Objective To compare the effectiveness between locking compression plate (LCP) and locked intramedullary nail (IMN) for humeral shaft fractures of types B and C. Methods Between January 2010 and January 2012, 46 patients with humeral shaft fractures of types B and C were treated, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. LCP was used for internal fixation in 22 cases (LCP group), and IMN in 24 cases (IMN group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury causes, the side of fracture, the site of fracture, the type of fracture, associated injury, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The regular clinical examination and evaluation of radiography were done. Shoulder function was evaluated by Neer grading system and elbow function was evaluated by Mayo elbow performance score after operation. Results The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in IMN group were significantly lower than those in LCP group (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in hospitalization time between 2 groups (t=0.344, P=0.733). All patients were followed up 16.8 months on average (range, 12-24 months). At 6 months after operation, bone nonunion occurred in 1 patient of LCP group and in 2 patients of IMN group; the bone healing rate was 95.5% (21/22) in LCP group and 91.7% (22/24) in IMN group, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.000, P=1.000). Except for nonunion patients, the bone healing time was (11.77 ± 0.75) weeks in LCP group and (11.38 ± 0.82) weeks in IMN group, showing no significant difference (t=1.705, P=0.095). Between LCP and IMN groups, significant differences were found in radial nerve injury (4 cases vs. 0 case) and impingement of shoulder (0 case vs. 6 cases) (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference in superficial infection (1 case vs. 0 case) and iatrogenic fracture (1 case vs. 2 cases) (P gt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in shoulder function and elbow function at 1 year after operation between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion LCP fixation and IMN fixation for humeral shaft fractures of types B and C can achieved satisfactory results. More attention should be paid to avoiding radial nerve injury by fixation of LCP; nail tail should be buried deeply into the cortex of the greater tuberosity and rotator cuff should be protected to decrease the rate of impingement of shoulder by fixation of IMN.
Objective To exploere the effectiveness and advantages of elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) combined with curettage and graft for the treatment of benign lesions of humerus complicating by pathological fracture in children. Methods ESIN internal fixation combined with curettage and graft was used to treat benign lesions of the humerus complicating by pathological fracture in 11 children patients between January 2007 and January 2011. Of 11 patients, 7 were boy and 4 were girl, aged from 5 to 14 years (mean, 9.4 years). The disease duration ranged from 2 to 14 days (mean, 6 days). All fractures were closed fracture, which locations were the proximal humerus in 6 cases, the humeral shaft in 4 cases, and the distal humerus in 1 case; benign lesions of the humerus included aneurysmal bone cyst in 1 case, simple bone cyst in 7 cases, and fibrous dysplasia in 3 cases. Based on imaging studies, preoperative diagnosis was almost clear. The time from hospitalization to operation was 3-5 days Results Healing of incision by first intention was obtained in all cases, with no infection. The mean follow-up was 25.6 months (range, 12-36 months). All patients achieved pain relief at 6 weeks postoperatively and fractures healed completely at 3 to 4 months after operation (mean, 3.3 months). No recurrence or re-fracture was observed during follow-up. The ESIN was removed at 10-14 months after operation (mean, 12.5 months). The lesion disappeared completely in 8 cases and partially in 3 cases. No pain of affected limb or motion limitation of shoulder and elbows was observed. One patient had limb shortening of 2 cm at last follow-up, but he had no function problem. According to Neer shoulder and Mayo elbow function scores, the results were excellent in 11 cases. Conclusion It is a good method to treat benign lesions of the humerus complicating by pathological fracture in children to use ESIN internal fixation combined with curettage and graft. After only a single operation intervention, it can provide early mechanical stability and rapid fracture healing and allow early rehabilitation exercise.
