ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and advantages of the lower extremity axial distractor assisted closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary nail internal fixation in the treatment of distal femoral fractures.MethodsThe clinical data of 49 patients with distal femoral fractures treated with retrograde intramedullary nail internal fixation between April 2016 and December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different methods of intraoperative reduction, the patients were divided into trial group (29 cases, using lower extremity axial distractor to assist closed reduction) and control group (20 cases, using free-hand retraction reduction). There was no significant difference in general information between the two groups (P>0.05), such as gender, age, side of injury, cause of injury, and fracture classification. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and callus formation time were recorded and compared between the two groups. The function of the affected limb was evaluated according to the Schatzker-Lambert standard at 1 year after operation.ResultsAll patients successfully completed the operation. In the control group, there was 1 case with open reduction and internal fixation, and the rest of the two groups were closed reduction. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no complication such as vascular or nerve injury and iatrogenic fracture, etc. during and after operation, and the incisions healed by first intention. Except for 2 patients in the trial group who were lost to follow-up at 3 months after operation, the rest of the patients were followed up 12-36 months, with an average of 16.0 months. There was no significant difference in the callus formation time between the two groups (t=2.195, P=0.145). During the follow-up, postoperative knee joint stiffness occurred in 1 case in the control group, which improved by strengthening the knee joint function exercise and removing the internal fixator; the rest were not found to be associated with delayed or nonunion fractures, knee stiffness, and internal fixation complication. The function of the affected limb was evaluated according to the Schatzker-Lambert standard at 1 year after operation, the trial group achieved excellent results in 22 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 96.3%; in the control group, the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate was 95.0%; showing no significant difference in the excellent and good rate between the two groups (χ2=0.451, P=0.502).ConclusionThe lower extremity axial distractor assisted closed reduction and retrograde intramedullary nailing for the treatment of distal femoral fractures is convenient, which has satisfactory efficacy.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of lower extremity axial distractor (LEAD) and traction table assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation in treatment of femoral subtrochanteric fracture. Methods The clinical data of 117 patients with subtrochanteric fracture of femur treated by closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation between May 2012 and May 2022 who met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. According to the auxiliary reduction tools used during operation, the patients were divided into LEAD group (62 cases with LEAD reduction) and traction table group (55 cases with traction table reduction). There was no significant difference in baseline data, such as gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, fracture Seinsheimer classification, time from injury to operation, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, between the two groups (P>0.05). Total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, closed reduction rate, fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, weight-bearing activity time, and incidence of complications, as well as hip flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), Harris score, and VAS score at 1 month and 6 months after operation and last follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results There were 14 cases in the LEAD group from closed reduction to limited open reduction, and 43 cases in the traction table group. The incisions in the LEAD group healed by first intention, and no complication such as nerve and vascular injury occurred during operation. In the traction table group, 3 cases had perineal crush injury, which recovered spontaneously in 1 week. The total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, and closed reduction rate in the LEAD group were significantly better than those in the traction table group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the quality of fracture reduction between the two groups (P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-44 months, with an average of 15.8 months. In the LEAD group, 1 patient had delayed fracture union at 6 months after operation, 1 patient had nonunion at 3 years after operation, and 1 patient had incision sinus pus flow at 10 months after operation. In the traction table group, there was 1 patient with fracture nonunion at 15 months after operation. X-ray films of the other patients in the two groups showed that the internal fixator was fixed firmly without loosening and the fractures healed. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time, weight bearing activity time, incidence of complications, and postoperative hip flexion and extension ROM, Harris score, and VAS score at different time points between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor femoral subtrochanteric fracture treated by close reduction and intramedullary nail fixation, compared with traction table, LEAD assisted fracture reduction can significantly shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy frequency, reduce incision length, effectively improve the success rate of closed reduction, and avoid complications related to traction table reduction. It provides a new method for good reduction of femoral subtrochanteric fracture.
