Objective To assess the effectiveness of locking compress plate and extra cortical bone bridge fixation for treating atrophic humeral nonunion. Methods Seventeen patients with atrophic humeral nonuninon were treated with locking compress plate and extra cortical bone bridge fixation between November 2006 and June 2015. Of 17 cases, 11 were male, 6 were female, aged 24-63 years (mean, 38.2 years). Fracture located at the left side in 9 cases and at the right side in 8 cases. The mechanism of injury was traffic accident in 13 cases, falling from height in 3 cases, and heavy pound injury in 1 case. The patients underwent surgery for 1 time in 7 cases, for 2 times in 5 cases, for 3 times in 4 cases, and for 4 times in 1 case. The time from fracture to hospitalization was 10-76 months (mean, 22.6 months). The shoulder function was evaluated by Neer score, and elbow function by Mayo score. Results All incisions healed by first intention. Two cases had transient radial nerve symptoms of numbness. All patients were followed up 27.3 months on average (range, 15-60 months). Radiographic examination showed signs of bone remodeling at 6-8 weeks after operation, and formation of extra cortical bone bridge. All of them achieved bone union within 10 to 41 weeks (mean, 17.6 weeks). At last follow-up, the average Neer score was 83.36 (range, 72-96); and the shoulder function was excellent in 10 cases, good in 5, and fair in 2 with an excellent and good rate of 88.24%. And the average Mayo score was 86.52 (range, 68-100); and the elbow function was excellent in 11 cases, good in 3, and fair in 3 with an excellent and good rate of 82.35%. Conclusion The bone bridging could effectively form by extra cortical grafting technique. Atrophic humeral nonunions can be successfully treated with locking compress plate and extra cortical bone bridge fixation.
Objective To review the recent advances in treatment of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion. Methods The clinical studies about the treatments of aseptic femoral shaft nonunion in recent years were widely reviewed and analyzed. Results There are several surgical methods for aseptic femoral shaft nonunion. Due to uncertain clinical outcome, dynamization of nail should be carefully selected. The exchange nailing is suitable for the hypertrophic nonunion of the isthmal femoral shaft fracture. The exchange lateral plating is suitable for nonunion with obvious malformation. However, wave plate or dual plate should be chosen when the bone nonuinon is combined with the medial defect. The augmentation plating improves the success rate of nailing for femoral shaft nonunion, but it should be carefully selected for patients with obvious deformity or bone defect. Ilizarov technique is suitable for various bone nonunion, especially with complicated or large segmental bone defects. Induced membrane technique is also an important method for the treatment of bone nonunion with large bone defects. The clinical efficacy of the blocking screw remains to be supported by further evidence. Biological stimulants are mainly used for atrophic nonunion, and the clinical efficacy of them alone are still controversial. Conclusion Due to lack of comparative studies between different surgical methods, the orthopedist should choose the appropriate treatment according to the individual situations of the patient and the types of bone nonunion.
Objective To explore the methods, fixation points, and effectiveness of staged therapy using external fixation frame in treatment of infectious nonunion near knee joint. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 60 patients with infectious nonunion near knee joint, who underwent staged therapy using external fixation frame between June 2021 and June 2024 and were followed up. There were 48 males and 12 females with an average age of 47.9 years (range, 16-70 years). The disease duration ranged from 9 months to 20 years, with a median of 14 months. Among them, 21 cases of infectious nonunion located in the distal femur, 36 cases in the proximal tibia, and 3 cases in the patella; 12 cases exhibited segmental bone defects (≥4 cm), while 48 cases presented with localized bone defects (<4 cm). Osteomyelitis was classified using the Cierny-Mader system, with 3 cases classified as type Ⅰ, 6 cases as type Ⅱ, 35 cases as type Ⅲ, and 16 cases as type Ⅳ. Preoperative C-reactive protein levels ranged from 15.1 to 55.8 mg/L (mean, 36.4 mg/L). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 35-80 mm/1 h (mean, 56.9 mm/1 h). The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score for knee joint was 69.3±17.7 and the range of motion was (70.61±40.60)°. After debridement and placement of antibiotic carriers at the first-stage operation, unilateral orbital frames (n=14), combined frames (n=27), or Ilizarov frames (n=19) were used for cross joint fixation (n=9) or joint preservation fixation (n=51). After 6-8 weeks of infection control, the bone grafting or bone transport was performed at the second-stage operation based on the type of bone defect, with internal fixation employed as an adjunct if necessary. After operation, the infection control and fracture healing were observed and the bone healing time was recorded. The knee joint function was assessed using the HSS score, and the knee joint range of motion was measured as well as the angle of motion loss. Patients were grouped according to the site of nonunion, type of external fixation frame, and fixation method. The bone healing time, change value of HSS score, and knee joint range of motion loss (difference between pre- and post-operation) were compared between groups. Results All infection markers returned to the normal range within 6 weeks after the first-stage operation. All patients were followed up 12-48 months (mean, 22.0 months) after the second-stage operation. There were 5 cases of needle tract infection during the external fixation period, and 3 cases of infection recurrence after the second-stage operation, all of which were cured after symptomatic treatment. The bone healing time was 6-18 months (mean, 11.0 months). At last follow-up, the HSS score was 88.5±7.9 and the range of motion was (61.84±40.59)°, with significant differences compared to preoperative values (P<0.05); the knee joint range of motion loss was (8.77±11.07)°. The bone healing time was significantly longer in the distal femur group than in the proximal tibia group (P<0.05), and in the unilateral orbital frames group than in the Ilizarov frames group and the combined frames group (P<0.05). The angle of motion loss was significantly larger in the Ilizarov frames group than in the unilateral orbital frames group and the combined frames group (P<0.05). The change value of HSS score was significantly higher in the cross joint fixation group than in the joint preservation fixation group (P<0.05). Conclusion During the first-stage operation, debridement is performed and antibiotic carriers are placed to control infection. External fixation frames are then precisely positioned based on the distance between the lesion and the joint surface, avoiding the infected wound while ensuring mechanical balance. During the second-stage operation, bone grafting options are selected according to the extent of bone defects to enhance the bone union. Postoperative early functional exercises of the knee joint are permitted to improve joint function.
Thirteen patients with intractable nonunions of fractures of long bones were sucessfully treated by a combination of internal fixation and implantation of bBMP. There was an average of 1.5 operative procedures per patient in an attempting to establish reunion prior to bBMP implantation. Union was obtained in 12 of the 13 patients exapt in one who gained success from establish the second attempt. The average time requited to union was 4.7 months. No complication was seen.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of triangular stabilization system in the treatment of postoperative nonunion of femoral neck fracture.MethodsThe clinical data of 30 patients with postoperative nonunion of femoral neck fracture who met the selection criteria between December 2014 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 21 males and 9 females with an average age of 40.7 years (range, 15-65 years). The Pauwels angle at the time of injury was 51°-79°, with an average of 63.6°. According to the Pauwels classification, they were all type Ⅲ. The time from the first operation to this revision operation was 5-24 months, with an average of 9.7 months. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 4.2±1.3, the Harris score was 31.2±5.3, the neck-shaft angle was (116.3±7.9)°, and the lower limb shortening length was (1.73±0.53) cm. Triangular stabilization system, which was made of dynamic condylar screw and medial anatomical buttress plate, combined with the window bone grafting at the fracture site was used for bone nonunion revision. The postoperative lower limb shortening length, neck-shaft angle, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded; the Harris score was used to evaluate the hip joint function, and the VAS score was used to evaluate the pain improvement before and after operation.ResultsAll patients were followed up 12-60 months, with an average of 27.7 months. There was no clear sign of femoral head necrosis and collapse after operation; 1 patient developed infection at 4 months after operation, and the incision healed after debridement and removal of internal fixator. All patients achieved bone healing, and the healing time was 2.8-6.0 months, with an average of 3.9 months. At last follow-up, the lower limb shortening length was (0.30±0.53) cm, which was significantly corrected when compared with preoperative one (t=16.721, P=0.000); the neck-shaft angle was (133.9±5.7)°, which was significantly recovered when compared with preoperative one (t=−11.239, P=0.000). The VAS score was 0.7±0.9, the Harris score was 88.3±5.9, both of which were significantly improved when compared with preoperative scores (t=16.705, P=0.000; t=−40.138, P=0.000).ConclusionTriangular stabilization system combined with window bone grafting can provide a stable and balanced mechanical environment, promote fracture healing, and achieve satisfactory effectiveness in the treatment of postoperative nonunion of femoral neck fracture.