Objective To analyze and compare the effectiveness of the closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nail ing and open reduction with Kirschner wire fixations in the treatment of O’Brien type III radial neck fractures in children. Methods Between November 2007 and November 2010, 31 children with O’Brien type III radial neck fractures were treated by the closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nailing fixation (closed reduction group, n=18) and by the open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation (open reduction group, n=13). There was no significant difference in age, gender, disease duration, and fracture classification between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results The incisions of 2 groups healed primarily. Allthe patients were followed up 1-2 years (mean, 1.5 years). Limitation of the elbow extension occurred in 2 cases of the closed reduction group, l imitations of the elbow extension, flexion, and forearm pronation in 6 cases of the open reduction group. There was no significant difference in elbow flexion, extension, pronation, and supination between affected side and normal side in the closed reduction group (P gt; 0.05). Except in supination (P gt; 0.05), there were significant differences in flexion, extension, and pronation between affected side and normal side in the open reduction group (P lt; 0.05). According to Metaizeau’s grading criterion, excellent results were achieved in 16 cases and good in 2 cases in the closed reduction group; excellent results were achieved in 4 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 2 case in the open reduction group; and there was significant difference between 2 groups (Z=3.435, P=0.001). The X-ray films showed anatomical reduction in 2 groups before removal of internal fixation; redisplacement occurred in 4 cases after removal of internal fixation in the open reduction group, no redisplacement occurred in the closed reduction group. There was no avascular necrosis of radial head and epi physes during follow-up. Conclusion Comparison with the open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation, the closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nailing fixation is a rel iable and good treatment for O’Brien type III radial neck fractures in children, because it has the advantages of minimal invasion, easy operation, stable fixation, early mobilization, and less complication.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of two minimally invasive methods: minimally invasive plating osteosynthesis (MIPO) and expandable intramedullary nail ing technique in treatment of middle third humeral shaft fractures. Methods The cl inical data were retrospectively analyzed and compared from 33 cases with middle third humeral shaft fractures between May 2004 and December 2008. All the patients were divided into 2 groups: 14 patients were treated with MIPOtechnique (group A) and 19 with expandable intramedullary nail ing technique (group B). In group A, there were 10 males and 4 females with an average age of 35 years (range, 21-51 years). The disease cause was traffic accident in 5 cases, tumbl ing in 6 cases, machine related trauma in 2 cases, crushed by a heavy object in 1 case. Six fractures were classified as AO type A, 6 as type B, and 2 as type C. The time from injury to operation was 3 to 11 days with an average of 5.9 days. In group B, there were 12 males and 7 females with an average age of 40 years (range, 19-68 years). The disease cause was traffic accident in 7 cases, tumbl ing in 8 cases, fall ing from height in 3 cases, crush injury in 1 case. Ten fractures were classified as AO type A, 8 as type B, and 1 as type C. The time from injury to operation was 2 to 6 days with an average of 4.2 days. There was no significant difference in general data between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results The operation time was (104.6 ± 25.8) minutes in group A and (85.0 ± 35.7) minutes in group B, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). Incision healed by first intention without iatrogenic radial nerve palsy in 2 groups. The patientswere followed up 21.4 months on average (range, 12-37 months) in group A and 20.5 months on average (range, 22-35 months) in group B. The X-ray films showed bony heal ing in all patients. The fracture union time was (16.4 ± 6.1) weeks in group A and (15.0 ± 2.5) weeks in group B, showing no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). The University of Cal ifornia Los Angeles (UCLA) End- Result scores were 34.1 ± 1.1 in group A and 31.8 ± 2.6 in group B and the Mayo Elbow Performance scores were 100 in group A and 97.6 ± 3.9 in group B; all showing significant differences (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Good cl inical outcomes could be obtained when middle third humeral shaft fractures are treated by either MIPO or expandable intramedullary nail ing techniques. However, MIPO technique could offer better shoulder and elbow functional results.
