【Abstract】 Objective To investigate the effect of the volar capsular l igament complex on stabil ity of the wrist jointand to provide basic biomechanical theoretical criteria for cl inic appl ication of the external fixator. Methods Nine upperl imbs specimens (left 6, right 3) were taken from fresh adult cadavers to make wrist joint-bone capsular l igament complex specimens. Firstly, soft tissues of forearms and hands were resected and capsular membranes and l igaments were reserved to make the bone-articular l igament complex (normal specimen). Secondly, the volar capsular l igament complex was cut off from radial malleolus to ulnar malleolus (impaired specimen). Thirdly, the impaired volar capsular l igament complex was interruptedly sutured by the use of 4# suture silk (repaired specimen). To simulate cl inical operation with external fixator, the biomechanical test was done according to the sequence (normal, impaired, repaired, repaired and fixed, impaired and fixed). Statistical significance was analyzed through selected loads at the three different shifts (1.5, 2.0, 2.5 cm). Results According to the sequence (normal, impaired, repaired, repaired and fixed, impaired and fixed), when the shift was 1.5 cm, the different respective loads were (60.74 ± 20.60), (35.23 ± 13.88), (44.36 ± 20.78), (168.40 ± 29.21) and (139.00 ± 33.18) N, respectively. When the shift was 2.0 cm, the different loads were (138.46 ± 12.93), (87.17 ± 24.22), (97.52 ± 23.29), (289.00 ± 54.29) and (257.98 ± 55.74) N, respectively. When the shift was 2.5 cm, the different loads were (312.87 ± 37.15), (198.16 ± 37.14), (225.66 ± 30.96), (543.15 ± 74.33) and (450.35 ± 29.38) N, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the impaired and repaired specimens (P gt; 0.05). Similarly, there was statistically significant difference among the rest specimens (P lt; 0.05). The same statistical results were obtained when the two different shifts were compared. There was statistically significant difference at the three different shifts for the same specimen (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Volar capsular l igament complex is an important anatomic structure to keep stabil ity of the wrist joint. The carpal instabil ity arises out of the injured complex. Repairing the injured complex only can not immediately restore stabil ity of the wrist joint. The external fixator can effectively help to diminish the relative shift of the impaired capsular l igament complex, to reduce the load of the repaired complex and to protect the complex accordingly. The device plays an important role in maintaining stabil ity of the wrist joint.
ObjectiveTo summarize the progress in treatment of pubic symphysis diastasis. MethodsRelated literature concerning treatment of pubic symphysis diastasis was extensively reviewed and comprehensively analyzed in terms of anatomy, biomechanics, and treatment. ResultsThere are many fixation methods for treatment of pubic symphysis diastasis, which aims at restoring the stability of the anterior pelvic ring. External fixator is often used as a temporary fixation; tension band wire has been abandoned due to its poor biomechanical stability; screw loosening and plate breakage often appears when a single reconstruction plate is used; box plate significantly increases the biomechanical stability of anterior pelvic ring but it leads to a considerable surgical trauma; locking plate has been used for pubic symphysis diastasis recently, especially for osteoporotic fractures; percutaneous cannulated screw has the advantages of less trauma, less bleeding, and good stability, so it is good choice for treatment of pubic symphysis diastasis. ConclusionThere is no uniform standards about the treatment of pubic symphysis diastasis, but the minimally invasive treatment is an undeniable trend. Percutaneous cannulated screw has achieved satisfactory effectiveness, however, its biomechanical stability and anatomic channels need to be further studied.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of external fixation and volar locking compression plate in the treatment of distal radius fractures of type C. MethodsBetween March 2012 and March 2013, 122 patients with distal radius fractures of type C were enrolled in the prospective randomized study. Fractures were treated by external fixation in 61 patients (external fixation group) and by open reduction and internal fixation using a volar locking compression plate in 61 patients (plate group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, fracture side, weight, height, body mass index, fracture type, and interval of injury and operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The blood loss, operation time, hospitalization days, fracture union time, wrist function, and complications were compared between 2 groups. And the quality of reduction was observed, including volar tilting angle, ulnar deviation, radial height, and articular reduction. ResultsThe blood loss, operation time, and hospitalization days in plate group were significantly higher than those in external fixation group (P<0.05). All of the patients in both groups were followed up 12-28 months. Postoperative complications occurred in 4 patients (6.6%) of external fixation group (pin tract infection in 2 cases and radial nerve neuritis in 2 cases) and in 5 patients (8.2%) of plate group (wound infection in 1 case, carpal tunnel syndrome in 2 cases, and tendon rupture in 2 cases), showing no significant difference between 2 groups (P=0.500). The X-ray films showed fracture healing in all patients of 2 groups; the union time of plate group was significantly longer than that of external fixation group (P<0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in ulnar deviation and radial height between 2 groups (P>0.05), but the volar tilting angle of plate group was significantly larger than that of external fixation group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in wrist function and articular reduction between 2 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor distal radius fractures of type C, the use of external fixation or volar locking compression plate can obtain satisfactory clinical outcomes, but the external fixation has the advantages of less invasion, shorter hospitalization days, minor complications, and faster fracture union.
