Objective To investigate the effectiveness of disc reduction and anchorage in treatment of diacapitular condylar fracture with disc displacement. Methods Between June 2019 and June 2021, 20 patients (27 sides) with diacapitular condylar fractures with disc displacement were treated with disc reduction and anchorage combined with internal fixation. There were 15 males and 5 females with a median age of 40 years (range, 8-65 years). The fractures were caused by falling from height in 3 cases, traffic accident in 3 cases, and falling in 14 cases. Among them, there were 13 cases of unilateral fracture and 7 cases of bilateral fractures. Five sides were type A fractures and 22 sides were type B. There were 14 simple diacapitular condylar fractures, 12 diacapitular condylar fractures combined with mandibular chin fractures, and 1 diacapitular condylar fracture combined with mandibular angle fracture. The maximum opening was 5-20 mm (mean, 9.7 mm). The time from injury to operation was 4-20 days, with an average of 11.6 days. The postoperative imaging examination was performed to evaluate the reduction of fracture and disc. The maximum opening at 6 months after operation was recorded, and the clinical dysfunction index (Di) of Helkimo index was used to evaluate the temporomandibular joint function. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All 20 patients were followed up 6-10 months (mean, 8 months). Postoperative imaging examination showed that 27 fractures were well reduced, of which 26 were anatomically reduced and 1 was basically reduced; the reduction of the temporomandibular joint disc was excellent in 25 sides, good in 1 side, and poor in 1 side, and the effective rate of disc reduction and anchorage was 96.3%. The occlusion relationship of the patient was stable and basically reached the pre-injury level, the incision scar was hidden, and the mouth opening significantly improved when compared with the preoperative level. The maximum mouth opening was 32-40 mm (mean, 36.8 mm) at 6 months after operation. Maximum opening was more than 35 mm in 17 cases. At last follow-up, joint function reached Di 0 grade in 8 sides, DiⅠ grade in 18 sides, and DiⅡ grade in 1 side. After operation, 2 cases of opening deviation, 1 case of joint click, and 2 cases of temporary disappearance of frontal striae on affected side occurred, which recovered to normal after symptomatic treatment. ConclusionFor diacapitular condylar fractures with disc displacement, it is necessary to adopt disc reduction and anchorage at the same time of fracture reduction and internal fixation, which can achieve good clinical results.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) combined with minimally invasive clamp reduction technique by Kocher pincers in the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture in the elderly. Methods The clinical data of 35 elderly patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures who were treated with PFNA combined with minimally invasive clamp reduction technique by Kocher pincers between January 2016 and December 2022 were retrospectively analysed. There were 16 males and 19 females, aged from 63 to 95 years (mean, 75.2 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 3 cases and falling in 32 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-11 days (mean, 3.6 days). According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification system for intertrochanteric fractures, there were 14 cases of type A1, 18 cases of type A2, and 3 cases of type A3. According to the displacement of fracture by intraoperative fluoroscopy, there were 5 cases with only coronal displacement, 17 cases with only sagittal displacement, and 13 cases with both coronal and sagittal displacement. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, rate of hemoglobin decline at 1 day after operation, length of hospital stay, and fracture healing time were recorded. The reduction quality of fracture during operation was evaluated according to reduction quality criteria proposed by Chang et al. The Harris scoring system was used to evaluate the hip joint function at last follow-up. Results The operation time was 45-105 minutes (mean, 54.4 minutes); the intraoperative blood loss was 80-300 mL (mean, 116.3 mL). The reduction quality of fracture during operation was good in 22 cases (62.9%) and acceptable in 13 cases (37.1%). The rate of hemoglobin decline at 1 day after operation ranged from 6.2% to 18.6% (mean, 10.2%); the length of hospital stay was 5-18 days (mean, 7.2 days). One case died of respiratory failure due to pulmonary infection, 2 cases were lost to follow-up, and the remaining 32 cases were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 10.6 months). All 32 patients achieved bony union and the healing time was 3-9 months (mean, 3.6 months). There was no complication such as incision infection, internal fixation failure, or coxa varus during follow-up. At last follow-up, the Harris score of hip joint was 67-96 (mean, 88.9); among them, 19 cases were excellent, 10 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and 1 case was poor, with an excellent and good rate of 90.6%. Conclusion For the elderly patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture, the application of PFNA combined with minimally invasive clamp reduction technique by Kocher pincers can achieve high-quality fracture reduction, which has the advantages of simple reduction operation, less trauma, and can avoid the radiation exposure of operators during maintenance reduction.