Objective To determine the effect of interlocking intramedullary nail in treatment of open tibial and fibula fractures and analyze the method to promote the bone union. Methods From December 2003 to June 2006, thirtyfive patients with open tibial and fibula fracture were treated with emergency debridement, interlocked intramedullary fixation for tibia and fixed fibula at the same time. During operation, the bone marrow was collected and grafted into the fracture gaps. Among them, there were 27 males and 8 females, involving in 22 left legs and 13 right legs. Their ages ranged from 19 to 65 years, with an average of 34.7 years. The location of fracture was the middle of the tibia and fibula in 16 cases, the distal 1/3 of the tibia and fibula in 12 cases and the proximal 1/3 in 7 cases. According to the Gusitilo classification of open injuries, there were 7 cases of type I, 19 cases of type II, 8 cases of type III a and 1 case of type III b. The mean range of knee motion was 48.3° (45-70°). The mean time from injury to operation was 4.3 hours (50 minutes to 7 hours). Results The mean operation time was 94 minutes (60-132 minutes) and the mean blood loss was 122 mL (100-350 mL). The wound healed by first intention in 32 patients. Incision was sutured in 2 cases of type III a fractures after operation 4 days, gastrocnemius flap graft was performed in 1 case of type III b fracture 1 week after operation. They all achieve good heal ing. No fractures spl it off, no iatrogenic nerve and vascular injury occurred, no osteofascial compartment syndromes or deep vein thrombus happened. Tension bl isters appeared in 1 case of type II fracture after operation and subsided after 5 days. Patients were followed up for 14-43 months (mean 22 months). The X-ray films showed that fracture union was observe in 30 cases after 14 weeks of operation, in 3 cases after 18 weeks and in 1 caseafter 22 weeks of operation. The fractures union time was 15.2 weeks on average. About 2 cm nonunion in lateral tibial appeared in 1 case of type I fracture. No fracture occurred again. The mean range of knee motion was 127° (121-135°). The mean HSS score was 96.5 (87-100) at the end of the follow-up. The excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion The curative effect of interlocking intramedullary nail is definite in treatment of open tibial and fibula fractures and it can enhance fracture union to plant bone marrow into the fracture gaps.
Objective To investigate the treatment method of senile patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures and its cl inical outcomes. Methods From January 2005 to December 2007, 192 senile patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures were treated, including 85 males and 107 females aged 65-92 years old (average 75 years old). The injury was causedby fall on walking in 106 cases, fall when riding a bicycle in 55 cases, and traffic accidents in 31 cases. According to Evans classification, there were 12 cases of type I A, 43 cases of type I B, 29 cases of type II, 24 cases of type III A, 23 cases of type III B, 26 cases of type IV, and 35 cases of type V. One hundred and fifty patients were associated with cardio-cerebrovascular diseases, 120 patients were compl icated with chronicle hypertension, 90 cases were associated with bronchitis, and 75 cases were compl icated with diabetes. The time from injury to hospital admission was 1 hour to 14 days. Among those patients, 108 were treated with conservative treatment, 68 received dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation, and 16 underwent proximal femoral Gamma nail fixation. Results All the patients were followed up for 12-36 months (average 18 months). The fracture all reached bone union without occurrence of nonunion and delayed union. Patients could take care of themselves, and there were no occurrences of serious pains and dysfunctions. The therapeutic effect was satisfactory. The conservative treatment group: the average hospital stay length was 48 days; the average bone heal ing time was 14 weeks; 23 cases had different degrees of coxa adducta; Harris score system was adopted to evaluate hip joint function, 45 cases were graded as excellent, 31 as good, 10 as fair, and 22 as poor, and the excellent and good rate was 70.4%. DHS internal fixation group: the average operation time was 60 minutes; the average bleeding volume during operation was 200 mL, the average hospital stay length was 24 days; the average bone heal ing time after operation was 12 weeks; Harris score system was adopted to evaluate the injured hip joint function, 38 cases were graded as excellent, 21 as good, 8 as fair, and 1 as poor, and the excellent and good rate was 86.8%. Gamma nailfixation group: the average operation time was 70 minutes; the average bleeding volume during operation was 200 mL, the average hospital stay length was 14 days; the average bone heal ing time after operation was 12 weeks; Harris score system was adopted to evaluate the injured hip joint function, 11 cases were graded as excellent, 4 as good, 1 as fair, and the excellent and good rate was 93.8%. Conclusion For geriatric femoral intertrochanteric fractures, operative treatment should be performed, the preoperative preparation should be sufficient, and individual-oriented treatment method should be selected on the basis of physical conditions of patients and the types of fractures.