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 evaluate the effectiveness of Othofix pertrochanteric fixator for fixation of intertrochanteric fracture. MethodA retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data from 36 cases of intertrochanteric fracture treated with Othofix pertrochanteric fixator (OPF group) and 47 cases treated with Gamma nail (Gamma group) between October 2012 and March 2015. There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, side, AO fracture classification, combined medical disease, and injury to operation time between 2 groups (P>0.05) . The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, fracture union time, and complication rate were recorded and compared between 2 groups. Hip function was evaluated with Sanders post-trauma criteria. ResultsThe operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time of the OPF group were significantly less than those of the Gamma group (P<0.05) . All the cases were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8.8 months) in 2 groups. Healing of incision by first intention was obtained. Bone union was achieved in 2 groups, and the fracture union time of the OPF group was significantly shorter than that of the Gamma group (t=14.780, P=0.000) . There was no deep wound or pin track infection in 2 groups. Superficial skin reactions developed around the screw and the pins in 14 cases (38.9%) of the OPF group, but no incision infection in the Gamma group, showing significant difference (χ2=22.010, P=0.001) . Mild varus of the hip and pin cutting-out occurred in 3 cases (8.3%) and 2 cases (5.6%) of the OPF group, and in 4 cases (8.5%) and 3 cases (6.4%) of Gamma group, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.001, P=0.960; χ2=0.025, P=0.830) . According to Sanders post-trauma criteria, the results were excellent in 16 cases, good in 15 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 86.1% in the OPF group; the results were excellent in 22 cases, good in 20 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 89.4% in the Gamma group; and there was no significant difference (χ2=0.200, P=0.610) . ConclusionsThe Othofix pertrochanteric fixator has good effectiveness in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture, which has the advantages of simple operation, less operation time, little bleeding, and early functional recovery.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of bone transportation by ring type extenal fixator combined with locked intramedullary nail for tibial non-infectious defect. MethodsBetween June 2008 and October 2012, 22 cases of tibial large segment defect were treated. There were 15 males and 7 females, aged 24-58 years (mean, 36.8 years), including 17 cases of postoperative nonunion or malunion healing, and 5 cases of large defect. After debridement, bone defect size was 5.0-12.5 cm (mean, 8.05 cm). Bone transportation was performed by ring type external fixator combined with locked intramedullary nail, the mean indwelling duration of external fixation was 10.2 months (range, 2-26 months); the external fixation index was 1.57 months/cm (range, 0.3-3.2 months/cm); and the mean length increase was 8.05 cm (range, 5.0-12.5 cm). ResultsAll patients were followed up 19-58 months (mean, 32 months). No infection occurred after operation and all patients obtained bony union, and the union time was 4.7-19.4 months (mean, 11.9 months). Complications included refracture (1 case), skin crease (1 case), lengthening failure (1 case), foot drop (2 cases), retractions of the transport segment (1 case), delay of mineralization (1 case), which were cured after corresponding treatment. According to Hohl knee evaluation system to assess knee joint function after removal of external fixator and intramedullary nail, the results were excellent in 15 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 90.9%; according to Baird-Jackson ankle evaluation system to evaluate ankle joint function, the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 7 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 59.1%. ConclusionBone transportation by ring type external fixator combined with locked intramedullary nail could increase stability of extremities, allow early removal of external fixator and avoid axis shift of extremities, so it has good effect in treating tibial noninfectious defect.