Objective To introduce a new fluoroscopic method for assessing the quality of medial and lateral joint surface reduction during internal fixation of patellar fractures and to summarize the clinical outcomes of patients treated using this method. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 52 patients with patellar fractures treated between January 2018 and January 2022 who met the inclusion criteria. There were 27 male and 25 female patients, aged 21-75 years, with an average age of 62 years. The types of patellar fractures included 9 transverse fractures, 37 comminuted fractures, and 6 longitudinal fractures. According to the AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO-OTA)-2018 fracture classification, there were 21 cases of type 34A, 6 cases of type 34B, and 25 cases of type 34C. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 5 days, with an average of 2.3 days. Treatments included internal fixation with hollow screws or hollow screw tension bands, with or without anchor repair. During operation, the medial and lateral joint surfaces of the patella were observed using the tangential fluoroscopic method to assess the smoothness of reduction of the median ridge, lateral joint surface, medial joint surface, and lateral joint edge. Patients were followed up regularly, and X-ray films were taken to observe fracture healing. Knee joint range of motion, Böstman score, and Lysholm score were used to evaluate functional recovery. Results The tangential fluoroscopic method for the medial and lateral joint surfaces of the patella during operation showed satisfactory reduction of the joint surfaces and good positioning of the implants. All patients were followed up 12-16 months, with an average of 13.4 months. During the follow-up, fracture displacement occurred in 1 case and titanium cable breakage in 1 case. All patella fractures healed successfully, with a healing time of 8-16 weeks (mean, 11.4 weeks). At last follow-up, knee joint range of motion ranged from 120° to 140°, with an average of 136°. The Böstman score ranged from 20 to 30, with an average of 28, yielding excellent results in 45 cases and good results in 7 cases. The Lysholm score ranged from 88 to 100, with an average of 93, yielding excellent results in 40 cases and good results in 12 cases. Conclusion The intraoperative application of the tangential fluoroscopic method for the medial and lateral joint surfaces of the patella can quickly determine the fluoroscopic plane of the patella, accurately assess the quality of fracture reduction and the position of internal fixator, thereby improving effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo measure the rotation angle of the head-neck fragment of intertrochanteric fracture after cephalomedullary nail fixation by three-dimensional CT imaging, and to explore its clinical significance.MethodsThe clinical data of 68 patients with unstable intertrochanteric fracture of AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO-OTA) type 31-A2 treated with cephalomedullary nail fixation and with complete intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative three-dimensional CT imaging data between July 2016 and October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 21 males and 47 females, aged 68-93 years, with an average age of 81.8 years. There were 31 cases of AO/OTA type 31-A2.2 and 37 cases of 31-A2.3. Fracture reduction quality was evaluated according to Baumgaertner et al. and Chang et al. criteria. The anteromedial cortical contact or not of each patient was observed by three-dimensional CT imaging on T3DView software after operation. The rotation of head-neck fragments were divided into three types: non-rotation, flexion rotation, and hyperextension rotation. The rotation angles of each type were measured and the relationship between the rotation type of the head-neck fragments and the contact of the anteromedial cortex was analyzed.ResultsThe reduction and fixation of the small trochanter were not performed in 68 patients. According to Baumgaertner et al. criteria, the quality of fracture reduction was excellent in 15 cases (22.1%), acceptable in 50 cases (73.5%), and poor in 3 cases (4.4%). According to Chang et al. criteria, 31 cases were excellent (45.6%), 33 cases were acceptable (48.5%), and 4 cases were poor (5.9%). Thirty-nine cases (57.4%) received anteromedial cortical support and 29 cases (42.6%) did not receive cortical support. Three-dimensional CT imaging showed non-rotation in 12 cases (17.6%), flexion rotation in 39 cases (57.4%), and hyperextension rotation in 17 cases (25.0%). There were 7 cases (58.3%), 30 cases (76.9%), and 2 cases (11.8%) of cortical support in non-rotation group, flexion rotation group, and hyperextension rotation group, respectively. The rotation angles were (1.05±0.61), (13.96±6.17), (8.21±3.88)°, respectively. There were significant differences between groups (P<0.05).ConclusionIn the unstable intertrochanteric fracture after cephalomedullary nail fixation, the rotation of head-neck fragment exists in most patients, and the types of flexion rotation and non-rotation can easily obtain cortical support reduction.
