Objective To investigate the effectiveness of arthroscopy-assisted combined fixation of Kirschner wire and external fixator for treating extreme distal radial fractures. Methods Between January 2014 and May 2016, 21 patients who suffered from extreme distal radial fractures were treated by arthroscopy-assisted combined fixation of Kirschner wire and external fixator. There were 14 males and 7 females with an age of 32-57 years (mean, 42.3 years). The causes of injury included falling in 13 cases and traffic accident in 8 cases. The fracture type included 8 cases of type 23C1, 9 cases of type 23C2, and 4 cases of type 23C3 according to AO/OTA classification. The time from injury to operation was 3-7 days (mean, 4.4 days). The Mayo score and disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score were used to assess the pain and function of the wrist joint. Results There was no needle red swelling, tendon irritation, or orther early complications. All the patients were followed up 10-35 months (mean, 18.3 months). The fracture healing time was 9-13 weeks (mean, 10.6 weeks). At last follow-up, the Mayo score was 87-94 (mean, 90.9); and 17 cases were excellent and 4 were good. The DASH score was 7-13 (mean, 10.6). Conclusion Arthroscopy-assisted combined fixation of Kirschner wire and external fixator for treating extreme distal radial fractures has the advantages of firm fixation, early functional exercise, less postoperative complications, and good functional recovery of wrist joint.
ObjectiveTo analyze the effectiveness of external fixator combined with Kirschner wire (EF-KW) fixation in the treatment of oblique and comminuted distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (DHMDJ) fractures in children. Methods A clinical data of 22 children with DHMDJ fractures who met the selection criteria between April 2021 and December 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with EF-KW fixation. There were 14 boys and 8 girls with an average age of 6.8 years (range, 1.5-12.0 years). The time from injury to operation was 14-38 hours (mean, 24.2 hours). There were 18 cases of comminuted fractures and 4 cases of oblique fractures; and 1 case of median nerve injury and 1 case of radial nerve injury before operation. The occurrence of postoperative complications was recorded. At last follow-up, the function of the affected elbow joint was evaluated according to the Mayo elbow joint function score, and the Baumann’s angle (BA) and humero-capitellar angle (HCA) of the affected and healthy sides were recorded and compared. ResultsAll fractures were successfully treated with closed reduction and no complications such as nerve injury occurred. Superficial infection occurred in 4 cases after operation and healed after symptomatic treatment. The incisions of other patients healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 9-24 months (mean, 13.8 months). At last follow-up, according to the Mayo elbow joint function score, the elbow joint function was rated as excellent in 15 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 95.5%. The neurologic injury before operation recovered gradually. X-ray films reexamination showed that all fractures healed, and the healing time of fractures ranged from 29 to 61 days, with an average of 35.6 days. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in BA and HCA between the healthy side and the affected side (P>0.05). During follow-up, 1 case developed mild cubitus varus, while the other patients had no serious complications. ConclusionEF-KW fixation for oblique and comminuted DHMDJ fractures in children has the advantages of less trauma, simple operation, easy reduction, good stability after reduction, low incidence of serious complications, and good elbow functional recovery.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Kirschner wire fixation and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with suture anchor in the treatment of Cho type ⅡC distal clavicle fractures. Methods The data of 17 patients with Cho type ⅡC distal clavicular fractures, who were treated with Kirschner wire fixation and coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with suture anchor between June 2019 and June 2021, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 11 males and 6 females with an average age of 38.7 years (range, 19-72 years). The fractures were caused by falling in 12 cases and traffic accident in 5 cases. All patients had fresh closed fractures. The interval from injury to operation was 1-5 days (mean, 2.6 days). The preoperative injury severity score (ISS) was 6-27 (mean, 10.2). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, fracture healing, and postoperative complications were analyzed. The shoulder joint function was evaluated by disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score and Constant score at last follow-up. Results All operations were completed successfully. The operation time was 20-50 minutes (mean, 31.6 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 30-100 mL (mean, 50.6 mL). The hospital stay was 4-9 days (mean, 5.3 days). All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 12-16 months (mean, 13 months). All clavicle fractures healed, and the healing time was 8-15 weeks (mean, 11 weeks). No complications such as fracture displacement or nonunion caused by internal fixation failure occurred. During the follow-up, skin irritation caused by the Kirschner wire withdrawal occurred in 3 cases. The Kirschner wires were removed after fracture healing in 17 patients. At last follow-up, the Constant score of shoulder joint was 90-100 (mean, 98.2). The DASH score was 0-10 (mean, 1.5). ConclusionKirschner wire fixation combined with coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction with suture anchor in the treatment of Cho type ⅡC distal clavicle fractures has less postoperative complications and slight complications. It is convenient to remove the internal