A comparative study on the functional outcomes of patients who underwent internal versus external fixation for Tibial Plateau fractures two years post-surgery

Introduction@#Tibial plateau fractures are due to high energy trauma brought about by axial compression forces and associated varus or valgus component. @*Objective@#Patients diagnosed with tibial plateau fractures from January to December 2018 treated with internal vs. external fixation will be described according to their Schatzker classification. The study further aims to compare the functional outcomes between the two groups in terms of surgery done. @*Methods@#A chart review determined the distribution of demographics. The Modified Rasmussen Score (MRS) was used to determine the clinical and radiographic parameters after taking a new knee radiograph and assessment from the rehabilitation department. The MRS determined the functional outcomes of the said patients. Ethical considerations and proper informed consent were upheld after being reviewed by the hospital’s research committee. @*Results@#Out of 48 patients, 35 underwent internal fixation via open reduction using plates and/or screws, while 13 underwent external fixation using hybrid external fixator. The demographic profile showed mostly males between ages 20 to 49 years old. Most cases were due to vehicular accidents affecting the left lower extremity. In terms of Schatzker classification, the most common was type VI. The computed mean MRS of the internal fixation group was 30.43 while the external fixation group was 30.00, generally showing no significant difference. @*Conclusion@#Surgical intervention of tibial plateau fractures aims for anatomic reduction using internal or external fixation. There was no significant difference on the functional outcome of the two groups despite classifying the respondents according to Schatzker type, hence we can conclude that external fixation be chosen as the treatment of choice for tibial plateau fractures when properly indicated.

Medial Meniscotibial Ligament of the Knee: A Step by-Step Dissection / Ligamento meniscotibial medial do joelho: Uma dissecção passo a passo

Abstract Objective Considerable attention has been paid to meniscotibial ligaments (MTLs), also known as coronary ligaments, especially after the "Save the Meniscus" initiative gained importance among knee surgeons. Technically challenging, the diagnosis and treatment of ramp lesion show the importance of MTLs. These ligaments were discovered long ago, but their contribution to knee stability has only recently been studied and still lacks information. Thus, the aim of the present study was to describe step-by-step an dissection technique of the medial MTL, efficient, reproducible and that may lead to further research. Method Twenty fresh cadaver knees were used, with no preference for sex or age. The knees were dissected using the same technique standardized by our team. Each dissection step was recorded digitally. Results The medial MTL was found in all 20 knees studied using the aforementioned technique. In our sample, the medial MTL exhibited an average length of 70.0 ± 13.4 mm and width of 32.25 ± 3.09 mm, thickness of 35.3 ± 2.7 mm and weight of 0.672 ± 0.134 g. In all the cases, the medial MTL originated proximally and deeply to the deep MTL in the tibia. Conclusion We describe a simple effective and reproducible medial MTL dissection technique that makes it possible to identify the ligament over the entire medial extension of the knee.

Resumo Objetivo Considerável atenção tem sido dada aos ligamentos meniscotibiais (LMT), também conhecidos como ligamentos coronários, especialmente depois que a iniciativa "Salve o Menisco" ganhou importância entre os cirurgiões de joelho. Tecnicamente desafiadores, o diagnóstico e o tratamento da lesão em rampa são importantes nos LMTs. Esses ligamentos foram descobertos há muito tempo, mas sua contribuição para a estabilidade do joelho foi recentemente estudada e ainda carece de informações. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever passo a passo uma técnica de dissecção medial do LMT que é eficiente, reprodutível e que possa levar a novas pesquisas. Métodos Foram utilizados 20 joelhos de cadáveres frescos, sem preferência por sexo ou idade. Os joelhos foram dissecados com a mesma técnica padronizada por nossa equipe. Cada etapa da dissecação foi gravada digitalmente. Resultados O LMT medial foi encontrado em todos os 20 joelhos estudados com a técnica supracitada. Em nossa amostra, o LMT medial apresentou comprimento médio de 70,0 ± 13,4 mm e largura de 32,25 ± 3,09 mm, além de espessura de 35,3 ± 2,7 mm e peso de 0,672 ± 0,134 g. Em todos os casos, a origem do LMT medial era proximal e profunda em relação ao LMT profundo na tíbia. Conclusão Descrevemos uma técnica de dissecção simples do LMT medial que é eficaz, reprodutível e permite a identificação do ligamento em toda a extensão medial do joelho.

