Objective To study the effect of two different absorbable intramedullary nails in treatment of metacarpal and phalanx fractures.Methods From January 2002 to December 2002, open reduction and internal fixation were done with two different absorbable intramedullary nails in 60 cases of metacarpal and phalanx fractures( 52 cases of open fractures and 8 cases of closed fractures). The fracture locations were metacarpal in 24 cases, proximal phalanx in 22 casesand media phalanx in 14 cases. The emergency operation was performed in 47 cases, selective operation in 13 cases.Out of 60 patients, 24 were treated with intramedullary nails of poly-DL-lactic acid (PDLLA) (PDLLA group), 36 with intramedullary wire of PDLLA composed of chitosan(PDLLA+chitosan group). Results In the PDLLA group(n=24), the rejection occurred in 8 cases 3-4 weeks after operation. PDLLA nails were taken out in 6 of the 8 cases after 5-10 days of operation and bone healing was achieved 2 months after re-fixation by Kirschner wire; therejection subsided in the other 2 cases after 25 days of conservative treatment, and bone fracture healed after 14 weeks. No rejection was observed with primary healing in the other 16 cases of the PDLLA group. In PDLLA + chitosan group(n=36), the rejection occurred in 1 case 19 days after operation, but therejection subsided after 3 days of conservative treatment.No rejection was observed in the other 35 cases with primary healing. All patients were followed up 4-11 monthswith an average of 6 months. No rejection was observed and bone healing was achieved during the follow-up. The time of bone healing was 6-16 weeks(8 weeks onaverage). There was statistically significant difference in the curative resultbetween two groups(Plt;0.05). Conclusion Intramedullary nail of PDLLAwas verysuitable to fix fractures of metacarpal and phalanx. During the degradation of PDLLA, the acidic products can cause rejection. When PDLLA mixed with chitosan,PDLLA can not only strengthen the intensity but also neutralize the acidity. So the rejection can be decreased.PDLLA intramedullary nails composed of chitosan were better than PDLLA intramedullary nails in clinical treatment of metacarpal and phalanx fractures.
ObjectiveTo analyze the reasons and the influence of internal fixation about the guide pin eccentricity of helical blade during proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) internal fixation for femoral intertrochanteric fractures.MethodsA retrospective analysis of the intraoperative imaging data of 175 patients with femoral intertrochanteric fractures, who underwent closed reduction and PFNA internal fixation between January 2018 and January 2020, was performed. There were 76 males and 99 females with an average age of 79.8 years (mean, 61-103 years). The internal between admission and operation was 12-141 hours (median, 32 hours). According to AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, the fractures were rated as type 31-A1 in 64 cases and type 31-A2 in 111 cases. In the intraoperative fluoroscopy image by C-arm X-ray machine, the caputcollum-diaphysis (CCD) was measured after closed reduction and internal fixation, respectively; the angles between the center line of the head nail hole and the axis of proximal nail and between the axis of guide pin and proximal nail were measured, and the difference between the two angles was evaluated; the quality of fracture reduction was evaluated according to the alignment of the medial cortex, anterior cortex of the head and neck bone block, and femoral shaft cortex; the position of the helical blade in the femoral head was evaluated according to the Cleveland method.ResultsThe CCDs of proximal femur were (134.6±6.8)° after closed reduction and (134.9±4.3)° after internal fixation. There was no significant difference between pre- and post-internal fixation (t=0.432, P=0.766). The angles between the center line of the head nail hole and the axis of proximal nail and between the axis of guide pin and proximal nail were (125.4±2.44)° and (126.3±2.3)°, respectively, showing significant difference (t=2.809, P=0.044). The difference between the two angles was (0.8±2.2)°. The guide pin eccentricity of helical blade occurred in 47 cases. After tapping the helical blade along the eccentric guide pin, 10 cases had fracture reduction loss, and 5 cases had a poor position of the helical blade in the femoral head. ConclusionDuring PFNA internal fixation, a variety of reasons can lead to the eccentric position of the guide pin of helical blade, including unstable fracture, soft tissue inserted, severe osteoporosis, mismatched tool, and fluoroscopic imaging factors. It is possible that the fracture end would be displaced again and the helical blade position may be poor when knocking into the helical blade along the eccentric guide pin. During operation, it should be judged whether the direction of the guide pin needs to be adjusted according to the eccentric angle.
