ObjectiveTo summarize the application and experience of repairing spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture by part-Kessler technique with suture anchor. MethodsBetween January 2011 and December 2013, 31 patients with spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture were treated by part-Kessler technique with suture anchor. Of 31 cases, 23 were male and 8 were female, aged 16-53 years (mean, 38 years). The left side was involved in 15 cases and the right side in 16 cases. The causes of injury included sudden heel pain and walking weakness during sports in 22 cases; no surefooted down-stairs, slip, and carrying heavy loads in 9 cases. The distance from broken site to the calcaneus adhension of Achilles tendon was 3-6 cm (mean, 4.2 cm). The time from injury to operation was 7 hours to 4 days (mean, 36.8 hours). ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention without nerve injury or adhering with skin. The patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 15 months). All patients could complete 25 times heel raising without difficulty at 6 months after operation. No Achilles tendon rupture occurred again during follow-up. At 6 months after operation, the range of motion of the ankle joint in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion showed no significant difference between normal and affected sides (t=0.648, P=0.525; t=0.524, P=0.605). The circumference of the affected leg was significantly smaller than that of normal leg at 6 months after operation (t=2.074, P=0.041), but no significant difference was found between affected and normal sides at 12 months after operation (t=0.905, P=0.426). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after operation were significantly higher than preoperative score (P<0.05); the score at 6 months after operation was significantly lower than that at other time points (P<0.05), but no significant difference was shown between the other time points (P>0.05). ConclusionRepairing spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture by part-Kessler technique with suture anchor can supply strong strain and decrease the shear forces of suture. So part-Kessler technique with suture anchor is successful in repairing spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture.
Objective To investigate the outcomes of arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation of tibial eminence avulsion fracture using absorbable double suture anchors. Methods Between February 2007 and August 2009, 18 patients with tibial eminence avulsion fracture were treated with arthroscopic reduction and fixation using absorbable doublensuture anchors. There were 12 males and 6 females with an average age of 30.6 years (range, 17-48 years). The disease causes were traffic accident injury in 4 cases, sport injury in 8 cases, and fall ing from height injury in 6 cases; the locations were left side in 7 cases and right side in 11 cases. The results of the anterior drawer test and Lachman test were positive. According to Meyers-McKeever classification, 10 cases were rated as type II, 7 as type III, and 1 as type IV fractures. The time from injury to treatment was 6-20 days (mean, 10.2 days). Results Incision healed primarily. All the patients were followed up 29.1 months (range, 13-43 months). The X-ray films showed good reduction of fracture immediately after operation and fracture heal ing at 3 months. At the last follow-up, the range of motion of knee was 0-130°. The results of Lachman test and anterior drawer test were negative in 18 cases and 16 cases, repectively; and the results of anterior drawer test were weakly positive in 2 cases. The mean Lysholm score was significantly improved from 53.9 ± 6.7 preoperatively to 91.6 ± 4.2 postoperatively (t=22.100, P=0.000). The Inter national knee Documentation Commitee (IKDC) 2000 subject score improved from 58.1 ± 3.7 preoperatively to 92.8 ± 5.9 postoperatively (t=20.700, P=0.000). Conclusion Arthroscopic treatment using absorbable double suture anchors for tibial eminence avulsion fracture can provide satisfactory reduction, stable fixation, and good heal ing of the avulsed fragment, which is a minimally-invasive, simple, and effective treatment for patients with tibial eminence avulsion fracture.
Objective To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by using zero-profile anchored cage (ZAC) in treatment of consecutive three-level cervical spondylosis, by comparing with plate-cage construct (PCC). Methods A clinical data of 65 patients with cervical spondylosis admitted between January 2020 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. During consecutive three-level ACDF, 35 patients were fixed with ZAC (ZAC group) and 30 patients with PCC (PCC group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05), including gender, age, body mass index, surgical segment, preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, prevertebral soft tissue thickness (PSTT), cervical lordosis, and surgical segmental angle. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, clinical indicators (JOA score, NDI, VAS score), and radiological indicators (cervical lordosis, surgical segmental angle, implant subsidence, surgical segment fusion, and adjacent segment degeneration), and the postoperative complications [swelling of the neck (PSTT), dysphagia] were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results Patients in both groups were followed up 24-39 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up duration between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were lower in ZAC group than in PCC group, and the length of hospital stay was longer, but there was no significant difference (P>0.05). At each time point after operation, both groups showed significant improvements in JOA score, VAS score, and NDI compared with preoperative scores (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05). Both groups showed an increase in PSTT at 3 days and 3, 6 months after operation compared to preoperative levels (P<0.05), but returned to preoperative levels at last follow-up (P>0.05). The PSTT at 3 days and 3 months after operation were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 6 months and at last follow-up (P>0.05). The incidences of dysphagia at 3 days and 3 months were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed at 6 months and last follow-up between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no postoperative complication in both groups including hoarseness, esophageal injury, cough, or hematoma. Both groups showed improvement in cervical lordosis and surgical segmental angle compared to preoperative levels, with a trend of loss during follow-up. The cervical lordosis loss and surgical segmental angle loss were significantly more in the ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05). The incidence of implante subsidence was significantly higher in ZAC group than in PCC group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the ZAC group and PCC group in the incidences of surgical segment fusion and adjacent segment degeneration (P>0.05). ConclusionIn consecutive three-level ACDF, both ZAC and PCC can achieve satisfactory effectiveness. The former can reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia, while the latter can better maintain cervical curvature and reduce the incidence of implant subsidence.