Objective To investigate the effect of axial stress stimulation on tibial and fibular open fractures healing after Taylor space stent fixation. Methods The data of 45 cases with tibial and fibular open fractures treated by Taylor space stent fixation who meet the selection criteria between January 2015 and June 2016 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into trial group (23 cases) and control group (22 cases) according to whether the axial stress stimulation was performed after operation. There was no significant difference in gender, age, affected side, cause of injury, type of fracture, and interval time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The axial stress stimulation was performed in trial group after operation. The axial load sharing ratio was tested, and when the value was less than 10%, the external fixator was removed. The fracture healing time, full weight-bearing time, and external fixator removal time were recorded and compared. After 6 months of external fixator removal, the function of the limb was assessed by Johner-Wruhs criteria for evaluation of final effectiveness of treatment of tibial shaft fractures. Results There were 2 and 3 cases of needle foreign body reaction in trial group and control group, respectively, and healed after symptomatic anti allergic treatment. All the patients were followed up 8-12 months with an average of 10 months. All the fractures reached clinical healing, no complication such as delayed union, nonunion, or osteomyelitis occurred. The fracture healing time, full weight-bearing time, and external fixator removal time in trial group were significantly shorter than those in control group (P<0.05). After 6 months of external fixator removal, the function of the limb was excellent in 13 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 1 case in trial group, with an excellent and good rate of 82.6%; and was excellent in 5 cases, good in 10 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 3 cases in control group, with an excellent and good rate of 68.2%, showing significant difference between 2 groups (Z=–2.146, P=0.032). Conclusion The axial stress stimulation of Taylor space stent fixation can promote the healing of tibial and fibular open fractures and promote local bone formation at fracture site.
Objective To review the progress in the features, early cl inical outcomes, and cl inical appl ication of axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) for the minimally invasive treatment of lumbosacral degenerative diseases. Methods The l iterature about the features, early cl inical outcomes, and cl inical appl ication of AxiaLIF for the minimally invasive treatment of lumbosacral degenerative diseases in recent years was reviewed. Results Almost 9 000 procedures performed globally in recent years, AxiaLIF has shown its safety and effectiveness because of high fusion rates, short hospital ization days, and less iatrogenic compl ications in comparison with standard fusion procedures. ConclusionPostoperative long-term outcomes, biomechanics stabil ity, and extended appl ication of AxiaLIF still need a further study,though it suggests an original minimally invasive treatment of lumbosacral degenerative diseases.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of dynamization of external fixation on open tibia and fibula fracture union.MethodsThe clinical data of 26 cases of open tibia and fibula fractures treated by external fixation were retrospectively analysed. According to different postoperative treatment methods, the patients were divided into elastic dynamic group (group A, n=13) and constant elastic fixation group (group B, n=13). There was no significant difference in gender, age, and fracture type between 2 groups (P>0.05). The removal time of external fixator in group B was evaluated by fracture healing time, X-ray film, and doctor’s experience. In group A, the growth of callus was examined based on X-ray film at 12 weeks after operation; the axial mechanical load ratio was tested, and dynamic loading was carried out when the axial mechanical load ratio was 5%-10%. The using time of external fixator, fracture healing time, and incidence of complications were compared between 2 groups.ResultsAll patients were followed up 4-13 months, with an average of 5.7 months. During the treatment, there was no complication such as loosening or breaking of the external fixator, fracture displacement, or re-fracture in 2 groups. The using time of external fixator in group A was (24.77±1.42) weeks and the fracture healing time was (23.04±1.30) weeks, which were all significantly reduced when compared with those in group B [(34.38±1.71) weeks and (32.46±1.66) weeks] (t=16.10, P=0.00; t=15.58, P=0.00). In group A, there were 2 cases of needle tract infection and 1 case of muscle weakness, the incidence of complication was 23.1%; in group B, there were 3 cases of needle tract infection, 1 case of muscle weakness, and 1 case of delayed union of fracture, the incidence of complication was 38.5%; there was no significant difference in the incidence of complication between 2 groups (P=1.000).ConclusionDynamization of external fixation can promote union of open tibia and fibula fractures with a high security.
