Objective To summarize operative procedure and the effectiveness of open reduction with internal fixation or radial head replacement for the treatment of Essex-Lopresti injury. Methods Between November 2002 and October 2010, 10 patients with Essex-Lopresti injury were treated. There were 8 males and 2 females with a mean age of 36 years (range, 20-56 years). Eight cases were fresh closed fracture within 2 days. According to Mason classification, 5 fracture were typeII, 3 were type III. The other 2 cases were old fracture within 3 months. Wrist joint X-ray revealed that all the patients had distal radioulnar joint dislocation. Open reduction with internal mini-plate or absorbable screw fixation was performed in 5 cases, and radial head replacement in 5 cases; meanwhile, the distal radioulnar joint was reducted and fixed. Results All incisions healed by first intention without infection or bone nonunion. The patients were followed up 7 to 24 months with an average of 14.7 months. The X-ray films showed fracture heal ing at 9-20 weeks (mean, 16.3 weeks); distal radioulnar joint was stable without shortening or shift of proximal radius. According to elbow cl inical evaluation system, the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases. According to wrist cl inical evaluation, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case. All patients had good elbow stabil ity, and recovered quickly. Conclusion Early diagnosis, operation, and functional exercises are important to obtain an excellent result in treating Essex-Lopresti injury.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular radioulnar ligament reconstruction in the treatment of chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint. MethodsBetween January 2006 and June 2012, the intra-articular radioulnar ligament reconstruction was used to treat chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint in 12 patients. Of 12 cases, 8 were males and 4 were females with an average age of 37.3 years (range, 22-54 years). The causes of injury were tumble in 9 patients, traffic accident in 2 patients, and sprain in 1 patient. The average time from initial injury to operation was 6.2 months (range, 2-13 months). The pain and function of the wrists were assessed with Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) (27.5±4.7). Broadening of the distal radioulnar joint space was seen on the anteroposterior radiograph in all the patients. Lateral view showed dorsal instability in 10 patients and palmar instability in 2 patients. There was no radial fracture, ulnar fractures or degeneration of the distal radioulnar joint. ResultsAll patients achieved primary healing of incision. No complication of deep infection or nerve injury occurred. They were followed up from 12 to 30 months (mean, 20.6 months). Pain and the clicking sound of the wrists disappeared; grip strength increased; the range of motion values of the wrist and forearm were restored. PRWE score was 5.8±2.1 at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=14.215, P=0.000). Imaging examination showed good appositions of the distal radioulnar joint, with no dislocation or subluxation. ConclusionIntra-articular radioulnar ligament reconstruction can rebuild the anatomic stability of the distal radioulnar joint, which does not damage the adjacent structures of the joints and can obtain satisfactory function of the reconstructed joint. It is a good choice for chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint without articular degeneration.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction between by using autologous plantaris tendon graft combined with hook plate fixation and allogeneic tendon graft combined with hook plate fixation for treating acromiocavicular joint dislocation. MethodsThirty-three patients with acromioclavicular joint dislocation who accorded with the inclusion criteria between January 2013 and June 2014 were assigned into 2 groups. The patients were treated with autologous plantaris tendon graft combined with hook plate fixation in group A (n=17), and with allogeneic tendon graft combined with hook plate fixation in group B (n=16). Thirteen-one patients was followed up more than 12 months (15 in group A and 16 in group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, sides, time between injury and surgery, and type of dislocation (P>0.05). The assessments included operation time, hospitalization time, hospitalization expenses, shoulder range of motion, gap of acromioclavicular, Constant-Murley scores, and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain. ResultsThe operation time of group A was significantly longer than that of group B, and the hospitalization expense was significantly lower than that of group B (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in hospitalization time (t=1.046, P=0.316). The incisions healed by first intention, and hook plate was removed after 3 months. The mean follow-up time was 21.3 months (range, 19-34 months) in group A and was 23.7 months (range, 18-37 months) in group B. X-ray examination showed no osteolysis. There was no significant difference in gap of acromiocavicular between 2 groups at preoperation, 1 week after operation, and last follow-up (P>0.05). No redislocation of acromioclavicular joint and rejection reaction occurred during follow-up. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in shoulder range of motion, Constant-Murley score, and VAS score between 2 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionCoracoclavicular ligament reconstruction by autologous plantaris tendon or allogeneic tendon graft combined with hook plate fixation for the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation can achieve good effectiveness. The appropriate treatment should be chosen according to the patient's economic situation.
