Objective To investigate the effectiveness of a new tibial plateau posterolateral column universal locking anatomical plate (hereinafter referred to as “new universal locking anatomical plate”) in the treatment of tibial plateau posterolateral column fractures. Methods Between October 2020 and December 2021, 14 patients with tibial plateau posterolateral column fracture were treated with a new universal locking anatomical plate. There were 7 males and 7 females with an average age of 59 years ranging from 29 to 75 years. There were 5 cases on the left side and 9 cases on the right side. The causes of injury included falling from height in 5 cases, traffic accident in 7 cases, and other injuries in 2 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 3 to 10 days, with an average of 6 days. According to Schatzker classification, there were 4 cases of type Ⅱ, 8 cases of type Ⅴ, and 2 cases of type Ⅵ. All fractures involved the posterolateral tibial plateau. Three column classification: two columns (anterolateral column+posterior column) in 4 cases, three columns in 10 cases. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing, and complications were recorded. The reduction of tibial plateau fracture was evaluated by Rasmussen radiographic score, and the recovery of knee function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score. Results All 14 cases completed the operation successfully. The operation time was 95-180 minutes, with an average of 154 minutes, and the intraoperative blood loss was 100-480 mL, with an average of 260 mL. All patients were followed up 6-19 months, with an average of 12.5 months. All fractures healed, and the healing time was 15-24 weeks, with an average of 18.7 weeks. During the follow-up, there was 1 case of common peroneal nerve palsy and 1 case of traumatic osteoarthritis. There was no other complication such as vascular injury, incision infection, deep venous thrombosis of lower limbs, heterotopic ossification, bone nonunion, and failure of internal fixation. The reduction of tibial plateau fractures was good immediately after operation, and the Rasmussen radiological score was 10-18, with an average of 15.7; 3 cases were excellent, 10 cases were good, and 1 case was fair, with an excellent and good rate of 92.9%. The scores and grades of HSS at 3 months after operation and at last follow-up significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between 3 months after operation and last follow-up (P>0.05).Conclusion For the fractures involving the posterolateral column of the tibial plateau, the new universal locking anatomical plate can provide strong fixation, satisfactory postoperative fracture reduction, and good recovery of knee function.
Objective To analyze the effectiveness of minimally invasive safe approach of the knee joint in the treatment of avulsion fractures of the tibial insertion of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). Methods The clinical data of 26 patients with avulsion fractures of tibial insertion of PCL treated with open reduction and internal fixation via minimally invasive safe approach of the knee joint between February 2019 and March 2022 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 18 males and 8 females with an average age of 45.5 years (range, 33-58 years). The causes of injury were traffic accident in 14 cases, falling from height in 7 cases, and sports injury in 5 cases. There were 15 cases of left knee and 11 cases of right knee. The preoperative Lysholm score of knee joint was 34.4±7.3 and the flexion range of motion of knee joint was (69±12)°. According to Meyers classification, there were 8 cases of type Ⅱ and 18 cases of type Ⅲ. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 5 days, with an average of 2 days. ResultsThe operation time was 40-70 minutes, with an average of 55 minutes; the intraoperative blood loss was 10-30 mL, with an average of 15 mL. Delayed incision healing occurred in 1 case after operation, and the incision healed after conservative treatment, and the incisions of the other patients all healed by first intention. Postoperative X-ray films showed satisfactory fracture reduction. All 26 patients were followed up 3-30 months, with an average of 22 months. No complication such as neurovascular injury, infection, and knee extension disorder occurred after operation. X-ray films at 3 months after operation showed that all fractures healed without displacement of the fracture ends; the posterior drawer test was negative. At last follow-up, the flexion range of motion of knee joint was (120±9)°, the Lysholm score was 90.7±3.8, which were significantly improved when compared with those before operation (t=16.376, P<0.001; t=47.665, P<0.001). Conclusion The minimally invasive safe approach of the knee joint for the treatment of PCL tibial insertion avulsion fractures is easy to operate, with minimal surgical trauma, safe and reliable approach, and satisfactory recovery of knee joint function after operation.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in treatment of acute and delayed occult Lisfranc injuries.MethodsA retrospective review of 26 patients with occult Lisfranc injuries who were treated with ORIF between July 2010 and July 2015 was applied. Fourteen patients were treated within 6 weeks after injury (acute group) and 12 patients were treated after 6 weeks of injury (delayed group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, affected sides, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and physical and mental scores of Study Short Form 12 Health Survey (SF-12) (P<0.05). The joint reduction, internal fixator, and traumatic osteoarthritis were observed by X-ray films. The pain degree, midfoot function, and quality of life were evaluated with VAS score, AOFAS score, and physical and mental scores of SF-12.ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention with no complications. All patients were followed up with the mean follow-up time of 15 months (range, 12-24 months) in acute group and 15 months (range, 12-23 months) in delayed group. At last follow-up, the VAS score, AOFAS score, and physical and mental scores of SF-12 were superior to those before operation in the two groups (P<0.05). And there was no significant difference in all indicators between the two groups (P>0.05). The satisfaction rates were 100% and 83.3% (10/12) in acute group and delayed group, respectively. The internal fixators were removed in 20 patients (11 cases in acute group and 9 cases in delayed group) at 9-24 months after operation (mean, 14.5 months). The results of X-ray films showed no traumatic osteoarthritis, midfoot collapse, internal fixation failure, or reduction loss during follow-up period.ConclusionORIF is an ideal method for both acute and delayed occult Lisfranc injuries and can obtain the similar effectiveness.
Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of selective tarsometatarsal arthrodesis for old Lisfranc injury without significant post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA). Methods The clinical data of patients with old Lisfranc injury without significant PTOA who were treated by selective tarsometatarsal arthrodesis at Chengdu Pidu District People’s Hospital between June 2013 and June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. The improvement of patients’ Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score and Short Form 12 (SF-12) score before surgery and at the final follow-up were compared. Results Seventeen oldLisfranc injury patients (17 feet) without significant PTOA were finally recorded, including 12 males and 5 females. All patients completed the surgery successfully, and the surgical incisions healed smoothly after surgery without complications such as poor incision healing, soft tissue ischemic necrosis, and deep and superficial infections. All patients were followed up for an average of 22.6 months (12 to 36 months). Three months after surgery, follow-up X-ray films showed bony healing of the fused ends in all patients, and the patient satisfaction was 94.1%. Compared with the preoperative scores, VAS score (6.0±0.3 vs. 0.8±0.2), AOFAS score (50.5±1.5 vs. 86.5±0.9), SF-12 physiological score (21.9±0.6 vs. 46.1±0.5) and SF-12 psychological score (31.1±0.8 vs. 47.3±0.7) at the last follow-up improved (P<0.05). Conclusion Selective tarsometatarsal arthrodesis for the old Lisfranc injuries without significant PTOA can restore the midfoot force lines and stability, avoid stiffness after full feet fusion, preserve midfoot function, and improve patient satisfaction.
Objective To investigate the tunnel-type open reduction and internal fixation of rib fractures (ORIF) with titanium locking plate in traumatic rib fractures. Methods Clinical data of 10 patients with multiple rib fractures from June 2016 to January 2017 in the Sixth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University were analyzed. There were 6 males and 4 males with an average age of 38.5±9.0 years (range, 30–63 years). All patients underwent emergency treatment, chest CT and ultrasound examination before they admitted to the hospital. According to rib fractures and injuries, patients were given the tunnel-type ORIF of rib fractures with titanium locking plates, the chest tube and negative suction drainage. The patients were followed up over three months. Results All patients were cured. There was no complication during follow-up. No wound infection and death occurred. Postoperative three-month follow-up showed that chest pain was significantly relieved without pulmonary atelectasis and pleural effusion or other complications. Conclusion Tunnel-type internal fixation of rib fractures with titanium locking plates is effective, which can quickly restore the stability and integrity of the thorax. Surgical procedure is simple and can get fast postoperative recovery to improve the patient's quality of life.