ObjectiveTo explore effectiveness of reduction and internal fixation via modified anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach in treatment of tibial plateau fractures involving posterolateral column.MethodsBetween January 2016 and September 2018, 19 patients diagnosed as tibial plateau fractures involving posterolateral column were treated with reduction and internal fixation via modified anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach. There were 11 males and 8 females with an average age of 43.2 years (range, 28-65 years). The causes of tibial fracture were traffic accident (12 patients), falling injury (5 patients), and falling from height (2 patients). According to the Schatzker typing, the tibial fractures were rated as type Ⅱ in 9 cases, type Ⅲ in 4 cases, type Ⅴ in 4 cases, and type Ⅵ in 2 cases. The time from injury to operation was 5-13 days (mean, 8.5 days). There were 2 patients with osteoporosis. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and postoperative complications were recorded. The knee X-ray film was reviewed regularly to observe the fracture healing. At last follow-up, the fracture reductions were evaluated by Rasmussen radiological score. The knee joint function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score system.ResultsThe average operation time was 95 minutes (range, 65-130 minutes). The average intraoperative blood loss was 220 mL (range, 150-350 mL). All incisions healed by first intention. No complications such as infection or deep venous thrombosis occurred. All patients were followed up 12-20 months (mean, 15.4 months). X-ray films showed that the fractures healed with the healing time of 12-20 weeks (mean, 14.5 weeks). No complications such as loosening or breakage of internal fixation occurred. At last follow-up, according to the Rasmussen radiological score, the fracture reductions were evaluated as excellent in 13 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case. HSS scores of knee joint function were excellent in 14 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case. The knee joint range of motion was 90°-135°, with an average of 113.4°.ConclusionApplication of modified anterolateral supra-fibular-head approach in reduction and internal fixation for tibial plateau fractures involving posterolateral column has the advantages of full exposure, less trauma, safety, and reliable reduction and fixation.
ObjectiveTo introduce the reduction concept of anteromedial cortical support in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture, summarize the history, characteristics, biomechanics, and clinical applications, discuss the unsolved problems and prospect the future directions.MethodsRelevant domestic and foreign studies on cortical support reduction of intertrochanteric fracture in recent years were reviewed. Conclusions were drawn combined with clinical experience.ResultsThe positive cortical supportive reduction of intertrochanteric fracture, as a stable non-anatomical fracture reduction technique, has dual effects on mechanical buttress and biological bone healing. It does not increase the difficulty of doctors’ surgical procedure. For patients, it decreases the loss of femoral neck length, the loss of neck-shaft angle, the incidence rate of coxa vara, and maintains stable mechanical structure of the pelvis. It also shows a lower rate of instrument-related complications, and higher limb function scores. The mechanical stability of medial cortex apposition is more important than that of anterior cortex. For the best stability of the fracture, both sides should get positive support reduction pattern.ConclusionAnteromedial cortical support reduction can improve the postoperative stability of intertrochanteric fracture, enable better imaging and functional prognosis. As a kind of non-anatomic form of functional reduction, it can be used as a suboptimal choice secondary to anatomic reduction.
ObjectiveTo summarize the evolving concept and research progress on stability reconstruction in the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fracture.MethodsRelated literature and author’s own experience concerning the surgical treatment of intertrochanteric fracture were reviewed and analyzed in terms of fracture pathoanatomy, stable and unstable pattern, adequate and in-adequate reduction, primary and secondary stability, postoperative stability evaluation, and early weight-bearing.ResultsIntertrochanteric fracture occur at the translational area of cervico-trochanteric junction, which has a nature tendency to varus instability. Fracture reduction quality is the paramount factor and is evaluated by two views, the anteroposterior and lateral Garden alignment and cortex apposition between the head-neck fragment and the femoral shaft. Rather than the posteromedial lesser trochanteric frag ment, the cortical support concept (positive, neutral, negative) emphasizes the reduction of anteromedial cortex to a nonanatomic positive apposition or an " anatomic” neutral apposition in intraoperative fluoroscopy. Postoperative radiographic stability score provides a quantitative assessment for early weight-bearing standing and walking. However, some fractures may lose cortical contact and buttress (negative) during the process of postoperative telescoping and secondary stability. Further studies are needed to elucidate the risk factors such as tilting, swing or rotation of the head-neck fragment, and propose new preventive methods.ConclusionStability reconstruction of intertrochanteric fracture requires adequate fracture reduction with Garden alignment and anteromedial cortical support apposition, and reliable sustainment by internal fixation implants. Early weight-bearing standing and walking is safe in patients with perfect postoperative stability score.
