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 observe the effectiveness of locking compression hook plate in treatment of humeral greater tuberosity fractures. Methods Between March 2014 and September 2017, 16 patients with isolated humeral greater tuberosity fractures were terated with open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression hook plates. There were 11 males and 5 females, with an average age of 38.4 years (range, 22-67 years). The cause of injury was falling injury in 13 cases and sport injury in 3 cases. All patients were closed fractures. Of all patients, 14 patients accompanied with shoulder joint dislocations. CT scan showed the average displacement of fragment was 12.6 mm (range, 8-21 mm) after reduction. All patients began passive functional exercise at 3 days after operation. Results Primary healing of the incisons achieved in all patients, without complications such as infection and nerve injury. All patients were followed up 12-20 months (mean, 15.3 months). At 3 months after operation, X-ray film showed that all fractures achieved bone union, all of which met the imaging anatomical reduction standard. According to the Neer scoring criteria, 11 cases were excellent and 5 cases were good at last follow-up. One patint presented slight pain of shoulder joint and mild activity limitation, which relieved after 1 year. Conclusion The method of open reduction and locking compression hook plate internal fixation for isolated humeral greater tuberosity fractures has advantages, such as less intraoperative hemorrhage, mild postoperative pain, firm fixation, and allowing patients to perform functional exercise earlier, which is conducive to shoulder functional recovery and obtain satisfactory effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation for bipolar fracture-dislocation of the forearm.MethodsBetween June 2014 and March 2019, 14 patients with bipolar fracture-dislocation of the forearm were treated. There were 9 males and 5 females, aged from 19 to 52 years (mean, 34.9 years). There were 8 cases of falling injuries, 4 cases of traffic accident injuries, 1 case of sports injury, and 1 case of machine strangulation injury. The time from injury to admission was 2-48 hours, with an average of 16.6 hours. All patients were closed injuries. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation; the upper radioulnar joints were treated with circumferential ligament repair or lateral collateral ligament repair according to the joint stability. And the patients with lower radioulnar joint instability were also treated with the TightRope plate with loop fixation. After 3 weeks of plaster fixation, the patients started functional exercises. The fracture healing time, stability and range of motion of wrist and elbow joints, and forearm rotation function were recorded. The effectiveness was evaluated by Anderson’s forearm function score at last follow-up.ResultsThe incisions healed by first intention. All 14 cases were followed up 12-36 months with an average of 24.8 months. All fractures healed, with an average healing time of 14.9 weeks (range, 12-18 weeks). The stabilities of the upper and lower radioulnar joints restored well. At last follow-up, the elbow flexion and extension range of motion was 65°-160°, with an average of 124.6°; the wrist flexion and extension range of motion was 115°-165°, with an average of 155.0°; the forearm rotation range of motion was 65°-165°, with an average of 154.6°. According to Anderson’s forearm function score, 8 cases were excellent, 5 cases were good, and 1 case was unsatisfactory. ConclusionThe treatment of bipolar fracture-dislocation of the forearm needs comprehensive consideration and individualized treatment plan. The focus is to restore the anatomical structure of the radius and ulna and firm internal fixation, stabilize the upper and lower radioulnar joints, and perform functional exercises as soon as possible after operation to obtain satisfactory effectiveness.
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.
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.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation on high-energy ankle Logsplitter injuries (a kind of transsyndesmotic ankle fracture dislocation), and compare the prognosis between open and closed Logsplitter fracture.MethodsThe clinical data of 36 Logsplitter fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation between April 2011 and May 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 15 cases were open fracture and dislocation (open group) and 21 cases were closed fracture and dislocation (closed group). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, combined injury, injury to hospital admission time (P>0.05), with comparability. The wound healing, ankle mobility recovery, complications, and fracture healing were observed after operation. The ankle function was evaluated by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.ResultsBoth groups were followed up 12-29 months (mean, 19 months). There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between the open group and the closed group (t=1.169, P=0.251). In the open group, there were 3 cases of postoperative infection, 3 cases of nonunion, and 5 cases of post-traumatic osteoarthritis; each mentioned complications had 1 case in the closed group; there was no significant difference in complications incidence between the two groups (P=0.41) except post-traumatic osteoarthritis incidence (P=0.02). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in AOFAS score between the two groups (t=1.981, P=0.056). According to AOFAS score criterion, the results were good in 10 cases and general in 5 cases in the open group, and good in 13 cases and general in 8 cases in the closed group, showing no significant difference (P=0.796). There was no significant difference in the union duration and ankle flexion, dorsal extension, varus, and valgus motion between the two groups (P>0.05).ConclusionOpen reduction and internal fixation for open or closed Logsplitter fractures can achieve satisfactory results, improve fracture healing rate, effectively reduce the incidence of complications, and improve ankle function.
