Objective To evaluate the safety of conversion from external fixation to internal fixation for open tibia fractures. Methods Between January 2010 and December 2014, 94 patients (98 limbs) with open tibia fractures were initially treated with external fixators at the first stage, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. In 29 cases (31 limbs), the external fixators were changed to internal fixation for discomfort, pin tract response, Schantz pin loosening, delayed union or non-union after complete wound healing and normal or close to normal levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C reactive protein (CRP), and the leucocyte count as well as the neutrophil ratio (trial group); in 65 cases (67 limbs), the external fixators were used as the ultimate treatment in the control group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side of the limbs, interval from injury to the first debridement, initial pathogenic bacteria, the limbs that skin grafting or flap transferring for skin and soft tissue defect between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidence of Gustilo type III fractures in the control group was significantly higher than that in the trial group (P=0.000). The overall incidence of infection was calculated respectively in the two groups. The incidence of infection according to different fracture types and whether skin grafting or flap transferring was compared between the two groups. The information of the pathogenic bacteria was recorded in the infected patients, and it was compared with the results of the initial culture. The incidence of infection in the patients of the trial group using different internal fixation instruments was recorded. Results The overall incidences of infection for the trial and control groups were 9.7% (3/31) and 9.0% (6/67) respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.013, P=0.909). No infection occurred in Gustilo type I and type II patients. The incidence of infection for Gustilo type IIIA patients in the trial group and the control group were 14.3% (1/7) and 6.3% (2/32) respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.509, P=0.476); the incidence of infection for type IIIB patients in the two groups were 50.0% (2/4) and 14.3% (2/14) respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=2.168, P=0.141); and the incidence of infection for type IIIC patients in the two groups were 0 and 16.7% (2/12) respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.361, P=0.548). Of all the infected limbs, only 1 limb in the trial group had the same Staphylococcus Aureus as the result of the initial culture. In the patients who underwent skin grafting or flap transferring, the incidence of infection in the trial and control groups were 33.3% (2/6) and 13.3% (2/15) respectively, showing no significant difference (χ2=1.059, P=0.303). After conversion to internal fixation, no infection occurred in the cases that fixed with nails (11 limbs), and infection occurred in 4 of 20 limbs that fixed with plates, with an incidence of infection of 20%. Conclusion Conversion from external fixation to internal fixation for open tibia fractures is safe in most cases. However, for open tibia fractures with extensive and severe soft tissue injury, especially Gustilo type III patients who achieved wound heal after flap transfer or skin grafting, the choice of secondary conversion to internal fixation should carried out cautiously. Careful pre-operative evaluation of soft tissue status, cautious choice of fixation instrument and meticulous intra-operative soft tissue protection are essential for its safety.
Objective To compare the effectiveness between minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for treatment of extra-articular distal tibial fracture. Methods Between March 2009 and March 2012, 57 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures were treated, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Of 57 cases, 31 were treated with MIPO (MIPO group), and 26 with ORIF (ORIF group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, type of fractures, complication, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications were compared between 2 groups. Results There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Wound infection occurred in 5 cases [2 in MIPO group (6.5%) and 3 in ORIF group (11.5%)], showing no significant difference (χ2=0.651, P=0.499). The other wound obtained healing by first intention. All cases were followed up 13-24 months (mean, 15 months). No significant difference was found in the average healing time between 2 groups and between patients with types A and B by AO classification (P gt; 0.05); in patients with type C, the healing time in MIPO group was significantly shorter than that in ORIF group (t= — 2.277, P=0.033). Delayed union was observed in 3 cases of MIPO group (9.7%) and in 4 cases of ORIF group (15.4%), showing no significant difference (χ2=0.428, P=0.691). Mal-union occurred in 4 cases of MIPO group (12.9%) and in 1 case of ORIF group (3.8%), showing no significant difference (χ2=1.449, P=0.362). No significant difference was found in Mazur score between 2 groups (t=0.480, P=0.633). The excellent and good rate was 93.5% in MIPO group (excellent in 24 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case) and was 92.3% in ORIF group (excellent in 18 cases, good in 6 cases, and poor in 2 cases), and the difference was not significant (Z= — 0.687, P=0.492). Conclusion Both MIPO and ORIF have good results in treating extra-articular distal tibial fractures. MIPO is superior to ORIF for treating complex and communited fractures.