ObjectiveTo investigate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of full repair strategy under small incision in the treatment of closed Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture.MethodsThe clinical data of 57 patients with closed Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture treated by full repair strategy (fracture, ligament, and cartilage repair) under small incision between January 2012 and January 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 males and 26 females, with an average age of 41.1 years (range, 21-65 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 33 cases and falling injury in 24 cases. All of them were closed fractures, including 20 cases of medial malleolus fracture, 37 cases of complete medial malleolus but deep and shallow rupture of deltoid ligament. The average time from injury to admission was 9.6 hours (range, 3-34 hours). The quality of reduction of distal tibial articular surface (based on Ketz-Sanders standard), the reduction of tibiofibular syndesmosis (the anterior and posterior distances of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and the lateral ankle twist angle measured by CT scan at 10 mm above the ankle joint line), and the fracture healing were evaluated. The medial clear space (MCS), tibiofibular clear space (TFCS), and distal fibular tip to lateral process of talus (DFTL) were measured on the X-ray films of ankle points. Before and after operation, the pain and functional improvement of ankle joint were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Association (AOFAS) score, and the activities of ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion were measured.ResultsThree cases with osteochondral lesions of the talus were found during operation and all were treated with microfracture techniques. Tournament paralysis occurred in 2 cases after anesthesia. The surgical incisions healed by first intention in all patients. All the 57 patients were followed up 24-84 months, with an average of 38.6 months. All patients achieved bone healing without bone nonunion and malunion at 12 months after operation. The reduction quality of distal tibial articular surface was excellent in 56 cases and good in 1 case at 3 months after operation, the excellent and good rate was 100%. There was no significant difference in the MCS, TFCS, DFTL, anterior distance of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, posterior distance of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, and lateral ankle twist angle between the affected and healthy sides at 12 months after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the VAS score, AOFAS score, ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion activities of the affected side were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). Compared with the healthy side, there was no significant difference in ankle dorsiflexion and plantar flexion activities (P>0.05).ConclusionFull-repair strategy under small incisions for the treatment of Lauge-Hansen pronation-external rotation type Ⅳ ankle fracture is effective and safe. It can not only reduce wound complications, but also improve the quality of joint reduction of the ankle joint and distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. Full repair of ligaments and cartilage can improve the internal fixation strength and joint stability of the ankle joint.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of the percutaneous parallel screw fixation via the posterolateral “safe zone” for Hawkins type Ⅰ-Ⅲ talar neck fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data from 35 patients who met the selection criteria of talar neck fractures between January 2019 and June 2021. According to the surgical method, they were divided into a study group (14 cases, using percutaneous posterolateral “safe zone” parallel screw fixation) and a control group (21 cases, using traditional open reduction and anterior cross screw internal fixation). There was no significant difference in gender, age, affected side, Hawkins classification, and time from injury to operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, bone healing time, complications, and Hawkins sign were recorded, and the improvement of pain and ankle-foot function were evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot score at last follow-up. The overall quality of life was assessed by the short form of 12-item health survey (SF-12), which was divided into physical and psychological scores; and the satisfaction of patients was evaluated by the 5-point Likert scale. Results The operation time in the study group was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P<0.05). All patients werefollowed up 13-35 months, with an average of 20.6 months; there was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the two groups (P>0.05). The time of bone healing in the study group was shorter than that in the control group, and the positive rate of Hawkins sign (83.33%) was higher than that in the control group (33.33%), and the differences were significant (P<0.05). In the control group, there were 2 cases of incision delayed healing, 7 cases of avascular necrosis of bone, 3 cases of joint degeneration, 1 case of bone nonunion, and 3 cases of internal fixation irritation; while in the study group, there were only 2 cases of joint degeneration, and there was a significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P<0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in VAS score between the two groups (P>0.05), but the SF-12 physical and psychological scores, AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scores, and patients’ satisfaction in the study group were significantly better than those in the control group (P<0.05). ConclusionThe treatment of Hawkins type Ⅰ-Ⅲ talar neck fractures with percutaneous parallel screw fixation via the posterolateral “safe zone” can achieve better effectiveness than traditional open surgery, with the advantages of less trauma, fewer complications, faster recovery, and higher patient satisfaction.