Avulsion Fracture of the Tibial Tuberosity in an Adolescent: Case Report / Fratura por avulsão da tuberosidade da tíbia em adolescente: Relato de caso

Abstract The present study reports a rare case of avulsion fracture of the tibial tuberosity in an adolescent. A 14-year-old male patient sprained his left knee during a soccer match. At the first emergency-room visit, he presented pain in his left knee, 2 +/4+ edema, and inability to walk and flex the affected knee, but no neurovascular changes or signs of compartment syndrome. Radiographs revealed a physeal fracture at the left proximal tibia, classified by Ogden, Tross and Murphy, and modified by Ryu and Debenham, as type IV, and complemented by Aerts et al. as type IV-B. Immobilization was performed with a plaster cast from the inguinal to malleolar regions, followed by analgesia. The patient was operated on the next day, when open reduction and internal fixation using 4.5-mm cannulated screws were performed. The patient was discharged one day after surgery, with plaster cast immobilization and load restraint for four weeks, and bone consolidation was radiologically confirmed three months after the procedure. The patient evolved with a range of motion similar to that of the contralateral limb, no length discrepancy in the lower limbs, and no complaints after one year of follow-up.

Resumo O presente estudo tem como objetivo relatar um caso raro de fratura por avulsão da tuberosidade da tíbia em adolescente. Um paciente de 14 anos, do sexo masculino, sofreu entorse de joelho esquerdo durante partida de futebol. No primeiro atendimento em pronto-socorro, ele apresentava dor no joelho esquerdo, edema 2 +/4 + , incapacidade de deambulação e de flexo-extensão do joelho acometido, sem alterações neurovasculares ou sinais de síndrome compartimental. Nas radiografias, identificou-se fratura fisária na tíbia proximal esquerda, classificada por Ogden, Tross e Murphy, com modificação por Ryu e Debenham, como tipo IV, e complementada por Aerts et al. como tipo IV-B. Foi realizada imobilização com tala gessada inguino-maleolar e analgesia, e o paciente submetido a cirurgia no dia seguinte, com redução aberta e fixação interna utilizando parafusos canulados 4,5 mm. O paciente recebeu alta no dia seguinte à cirurgia, sendo mantida a imobilização com tala gessada e a restrição de carga por quatro semanas, e apresentou consolidação óssea confirmada por radiografia com três meses do pós-operatório. O paciente evoluiu sem discrepância de comprimento dos membros inferiores, arco de movimento igual ao do membro contralateral, e sem queixas no seguimento de um ano.

Abordaje posterior en fracturas de meseta tibial complejas en pacientes tratados quirúrgicamente en el IAHULA / Posterior approach in complex tibial plateau fractures IAHUL A Surgically treated patients

Las fracturas de meseta tibial compleja se asocian a traumatismo de alta energía, principalmente en accidentes de motocicleta, siendo un desafío para el cirujano ortopedista. En la década de 1970, Schatzker propuso una clasificación radiológica para las fracturas de la meseta tibial, que destacaba la morfología de los seis tipos principales. Las imágenes de tomografía computarizada y tridimensional, han cambiado la comprensión y el tratamiento de las fracturas de la meseta tibial. Recientemente, esa clasificación original se complementó con una más amplia; puesto que, se introdujo el fragmento en cuña dividida y la continuidad de la columna posterior como determinantes de la estabilidad articular y el papel fundamental que desempeña en el tratamiento de las fracturas de la meseta tibial, con ellos también la importancia de abordajes quirúrgicos que permitan la visualización posterior para una adecuada reducción. El estudio documenta las técnicas de fijación interna y abordajes posteriores realizadas en el IAHULA, valorando los resultados clínicos en cuanto a dolor y satisfacción del paciente, como consolidación, pseudoartrosis o falla en la técnica de osteosíntesis realizada. El resultado a partir de las escalas de evaluación de la AO y KOOS, arrojaron que, con un efecto excelentes se agrupa un 28,6% y bueno a un 42,9%, indicando la importancia de la fijación de la columna posterior, para prevenir artrosis postraumática temprana e inestabilidad articular(AU)