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of Nice knot technique for wound closure in Gustilo type ⅢA and ⅢB open tibial fractures. Methods A retrospective study was performed on 22 patients with Gustilo type ⅢA and ⅢB open tibial fractures, who underwent wound closure using the Nice knot technique and were admitted between June 2021 and June 2022. There were 15 males and 7 females. The age ranged from 18 to 67 years, with an average of 41.9 years. The causes of injury included traffic accident in 11 cases, falling from height in 7 cases, and heavy object injuries in 4 cases. Fractures were located on the left side in 9 cases and on the right side in 13 cases. And 9 cases were type ⅢA fractures and 13 were type ⅢB fractures according to Gustilo classification. All patients had extensive soft tissue injuries, and no vascular or neurological damage was observed. The time from injury to debridement was 3-8 hours (mean, 6.5 hours). The sizes of wounds before operation and at 2 weeks after operation were measured and wound healing rate at 2 weeks after operation were calculated. The wound healing time and wound healing grading were recorded. The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score was used to assess the wound scar after wound healed and the excellent and good rate was calculated. Results The wound area was 21.0-180.0 cm2 (mean, 57.82 cm2) before operation, and it was 1.2-27.0 cm2 (mean, 6.57 cm2) at 2 weeks after operation. The wound healing rate at 2 weeks after operation was 76%-98% (mean, 88.6%). After operation, 2 cases needed to adjust Nice knot due to skin cutting and 1 case occurred soft tissue infection on the wound. The other patient’s wounds healed. The average wound healing time was 27.8 days (range, 18-44 days). And the wound healing were grade A in 13 cases and grade B in 9 cases. VSS score was 2-9, with an average of 4.1; 10 cases were rated as excellent, 10 as good, and 2 as poor, with an excellent and good rate of 90.9%. All patients were followed up 9-24 months (mean, 14.6 months). During follow-up, no deep infection or osteomyelitis occurred. Two cases experienced fracture non-union, and were treated with compression fixation and bone grafting. The fractures of the other patients all healed, with a healing time of 85-190 days (mean, 148.2 days). ConclusionNice knot technique can be used in wound closure of Gustilo type ⅢA and ⅢB open tibial fractures effectively, which is easy to operate.
Objective To investigate the feasibility of Drawtex hydroconductive dressing in treatment of early implantation-associated infection and soft tissue defect after internal fixation of tibial fracture. Methods Thirty-six New Zealand rabbits were used to prepare the model of early implantation-associated infection after internal fixation of tibial fracture, and randomly divided into 3 groups (n=12) . The infected wounds were covered with Drawtex hydroconductive dressing (group A), chitosan solution gauze (group B), and normal saline gauze (group C), respectively. The dressing was changed every 2 days. X-ray films were performed at 1, 14, and 21 days. The gross observation, microbiological evaluation, and histological observation were done at 21 days. Results There was no significant difference in the wound grading according to the Jamesʾ grading criteria between groups at 21 days (χ2=3.713, P=0.156). X-ray films showed no bone destruction in all groups at 1 day; and there was no significant difference in radiographic scores between groups (P>0.05). At 14 days, the mild osteolysis was observed in group B; the radiographic score was significantly lower in groups A and C than in group B (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups A and C (P>0.05). At 21 days, the osteolysis and osteomyelitis were observed in groups B and C; the radiographic score was significantly lower in group A than in groups B and C (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between groups B and C (P>0.05). Also, the microorganism in bone tissue of group A was less than that of groups B and C (P<0.05); and the difference between group B and group C was not significant (P>0.05). Histological observation showed the mild inflammatory cell infiltration in group A and many inflammatory cells in groups B and C. The Smeltzer histological score was significant lower in group A than in groups B and C (P<0.05); and there was no significant difference between groups B and C (P>0.05). Conclusion Drawtex hydroconductive dressing can be used for the implantation-associated infection after tibial fracture internal fixation. And the effectiveness of Drawtex hydroconductive dressing is better than that of chitosan solution gauze and normal saline gauze.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of intramedullary nailing fixation via suprapatellar approach and medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures.Methods The clinical data of 43 patients with multiple tibial fractures treated with intramedullary nailing fixation between July 2018 and December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 23 patients treated with suprapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group A) and 20 patients with medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and range of motion (ROM) of the knee joint between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared. The VAS score and ROM of the knee joint were analyzed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after operation, and the incidence of postoperative complications was observed; knee function was evaluated by Lysholm score at last follow-up. ResultsThe operations were successfully completed in both groups, and there was no complication such as nerve and blood vessel injury during operation, and all incisions healed by first intention. There was no significant difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency between the two groups (P>0.05), but the incision length in group B was significantly longer than that in group A (P<0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-30 months, with an average of 21.1 months. The VAS score decreased and ROM increased gradually in both groups with time after operation, showing significant differences between different time points (P<0.05). The VAS score of group B was significantly lower than that of group A at 4 and 8 weeks after operation (P<0.05); there was no significant difference in VAS score and ROM between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). During the follow-up, there was no complication such as internal fixator loosening, breakage, and loss of fracture reduction. At last follow-up, the Lysholm score in group B was significantly better than that in group A (P<0.05). Conclusion Both the suprapatellar approach and the medial parapatellar approach in semi-extended position can achieve satisfactory results in the treatment of multiple tibial fractures. The medial parapatellar approach has lower symptoms of early knee pain and better long-term function.