Objective To analyze and compare the effectiveness of the closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nail ing and open reduction with Kirschner wire fixations in the treatment of O’Brien type III radial neck fractures in children. Methods Between November 2007 and November 2010, 31 children with O’Brien type III radial neck fractures were treated by the closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nailing fixation (closed reduction group, n=18) and by the open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation (open reduction group, n=13). There was no significant difference in age, gender, disease duration, and fracture classification between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results The incisions of 2 groups healed primarily. Allthe patients were followed up 1-2 years (mean, 1.5 years). Limitation of the elbow extension occurred in 2 cases of the closed reduction group, l imitations of the elbow extension, flexion, and forearm pronation in 6 cases of the open reduction group. There was no significant difference in elbow flexion, extension, pronation, and supination between affected side and normal side in the closed reduction group (P gt; 0.05). Except in supination (P gt; 0.05), there were significant differences in flexion, extension, and pronation between affected side and normal side in the open reduction group (P lt; 0.05). According to Metaizeau’s grading criterion, excellent results were achieved in 16 cases and good in 2 cases in the closed reduction group; excellent results were achieved in 4 cases, good in 4 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 2 case in the open reduction group; and there was significant difference between 2 groups (Z=3.435, P=0.001). The X-ray films showed anatomical reduction in 2 groups before removal of internal fixation; redisplacement occurred in 4 cases after removal of internal fixation in the open reduction group, no redisplacement occurred in the closed reduction group. There was no avascular necrosis of radial head and epi physes during follow-up. Conclusion Comparison with the open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation, the closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nailing fixation is a rel iable and good treatment for O’Brien type III radial neck fractures in children, because it has the advantages of minimal invasion, easy operation, stable fixation, early mobilization, and less complication.
Objective To assess the factors that affect the outcome of distal femoral fractures treated by retrograde intramedullary nail ing. Methods Between November 1999 and June 2006, 30 patients with 31 distal femoral fractures (15 males and 15 females, 1 bilateral) were treated by retrograde nail ing. Their ages ranged from 44 to 82 years old (average, 67.2 years old). The causes of injury were sl ipping downs in 17 patients, traffic accidents in 11, and fall ing from height in 2. Theaverage interval from injury to operation was 1.8 days. There were 14 cases of A1 fracture, 7 cases of A2, 8 cases of A3, and 2 cases of C1 according to AO/OTA classifications. The mean distance between the most distal l ine of the fracture and the intercondylar notch was 7.2 cm (range, 0-12 cm). Closed retrograde nail ing was done without reaming, and bone grafts were not done. Re sults The operation time averaged 76 minutes (range, 45-110 minutes). All patients were followed up for 19-69 months, and the mean follow-up duration was 27 months. Twenty-eight of 31 fractures united on the average of 14.7 weeks (range, 12-22 weeks). Compl ications occurred in 7 cases. There were 3 nonunions in AO-A3 fractures which were treated by changing implants or bone graft. Two patients suffered screw loosening of distal locking, that were re-fixed. Two patients showed l imited knee motion of less than 90 degrees flexion. There were no cases of deep infection, malunion over 10 degrees of angulation or 1 cm of shortening. A satisfactory outcome (excellent and good results) was achieved in 26 of 31 cases (84%), according to Schatzker and Lambert’s criteria. Poor results and compl ications were related to fractures of comminution and located within 5 cm from the intercondylar notch (Pearson Chi-square test, P=0.03). Other possible factors including age, kinds of nails used, associated injury, and numbers of distal locking screws were not related to the outcome and compl ication (Pearson Chi-square test, P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Retrograde nail ing may be a useful option for distal femoral fractures, but attention should be paid to comminuted fractures or fractures close to the knee joint.