A complex fracture of the posterior tibial plateau are related to high energy traumatisms, mainly during motorcycle accidents, becoming a challenge to the ortopedic surgen. During the seventies, Stchatzker proposed a radiologic classification for the tibial plateau fractures that pointed the morphology of six main types. The computarized and tridimensional tomographic images have changed the comprehension and treatment of these fractures. Recently, the original classification was complemented with a more broaded approach due to the introduction of the fragment in divided crib and the continuity of the posterior column as factors determining the articular stability and the fundamental roll played in the treatment of fractures of the tibial plateau, as well as the important roll of surgical approaches that allow the posterior visualization for a correct reduction. This research documents the technics of internal fixation and posterior approach developed in the IAHULA, evaluating the clinic results about patients' pain level and comfort, as well as the radiologic findings of consolidation, pseudoarthrosis, or fail in the technic of osteosynthesis developed. The results from a point of view of the evaluation scales of the AO and KOOS, show 28.6% with excellent outcomes, and 42.9% with good outcomes, indicating the importance of the fixation of the posterior column to prevent early start of posttraumatic arthrosis and articular instability(AU)

Rendimiento Biomecánico de las Placas de Tibia Proximal Utilizadas en Fracturas de Platillos Tibiales evaluado a través de Modelos de Elementos Finitos: Protocolo de Revisión Sistemática / A systematic Review Protocol Examining the Biomechanical Performance of Proximal Tibial Plates used in Tibial Plate Fractures assessed by Finite Element Analysis

Objetivo. Analizar el rendimiento biomecánico de las placas de tibia proximal utilizadas en fracturas de platillos tibiales evaluado a través de modelos de elementos finitos. Métodos. Se realizará una búsqueda exhaustiva en PubMed/Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Web of Science y Google Scholar. No se utilizará ninguna restricción de idioma o estado de publicación. Dos revisores examinarán de forma independiente los posibles artículos elegibles, de acuerdo con los criterios de selección predefinidos. Se incluirán los estudios que evalúen el rendimiento de los platillos tibiales proximales utilizados en las fracturas del platillo tibial evaluadas mediante el análisis de elementos finitos. La extracción de datos sobre las características del estudio, los métodos, los resultados y la evaluación del riesgo de sesgo se realizará mediante un formulario estandarizado. Considerando el diseño de estudio no se requiere evaluación por comité de ética. Los resultados de esta revisión se difundirán a través de la publicación en revistas revisadas por pares, redes sociales y congresos de la especialidad. Se espera que los resultados de esta revisión permitan optimizar los resultados del manejo quirúrgico de las fracturas de platillos tibiales. Número de registro PROSPERO: CRD42023396015.

Objetive. To analyze the biomechanical performance of proximal tibial plates used in tibial plate fractures evaluated through finite element modeling. Methods. A comprehensive search will be conducted in PubMed/Medline, Embase, Lilacs, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. No language or publication status restrictions will be used. Two reviewers will independently review potential eligible articles according to predefined selection criteria. Studies evaluating the performance of proximal tibial splints used in tibial splint fractures assessed by finite element analysis will be included. Data extraction on study characteristics, methods, results, and risk of bias assessment will be performed using a standardized form. Considering the study design, evaluation by an ethics committee is not required. The results of this review will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, social networks and specialty congresses. It is expected that the results of this review will allow optimizing the results of the surgical management of tibial plate fractures. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023396015.

Outcomes of the Carlson Approach in the Treatment of Posterior Tibial Plateau Fractures / Resultados da abordagem de Carlson para o tratamento de fraturas no platô tibial posterior

Abstract Objectives To describe a series of cases of tibial fractures surgically treated using the posterior approach as described by Carlson, focusing on evaluating its functional results and complication rate. Methods Eleven patients with tibial plateau fractures, who underwent surgical treatment using the Carlson approach from July to December 2019, were followed-up. The minimum follow-up period was defined as 6 months. The American Knee Society Score (AKSS), American Knee Society Score/Function (AKSS/Function) and the Lysholm score were used to check treatment results at 6 months after the fracture. The patients underwent standard anteroposterior and lateral radiographs to assess fracture healing, and clinical healing was determined by the absence of pain during full weight-bearing. Results The mean follow-up period was 12 months (9-16 months). The primary mechanism of trauma was motorcycle accident, and the most prevalent side of fracture was the right side. Eight participants were male. The mean age of the patients was 28 years. All fractures healed, and none of the patients presented complications. The AKSS was excellent in 11 patients, with a mean AKSS/Function of 99.1±3, and Lysholm scores with a median of 95.0±5.6. Conclusions The Carlson approach for posterior fractures of the tibial plateau can be considered safe, presenting a low complication rate and satisfactory functional results.

