Objective To explore the procedure and effectiveness of sequential reduction and fixation for zygomatic complex fractures. Methods Between March 2004 and February 2012, 32 patients with zygomatic complex fractures were treated. There were 28 males and 4 females with a median age of 29 years (range, 17-55 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 29 cases and by tumble in 3 cases. The time between injury and admission was 1-12 days (mean, 3 days) in 28 fresh fractures and 22-60 days (mean, 40 days) in 4 old fractures. All patients were diagnosed by clinical symptom and CT scan. Coronal scalp incision, lower eyelid aesthetic incision, and intraoral incision were used to expose the zygomatic bone segments. The sequence of fractures reduction and fixation was horizontal first, and then longitudinal. In horizontal orientation, reduction and simultaneous fixation started from the root of the zygoma, to zygomatic arch, body of the zygoma, and inferior orbital rim in turn. Longitudinally, fracture reduction of zygomatico-frontal suture and orbital posterolateral walls was done first, followed by fracture reduction of zygomaticomaxillary buttress. Results Primary healing of incision was obtained in all 32 cases, without complications of maxillary sinus fistula and infection. Eighteen patients were followed up 6 months to 6 years with a median time of 32 months. All the patients gained satisfactory results with normal zygomatic contour and symmetric midface. All patients restored normal mouth opening. No eye and vision damage occurred. Frontal disappearance and brow ptosis were observed in 2 cases. Hair loss (2-3 mm) was seen at the site of coronal scalp incision, without scar hyperplasia; there was no obvious scar at lower eyelid. CT and X-ray films showed bony healing at 6 months after operation. Conclusion Sequential reduction and fixation is accord with the mechanical characters of complicated zygomatic fractures. It is very easy to achieve anatomic reduction of the bone segments and facial symmetry.
Objective To compare the effectiveness and advantages of the double reverse traction reduction technique versus open reduction internal fixation for treating complex tibial plateau fractures. Methods A clinical data of 25 patients with Schatzker type Ⅴ or Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2019 and January 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen patients underwent double reverse traction reduction and internal fixation (double reverse traction group), while 12 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (traditional open group). There was no significant difference in the baseline data (age, gender, injury mechanism, Schatzker classification, interval between injury and operation) between the two groups (P>0.05). The effectiveness were evaluated and compared between the two groups, included operative time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, full weight-bearing time, complications, fracture healing, Rasmussen radiological score (reduction quality), knee Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and knee flexion/extension range of motion. Results The double reverse traction group demonstrated superior outcomes in operative time, blood loss, hospital stay, incision length, and time to full weight-bearing (P<0.05). Two patients in traditional open group developed incisional complications, while the double reverse traction group had no complications. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complication between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 24-36 months (mean, 30 months), with no intergroup difference in follow-up duration (P>0.05). Fractures healed in both groups with no significant difference in healing times (P>0.05). At 6 months after operation, Rasmussen radiological scores and grading showed no significant difference (P>0.05); the double reverse traction group had significantly higher HSS scores and grading compared to the traditional open group (P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, knee flexion/extension range of motion were significantly greater in double reverse traction group than in traditional open group (P<0.05). Conclusion Double reverse traction reduction offers advantages over traditional open reduction internal fixation, including shorter operative time, reduced blood loss, minimized soft tissue trauma, and improved joint functional recovery. It is a safe and reliable method for complex tibial plateau fractures.