Objective To review the feature, biomechanics, and cl inical appl ication of percutaneous 360 degree axial lumbar interbody fusion (AxiaLIF) technique. Methods Recent l iterature on investigation and appl ication of percutaneous360 degree AxiaLIF technique was reviewed. Results Percutaneous 360 degree AxiaLIF technique mainly contained operative approach, axial technique, and posterior fixation. It was obviously different from other lumbar interbody fusion techniques due to its capabil ity of maintaining the integrity of the bilateral facet joints, the anterior/posterior longitudinal l igament, and the annulus fibrosus. Three-dimensional AxiaLIF RodTM provided axial support and firmly fixation, thereby rel ieving stenosis of lumbar intervertebral foramen and restoring the intervertebral disc height and the whole height and physiological curvature of the lumbar spine. The recovery of the intervertebral disc height could restore the folded or crumpled flavum, the posterior longitudinal l igament, and the herniated annulus, resulting in the improvement of stenosis symptoms of nerve root canal or central vertebral canal. Conclusion Percutaneous 360 degree AxiaLIF technique achieves satisfying therapeutic effects, although it has fairly narrow indication and needs long-term follow-up observation.
ObjectiveTo observe the change of stromal cell-derived factor 1α/cysteine X cysteine receptor 4 (SDF-1α/CXCR4) signaling pathway during the process of axial stress stimulation promoting bone regeneration, and to further explore its mechanism.MethodsA total of 72 male New Zealand white rabbits were selected to prepare the single cortical bone defect in diameter of 8 mm at the proximal end of the right tibia that repaired with deproteinized cancellous bone. All models were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=24). Group A was treated with intraperitoneally injection of PBS; Group B was treated with stress stimulation and intraperitoneally injection of PBS; Group C was treated with stress stimulation and intraperitoneally injection of AMD3100 solution. The X-ray films were taken and Lane-Sandhu scores of bone healing were scored at 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, while specimens were harvested for HE staining, immunohistochemical staining of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CXCR4, and Western blot (SDF-1α and CXCR4). The bone healing area was scanned by Micro-CT at 12 weeks after operation, and the volume and density of new bone were calculated.ResultsX-ray film showed that the Lane-Sandhu scores of bone healing in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A and C at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation (P<0.05). Micro-CT scan showed that the bone defect was repaired in group B and the pulp cavity was re-passed at 12 weeks after operation. The volume and density of new bone were higher in group B than in groups A and C (P<0.05). HE staining showed that the new bone growth in bone defect area and the degradation of scaffolds were faster in group B than in groups A and C after 4 weeks. The immunohistochemical staining showed that the expressions of VEGF and CXCR4 in 3 groups reached the peak at 4 weeks, and group B was higher than groups A and C (P<0.05). Western blot analysis showed that the expressions of SDF-1α and CXCR4 in group B were significantly higher than those in groups A and C at 4 and 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05).ConclusionAxial stress stimulation can promote the expression of SDF-1α in bone defect tissue, activate and regulate the CXCR4 signal collected by marrow mesenchymal stem cells, and accelerate bone regeneration in bone defect area.