Resumo Objetivos O objetivo deste trabalho é descrever uma série de casos de fraturas de tíbia submetidas ao tratamento cirúrgico pela via posterior de Carlson para avaliação de resultados funcionais e frequência de complicações. Métodos Onze pacientes com fraturas do platô tibial foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico pela via de Carlson de julho a dezembro de 2019 e acompanhados por um período mínimo de 6 meses. As pontuações American Knee Society Score (AKSS), American Knee Society Score/Function (AKSS/Função) e de Lysholm verificaram os resultados do tratamento 6 meses após a fratura. Os pacientes foram submetidos a radiografias comuns em incidência anteroposterior e de perfil para avaliação da consolidação da fratura e a cicatrização clínica foi determinada pela ausência de dor à descarga total de peso. Resultados O período médio de acompanhamento foi de 12 meses (9 a 16 meses). O principal mecanismo de trauma foi acidente motociclístico e a fratura foi mais prevalente no lado direito. Oito pacientes eram do sexo masculino. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 28 anos. Todas as fraturas cicatrizaram e nenhum paciente apresentou complicações. A AKSS foi excelente em 11 pacientes, com AKSS/Função média de 99,1 ±3, e a mediana das pontuações de Lysholm foi de 95,0 ±5,6. Conclusões Nas fraturas posteriores do platô tibial, a abordagem de Carlson pode ser considerada segura, apresentando baixo índice de complicações e resultados funcionais satisfatórios.

Enfermedad ultrarara frecuente en Perú: Reporte de casos del síndrome FATCO

El síndrome FATCO (fibular aplasia, tibial camptomelia, oligosyndactyly) está caracterizado por la presencia de anomalías en miembros inferiores. Es una enfermedad, de la cual no se ha precisado la etiología genética hasta la actualidad; sin embargo, se ha planteado que el tipo de herencia es dominante autosómica. La frecuencia de presentación a nivel global es muy rara y esta es la razón principal de los pocos pacientes publicados hasta la fecha. Existe un reporte de la presentación inusual de catorce pacientes peruanos, diagnosticados en un solo centro, con las características clínicas del síndrome FATCO en un período de 13 años. A la fecha, se han publicado catorce pacientes a nivel mundial, con los cuales se comparó y discutió los datos clínicos y radiológicos. Además, se analizaron las características demográficas, antecedentes familiares, sexo, edad y anomalías concomitantes.

The fibular aplasia, tibial campomelia, oligosyndactyly (FATCO) syndrome is characterized by the variable leg anomalies. The genetic etiology of this disease has not been determined to date; however, it has been suggested that the genetic inheritance is autosomal dominant. The frequency of presentation globally is infrequent and this is the main reason for the low number of patient reports. There's a report of the unusually high presentation of 14 peruvian patients diagnosed at a single center with the clinical features of FATCO syndrome over a 13-year period. We compare and discuss the clinical and radiological data of our patients with those of the 14 cases described worldwide. In addition, the demographic characteristics, family history, sex, age, and concomitant anomalies are analyzed.

Fracturas del platillo tibial con hundimiento articular. Comparación entre reconstrucción con injertos óseos y sustitutos sintéticos. Revisión bibliográfica sistematizada / Depressed tibial-plateau fractures, a comparison between bone graft reconstruction and synthetic substitutes. Systematic bibliographic review / Fraturas do platô tibial com afundamento da articulação: comparação entre reconstrução com enxerto ósseo e substitutos sintéticos

Objetivo: comparar si existe diferencia en resultados clínicos, radiológicos y funcionales con el uso de diferentes tipos de injertos óseos o sustitutos sintéticos, así como tiempo quirúrgico y consolidación para el tratamiento de fracturas de platillo tibial con hundimiento articular en pacientes mayores de 18 años. Material y método: se realizó una búsqueda sistematizada en bases de datos de literatura médica, PubMed, Lilacs, Scielo, Cochrane y portal Timbó. Se utilizaron términos "tibial plateau fracture", "bone grafting", "bone substitutes". Se incluyeron estudios comparativos en seres humanos, pacientes mayores de 18 años, fracturas de platillo tibial que asociaron hundimiento articular, en los cuales se realizó aporte de injerto óseo o material sintético. Artículos en español, inglés, portugués. Publicaciones enero 1980 y diciembre 2021. Se obtuvieron 10 artículos. Resultados: los tipos de injertos y sustitutos óseos encontrados fueron 10. Las muestras en sumatoria total 524 pacientes. La edad promedio fue 49 años. El promedio de seguimiento fue de 12 meses. Se dividieron los estudios en tres grupos: comparación entre injerto autólogo (IOA) e injerto alogénico, IOA con sustitutos sintéticos, y los que comparan sustitutos sintéticos entre sí. El aloinjerto y los sustitutos sintéticos demostraron no ser inferiores en resultados clínicos, funcionales e imagenológicos, mejorando los tiempos intraoperatorios y disminuyendo complicaciones en el sitio donante con respecto al IOA. Conclusiones: el IOA continúa siendo el gold standard a pesar de sus posibles complicaciones vinculadas al sitio donante. El aloinjerto y los sustitutos sintéticos representan una opción válida para tratar estas lesiones.