ObjectiveTo develop an instrument for sacroiliac joint fixation with less injury and less complications. MethodsFirstly, 18 adult pelvic specimens (8 males and 10 females) were used to measure the anatomical data related to the locking plates and locking screws on the sacrum and ilium, and the polyaxial locking plate screw system of the sacroiliac joint was designed according to the anatomic data. This system was made of medical titanium alloy. Then 4 adult male plevic specimens were harvested and the experiment was divided into 3 groups:group A (normal pelvic), group B (the dislocated sacroiliac joint fixed with sacroiliac screws), and group C (the dislocated sacroiliac joint fixed with polyaxial locking plate screw system). The vertical displacement of sacroiliac joint under the condition of 0-700 N vertical load and the horizontal displacement on angle under the condition of 0-12 N·m torsional load were compared among the 3 groups by using the biological material test system. Finally, the simulated application test was performed on 1 adult male cadaveric specimen to observe soft tissue injury and the position of the locking plate and screw by X-ray films. ResultsAccording to the anatomic data of the sacrum and ilium, the polyaxial locking plate screw system of the sacroiliac joint was designed. The biomechanical results showed that the vertical displacement of the sacroiliac joint under the condition of 0-700 N vertical load in group A was significantly bigger than that in group B and group C (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P>0.05). The horizontal displacement on angle under the condition of 0-12 N·m torsional load in group A was significantly less than that in group B and group C (P < 0.05). The horizontal displacement on angle under the condition of 0-6 N·m torsional load in group B was bigger than that in group C, and the horizontal displacement on angle under the condition of 6-12 N·m torsional load in group B was less than that in group C, but there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P>0.05). The test of simulating application showed that the specimen suffered less soft tissue injury, and this instrument could be implanted precisely and safely. ConclusionThe polyaxial locking plate screw system of the sacroiliac joint has the advantages of smaller volume and less injury; polyaxial fixation enables flexible adjustment screw direction. The simulated application test shows satisfactory fixing effect.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress in the surgical treatment of sternoclavicular joint dislocation. MethodThe literature on the treatment of sternoclavicular joint dislocation was reviewed, summarized, and analyzed. ResultsAt present, the main therapy of sternoclavicular joint dislocation is operation, including the sternoclavicular joint reconstruction, the inner end of the clavicle resection, and internal fixation of the sternoclavicular joint. The internal fixation surgery is the preferred way, which is reliable fixation and in favor of early functional exercise. ConclusionsIt is the current focus of attention to select a reliable fixation that is accord with sternoclavicular joint anatomy and biomechanics.
Objective To analyze the treatment of the sternoclavicular joint dislocation by clavicular hook plate and investigate its cl inical value to find a theropy with more safety and stabil ity. Methods Between January 2003 and January 2007, 15 patients with sternoclavicular joint dislocation were involved, among whom there were 12 males and 3 females, aged 28-45 years old (34 on average). There were 12 cases of fall ing injury and 3 cases of vehicle accident injury. The course of disease was 1-12 hours. A total of 2 cases were on the left side and 13 were on the right side. There were 14 casesof anterior dislocation and 1 of posterior dislocation. Two patients were compl icated by acromioclavicular joint dislocationwith no pneumothorax, and 2 patients had a l ittle pleural effusion without any special treatment. As to the damage degree,according to the Grade system, there were 2 cases of type II and 13 cases of type III. Results All patients’ incisionsobtained heal ing by first intention after operation. The X-ray films showed that the reduction of joint dislocation and thelocation of internal fixation were good. All the 15 patients were followed up for 6-18 months (14 months on average). All cases were scored by Rockwood after the operation to assess the curative effect, with 12 excellent, 2 good and 1 fair. There was no wound infection, neurovascular injury, hemopneumothorax, internal fixation failure, redislocation or other side injuries. The anatomical structure as well as appearances and functions were restored. Conclusion The fixation of clavicular hook plate in treating ternoclavicular joint dislocation has superiority over other methods with more stabil ity, less risk and small chances of cardiovascular injury. Besides, the patients can do functional exercises early and the shoulder joint function can be improved to the maximal degree.
Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of reconstructive locked plate for treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation. Methods Between February 2008 and February 2012, 11 patients with sternoclavicular joint dislocation were treated with reconstructive locked plate, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 4 females, aged 30-55 years (mean, 44 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 8 cases and crashing in 3 cases. The disease duration ranged from 2 hours to 11 days (median, 6 days). All patients had anterior dislocation of sternoclavicular joint. According to the Grade system, there were 2 cases of type II and 9 cases of type III. Results All patients obtained healing of incisions by first intention after operation. There was no neurovascular injury. The X-ray films showed that satisfactory reduction of joint dislocation and stable internal fixation were obtained at 2 days after operation. All patients were followed up 9-24 months (mean, 16 months). According to the Rockwood criteria, the score was 10-15 (mean, 13.2); the results were excellent in 9 cases and good in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100% at 9 months after operation. No internal fixation failure or re-dislocation occurred. All internal fixators were removed at 9-15 months after operation. Both the stability and the functions of the shoulder joint were good. Conclusion The reconstructive locked plate in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation has the advantages of good stability and satisfactory reduction, and the patients can do functional exercises early and obtain good recovery of the shoulder joint function. The short-term effectiveness is satisfactory.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of arthroscopic assisted double Endobutton “8” buckle fixation in the treatment of Rockwood Ⅲ type acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation.MethodsThe clinical data of 12 patients with Rockwood Ⅲ type acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation who were treated with arthroscopic assisted double Endobutton “8” buckle fixation between June 2016 and June 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 8 males and 4 females, with an average age of 47.0 years (range, 36-58 years). There were 4 cases of left shoulder and 8 cases of right shoulder. The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 7 cases and falling injury in 5 cases. The average time from injury to operation was 5.0 days (range, 3-14 days). Before operation and at last follow-up, the shoulder joint activity was recorded; the improvements of function and pain were evaluated by Constant score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score, respectively; the reduction was evaluated by measuring the coracoid spacing of the affected side on the anteroposterior X-ray film of shoulder joint.ResultsAll 12 cases were followed up 6-36 months, with an average of 20.6 months. All the incisions healed by first intention. There was no complications such as clavicle and coracoid fractures and Endobuton displacement. At last follow-up, the range of motion of the abduction improved from preoperative (77.5±4.5)° to (162.5±6.5)°, the range of motion of forward flexion improved from (84.1±5.2)° to (169.5±5.8)°, the Constant score improved from 42.5±2.3 to 92.4±2.3, the VAS score improved from 5.4±0.8 to 0.6±0.5, and the coracoid spacing reduced from (20.5±1.4) mm to (9.2±0.6) mm, all showing significant differences (P<0.05).ConclusionArthroscopic assisted double Endobutton “8” buckle fixation for the treatment of Rockwood Ⅲ type acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation is safe, less invasive, and quicker recovery. It can effectively alleviate shoulder pain, significantly improve the mobility of the shoulder joint, and achieve good short-term effectiveness.