Objective To investigate the effect of tibial rotation on knee and ankle function in the patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures after minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) treatment. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 45 patients with extra-articular distal tibial fractures who underwent MIPO between January 2021 and December 2022. There were 20 males and 25 females, aged from 19 to 68 years (mean, 43.6 years). The causes of fractures included falling from heights in 11 cases, traffic accidents in 15 cases, bruising by a heavy object in 7 cases, and falling in 12 cases. The time from injury to hospitalization was 1-6 hours (mean, 3.7 hours). There were 28 cases of simple tibial fractures and 17 cases of tibial fractures combined with ipsilateral fibular fractures; 9 cases of open fractures and 36 cases of closed fractures. According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, the distal tibial fractures were classified as type 43A1 in 12 cases, type 43A2 in 17 cases, and type 43A3 in 16 cases. During follow-up, the Lower Limb Function Score (LEFS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score (KOOS) were used to evaluate the lower limb, ankle, and knee joint functions, respectively. The range of motion (ROM) of the knee and ankle joints was measured. The Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) was used to assess the quality of life of the patients. The fracture healing was observed by anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films of the ankle joint. The bilateral tibial rotation angles were measured on CT and the differences between the affected and healthy sides were caculated. The difference ≥10° was judged as tibial malrotation. According to whether there was tibial malrotation, the patients were allocated into a normal group and a malrotation group for efficacy comparison. Results The incisions of all patients healed by first intention without any early complications. All patients were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 18.6 months). Imaging re-examination showed that all fractures healed, with a healing time of 9-14 weeks (mean, 11.2 weeks). At last follow-up, the LEFS score was 60-68 (mean, 62.3); the AOFAS score was 89-97 (mean, 92.6); the KOOS score was 158-164 (mean, 161.3). The ROM of ankle was 40.0°-45.0° (mean, 42.8°) in flexion and 10.5°-22.0° (mean, 17.7°) in extension; the ROM of knee was 130.0°-135.0° (mean, 132.6°) in flexion and –8.8°- –5.0° (mean, –7.1°) in extension. The SF-36 score was 89-93 (mean, 90.7). The absolute value of difference of tibial rotation angle was 2.6°-17.3° (mean, 8.9°) in 45 patients, and the malrotation was observed in 15 patients (33.3%), including 10 cases of internal rotation and 5 cases of external rotation. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the proportion of patients with fibular fractures before operation between the malrotation group and the normal group, as well as in the AOFAS score, KOOS score, LEFS score, SF-36 score, and ROMs of knee and ankle joints at last follow-up. ConclusionThe incidence of tibial malrotation after MIPO treatment for extra-articular distal tibial fractures is relatively high, but it has no significant effect on knee and ankle functions. However, careful manipulation and precise evaluation should be performed during operation to avoid the occurrence of malrotation.
Objective To investigate the application value of three-dimensional (3-D) printing technology in the operation of distal tibia fracture involving epiphyseal plate injury for teenagers. Methods The retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 16 cases of children patients with distal tibia fracture involving epiphyseal plate injury undergoing the operation by using of 3-D printing technology between January 2014 and December 2015. There were 12 males and 4 females with an age of 9-14 years (mean, 12.8 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 9 cases, heavy pound injury in 3 cases, and sport injury in 4 cases. The time from injury to operation was 3-92 hours (mean, 25.8 hours). According to Salter-Harris typing standard, the typing for epiphyseal injury was classified as type Ⅱ in 11 cases, type Ⅲ in 4 cases, and type Ⅳ in 1 case. The thin slice CT scan on the affected limb was performed before operation, and the Mimics14.0 medical software was applied for the design and the 1∶1 fracture model was printed by the 3-D printer; the stimulation of operative reduction was made in the fracture model, and bone plate, Kirschner wire, and hollow screw with the appropriate size were chosen, then the complete operative approach and method were designed and the internal fixator regimen was chosen, then the practical operation was performed based on the preoperative design regimen. Results The operation time was 40-68 minutes (mean, 59.1 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 5-102 mL (mean, 35 mL); the intraoperative fluoroscopy times was 2-6 times (mean, 2.8 times). All the patiens were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 15 months). The fracture of 15 cases reached anatomic reduction, and 1 cases had no anatomic reduction with the displaced end less than 1 mm. All the fractures reached bony union with the healing time of 2-4 months (mean, 2.6 months). There was no deep vein thrombosis, premature epiphyseal closure and oblique, or uneven ankle surface occurred, and there was no complication such as osteomyelitis, varus or valgus of ankle joint, joint stiffness, traumatic arthritis. Helfet scores of ankle function were measured at 12 months after operation, the results were excellent in 15 cases and good in 1 case. The angulation of introversion and extroversion for the affected limb was (6.56±2.48)°, and the growth length was (4.44±2.31) mm, and there was no significant difference (t=0.086, P=0.932; t=0.392, P=0.697) when compared with the uninjured side [(6.50±1.51)°, (4.69±1.08) mm]. Conclusion As the assistive technology, 3-D printing technology has a certain clinical application value in improving the effectiveness of distal tibia fracture involving epiphyseal plate injury.