Objective To summarize the method and effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of 4 cases of bipolar clavicle dislocations. Methods Between June 2017 and June 2022, 4 patients with bipolar clavicle dislocations were admitted. There were 3 males and 1 female. The age ranged from 27 to 63 years, with an average age of 45 years. There were 2 cases of crushing injury of mine car, 1 case of traffic accident injury, and 1 case of heavy object injury. The time from injury to operation was 3-7 days, with an average of 5.0 days. The sternoclavicular joint dislocations were classified as Grade Ⅱ in 1 case and type Ⅲ in 3 cases, and anterior dislocation in 3 cases and posterior dislocation in 1 case. The acromioclavicular joint dislocations were classified as Tossy type Ⅱ in 2 cases and type Ⅲ in 2 cases. After open reduction, the sternoclavicular joint and acromioclavicular joint were fixed with lateral malleolus locking titanium plate and clavicular hook plate, respectively. ResultsAll operations were successfully completed without vascular or nerve injury. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-18 months, with an average of 14 months. At last follow-up, the shoulder joint functions were rated as excellent in 3 cases and good in 1 case according to Rockwood score. During follow-up, there was no loosening of internal fixator or fracture. The internal fixators were removed in all patients at 5-7 months after operation (mean, 6 months), and no re-dislocation occurred after removal. Conclusion For bipolar clavicle dislocation, open reduction combined with lateral malleolus locking titanium plate fixation of the sternoclavicular joint and clavicle hook plate fixation of the acromioclavicular joint can achieve good effectiveness. It has the advantages of simple operation, high safety, firm fixation, and fewer complications, and the shoulder function recovers well.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of open reduction and hook plate fixation versus closed indirect reduction and dorsal extension blocking Kirschner wire fixation for bony mallet fingers. Methods The clinical data of 68 patients with bony mallet finger who admitted between May 2019 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 33 cases were in the open group (treated with open reduction and hook plate fixation) and 35 cases were in the closed group (treated with closed indirect reduction and dorsal extension blocking Kirschner wire fixation). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, the affected side, the affected finger, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, and Wehbé-Schneider classification (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, time of returning to work, and postoperative complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. At 12 months after operation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to assess the pain of the injured finger, active flexion range of motion and extension deficit of the distal interphalangeal joint (DIP) were measured by goniometer, and the effectiveness was assessed by Crawford criteria. Results All patients in the two groups were followed up 12-26 months, with an average of 15 months. There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the closed group and the open group (P>0.05). The operation time in the closed group was shorter than that in the open group, and the intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the fracture healing time, and the time of returning to work in the closed group were more than those in the open group, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). In the closed group, there were 5 cases of pinning tract infection and 3 cases of small area pressure ulcer skin necrosis on the dorsal side of the finger, which were cured after intensive nursing and dressing change. Local nail depression deformity occurred in 7 cases in the open group, and the deformity disappeared after removal of plate. The incisions of the other patients healed uneventfully without complications such as infection, skin necrosis, exposure of the internal fixation, or nail deformity. There was no significant difference in the incidence of skin necrosis between the two groups (P>0.05), but the differences in the incidence of infection and nail deformity between the two groups were significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS score, DIP active flexion range of motion, DIP extension deficiency, or Crawford criteria evaluation between the two groups at 12 months after operation (P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no DIP osteoarthritis and joint degeneration in both groups. Conclusion Open reduction and hook plate fixation versus closed indirect reduction and dorsal extension blocking Kirschner wire fixation have their own advantages and disadvantages, but both of them have good results in the treatment of bony mallet fingers. Open reduction and hook plate fixation is recommended for young patients with bony mallet fingers who are eager to return to work.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of closed or limited open reduction and intramedullary nail fixation in the treatment of Seinsheimer type Ⅴ subtrochanteric fracture.MethodsBetween May 2014 and July 2018, 36 patients with Scinsheimer type Ⅴ subtrochanteric fractures were treated with closed or limited open reduction and intramedullary nail fixation. There were 25 males and 11 females with an age of 23-86 years (mean, 55.8 years). The cause of injury included falling in 19 cases, traffic accident in 9 cases, falling from height in 7 cases, and heavy object injury in 1 case; all were fresh closed injuries. The interval between injury and operation was 1-14 days (mean, 6.8 days). There were 18 cases of closed reduction and 18 cases of limited open reduction during the operation. Seventeen cases were fixed with femoral reconstruction intramedullary nail, 5 with InterTan long nail, 14 with lengthened proximal femoral nail anti-rotation, and 7 cases were assisted with auxiliary steel wire binding. After operation, through X-ray film and clinical follow-up, the fracture reduction and maintenance status, internal fixation position, and fracture healing were judged; the range of motion, walking ability, and complications of hip joint were observed, and the function of hip joint was evaluated according to Merle d’Aubigne Postel hip joint scoring standard.ResultsAll the incisions of medullary operation healed by first intention, and no vascular, nerve injury, or infection occurred. All patients were followed up 12-24 months, with an average of 14.2 months. Among the 36 patients, 1 patient received revision surgery due to varus displacement of femoral head and screw penetration at 2 months after closed reduction, with poor recovery of hip function. X-ray film re-examination showed that the fractures of the other 35 patients healed after 9-15 months, with an average of 11.5 months. During follow-up, there was no complication such as internal fixation failure, fracture redisplacement, bone nonunion or malunion, and deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity occurred. The function of hip joint recovered well, and the patients could walk and squat normally without affecting daily life or work. At last follow-up, according to Merle d’Aubigne Postel hip joint scoring standard, 28 cases were rated as excellent, 4 cases as good, 3 cases as fair, and 1 case as poor, the excellent and good rate was 88.9%.ConclusionC-arm X-ray fluoroscopic closed or limited open reduction and intramedullary nail fixation for the treatment of Seinheimer Ⅴ type subtrochanteric fracture, if necessary, with the aid of auxiliary steel wire binding, it has the advantages of less blood supply destruction at the fracture end, satisfactory reduction, firm fixation, and early rehabilitation training, with definite effectiveness.