Objective To assess the factors that affect the outcome of distal femoral fractures treated by retrograde intramedullary nail ing. Methods Between November 1999 and June 2006, 30 patients with 31 distal femoral fractures (15 males and 15 females, 1 bilateral) were treated by retrograde nail ing. Their ages ranged from 44 to 82 years old (average, 67.2 years old). The causes of injury were sl ipping downs in 17 patients, traffic accidents in 11, and fall ing from height in 2. Theaverage interval from injury to operation was 1.8 days. There were 14 cases of A1 fracture, 7 cases of A2, 8 cases of A3, and 2 cases of C1 according to AO/OTA classifications. The mean distance between the most distal l ine of the fracture and the intercondylar notch was 7.2 cm (range, 0-12 cm). Closed retrograde nail ing was done without reaming, and bone grafts were not done. Re sults The operation time averaged 76 minutes (range, 45-110 minutes). All patients were followed up for 19-69 months, and the mean follow-up duration was 27 months. Twenty-eight of 31 fractures united on the average of 14.7 weeks (range, 12-22 weeks). Compl ications occurred in 7 cases. There were 3 nonunions in AO-A3 fractures which were treated by changing implants or bone graft. Two patients suffered screw loosening of distal locking, that were re-fixed. Two patients showed l imited knee motion of less than 90 degrees flexion. There were no cases of deep infection, malunion over 10 degrees of angulation or 1 cm of shortening. A satisfactory outcome (excellent and good results) was achieved in 26 of 31 cases (84%), according to Schatzker and Lambert’s criteria. Poor results and compl ications were related to fractures of comminution and located within 5 cm from the intercondylar notch (Pearson Chi-square test, P=0.03). Other possible factors including age, kinds of nails used, associated injury, and numbers of distal locking screws were not related to the outcome and compl ication (Pearson Chi-square test, P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Retrograde nail ing may be a useful option for distal femoral fractures, but attention should be paid to comminuted fractures or fractures close to the knee joint.
To provide the scientific theoretical basis for cl inical practice by comparing biomechanicalcharacteristics of single compressed plate with intramedullary pin, locking intramedullary nail and simple arm externalfixator with simple internal fixation devices. Methods Eighteen wet humeral bone specimens of adult cadaver were madecompl icated fracture models of humeral shaft and divided into 3 groups according to fixation methods. Fracture was fixed by single compressed plate with intramedullary pin in plate group, by locking intramedullary nail in intramedullary nail group and by external fixator with simple internal fixation devices in external fixator group. The intensity and rigidity of compl icated fracture models of humeral shaft was measured in compress test and torsion test. Results In compress test, the maximum load in plate group (6 162.09 ± 521.06) N and in intramedullary nail group (6 738.32 ± 525.89) N was significantly larger than that in external fixator group (2 753.57 ± 185.59) N (P lt; 0.05); but there was no significant difference between plate group and intramedullary nail group (P gt; 0.05). Under 600 N physiological compress load, the rigidity was (171.69 ± 6.49) N/mm in plate group, (333.04 ± 36.85) N/mm in intramedullary nail group and (132.59 ± 2.93) N/mm in external fixator group; showing no significant difference between plate group and external fixator group (P gt; 0.05), and showing significant difference between intramedullary nail group and plate, external fixator groups (P lt; 0.05). In torsion test, the maximum torque in plate group (38.24 ± 7.08) Nm was significantly larger than those in intramedullary nail group (17.12 ± 5.73) Nm and external fixator group (20.26 ± 6.42) Nm (P lt; 0.05), but there was no significant difference between intramedullary nail group and external fixator group (P gt; 0.05). Under 0.80 Nm physiological torque, the rigidity was (16.36 ± 2.07) Ncm/° in plate group and (18.79 ± 2.62) Ncm/° in external fixator group, which was significantly larger than that in intramedullary nail group (11.45 ± 0.22) Ncm/° (P lt; 0.05); but there was no significant difference between plate group and external fixator group (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Those fracture models fixed by single compressed plate with intramedullary pin have better compress and torsion intensity, they also have better torsion rigidity but less compress rigidity. Those fracture models fixed by locking intramedullary nail have better compress intensity but less torsion intensity, they also have better compress rigidity but less torsion rigidity. Those fracture models fixed by external fixator with simple internal fixation device have less compress and torsion intensity, they also have less compress rigidity but better torsion rigidity.