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness difference between bone transport with a locking plate (BTLP) and conventional bone transport with Ilizarov/Orthofix fixators in treatment of tibial defect. MethodsThe clinical data of 60 patients with tibial fractures who met the selection criteria between January 2016 and September 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, and patients were treated with BTLP (BTLP group, n=20), Ilizarov fixator (Ilizarov group, n=23), or Orthofix fixator (Orthofix group, n=17) for bone transport. There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to admission, length of bone defect, tibial fracture typing, and comorbidities between groups (P>0.05). The osteotomy time, the retention time of external fixator, the external fixation index, and the occurrence of postoperative complications were recorded and compared between groups. The bone healing and functional recovery were evaluated by the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. Results All patients of 3 groups were followed up 13-45 months, with a mean of 20.4 months. The osteotomy time was significantly shorter in the BTLP group than in the Ilizarov group, and the retention time of external fixator and the external fixation index were significantly lower in the BTLP group than in the Ilizarov and Orthofix groups (P<0.05). Twenty-two fractures healed in the Ilizarov group and 1 case of delayed healing; 16 fractures healed in the Orthofix group and 1 case of delayed healing; 18 fractures healed in the BTLP group and 2 cases of delayed healing. There was no significant difference between groups in fracture healing distribution (P=0.824). After completing bone reconstruction treatment according to ASAMI criteria, the BTLP group had better bone healing than the Orthofix group and better function than the Ilizarov groups, showing significant differences (P<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in 4 cases (20%) in the BLTP group, 18 cases (78%) in the Ilizarov group, and 12 cases (70%) in the Orthofix group. The incidence of complication in the BTLP group was significantly lower than that in other groups (P<0.05). Conclusion BTLP is safe and effective in the treatment of tibial defects. BTLP has apparent advantages over the conventional bone transport technique in osteotomy time, external fixation index, and lower limb functional recovery.
Objective To review the main fixation methods for proximal tibial extra-articular fractures based on clinical and biomechanical results, and to provide evidence for clinical application. Methods Extensive literature search at home and abroad was conducted in recent years, and external fixation systems such as external fixation braces and external locking plates, as well as internal fixation systems such as plates and intramedullary nails, were systematically reviewed regarding their application indications, clinical efficacy, and biomechanical results in proximal tibial extra-articular fractures. Results External fixation systems have advantages in fractures with open or severe soft tissue injury, facilitating wound management and maintaining stability of the fracture site to some extent. However, in proximal tibial extra-articular fractures with good soft tissue conditions, internal fixation systems such as plates and intramedullary nails are still the first choice. Some studies have found that intramedullary nails allow patients to bear weight early, with shorter fracture healing time and higher rate of malunion, while other studies have found that both intramedullary nails and plates have similar clinical efficacy and can achieve satisfactory treatment results. Conclusion The choice of fixation method for proximal tibial extra-articular fractures depends not only on the type of fracture, but also on the surgeon’s habits and operational skills. Larger-scale studies are still needed to clarify the advantages and disadvantages of intramedullary nails and locking plates in the treatment of proximal tibial extra-articular fractures.
Objective To compare the clinical effect of reamed and nonreamed intramedullary interlocking nails on treating open tibial fractures. Methods From February 2002 to February 2004, 92 cases of open tibial fractures (86 patients) were treated with intramedullary interlocking nails. Of the 86 patients, 65 were male and 21 were female. Their age ranged from 18 to 68 years (36.5 on average). Of the 92 cases, 54 were in the reamed group and 38 in the nonreamed group. Patients moved with the support of crutch after their wounds were healed. Results All patients were followed up regularly for 6 to 24months. Infection rate in the reamed group and nonreamed group was 20.3% and 5.3% respectively, and there was significant difference between them (Ｐlt;0.05). The averagehealing time of the fractures was 22.5 weeks in reamed group and 19 weeks in nonreamed group, and there was no significant difference between them (Ｐ＞0.05). Delayed unions occurred in 8 cases and 3 cases in reamed group and nonreamed group respectively. Conclusion Compared with reamed group, nonreamed intramedullary interlocking nails have lowerinfection rate and fewer delayed unions and ununions.