ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and method of Ilizarov technology for the treatment of infected forearm nonunion. MethodsBetween January 2004 and March 2014, 19 patients with infected forearm nonunion were treated, including 12 males and 7 females with a mean age of 37.4 years (range, 18-62 years). The injury causes included traffic accident in 11 patients, falling from height in 4 patients, and machine twist injury in 4 patients. The patients had received surgical treatment for 1-5 times (mean, 2.7 times). Bone defects located at the radius in 10 cases, at the ulna in 7 cases, and at the radius and ulna in 2 cases. The mean time of chronic infection was 8.3 months (range, 4-16 months). The mean length of the bone defects after debridement was 3.54 cm (range, 2.2-7.5 cm). Under the guidance of C-arm fluoroscope, the Orthofix unilateral external fixator was used to fix. Distraction was performed at 7-10 days after operation, and X-ray film was taken regularly to detect the osteogenesis. ResultsThe mean external fixation time was 6.5 months (range, 3-12 months), and the mean external fixation index was 1.72 months/cm (range, 1.14-2.15 months/cm). All patients were followed up for 35.4 months on average (range, 24-55 months). The bone union time was 3-11 months (mean, 6 months); and no recurrence of infection was observed. At last follow-up, the mean wrist range of motion (ROM) were 52.78° (range, 42-55°) in flexion and 46.53° (range, 40-60°) in extension; the mean elbow ROM were 139.23° (range, 130-150°) in flexion and 3.57° (range, 0-20°) in extension; and the mean forearm ROM were 76.68° (range, 68-90°) in pronation and 81.75° (range, 72-90°) in supination. ConclusionIlizarov technology for infected forearm nonunion can acquire satisfactory clinical results. Radical debridement is the key to control bone infection.
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.
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 report the clinical outcome of the transposition of the radial styloid bone flap pedicled on the recurrent branch of the radial artery in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. Methods From March 2000 to June 2005,the procedure was done in 18 patients with scaphoid nonunion, a small bone flap(1.5 cm×3.5 cm×0.5 cm) pedicled on the recurrent branch of radial artery to the styloid process was raised from the radial styloid process and grafted into the corresponding slot chiseled along the vertical axis of scaphoid crossing the fracture line. Of 18 patients, 15 were males and 3 were females, aging 18-39 years. The locations were lumbar scaphoid in 11 patients and proximal scaphoid in 7 patients,among whom 5 had presented avascular necrosis in the proximal fragments of the scaphoid. Pain occurred in the act of wrist motion, and became obvious in the case of dorsiextension and radial deviation. Compression pain was observed in the stuff nest. The wrist joint activity is subjected to limit. The X-ray showed hardening and cystic degereration at fracture end and obviously widening fracture line. Results The scaphoid fracture healed in all 18 cases, the 5 proximal scaphoid fracture fragments which had previously been necrosed survived, a mean healing time of scaphoid was4 months. A follow-up of 1 to 5 years revealed normal wrist motion without pain in all cases. The life and job was good every day. Conclusion Transposition of the bone flap pedicled on the recurrent branch of the radial artery to the scaphoid is relatively simple and can effectively treat scaphoid nonunion and avascular necrosis with a great value in clinical application.