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of lower extremity axial distractor (LEAD) and traction table assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation in treatment of femoral subtrochanteric fracture. Methods The clinical data of 117 patients with subtrochanteric fracture of femur treated by closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation between May 2012 and May 2022 who met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. According to the auxiliary reduction tools used during operation, the patients were divided into LEAD group (62 cases with LEAD reduction) and traction table group (55 cases with traction table reduction). There was no significant difference in baseline data, such as gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, fracture Seinsheimer classification, time from injury to operation, and preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score, between the two groups (P>0.05). Total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, closed reduction rate, fracture reduction quality, fracture healing time, weight-bearing activity time, and incidence of complications, as well as hip flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), Harris score, and VAS score at 1 month and 6 months after operation and last follow-up were recorded and compared between the two groups. Results There were 14 cases in the LEAD group from closed reduction to limited open reduction, and 43 cases in the traction table group. The incisions in the LEAD group healed by first intention, and no complication such as nerve and vascular injury occurred during operation. In the traction table group, 3 cases had perineal crush injury, which recovered spontaneously in 1 week. The total incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fluoroscopy frequency, and closed reduction rate in the LEAD group were significantly better than those in the traction table group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the quality of fracture reduction between the two groups (P>0.05). Patients in both groups were followed up 12-44 months, with an average of 15.8 months. In the LEAD group, 1 patient had delayed fracture union at 6 months after operation, 1 patient had nonunion at 3 years after operation, and 1 patient had incision sinus pus flow at 10 months after operation. In the traction table group, there was 1 patient with fracture nonunion at 15 months after operation. X-ray films of the other patients in the two groups showed that the internal fixator was fixed firmly without loosening and the fractures healed. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time, weight bearing activity time, incidence of complications, and postoperative hip flexion and extension ROM, Harris score, and VAS score at different time points between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionFor femoral subtrochanteric fracture treated by close reduction and intramedullary nail fixation, compared with traction table, LEAD assisted fracture reduction can significantly shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss and fluoroscopy frequency, reduce incision length, effectively improve the success rate of closed reduction, and avoid complications related to traction table reduction. It provides a new method for good reduction of femoral subtrochanteric fracture.
Objective To determine whether the number of distal locking bolts have an impact on the biomechanical feature of locking intramedullary nails. Methods Twenty locking nails tested were divided into two groups randomly. One distal locking screw was used in first group (single bolt group); and two were used in the other group (double bolts group). After being fixed in the model, compressive and torsional strength of the interlocking nail were measured in each group. Results The average maximum strength of double bolts group and single bolt group was 2 160 N and 1 880 N respectively in compression tests(P＜0.05). In torsion tests, the average maximum torsional moment of double bolts group and single bolt group was 55.8 Nm and 55.5 Nm respectively(P＞0.05), the average maximum torsional angle indouble bolts group and single bolt group was 58.3° and 58.0° respectively(P＞0.05). Conclusion Single distal bolt used in interlocking nail system can meet clinical request, though the whole biomechanical behavior isnot better than that of double bolts. One distal bolt is enough for the stable fracture types and double bolts should be used in the serious fracture types.
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.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach for tibial shaft fracture.MethodsBetween July 2018 and September 2019, 22 patients with tibial shaft fracture treated with intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach. There were 15 males and 7 females, with an average age of 46.4 years (range, 25-68 years). The fractures were caused by falling in 7 cases, by traffic accident in 14 cases, and by a heavy object in 1 case. Sixteen patients were closed fractures and 6 were open fractures. According to the AO classification, there were 4 cases of 42-A1 type, 2 cases of 42-A2 type, 3 cases of 42-A3 type, 3 cases of 42-B2 type, 4 cases of 42-B3 type, 2 cases of 42-C1 type, 3 cases of 42-C2 type, and 1 case of 42-C3 type. Twenty cases complicated with fibular fractures. The time from injury to operation was 2-15 days (mean, 7.5 days). The fracture healing time, complications, the incidence of anterior knee pain during the follow-up were observed; and knee joint functions were evaluated by Lysholm score at last follow-up.ResultsThe operation time was 50-140 minutes (mean, 85 minutes). Two cases experienced incision exudation which healed after symptomatic treatment. The incisions of other patients healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 8-23 months (mean, 14.9 months). X-ray films reexamination showed that all fractures healed with the healing time of 12-20 weeks (mean, 14.4 weeks). Four patients (18.18%) experienced the anterior knee pain. No patellofemoral instability was observed during the follow-up period. Lysholm score of knee function was 85-100 (mean, 94.3) at last follow-up. ConclusionApplication of the intramedullary nailing fixation in semi-extended position via extraarticular parapatellar approach is effective for tibial shaft fractures, which can not only realize the effective fixation of the fracture, but also avoid the adverse factors including re-displacement and anterior knee pain in the application of the intramedullary nailing fixation via the sub-patellar approach.