ObjectiveTo explore the efficacy and safety of the axial load mechanical testing for removing external fixator. MethodsBetween January 2014 and August 2015, 27 patients with tibia and fibula fractures caused by trauma underwent an external fixation. Of 27 patients, 21 were male and 6 were female with the average age of 45 years (range, 19-63 years), including 7 cases of closed fracture and 20 cases of open fracture. X-ray film results showed spiral unstable fracture in 4 cases and comminuted unstable fracture in 23 cases. All patients underwent an external fixation. Bone nonunion occurred in 3 cases because of infection, and bone nonunion combined with bone defect occurred in 1 case, who received tibial osteotomy lengthening surgery. When X-ray film showed continuity high density callus formation at fracture site, axial load mechanical test was performed. If the axial load ratio of external fixator was less than 10%, the external fixator was removed. ResultsAt 21-85 weeks after external fixation (mean, 44 weeks), axial load mechanical test was performed. The results showed that the axial load ratio of external fixation was less than 10% in 26 cases, and the external fixator was removed; at 6 weeks after removal of external fixator, the patients could endure full load and return to work, without re-fracture. The axial load ratio was 14% in 1 case at 85 weeks, and the X-ray film result showed that fracture did not completely heal with angular deformity; re-fracture occurred after removing external fixator, and intramedullary fixation was used. ConclusionExternal fixator axial load mechanical testing may objectively reveal and quantitatively evaluate fracture healing, so it is safe and reliable to use for guiding the external fixator removal.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of Ilizarov technique in improving bone transport axial offset. MethodsBetween January 2010 and December 2014, 14 patients with tibial fracture were treated by using Ilizarov technique. Of 14 cases, 11 were male and 3 were female, aged 18-70 years (mean, 38.8 years); there were 10 cases of infective bone defect and 4 cases of non-infective bone defect. According to Paley typing, 7 cases were rated as type B1(bone defect without shortening) and 7 cases as type B3(bone defect with shortening). The injury to operation time was 1 to 72 months (mean, 11.9 months). Ilizarov fixation was used for type architecture and adjusting fixed bone removal of half the distance between the needle and the ring, changing the auadrilateral edges, adjusting the convolution relationship between the bone removal section and bone segment involution, and adjusting the two force lines of bone segment involution end so as to make the limb lines of force satisfactory. ResultsThe patients were followed up 9-31 months (mean, 19.1 months). Four cases achieved natural bone healing at last follow-up, bone healing was obtained in 10 cases after bone graft. At 1 week after operation, X-ray films showed angulation in the coronal plane in 10 cases (3-12°, 4.9° on average) and in the sagittal plane in 9 cases (2-12°, 3.8° on average); axial offset was observed in 6 cases (43%), which was corrected in 5 cases except 1 case. At last followup, angulation in the coronal plane was observed in 5 cases (2-4°, 2.6° on average), angulation in the sagittal plane in 6 cases (2-6°, 4.1° on average), and axial offset in 1 case (7%), which were significantly improved when compared with ones at 1 week. According to Paley evaluation criteria, the osseous results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 2 cases; the functional results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 2 cases at last follow-up. ConclusionAxial offset in the Ilizarov bone transport relatively common. By adjusting fixed bone removal of half the distance between the needle and the ring, the axial offset can be improved.
【Abstract】 Objective The auto-control micro-motion intramedullary locking nail (AMLN) is designed, to reducethe incidence of delayed union and non-union of femoral shaft fractures fixed by interlocking intramedullary nails, and toobserve the cl inical effect of self-design AMLN in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures. Methods The distal and promixalnails were connected by the micro-motion locking structure, which could cause 1.0-1.5 mm axial micro-motion between fracture gaps. It could produce physical stimulus and conduction between fracture gaps in the course of fracture union. From December 2003 to May 2006, 32 cases of femoral shaft fractures were treated with AMLN, including 21 males and 11 females with the average age of 31.2 years (ranging from 20 years to 43 years). The trauma resulted from fall wounds in 3 cases, crash injuries in 1 case and car accidents in 28 cases. Twenty-nine cases were fresh fractures in different parts of the femoral shaft with transverse, obl ique, spiral and comminuted fractures of type I, II, III and IV. Three cases were old non-union fractures. The fresh fractures were treated by closed AMLN fixation, while the old fractures were treated by open AMLN nails after routine implantation of self bone. Results All the 32 cases were followed up for the average time of 11.5 months (rangeing from 8 months to 22 months). The X-ray films showed the fractures were healed 4.0 to 7.5 months after the operation, with the mean time of 5.1 months, and no break of the nail happened. One nail mildly bent in the comminuted fracture, and 2 patients felt sl ightly unwell at the needl ing point. According to the Klemm criterion for function, 26 cases were excellent, 5 good, 1 fair, and the choiceness rate was 96.88%. Conclusion With a suitable design, AMLN is easy to perform and helpful to quicken fracture union, and it is effective to treat femoral shaft fractures.