Objective To explore effectiveness of positive support reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of femoral neck fractures. Methods A clinical data of 74 patients with femoral neck fractures treated with hollow screw internal fixation between September 2017 and September 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. Based on the quality of fracture reduction, they were divided into positive support reduction group (group A, n=25), negative support reduction group (group B, n=21), and anatomical reduction group (group C, n=28). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, cause of injury, disease duration, fracture side, Garden classification, and fracture line position classification between groups (P>0.05). The occurrence of complications such as early fixation failure, femoral neck shortening, non-union of fractures, and femoral head necrosis in three groups, as well as the Harris score of the hip joint were recorded and compared. Results All patients had primary healing of incisions after operation and were followed up more than 12 months. The follow-up time for groups A, B, and C was (21.1±5.7), (22.6±4.3), and (21.9±4.1) months, respectively; there was no significant difference between groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidences of non-union of fractures, early internal fixation failure, and the femoral head necrosis between groups (P>0.05). The incidence and length of femoral neck shortening, and the hip Harris score at last follow-up in groups A and C were all superior to those in the group B, with significant difference (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the above indicators between groups A and C (P>0.05). Conclusion Positive support reduction can provide a good biomechanical environment for the healing of femoral neck fractures, thereby achieving a higher fracture healing rate, reducing the occurrence of femoral neck shortening, minimizing the function of hip joint, and achieving effectiveness similar to anatomical reduction.
Objective To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of the novel bone hook combined with finger-guided technique in the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures in elderly. Methods Between January 2021 and August 2023, 23 elderly patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures were treated with the novel bone hook combined with finger-guided technique. There were 10 males and 13 females; the age ranged from 68 to 93 years (mean, 76.2 years). The time from injury to operation ranged from 36 to 76 hours (mean, 51.2 hours). According to the classification standard proposed by TONG Dake et al in 2021, there were 10 cases of typeⅠA, 1 case of typeⅠB, 6 cases of type ⅡA, 4 cases of type ⅡB, and 2 cases of type ⅡC. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequences, and quality of fracture reduction were recorded. The fracture healing time and occurrence of postoperative complications were observed during follow-up. At last follow-up, the Harris scoring system was used to evaluate the hip joint function. Results The operation time was 42-95 minutes (mean, 52.1 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 40-420 mL (mean, 126.5 mL). Intraoperative fluoroscopy was performed 14-34 times (mean, 20.7 times). According to the criteria proposed by Chang et al, the quality of fracture reduction was rated as good in 20 cases and acceptable in 3 cases. All patients were followed up 6-20 months (mean, 10.2 months). X-ray film showed that all fractures healed with the healing time of 3.0-5.5 months (mean, 4.0 months). At last follow-up, the Harris score of the hip joint ranged from 82 to 97 points (mean, 90.4 points). Among them, 14 cases were rated as excellent and 9 cases as good. No complication such as coxa vara, cutting of the cephalomedullary nail, nail withdrawal, or nail breakage occurred during follow-up. Conclusion The treatment of elderly patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures by using the novel bone hook combined with finger-guided technique can achieve high-quality fracture reduction and fixation, and has a good effectiveness.
Objective To design a new extracorporeal reduction device for percutaneous pedicle screw fixation of thoracolumbar fractures (short for “new reduction device”), and to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods According to the mechanism of thoracolumbar fractures and biomechanics characteristic of reduction, a new reduction device was designed and used in a combination with long U-shaped hollow pedicle screw system. Between January 2014 and January 2016, 36 patients (group A) with single segment thoracolumbar fracture without neurological complications underwent percutaneous pedicle screw fixation, and the clinical data were compared with those of another 39 patients (group B) with thoracolumbar fracture underwent traditional open pedicle screw fixation. There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, classification of fractures, segments of fractures, injury to operation interval, height percentage of injury vertebrae, and kyphotic angle between 2 groups (P>0.05). The 2 groups were compared in terms of operation time, length of incision, intraoperative blood loss, drainage volume, visual analogue scale (VAS) at postoperative 24 hours, fluoroscopy frequency, ambulation time, height percentage of injury vertebrae, kyphotic angle and correction. Results Group A was significantly better than group B in the operation time, length of incision, intraoperative blood loss, drainage volume, VAS score at postoperative 24 hours, and ambulation time (P<0.05). However, fluoroscopy frequency of group B was significantly less than that of group A (P<0.05). All patients were followed up 11.2 months on average (range, 7-15 months). There was no intraoperative and postoperative complications of iatrogenic nerve injury, infection, breakage of internal fixation. Mild pulling-out of pedicle screws occurred in 1 case of group A during operation. The kyphotic angle and height percentage of the fractured vertebral body were significantly improved at 3 days after operation when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but no significant difference was found between 2 groups at 3 days after operation (P>0.05). Conclusion Minimally invasive extracorporeal reduction device for percutaneous pedicle screw fixation is an effective and safe treatment of thoracic vertebrae and lumbar vertebrae fractures, because of little trauma, less bleeding, and quicker recovery.