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness difference between titanium elastic intramedullary nail internal fixation and bone plate internal fixation in the treatment of adult Galeazzi fracture.MethodsNinety-seven patients of Galeazzi fracture according with the selection criteria were divided into 2 groups by prospective cohort study, who were admitted between January 2012 and November 2015. In the patients, 59 were treated with open reduction and bone plate internal fixation (plate group), and 38 with titanium elastic intramedullary nail internal fixation (minimally invasive group). There was no significant difference in the gender, age, cause of injury, fracture site, type of fracture, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded and compared between 2 groups, and the forearm function was evaluated by Anderson score.ResultsAll the patients were followed up 12-23 months (mean, 17 months). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time of minimally invasive group were significantly less than those in plate group (P<0.05). There were 1 case of fracture nonunion, 1 case of wound infection in plate group, and 1 case of nail tail slight infection in minimally invasive group, which were all cured after the corresponding treatment. The remaining patients had good fracture healing, and no vascular injury, internal fixation failure, deep infection, or other complications occurred. According to Anderson score at 12 months after operation, the forearm function results were excellent in 46 cases, good in 12 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 98.3% in plate group; and the results were excellent in 26 cases, good in 11 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 97.4% in minimally invasive group; showing no significant difference (χ2=0.10, P=0.75).ConclusionMinimally invasive fixation with titanium elastic nail has such advantages as small damage, quick recovery, no skin scarring, etc. As long as the correct indication is selected, minimally invasive titanium intramedullary nail internal fixation of Galeazzi fractures can also get good effectiveness.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of additional anti-rotation steel plate assisted intramedullary nail technology in treatment of aseptic femoral non-union patients. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 21 patients with aseptic femoral non-union who admitted between September 2020 and October 2024 and treated with additional anti-rotation steel plate assisted intramedullary nail technology. There were 17 males and 4 females, aged 25-67 years (mean, 44 years). There were 19 cases of femoral anterograde intramedullary nail fixation, 1 case of femoral retrograde intramedullary nail fixation, and 1 case of steel plate fixation with fatigue fracture. There were 9 cases of hypertrophic non-union and 12 cases of atrophic non-union. All patients had varying degrees of fracture end atrophy/sclerosis. Among them, 20 patients who were fixed with intramedullary nails underwent removal of soft tissue and hardened bone at the fracture end, and cortical treatment resulted in the appearance of “chili sign” at the fracture end. Iliac bone grafting and anti-rotation steel plate fixation were performed. One patient with steel plate fixation was removed the steel palte and fixed with a retrograde intramedullary nail, while the hardened bone at the fracture end was removed, iliac bone grafting and anti-rotation steel plate fixation were performed. Postoperative follow-up observation included the incision healing, maximum knee flexion range of motion, bone healing, length of lower limbs, and subjective satisfaction. The lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) score was used to evaluate the lower limb function. Results All incisions healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 7-26 months (mean, 15.5 months). At last follow-up, the femoral fracture healed with the obvious callus formation at the fracture end; the maximum knee flexion range of motion was 95°-127° (mean, 112.67°). The LEFS score increased from 29.9±6.7 before operation to 75.9±3.0 at last follow-up, and the difference was significant (t=?29.622, P<0.001). Except for 1 patient who underwent intramedullary nail dynamic treatment before operation and had a lower limb shortening of about 0.9 cm, the other patients had bilateral lower limbs of equal length. All patients had no postoperative infections, mal-union of fractures, deep vein thrombosis, joint stiffness, or other complications. Conclusion The use of additional anti-rotation steel plate assisted intramedullary nail technology in the treatment of aseptic femoral non-union not only overcomes the drawbacks of insufficient stability at the fracture end of intramedullary nails, but also overcomes the shortcomings of biased fixation with steel plates. It has the advantages of minimal trauma, effective maintenance of fracture stability, and ideal postoperative functional recovery, making it an effective treatment for aseptic femoral non-union.