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.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of hollow screw for the treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook.MethodsFive patients with basilar part fracture of hamate hook, aged 24-47 years (mean, 31 years) were treated with open reduction and hollow screw fixation between June 2015 and February 2019. There were 4 males and 1 female. The causes of injury were athletic injury in 3 cases, falling injury in 1 case, and crushing injury in 1 case. Among them, 1 case was combined with sensory disturbance of one and a half fingers on the ulnar side of the palm. The grip strength of the affected side was significantly decreased when compared with that of the healthy side in all patients. The intervals between injury and surgery were 3-8 days (mean, 4.2 days). Postoperative follow-up was conducted regularly to measure the grip strength of the affected and healthy fingers and the total motion of ring and little fingers of the affected side. Darrow criteria was used to evaluate the effectiveness.ResultsAll the incisions healed by primary intention. All the patients were followed up 6-32 months (mean, 16 months). X-ray films showed that the basilar part fracture of hamate hook reached bony union, and the healing time was 2.0-3.5 months (mean, 2.2 months). At last follow-up, the grip strength of the affected side was (35.80±3.76) kg, showing no significant difference when compared with healthy side [(36.00±4.94) kg] (t=0.094, P=0.930); and the total motion of ring and little fingers of the affected side was (529.0±8.9)°, which was significantly different from that before operation [(232.0±34.7)°] (t=18.108, P=0.000). In 1 patient with ulnar nerve injury, the two-point discrimination of the innervation area was 4 mm, and the pain sensation and temperature sensation returned to normal. Assessed by Darrow criteria, the results were excellent in 4 cases and good in 1 case.ConclusionFor the basilar part fracture of hamate hook, hollow screw fixation can obtain secure reduction and fixation and provide sustained compression and counter-rotation for the broken end of fracture, thus allowing early joint motion and promoting fracture healing and recovery of wrist function. It is a relatively good method for the treatment of basilar part fracture of hamate hook.
Objective To compare the effectiveness and shoulder function of reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of Neer three/four-part proximal humeral fractures in the elderly. Methods Randomized controlled analysis was conducted on 68 patients over 70 years old with Neer three/four-part proximal humeral fractures treated with RTSA or ORIF between January 2020 and June 2022. The patients were randomly divided into RTSA group (n=32) and ORIF group (n=36). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the baseline data such as age, gender, body mass index, injured side, Neer classification, and preoperative Charlson comorbidity index, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Constant shoulder score, Oxford shoulder score (OSS), and hemoglobin (Hb). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, reduction of Hb on the 3rd day after operation, hospital stay, total cost of hospitalization, complication incidence, range of motion of shoulder joint at 2 years after operation, VAS score before operation and at 5 days and 1 month after operation, Constant shoulder score and OSS score before operation and at 2 years after operation, and imaging results during follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsCompared with the ORIF group, the RTSA group had longer operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, and higher total cost of hospitalization (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Hb reduction on the 3rd day after operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The VAS scores significantly improved in both groups at 5 days and 1 month after operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 26-35 months, with an average of 31.2 months. In the RTSA group, there were 2 cases of poor healing of superficial incision and 1 case of transient nerve injury. There was no complication such as bone resorption around the prosthesis, lucent band, prosthesis loosening, or periprosthetic fracture in all patients. In the ORIF group, there was 1 case of poor healing of superficial incision, 3 cases of nonunion of fracture, 1 case of arthritis secondary to humeral head necrosis, and 1 case of bone absorption of large tuberosity, and no displacement or fracture failure of internal fixation was found in all patients. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications [9.4% (3/32) vs 16.7% (6/36)] between the two groups [OR (95%CI): 0.828 (0.171, 4.014), P=0.814]. In the RTSA group, 28 cases were graded 0 and 4 cases were graded 1 at 2 years after operation. Constant and OSS scores of RTSA group were significantly better than those of ORIF group (P<0.05). The Constant score was significantly better than ORIF group in activity and strength, range of motion, lifting, abduction, and external rotation (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference in pain, daily function, and internal rotation between the two groups (P>0.05). The RTSA group had a significantly greater range of motion in lifting, abduction, and external rotation than ORIF group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in internal rotation between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionApplication of RTSA as the initial treatment of Neer three/four-part proximal humeral fractures in the elderly can achieve better rehabilitation of joint activity and lower risk of early reoperation, and improve the quality of life of elderly fracture patients. However, the difficulty of revision and the high cost of treatment require the surgeon to pay full attention and strictly grasp the indications.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of limited open reduction via “door-shaft method” and internal fixation with locking plate for two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus.MethodsThe clinical data of 64 patients with proximal humeral fractures who were admitted between January 2013 and December 2016 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 23 males and 41 females, with an average age of 68.0 years (range, 50-89 years). The injuries were caused by falling in 57 cases, traffic accident in 5 cases, and falling from height in 2 cases. The interval between injury and operation was 1-7 days (mean, 2.1 days). According to Neer classification, there were 28 cases of two-part fractures and 36 cases of three-part fractures. According to the angulation direction of the proximal humeral neck shaft angle, there were 21 cases of adduction fractures and 43 cases of abduction fractures. The fractures were treated with limited open reduction via “door-shaft method” and proximal humerus internal locking systems for internal fixation. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of fluoroscopy, hospital stay, and complications were recorded. The fracture healing was reviewed by X-ray film and the healing time was recorded. The shoulder joint function was evaluated by Neer score standard.ResultsThe operation time was 45-127 minutes, with an average of 82.3 minutes. The intraoperative blood loss was 30-125 mL, with an average of 62.7 mL. Intraoperative fluoroscopy was performed 30-69 times, with an average of 37.0 times. The hospital stay was 6-23 days, with an average of 10.3 days. All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-37 months, with an average of 18.3 months. X-ray film re-examination showed that all fractures healed, the healing time was 12-21 weeks, with an average of 14.3 weeks. After operation, 3 cases had shoulder stiffness and 1 case had fracture malunion. At last follow-up, the Neer score of shoulder joint function was 49-97, with an average of 83.1. Among them, 38 cases were excellent, 13 cases were good, 10 cases were fair, and 3 cases were poor. The excellent and good rate was 79.7%. The excellent and good rate of patients with two-part fractures was 82.1% (23/28), and the excellent and good rate of patients with three-part fractures was 77.8% (28/36).ConclusionThe “door-shaft method” not only reduces the difficulty of the Joystick technique in the reduction of proximal humerus fractures, but also provides auxiliary stability. It is used for limited open reduction and internal fixation with locking plate to treat the two- and three-part fractures of the proximal humerus, which can achieve good effectiveness.