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.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of tunnel osteogenesis technique combined with locking plate in the treatment of aseptic non-hypertrophic nonunion of femoral shaft. MethodsThe clinical data of 23 cases of aseptic non-hypertrophic nonunion of femoral shaft treated with tunnel osteogenesis technique combined with locking plate between January 2017 and December 2020 were retrospectively analysed. There were 17 males and 6 females with an average age of 41.4 years (range, 22-72 years). There were 22 cases of closed fracture and 1 case of open fracture. The types of internal fixation at admission included intramedullary nail in 14 cases and steel plate in 9 cases. The number of nonunion operations received in the past was 0 to 1; the duration of nonunion was 6-60 months, with an average of 20.1 months. Among them, there were 17 cases of aseptic atrophic nonunion of the femoral shaft and 6 cases of dystrophic nonunion. Twenty-two cases were fixed with 90° double plates and 1 case with lateral single plate. The operation time, theoretical blood loss, hospitalization stay, nonunion healing, and postoperative complications were recorded. Harris hip function score, Lysholm knee function score, lower extremity function scale (LEFS), and short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) were used at last follow-up to evaluate hip and knee functions. Visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to evaluate the relief of pain at 1 day after operation and at last follow-up. ResultsThe average operation time was 190.4 minutes, the average theoretical blood loss was 1 458.4 mL, and the average hospitalization stay was 8.2 days. All the 23 patients were followed up 9-26 months, with an average of 18.2 months. The healing time of nonunion in 22 patients was 3-12 months, with an average of 5.6 months. There were 8 cases of limb pain, 8 cases of claudication, 6 cases of limitation of knee joint movement, and 2 cases of limitation of hip joint movement. At last follow-up, the imaging of 1 patient showed that the nonunion did not heal, accompanied by pain of the affected limb, lameness, and limitation of knee joint movement. At 1 day after operation, the VAS score of 23 patients was 6.5±1.8, the pain degree was good in 7 cases, moderate in 12 cases, and poor in 4 cases; at last follow-up, the VAS score was 0.9±1.3, the pain degree was excellent in 21 cases and good in 2 cases, which were significantly better than those at 1 day after operation (t=12.234, P<0.001; Z=–5.802, P<0.001). At last follow-up, the average Harris hip function score of 22 patients with nonunion healing was 94.8, and the good rate was 100%; Lysholm knee function score averaged 94.0, and the excellent and good rate was 90.9%; LEFS score averaged 74.6; SF-36 physical functioning score averaged 85.0 and the mental health score averaged 83.6. ConclusionTunnel osteogenesis technique combined with locking plate in the treatment of aseptic non-hypertrophic nonunion of femoral shaft has a high healing rate and fewer complications, which can effectively relieve pain and improve lower limb function and quality of patients’ life.
Objective To compare the outcomes between intramedullary nail change and augmentation plating with a retained intramedullary nail for aseptic nonunion of femoral shaft fractures after femoral nailing, and to analyze the cause so as to guide the clinical application. Methods Between June 2001 and June 2011, 28 patients with aseptic nonunion of femoral shaft fractures after femoral nailing were treated with intramedullary nail change (11 patients, group A) and augmentation plating with a retained intramedullary nail (17 patients, group B), and the clinical data were analyzed retrospectively. There was no significant difference in age, gender, smoking, location of fracture, Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, type of injury, associated injury, type of nonunion, and time of nonunion between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The patients were followed up by imaging and the clinical function at regular intervals to observe the callus growth and the recovery condition of the affected limb function, and clinical curative effectiveness was evaluated by Tohner-Wrnch standard. Results The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, and intraoperative erythrocyte-transported volume in group A were significantly higher than those in group B (P lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative drainage volume and hospitalization days between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). All the incisions healed by first intention, and no nerve and blood vessel injury occurred. All patients were followed up 18.6 months on average (range, 12-36 months). All cases obtained bone union, and time of clinical and radiological bone healing in group B was significantly shorter than those in group A (P lt; 0.05). During follow-up, no following complication occurred: deep incision infection, injuries of blood vessels and nerves, loosening and breakage of internal fixation, loss of reduction, angulated and rotational malunion. According to Tohner-Wrnch standard at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 6 cases, good in 3 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 81.8% in group A; the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 5 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100% in group B; and difference was significant between 2 groups (Z= — 2.623, P=0.021). Conclusion Augmentation plating with a retained intramedullary nail is an ideal treatment for aseptic nonunion of femoral shaft fractures after femoral nailing and can achieve satisfactory clinical outcomes because it has simpler operation, shorter operation time, less blood loss, and less trauma than intramedullary nail change.