fixator. The Kirschner wire does not fix the distal clavicle fracture through the acromion, which has little effect on shoulder joint function and can obtain good effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the modified intramedullary fixation with two Kirschner wires for extra-articular fracture of the proximal phalangeal base. MethodsBetween June 2012 and November 2015, 18 cases (18 fingers) of fresh extra-articular fracture of the proximal phalangeal base were treated, including 16 males and 2 females with an average age of 31 years (range, 21-57 years). The causes included strike injury in 10 cases, fall injury in 4 cases, mechanical injury in 1 case, twist injury in 1 case, crush injury in 1 case, and cutting injury in 1 case. The injured fingers were little finger in 16 cases, ring finger in 1 case, and index finger in 1 case. Of the 18 cases, 17 had closed fractures and 1 had open fracture. X-ray film showed transverse fracture in 14 cases and transverse-oblique fracture in 4 cases. The time between injury and operation was 3 hours to 4 days (mean, 2 days). After anatomical reduction, two Kirschner wires were used for intramedullary fixation. Functional exercises were done at 2 days after operation. The Kirschner wires were removed at 4 weeks after operation. ResultsAll the wounds healed by first intention. There were no deformation, loosening or breakage of Kirschner wires, and pin tract infection. Postoperative X-ray films showed anatomical reduction of fracture in all cases; no re-displacement happened, and clinical healing was obtained at 4 weeks; bony union was obtained at 8 weeks. All patients were followed up 6-12 months with an average of 8 months. There was no pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint; the range of motion was (88.1±2.3)° at 3 months after operation, showing no significant difference when compared with normal side [(88.8±2.6)°] (t=1.73, P=0.10). The finger flexion and extension were normal; according to the criteria of total active motion of finger, the results were excellent in all cases. ConclusionThe technique of modified intramedullary fixation with two Kirschner wires for extra-articular fractures of the proximal phalangeal base has the merits of convenient operation, little injury, reliable fixation, and excellent effectiveness. This technique is conducive to the recovery of hand function due to the early functional exercises.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of Kirschner wire combined with silk tension band in the treatment of ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. Methods Between September 2008 and October 2011, 14 patients with ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint were treated using a combination of Kirschner wire and silk tension band. There were 8 males and 6 females, aged 23-55 years (mean, 40.8 years). The causes of injury were machinery twist injury in 5 cases, manual twist injury in 4 cases, falling in 4 cases, sports injury in 1 case. The time from injury to operation was 2 hours-14 days. All the patients presented pain over the ulnar aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, limitation of motion, and joint instability with pinch and grip. The lateral stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint was positive. Function training was given at 2 weeks after operation. Results All incisions healed by first intention. The lateral stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint was negative. All the patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13.1 months). The X-ray films showed good fracture reduction and healing with an average time of 7 weeks (range, 4-10 weeks). At last follow-up, the thumbs had stable flexion and extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint, normal opposition function and grip and pinch strengths. According to Saetta et al. criteria for functional assessment, the results were excellent in 11 cases and good in 3 cases; the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion It is an easy and simple method to treat ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint using Kirschner wire combined with silk tension band, which can meet the good finger function.
Objective To investigate the curative effects of open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire for Mason type-II radial head or neck fracture in children. Methods From September 2007 to June 2009, 17 cases of Mason type-II radial head or neck fracture were treated, including 11 males and 6 femals with an average age of 8.5 years (4-11 years).The locations were left side in 5 cases and right side in 12 cases. All fractures were caused by fall ing and classified as Mason type- II fracture. Two cases compl icated by radial nerve deep branch injury. The time from injury to operation was 4 hours to 5 days. All cases received open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire. They were evaluated by anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and functionally by Broberg criteria. Results Wound healed primarily in all patients. According to Métaizeau criteria, the results were excellent in 15 patients and good in 2 patients, who achieved anatomical reduction. Seventeen patients were followed up for a mean time of 14 months (6-25 months). Function returned to normal in 2 cases compl icated by radial nerve deep branch injury after 6 months of operation. No compl ications of infection and nerve injury occurred. The X-ray films showed that bony heal ing was achieved in all cases; the heall ing time was 2.0-3.5 months (mean 3 months). According to Broberg criteria, the outcome was excellent in 11 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases, the excellent and good rate was 88.2%. Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire has good effect, satisfactory functional recovery and less compl ication in the treatment of Mason type-II fracture of radial head or neck in children.