Objective To explore the mid-term effectiveness of combined knee extensor mechanism realignment with bone anchor for recurrent patella dislocation. Methods Between August 2017 and May 2019, 21 patients with recurrent patella dislocation underwent combined knee extensor mechanism realigament with bone anchor and followed up more than 3 years. There were 8 males and 13 females with an average age of 19.4 years (range, 13-26 years). All 21 patients had a history of recurrent patellar dislocation for 2-5 times (median, 3 times), and the disease duration was 1-16 years (mean, 5 years). The preoperative Lysholm score was 67.5±6.3 and the Kujula score was 64.1±7.0. The defect of meniscus, anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, and medial and lateral collateral ligaments were excluded by MRI examination; CT examination showed that the tibial tuberosity-trochlear groove distance was 2.05-2.56 cm, with an average of 2.16 cm; X-ray examination showed that lower limb force line was abnormal. The effectiveness were evaluated by Lysholm score and Kujula score before operation and at 3 years after operation, and Insall evaluation standard at 3 years after operation. Results All the incisions healed by first intention, and there was no surgical complication such as lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, incision infection, and nerve injury. All 21 patients were followed up 3.0-3.5 years, with an average of 3.2 years. Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the knee joint at 3 years after operation showed that the position of the patella was normal, and the axial X-ray films of the patella (30°, 60°, 90°) showed that the patellofemoral joint had a good relationship. During the follow-up, there was no anchor drop or fracture, no obvious pseudarthrosis formation, and no epiphyseal injury in the minor patients. The Lysholm score was 91.5±7.1 and the Kujula score was 88.1±7.6 at 3 years after operation, which were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (t=11.57, P=0.00; t=12.78, P=0.00). According to the Insall evaluation criteria, 12 cases were excellent, 4 cases were good, 4 cases were fair, and 1 case was poor, with an excellent and good rate of 76.2%. ConclusionCombined knee extensor mechanism realignment with bone anchor is a simple and reliable way to treat the recurrent patella dislocation, with a satisfactory mid-term effectiveness and less complications; however, its long-term effectiveness needs further follow-up.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of a clavicular hook plate with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation by suture anchor in the treatment of Neer types Ⅱ and Ⅴ distal clavicle fractures.MethodsBetween January 2010 and June 2016, 16 patients with Neer types Ⅱ and Ⅴ distal clavicle fractures were treated with clavicle hook plates and coracoclavicular ligament augmentation by suture anchor. There were 12 males and 4 females with an average age of 45.6 years (range, 14-81 years). The injury mechanism included falling in 10 cases, traffic accident injury in 2 cases, falling from height in 2 cases, and heavy object injury in 2 cases. The Neer classification of clavicle fractures included 2 cases of type Ⅱa, 13 cases of type Ⅱb, and 1 case of type Ⅴ. The injury severity score (ISS) was 6-29, with an average of 11.2. The time from injury to operation was 1-18 days, with an average of 6.4 days. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization stay, fracture healing, and postoperative complications were recorded; the disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, the shoulder joint Constant score, and the Oxford shoulder score (OSS) were used to evaluate the shoulder joint at last follow-up.ResultsAll operations were successfully completed. The operation time was 50-100 minutes, with an average of 75.6 minutes; intraoperative blood loss was 30-100 mL, with an average of 52.8 mL; hospitalization stay was 4-47 days, with an average of 13.7 days. All patients were followed up 1.2-7.5 years, with an average of 3.5 years. All clavicle fractures healed, and the healing time was 9.4-13.6 weeks, with an average of 11.9 weeks. No fracture nonunion, fracture displacement, failure of internal fixation, or incision infection, etc. occurred. Fifteen patients took out the hook plate after fracture healing and functional recovery, and 1 case refused to remove the hook plate from the second operation because of no obvious discomfort. At last follow-up, the DASH score was 0-13, with an average of 2.2; the shoulder joint Constant score was 90-100, with an average of 96.8; the OSS score was 12-14, with an average of 12.3.ConclusionClavicular hook plate with coracoclavicular ligament augmentation by suture anchor can help achieve good effectiveness with less postoperative complication in the treatment of Neer types Ⅱ and Ⅴ distal clavicular fractures.
