate, minimal invasive, and maximum retention of lumbar range of motion.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of percutanous fixation with helical bridge combined fixation system (BCFS) for treatment of long split fractures involving the middle and upper humerus. Methods Between February 2018 and February 2020, 15 patients of long split fractures involving the middle and upper humerus were treated. There were 6 males and 9 females, with an average age of 62 years (range, 37-82 years). The fractures were caused by slipping in 7 cases, falling from height in 3 cases, and traffic accident in 5 cases. According to AO classification, the shaft fractures were rated as type A in 4 cases, type B in 9 cases, and type C in 2 cases. And all fractures extended to proximal humerus; and the proximal fractures were rated as one-part fracture in 11 cases and two-part fracture in 4 cases according to Neer classification. The interval between injury and operation was 1-7 days (mean, 3.2 days). Nine patients underwent closed reduction and 6 patients underwent open reduction after lengthening the incisions. All fractures were percutaneously internal fixated with helical BCFS after reduction. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision healing, and fracture healing were recorded. Constant-Murley score was used to evaluate shoulder joint function, and Mayo score was used to evaluate elbow joint function. ResultsThe operation time ranged from 55 to 175 minutes, with an average of 76.5 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss ranged from 80 to 300 mL, with an average of 185.5 mL. All incisions healed by first intention, without infection or radial nerve injury. All patients were followed up 12-23 months, with an average of 16 months. The fractures all reached clinical healing, and the healing time was 12-20 weeks, with an average of 14.5 weeks. At 1 year after operation, the Constant-Murley score of the affected side was 88.7±7.6, and there was no significant difference when compared with that of the healthy side (90.8±8.3) (t=1.421, P=0.052). According to the elbow Mayo score, the score of the affected side was 97.6±6.5, and there was no significant difference when compared with the healthy side (97.7±7.3) (t=0.433, P=0.913). ConclusionThe helical BCFS can avoid the dissection of deltoid insertion and prevent the iatrogenic radial nerve injury. With satisfied effectiveness, it is suggested for minimally invasive surgical treatment of long split fractures involving the middle and upper humerus.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of interlocking intramedullary nail fixation system for Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures by comparing with open surgery. Methods Forty patients (40 feet) with Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures, who were admitted between May 2020 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria, were included in the study. They were randomly allocated into control group and minimally invasive group using a random number table method, with 20 cases in each group. The patients were treated with the interlocking intramedullary nail fixation system in the minimally invasive group and with steel plate internal fixation via a lateral L-shaped incision in the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in terms of gender, age, fracture classification and side, cause of injury, time from injury to admission, and preoperative width, length, height, Böhler angle, and Gissane angle of the calcaneus. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, fracture healing time, incidence of complications, as well as pre- and post-operative imaging indicators (Böhler angle, Gissane angle, width, height, and length of the calcaneus) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score of foot were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results The incision length, operation time, and hospital stay of the minimally invasive group were significantly shorter than those of the control group, and the intraoperative blood loss significantly reduced (P<0.05). All patients of the two groups were followed up, with the follow-up time of 8-12 months (mean, 10.2 months) in the minimally invasive group and 8-12 months (mean, 10.4 months) in the control group. No complication occurred in the minimally invasive group after operation. One case of incision epidermal necrosis and 1 case of traumatic arthritis occurred in the control group after operation. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the AOFAS score was significantly higher in the minimally invasive group than in the control group (P<0.05). Imaging examination showed that the calcaneal fractures of the two groups healed, and there was no significant difference in healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). Compared with preoperative conditions, the Böhler angle and Gissane angle of the calcaneus in the two groups significantly increased, the width narrowed, and the height and length increased at 3 days after operation and the last follow-up, with significant differences (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 3 days after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point (P>0.05). ConclusionThe interlocking intramedullary nail fixation system in treatment of Sanders type Ⅱ and Ⅲ calcaneal fractures has the advantages of minimal trauma, shortened hospital stay, reliable fracture reduction and fixation, and satisfactory foot function recovery.