Objective To summarize the effectiveness of Kirschner wire buckling combined with bone fixation in the treatment of metacarpal avulsion fracture. Methods The clinical data of 35 patients of metacarpal avulsion fracture admitted between March 2017 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 22 males and 13 females; the age ranged from 20 to 55 years, with an average of 31.6 years. There were 17 cases of the second metacarpal avulsion fracture, 6 cases of the fourth metacarpal avulsion fracture, and 12 cases of the fifth metacarpal avulsion fracture. The causes of injury included 21 cases of strangulation, 8 cases of sprain, and 6 cases of sports injury. X-ray film examination showed that the size of the avulsion fracture of metacarpal bone ranged from 0.30 cm×0.20 cm to 0.55 cm×0.45 cm. The total active motion (TAM) of the injured finger before operation was (154.00±17.38)°. The time from injury to operation was 3-10 days, with an average of 5.8 days. Follow-up regularly after operation, X-ray film and CT examination were performed to evaluate fracture healing and TAM of injured finger was measured. The finger function was evaluated by the trial standard of upper limb function evaluation of Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association. Results All the incisions healed by first intention. All 35 patients were followed up 9-36 months, with an average of 28 months. All metacarpal avulsion fractures achieved bony healing, and the healing time was 4-6 weeks, with an average of 4.8 weeks. The metacarpophalangeal joint of the patient was stable, without stiffness, and the flexion and extension activities were good. At last follow-up, the TAM of the injured finger reached (261.88±6.23)°, which was significantly different from that before operation (t=−35.351, P<0.001). The finger function was evaluated according to the trial standard of upper limb function evaluation of the Society of Hand Surgery of Chinese Medical Association, and 33 cases were excellent and 2 cases were good, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. Conclusion The treatment of metacarpal avulsion fracture with Kirschner wire buckling combined with bone fixation has the advantages of less trauma, firm fixation, and less interference to the soft tissue around metacarpophalangeal joints, which is a good alternative method for the metacarpal avulsion fracture.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of early versus delayed closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation in the treatment of pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 468 children with supracondylar humerus fractures, who were admitted between January 2020 and December 2023 and met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 187 children were treated during 12 hours after injury (early operation group) and 281 were treated after 12 hours (delayed operation group). There was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05) in the gender, age, injury mechanism, fracture side and type, while there was significant difference in interval from injury to operation (P<0.05). The operative outcomes, including the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the length of hospital stay, fracture healing time, elbow function assessed by Flynn criteria at 3 months after operation, and complications, were compared. Results Compared to the delayed operation group, the early operation group demonstrated significantly shorter operation time and less intraoperative blood loss (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). All children were followed up 3-12 months. The follow-up time was (6.7±2.9) months in the early operation group and (6.9±2.8) months in the delayed operation group, showing no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the fracture healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). At 3 months after operation, the early operation group exhibited superior Flynn elbow functional outcomes to the delayed operation group (P<0.05). In the early operation group, there was 1 case of fracture non-union and 3 cases of cubital varus deformity after operation. In the delayed operation group, there was 1 case of nerve injury, 7 cases of fracture non-union, and 12 cases of cubital varus deformity after operation. There was significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P<0.05). One case of the early operation group and 10 cases of the delayed operation group underwent secondary operation, showing no significant difference in the incidence of secondary operation between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor pediatric supracondylar humerus fractures, early closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation can reduce operation time, minimize intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complications, and improve the functional recovery compared to delayed operation.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion with bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation. MethodsThe clinical data of 14 patients with scaphoid fracture nonunion who met the selection criteria between February 2021 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 1 female with an average age of 32 years ranging from 17 to 54 years. The time from injury to operation ranged from 6 to 15 months, with an average of 9.6 months. According to the Slade-Geissler classification of scaphoid fracture nonunion, there were 3 cases of grade Ⅲ, 8 cases of grade Ⅳ, and 3 cases of grade Ⅴ. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.9±1.0, and the modified Mayo wrist score was 53.2±9.1. There were 2 cases of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse, both of which were stage Ⅰ. All patients were treated with arthroscopic bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation, and the fracture healing was observed by X-ray film monthly after operation, and the effectiveness was evaluated by VAS score and modified Mayo wrist score before and after operation. ResultsAll patients were followed up 6-14 months, with an average of 8.4 months. All fractures healed in 4-8 months, with an average of 6.3 months. The postoperative pain symptoms and wrist function of the patients significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and the VAS score at last follow-up was 2.4±1.3, and the modified Mayo wrist score was 87.1±6.7, which were significantly different from those before operation (t=12.851, P<0.001; t=−14.410, P<0.001). According to the modified Mayo wrist evaluation, 9 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, and 2 cases were fair. Conclusion Arthroscopic bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation is an effective surgical method for the treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion.
From August 1986 to October 1990, 34 cases of fractures of patella were treated by the self-designed spring Kirschner wire, in which, 25 cases were followed up for an average of 1.5 years. The excellentgood rate reached 88%. In comparing with the traditional method of treatment, it gave more secure fixation for fracture, without the need or only a short time of immobilization needed, short treatment course and satisfactory return of function.