Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of anchor suture combined with headless compression screw fixation in treating inferior pole patellar fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 36 patients with inferior patellar fractures, who were admitted between January 2018 and October 2024 and met the selective criteria. There were 15 males and 21 females with a mean age of 52.3 years (range, 23-81 years). The fracture were reduced and fixed using anchor suture combined with headless compression screws. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and the length of hospital stay were recorded. Functional recovery was assessed using knee range of motion (ROM), Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score, and Böstman patellar fracture score. Results The operation time ranged from 10 to 100 minutes, with an average of 57.6 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss was 10 to 120 mL, with an average of 73.3 mL. The length of hospital stay was 5 to 10 days, with an average of 6.3 days. All incisions healed by first intention. All 36 patients were followed up 18-24 months (mean, 20.6 months). Preoperative X-ray films indicated that the fractures had healed; no head compression screw breakage, anchor loosening, or implant foreign body rejection reactions occurred during follow-up. At last follow-up, the ROM of the affected knee joint was (136.0±2.3)°, and there was no significant difference compared with the healthy side (136.6±2.3)° (t=−1.944, P=0.060). The HSS score of the affected knee joint was 96-100 (mean, 99.1), and all cases were rated as excellent. The Böstman patellar fracture efficacy score was 27-30 (mean, 29.1), and 35 cases were rated as excellent and 1 as good. Conclusion The suture anchors combined with headless compression screws technique provides reliable fixation for inferior patellar fractures. This method combines surgical simplicity with excellent functional outcomes.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis with full thread headless compression screws via combined minimal incisions.MethodsBetween January 2012 and December 2016, 36 patients (36 feet) with ankle diseases underwent tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis with parallel double thread headless compression screws via minimal anterior and lateral oblique incisions. There were 14 males and 22 females with an average age of 53.8 years (range, 18-76 years). There were 19 cases of left feet and 17 cases of right feet. There were 21 cases of talar necrosis, 7 cases of post-traumatic arthritis, 3 cases of rheumatoid arthritis, 2 cases of tuberculosis infection (inactive), 1 case of talar absence, 1 case of Charcot’s disease, and 1 case of pigmented villonodular synovitis of ankle and subtalar joints. Preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were 53.7±2.5 and 5.9±0.2, respectively. The operation time was recorded and the wound healing and complications were observed. The bone healing was assessed by X-ray film and CT scanning. The function and pain of joint were evaluated by AOFAS and VAS scores.ResultsThe mean operation time was 49.8 minutes (range, 33-82 minutes). Incision infection occurred in 1 patient (2.8%) at 3 weeks after operation, and recovered after debridement. The other incisions healed by first intention without complications. Thirty-five patients were followed up with an average of 18.5 months (range, 12-29 months). Imaging examination showed fusion of the ankle and subtalar joints with an average fusion time of 10.9 weeks (range, 8-15 weeks). After 1 year, the AOFAS score (84.7±0.6) and VAS score (0.3±0.1) were significantly higher than preoperative scores (t=12.596, P=0.000; t=30.393, P=0.000).ConclusionIt is an effective surgical method of tibio-talo-calcaneal arthrodesis with full thread headless compression screws via combined minimal incisions for end-stage ankle disease because of the less complications incidence and the higher postoperative fusion rate.