Objective To investigate the methods and effectiveness of surgical treatment for posteromedial corner (PMC) injury combined with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) ruptures. Methods Between February 2009 and February 2012, 15 patients (15 knees) with PMC injury combined with ACL and PCL ruptures underwent PMC repair with suture anchor and ACL and PCL reconstruction. There were 7 males and 8 females with an average age of 39 years (range, 15-59 years). The causes of injury were traffic accident injury in 6 cases, sport injury in 7 cases, and sprain injury in 2 cases. The disease duration was 3-15 days with an average of 7 days. All patients presented positive results of anterior drawer test, posterior drawer test and valgus stress test, and dysfunction of knee joint. Of 15 cases, 3 had ACL and PCL ruptures, 5 had ACL rupture, 3 had ACL injury at the attachment point of the condyles crest, and 4 had PCL rupture; 9 had PMC tear at the femur insertion, 5 had PMC tear at the tibia insertion, and 1 had PMC tear in the body area. Results All incisions healed by first intention with no complication of infection or stiffness of knee. All cases were followed up 18.4 months on average (range, 10-36 months). At last follow-up, 14 cases had normal knee flexion and extension ranges, but 1 case had 10° limitation of the knee extension. Except 1 case which had weakly positive valgus stress test, the other patients showed negative results of anterior drawer test, posterior drawer test, and valgus stress test. Based on the improved Lysholm classification standard, the results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases; the excellent and good rate was 86.7%. Conclusion Early repair of the PMC and reasonable reconstruction of cruciate ligament can effectively restore the knee stability for patients with PMC injury combined with ACL and PCL ruptures.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of disc reduction and anchorage in treatment of diacapitular condylar fracture with disc displacement. Methods Between June 2019 and June 2021, 20 patients (27 sides) with diacapitular condylar fractures with disc displacement were treated with disc reduction and anchorage combined with internal fixation. There were 15 males and 5 females with a median age of 40 years (range, 8-65 years). The fractures were caused by falling from height in 3 cases, traffic accident in 3 cases, and falling in 14 cases. Among them, there were 13 cases of unilateral fracture and 7 cases of bilateral fractures. Five sides were type A fractures and 22 sides were type B. There were 14 simple diacapitular condylar fractures, 12 diacapitular condylar fractures combined with mandibular chin fractures, and 1 diacapitular condylar fracture combined with mandibular angle fracture. The maximum opening was 5-20 mm (mean, 9.7 mm). The time from injury to operation was 4-20 days, with an average of 11.6 days. The postoperative imaging examination was performed to evaluate the reduction of fracture and disc. The maximum opening at 6 months after operation was recorded, and the clinical dysfunction index (Di) of Helkimo index was used to evaluate the temporomandibular joint function. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All 20 patients were followed up 6-10 months (mean, 8 months). Postoperative imaging examination showed that 27 fractures were well reduced, of which 26 were anatomically reduced and 1 was basically reduced; the reduction of the temporomandibular joint disc was excellent in 25 sides, good in 1 side, and poor in 1 side, and the effective rate of disc reduction and anchorage was 96.3%. The occlusion relationship of the patient was stable and basically reached the pre-injury level, the incision scar was hidden, and the mouth opening significantly improved when compared with the preoperative level. The maximum mouth opening was 32-40 mm (mean, 36.8 mm) at 6 months after operation. Maximum opening was more than 35 mm in 17 cases. At last follow-up, joint function reached Di 0 grade in 8 sides, DiⅠ grade in 18 sides, and DiⅡ grade in 1 side. After operation, 2 cases of opening deviation, 1 case of joint click, and 2 cases of temporary disappearance of frontal striae on affected side occurred, which recovered to normal after symptomatic treatment. ConclusionFor diacapitular condylar fractures with disc displacement, it is necessary to adopt disc reduction and anchorage at the same time of fracture reduction and internal fixation, which can achieve good clinical results.