Objective To observe the effectiveness of traumatic dislocation of the knee joint combined with multi ple ligament injuries treated by stages. Methods Between June 2005 and November 2008, 13 cases of traumatic dislocation of the knee joint combined with multi ple ligament injuries were treated by stages, including 9 males and 4 females with an average age of 30.7 years (range, 18-54 years). The dislocations were left knee in 3 cases and right knee in 10 cases. The causes of injury were sports injury in 8 cases, traffic accident injury in 2 cases, fall ing from height injury in 2 cases, and sprain injury in 1 case. The average time from injury to hospitalization was 9 hours (range, 6 hours to 2 days ). Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and medial collateral ligament (MCL) were involved in 8 cases; ACL, PCL, and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) in 3 cases; and ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL in 2 cases. The valgus stress testing results of 10 knees were ++ to +++; the varus stress testing results of 5 knees were ++ to +++; all knees showed positive in the anterior or the posterior drawer test and ++ to +++ in Lachman test. The nerve, vessel, MCL, LCL, PCL, meniscus were repaired in the first operation. The functional exercise of knee joint was done after fixation for 3-4 weeks. During the second operation, the ACL was reconstrcted under arthroscopy after the range of motion (ROM) of knee joint was good with anterior instabil ity of knee within 4-6 months. Results All wounds healed by first intention after two operations; no compl ications of infection and compartment syndrome occurred. All cases were followed up 12-60 months with an average of 36 months. Joint effusion of knee occurred in 2 cases at 4 weeks after the first operation and was cured after removal of fluid. At 3 months after the second operation, the results of valgus stress testing and Lachman test were ++ in 1 case, respectively; the results of valgus stress testing, varus stress testing, and Lachman test were + in 1 case, respectively; and others showed negative results. After 12 months of the second operation, the mean flexion of the knee was 123.4° (range, 100-135°), and the mean extension of the knee was 2.3° (range, 0-4°). According to Lysholm evaluation system, 9patients got excellent results, 2 good, and 2 fair; the excellent and good rate was 84.6%. Conclusion It is an effective method in the treatment of traumatic dislocation of the knee joint combined with multi ple ligament injuries by stages.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of clavicular hook plate fixation in the treatment of acromioclavicular joint dislocation and distal clavicle fractures. Methods A clinical data of 90 patients, who underwent clavicular hook plate fixation between January 2014 and June 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 40 patients with distal clavicle fractures (fracture group) and 50 with acromioclavicular joint dislocations (dislocation group). There was no significant difference in the baseline data of gender, age, cause of injury, side of injury, time from injury to operation, and constituent ratio of osteoporosis patients between the two groups (P>0.05). The time to remove the internal fixators and the occurrence of complications were recorded. Before removing the internal fixator and at 3 months after removing, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the degree of pain, and the mobility of the shoulder joint in forward flexion, elevation, and abduction was measured. Before removing the internal fixators, the Constant-Murley score and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) score were used to evaluate the function of the shoulder joint. X-ray films of the shoulder joint were taken during follow-up to observe the occurrence of subacromial osteolysis, acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis, and distal clavicle bone atrophy. Subgroup comparison was conducted between patients with and without subacromial osteolysis in the two groups. Results All incisions healed by first intention in both groups. All patients were followed up 1-9 years, with a median of 5 years; the difference in follow-up time between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). During follow-up, subacromial osteolysis occurred in 74 cases, including 41 cases of typeⅠand 33 cases of type Ⅱ, distal clavicle bone atrophy in 15 cases, and acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis in 8 cases. There were significant differences in the removal time of internal fixators, the incidence of bone atrophy, and the incidence of osteoarthritis between the two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of subacromial osteolysis (P>0.05). Before removing the internal fixators, there was no significant difference in VAS score, UCLA score, and Constant-Murley score between the two groups (P>0.05), while there were significant differences in shoulder joint range of motion in all directions (P<0.05). After removing the internal fixators, only the difference in elevation was significant (P<0.05). Within the group comparison, the VAS score and mobility of shoulder joint in abduction and elevation after removing the internal fixators were significantly superior to those before removing (P<0.05). In the fracture and dislocation groups, there was only a significant difference in plate length between the subgroup with and without subacromial osteolysis (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the above other indicators (P>0.05). Conclusion Clavicular hook plate is a good choice for treating acromioclavicular dislocation or distal clavicle fractures, but the incidence of subacromial osteolysis is higher, and the degree of bone resorption is more severe in fracture patients. After removal of the internal fixator, the shoulder functions significantly improve. It is recommended to remove the internal fixator as soon as possible within the allowable range of the condition.