Objective To evaluate the treatment results of LCP and locked intramedullary nailing for tibial diaphysis fractures.MethodsFrom October 2003 to April 2006, 55 patients with tibial diaphysis fractures ( 58 fractures) were treated. Of them there were 39 males and 16 females with an average of 39 years years ( 14 to 62 years). The fractures were on the left side in 27 patients and on the right side in 31 patients (3 patients had bilateral involvement). Thirtyfour fractures were treated by intramedullary nailing (intramedullary nailing group) and 24 fractures by LCP fixation (LCP group). The average disease course was 3 days (intramedullary nailing group) and 3.1 days(LCP group). The operation time, the range of motion of knee and ankle joints, fracturehealing time, and complications were evaluated. Results The patients were followed up 8-26 months(13 months on average). The operation time was 84.0±9.2 min (intramedullary nailing group) and 69.0±8.4 min (LCPgroup)； the average cost in hospital was￥19 297.78 in the intramedullary nailing group and ￥14 116.55 in the LCP group respectively, showing significant differences(P＜0.05). The flexion and extension of knee joint was 139.0±3.7° and 4.0±0.7° in intramedullary nailing group and 149.0±4.2° and 0±0.4° in LCP group, showing no significant difference(Pgt;0.05). The doral flexion and plantar flexion of ankle joint were 13.0±1.7° and 41.0±2.6° in intramedullary nailing group, and 10.0±1.4° and 44.0±2.3° in LCP group, showing nosignificant differences(Pgt;0.05). The mean healing time was 3.3 months in intramedullary nailing group, and 3.1 months in LCP group. Length discrepancy occurred in 1 case (2.5 cm), delayed union in 1 case and nailing endtrouble in 3 cases in intramedullary nailing group; moreover rotation deformityoccurred 1 case and anterior knee pain occurred in 6 cases(17.1%). One angulation and open fracture developed osteomyelitis in 1 case 1 week postoperatively and angulation deformity occurred in 1 case of distalthird tibial fractures in LCP group. Conclusion LCP and locked intramedullary nailing can achieve satisfactory results in treating tibial diaphysis fracture LCP has advantages in less complication, operation time and cost in hospital.
Objective To explore the effect of blocking screws on the breakage of interlocking intramedullary nails. Methods From January 2003to August 2005, 56 patients with fresh and close fracture of long shafts were treated by interlocking intramedullary nails. Among them, there were 32 males and 24 females, including 26 femoral fracture and 30 tibial fracture. Fracture of femoral and tibialshaft was fixed with interlocking intramedullary nails normally in group Ⅰ(n=32). And long oblique, spiral, proximal or distal fracture of bone shaft was fixed with interlocking intramedullary nails and blocking screws in group Ⅱ(n=24). Results All cases were followed up 12 to 21 months(16 months on average). In group Ⅰ, fracture healing failed and the intramedullary nails broke in 3 cases, breakage site was the middle femoral fracture area in 1 case and the first distal interlocking nail hole in 2 cases of distal 1/3 tibial fracture. Fractures healed 6 to 12 months after operations in the other cases, but more bony callus occurred in fracture area. In group Ⅱ, fractures healing and good alignment were achieved, and no breakage was found in all 24cases. Conclusion The use of blocking screws added to interlocking intramedullary nails could improve the stability of fracture areas distinctively, and hence reduce the breakage of intramedullary nails.