ObjectiveTo verify the feasibility of a self-designed magnetic anchoring and traction device (MATD) for assisting two-port video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy.MethodsThree Beagle dogs were selected as animal models with age ranging from 1-6 years and weight ranging from 8-12 kg, and they underwent two-port video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy after general anesthesia. We used the MATD to retract the esophagus to different directions, which assisted mobilizing esophagus, detecting the nerves along esophagus and dissecting paraesophagus lymph nodes. The operation time, blood loss and feasibility of the MATD were recorded.ResultsWith the aid of the MATD, we successfully retracted and mobilized the esophagus, detected the nerves and dissected the lymph nodes in three Beagle dog models. During the operation, the MATD provided sufficient and steady traction of esophagus to achieve a good exposure of the operative field, effectively decreasing the interference between working instruments. The MATD worked well. The mean operation time was 30 min, and the mean intraoperative blood loss was about 10 mL.ConclusionIt is effective to use the MATD to assist retracting esophagus during video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy. The magnetic anchoring and traction technique can assist to expose the surgical field, decrease the interference between the working instruments and have the potential clinical application.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopic reinforced reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) with autologous hamstring tendon combined with anchor suture band. MethodsBetween February 2016 and March 2018, 60 patients who were to be treated with arthroscopic ACL reconstruction and met the selection criteria were selected in the study. Among them, 30 cases were reconstructed with autologous hamstring tendon combined with anchor suture band (trial group), and 30 cases were reconstructed with simple autologous hamstring tendon (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease duration, cause of injury, injury side, and preoperative Lysholm score, Tegner score, and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score between the two groups (P>0.05). After reconstruction, the patients in the trial group were allowed to start knee flexion and extension activities early without wearing an adjustable brace, while the patients in the control group were required to wear an adjustable brace for 12 weeks. The knee joint function (Lysholm score, Tegner score, IKDC score) and stability (Lachman test and pivot shift test) were compared between the two groups after operation.ResultsThere was no significant difference in graft diameter between the two groups (t=1.061, P=0.115). Compared with the control group, the operation time of the trial group was significantly different (t=4.924, P=0.000). All incisions healed primarily. In the control group, the intramuscular venous thrombosis occurred in 2 cases after operation. Both groups were followed up 18 months. The Lysholm score, Tegner score, and IKDC score of the two groups at each time point after operation were significantly higher than those before operation (P<0.05); the above scores in the trial group were significantly higher than those in the control group at 3, 6, and 9 months after operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between the two groups at 18 months after operation (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in Lachman test results between the two groups at each time point after operation (P>0.05). There was a significant difference in pivot shift test results at 6 months after operation between the two groups (P<0.05); but there was no significant difference at other time points (P>0.05). ConclusionThe effectiveness of ACL reinforcedreconstruction with autologous hamstring tendon combined with anchor suture band is satisfactory. Compared with using autologous hamstring tendon alone, it has better initial strength and joint stability, and is more conducive to early postoperative functional exercise and functional recovery of knee joint.
Objective To investigate effectiveness of a improved technique for perforation of patella combined with suture anchor and non-tourniquet for repairing acute rupture of the bone tendon junction of quadriceps tendon. Methods Between June 2010 and June 2016, 15 patients with acute rupture of the bone tendon junction of quadriceps tendon were treated with the improved technique for perforation of patella combined with suture anchor and non-tourniquet. Of them, 14 were male and 1 was female, aged from 19 to 74 years (mean, 44 years). Seven cases were sports injuries, 5 cases were caused by slipping, and 3 cases were caused by violent trauma. The duration of quadriceps tendon rupture ranged from 3 hours to 3 days (median, 2 days). The right side was involved in 9 cases, and the left side in 6 cases. All of the cases were closed injuries. The patients had no sequelae of limb dysfunction and no limb joint surgery in the past. All the patients received anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the knee joint and patella axial films during follow-up. Knee function of the patients after operation was evaluated by Lysholm scoring system and Kujala scoring system. Results The operation time was 50-60 minutes (mean, 55 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 50-150 mL, with an average of 87 mL. Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients without complications. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18 months). At 1 year after operation, the knee joint function of all patients recovered well; the knee Lysholm score was 92-96, with an average of 94 and the patellofemoral joint Kujala score was 90-95, with an average of 93. There was no re-rupture of quadriceps tendon or loosening of internal fixation during follow-up. According to the lateral and axial X-ray films at 1 year after operation, the patella depth index, femur trochlea depth, sulcus angle, and Insall-Salvati index were 3.62-4.09 (mean, 3.84), 4.45-6.50 (mean, 5.56), 137-145° (mean, 142°), and 0.90-1.18 (mean, 1.06). The lateral patellofemoral angle increased, and the patellar tilt angle and the patella lateral shift distance reduced, all showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). Conclusion The improved technique for perforation of patella combined with suture anchor and non-tourniquet for repairing acute rupture of the bone tendon junction of quadriceps tendon can reconstruct a stable patellofemoral joint, increase the strength of fixing, disperse stress effectively and evenly, and increase the area for tendon-bone healing.