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of limited internal fixation combined with hinged super-articular external fixator to treat type C3 fracture of the distal humerus. MethodsBetween September 2007 and November 2012, 37 cases of type C3 fracture of the distal humerus were treated. There were 22 males and 15 females with an average age of 43.6 years (range, 22-66 years). The causes were accident injury in 24 cases, falling injury in 5 cases, falling from height in 4 cases, heavy crush injury in 2 cases, machine injury in 1 case, and other injury in 1 case. There were 22 cases of open injury and 15 cases of closed injury. The time from injury to operation was 3-46 hours (mean, 18 hours). ResultsNeedle tract reaction and incision infection occurred in 3 cases and 1 case respectively, healing of incision by first intension was obtained in the other cases. Thirty-six patients were followed up 9-48 months (mean, 25.4 months). Heterotopic ossification occurred in 3 cases after operation and no recurrence was found by release after fracture healing. Fractures healed in the other patients after 6-14 months (mean, 9 months) of operation except 1 patient who suffered chronic osteomyelitis. One patient had delayed ulnar neuritis at 12 months after operation, and the nerve function returned to normal after the ulnar nerve transposition. There was no bone ischemic necrosis, elbow joint instability, or loosening of internal fixation. At last follow-up, the average range of motion of injured elbow was 105.0° in flexion,-25.0° in extension, 69.2° in pronation, and 75.6° in supination. According to Mayo elbow joint function score (MEPS) and disability of arm shoulder and hand (DASH) score, the results were excellent in 22 cases, good in 8 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 83.3%; and according to Cassebaum elbow joint function score, the results were excellent in 21 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 5 cases, and poor in 3 cases with an excellent and good rate of 77.8%. ConclusionA combination of limited internal fixation and hinged super-articular external fixator has satisfactory clinical curative effect for type C3 fractures of the distal humerus, relatively few complications.
【Abstract】 Objective To assess the results of treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with leverage reductionand bone graft assisted by external fixators. Methods From September 2005 to May 2007, 27 cases of unstable distal radius fractures were treated by leverage reduction and bone graft, meanwhile assisted by external fixators. The cases included 16 males and 11 females, aged from 18 to 69 years with an average of 49. 3 years. Fractures were caused by fall ing in 19 cases, crash from high place in 1 case, traffic accident in 6 cases, and obtuse strike directly in 1 case, which were all closed fresh bone fractures. According to the standard of AO, all cases were classified as type C1 in 13 cases, type C2 in 11 cases, and type C3 in 3 cases. The palmar incl inination was from － 38° to 10°(mean － 12.2°); the ulnar deviation angle was from 6° to 30° (mean 19. 1°) before operations. The operations were performed from 1 to 3 days after injuries. The function of the carpal joints and the boneheal ing conditions were evaluated after operations. Results All cases were followed up for 4-24 months(mean 13. 1 months). No compl ications such as pin loosening, dislocation of fixators, injury of blood vessels and radial nerves, pin track infections occurred. According to Mcbride scoring, the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 13 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 1 case, the excellent and good rate being 85. 2%. One case had traumatic arthritis and 1 case had wrist joint stiffness. All achieved fractures uniton 8-10 weeks (mean 9.3 weeks) after operations. The palmar incl inination angle was from 0° to 20° (mean 13. 4°); the ulnar deviation angle was from 10° to 33° (mean 22. 1°) after operations. Conclusion Treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius by use of leverage reduction and bone graft with external fixator offers many advantages, such as simple operation, satisfactory reduction, rigid fixation, excellent function and lower incidence rate of traumatic arthritis.