Objective To evaluate the result of treating nonunion of lower segment of humerus with combination of rib flaps of cross chest and double plates. Methods From Feburary 2000 to May 2006, 21 cases of nounion of lower segment of humerus were treated. There were 13 males and 8 females with an average age of 36.5 years (range, 17-56 years). Accordingto AO classification, there were 5 cases of type A1.3, 7 cases of type B1.3, 6 cases of type B2.3, 2 cases of type B3.3, and 1 case of type C1.3. All nonunion occurred after internal fixation, which was caused by bone resorption at fracture end in 12 cases, by plates breakage in 3 cases, and by internal fixation loosening in 6 cases; including 8 cases of hypertrophic nonunion and 13 cases of atrophy nonunion without pseudoarthrosis. An average time of nonunion was 1.5 years (from 8 months to 3 years). All cases were treated with combination of rib flaps of cross chest (length, 3.0-3.5 cm) and double plates. The pedicle was divided 8 to 10 weeks after operation and all cases carried out functional exercise. Results The patients were followed up for an average time of 18.2 months (range, 1-3 years). All nounion of lower segment of humerus were healed and no radial nerve injury occurred. Primary heal ing of wound was achieved at both donor and recipient sites. Bony union was achieved in all cases after an average time of 3.5 months (range, 3-5 months) after operation. According to the the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) functional elbow index, the average score was 89.3 (range, 81.7-92.5) and the outcome was excellent in 14 cases, good in 4 cases, and poor in 3 cases, the excellent and good rate was 85.7%. Conclusion Combination of rib flaps of cross chest and double plates is an effective method of treating nonunion of lower segment of humerus.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of locking compress plate (LCP) for the treatment of aseptic diaphyseal humeral nonunions. MethodsBetween January 2006 and January 2012, 23 patients with aseptic diaphyseal humeral nonuninons were treated with LCP and autologous iliac crest bone graft, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 8 females with the average age of 42.5 years (range, 28-60 years). The fracture located at left side in 11 cases and right side in 12 cases. The mechanism of the injury was traffic accident in 15 patients, and falling from height in 8 patients. Fracture was treated by internal fixation in 20 cases and external fixation in 3 cases. And 6 patients had open fractures and other 17 had close fractures. Based on the Weber-Cech classification, 6 cases were rated as atrophic nonunions, and 17 cases as hypertrophic nonuninons. Shoulder function was evaluated by Constant-Murley score and elbow function was evaluated by Mayo score. ResultsAfter operation, 2 patients had transient radial nerve symptoms of numbness and 1 patient had superficial infection. Primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients. All patients were followed up 22.22 months on average (range, 16-30 months). Normal range of motion of the shoulder was found in 11 cases; and limited movements of abduction, elevation, and posterior extension were observed in 12 cases. And osseous union was observed clinically and radiographically in all patients. The average union time was 16.95 weeks (range, 12-24 weeks). The average Constant-Murley score was 81.87 (range, 50-98); and shoulder function was excellent in 14 cases, good in 6, and fair in 3. And the average Mayo score was 87.78 (range, 70-96); and the result was excellent in 14 cases, good in 7, and fair in 2. ConclusionAseptic diaphyseal humeral nonunions can be successfully treated with LCP, coupled with the use of autologous iliac crest bone graft.
OBJECTIVE: To introduce the operation method of treatment of nonunion of scaphoid bone by transfer of pedicled radial periosteal bone flap. METHODS: From Match 1986, 26 cases with old nonunion of scaphoid bone were treated by transfer of radial periosteal bone flap pedicled with recurrent branch of radial artery, the size of bone flap was 1.0 cm x 0.4 cm x 0.5 cm. RESULTS: All patients with old nonunion of scaphoid bone were healed by first intention, bone union was occurred after 2 to 3 months of operation, and wrist joint almost recovered normal function. CONCLUSION: It is an effective operation method to treat nonunion of scaphoid bone.