Objective To compare effects, advantages and disadvantages of simple internal fixation to that of l imited internal fixation with external supporting frame fixation in the treatment of complex fractures of tibial plateau. Methods From July 2002 to August 2006, 66 cases of complex fractures of the tibial plateau were divided into the internal fixation group (n=39) and the external fixator group (n=27). The interal fixation group had 18 cases of IV, 7 cases V and 14 cases VI according to Schatzker, including 25 males and 14 females aged 18-79 years with an average of 45.4 years. The external fixator group had 13 cases of IV, 6 cases V and 8 cases VI according to Schatzker, including 18 males and 9 femles aged 18-64 years with an average of 44.2 years. No significant difference was evident between the two groups (P gt; 0.05). Patients were treated by using screws, steel plates or external supporting frame fixation strictly based on the princi ple of internalfixation. Results All patients were followed up for 1-5 years. Fracture healed with no occurrence of nonunion. Two cases inthe internal fixation group presented partial skin infection and necrosis, and were cured through the dressing change and flap displacement. Fracture heal ing time was 6-14 months with an average of 7.3 months. The time of internal fixator removal was 6-15 months with an average of 8.3 months. In the external fixation group, 11 cases had nail treated fluid 7 days to 3 months after operation, combining with red local skin; 3 cases had skin necrosis; and 3 cases had loose bolts during follow-up. Through debridement, dressing change and flap displacement, the skin wounds healed. Fracture heal ing time was 3-11 months with an average of 5.1 months. The time of external fixator removal was 5-11 months with an average of 6.4 months. At 8-14 months after operation, the knee function was assessed according to Merchant criteria. In the internal fixation group, 29 cases were excellent, 4 good, 5 fair and 1 poor, while in the external fixation group, 20 cases were excellent, 3 good, 2 fair and 2 poor. There was no significant difference between the two groups (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion The therapeutic effects of simple internal fixation and l imited internal fixation with external supporting frame fixation were similar in the treatment of complex fractures of tibial plateau. Fixation materials should be selected according to the state of injury and bone conditions for the treatment of tibial plateau fracture of type IV, V and VI based on Sehatzker classification.
Objective To investigate the feasibility of the preservation of the epiphysis and joint function of the distal femur in children with osteosarcoma with epiphyseal distraction by external fixator. Methods Between July 2007 and May 2011, 6 children with osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the distal femur underwent epiphyseal distraction by external fixator, combined with tumor resection and repair with massive allograft bone transplantation to preserve the epiphysis and joint function of the distal femur. There were 4 boys and 2 girls, aged from 9 to 14 years (mean, 10.5 years). According to Enneking clinical staging, 4 cases were in stage II A and 2 cases in stage II B. According to San-Julian et al. typing for metaphyseal tumor invasion, 3 cases were in type I and 3 cases in type II. The size of tumor ranged from 6 cm × 4 cm to 12 cm × 9 cm. All patients received 2 cycles of COSS 86 chemotherapy before operation and 4 cycles after operation. Results Poor healing of incision was observed in 1 case because of rejection of allograft bone and good healing was obtained after the symptomatic treatment, healing of incision by first intention was achieved in the other children. All 6 cases were followed up 11 to 56 months (mean, 37.5 months). One case died of lung metastasis at 2 years after operation. X-ray films showed no complication of internal fixator loosening and broken or bone nonunion. According to the functional evaluation criteria of International Society of Limb Salvage (ISOLS) at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 3 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case; the excellent and good rate was 83.3%. The length of operated limb was (62.97 ± 7.51) cm, showing significant difference when compared with that of normal limb [(64.03 ± 7.47) cm] (t=0.246 6, P=0.813 4). Conclusion On the premise of adaptable indication, effective chemotherapy, and thoroughly tumor resection, the epiphyseal distraction by external fixator can obtain satisfactory results in limb-length and limb function in children with osteoblastic osteosarcoma of the distal femur.