Objective: to find out whether there are clinical, radiological and functional differences when using different types of bone grafts or synthetic substitutes, as well as surgical times and consolidation to treat depressed tibial-plateau fractures in patients older than 18 years old. Method: a systematized search was conducted in medical literature, PubMed, Lilacs, Scielo, Cochrane and Timbó portal databases using the following terms: "tibial plateau fracture", "bone grafting", "bone substitutes". The study included comparative studies in human patients older than 18 years old with depressed tibial-plateau fractures who were treated with bone grafts or synthetic materials. Publications in Spanish, English and Portuguese, between January, 1980 and December, 2021 were included in the search, what resulted in 10 articles found. Results: there were 10 kinds of bone grafts and bone substitutes found. Samples added up to 524 patients. Average age was 49 years old. Average follow up was 12 months. Studies were divided into 3 groups: comparison between autologous bone grafts and allogenic bone grafts, comparison between autologous grafts and synthetic substitutes and studies comparing synthetic substitutes with one another. Allogenic grafts and synthetic grafts proved at least equivalent in terms of clinical, functional and imaging studies results, improving intraoperative times and reducing complications in donor site when compared to autologous grafts. Conclusions: autologous grafts continue to be the gold standard despite possible complications associated to the donor site, and allogenic grafts and synthetic substitutes constitute a valid option to treat these lesions.

Objetivo: comparar os resultados clínicos, radiológicos e funcionais com o uso de diferentes tipos de enxertos ósseos ou substitutos sintéticos, bem como tempo cirúrgico e consolidação para o tratamento de fraturas do platô tibial com colapso articular em pacientes com mais de 18 anos. Material e método: foi realizada busca sistemática nas bases de dados da literatura médica, PubMed, Lilacs, SciELO, Cochrane e portal Timbó. Utilizaram-se os termos "tibial plateau fracture", "bone grafting", "bone substitutes". Foram incluídos estudos comparativos incluindo seres humanos maiores de 18 anos e fraturas do platô tibial associadas a colapso articular, nas quais foi realizado enxerto ósseo ou sintético, publicados entre janeiro de 1980 e dezembro de 2021 em espanhol, inglês e português. Foram obtidos 10 artigos. Resultados: foram identificados 10 tipos de enxertos e substitutos ósseos. 524 pacientes com idade média de 49 anos foram estudados. O seguimento médio foi de 12 meses. Os estudos foram divididos em 3 grupos: comparação entre enxerto autólogo (IOA) e enxerto alogênico, IOA com substitutos sintéticos e substitutos sintéticos entre si. O aloenxerto e os substitutos sintéticos mostraram-se não inferiores nos resultados clínicos, funcionais e de imagem, melhorando os tempos intraoperatórios e reduzindo as complicações da área doadora em relação à IOA. Conclusões: o IOA continua a ser o padrão ouro apesar de suas possíveis complicações relacionadas ao local doador; tanto o aloenxerto como os substitutos sintéticos representam uma opção válida para tratar essas lesões.

Analysis of 45,507 surgical treatment of distal tibia and malleolar fractures over 14 years / Análise de 45.507 tratamentos cirúrgicos das fraturas distais da tíbia e do tornozelo ao longo de 14 anos

ABSTRACT The distal leg joint fractures are among the most common fractures in humans across all age groups, and 50% of them require surgical treatment. Few studies discuss the epidemiology and costs of this fracture in the global and national literature. Objective: To evaluate the annual incidence and reimbursement value of distal leg joint fractures requiring surgical treatment from 2008 to 2021. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the complex structured data of high volume and high variability (Big Data), publicly available on the TabNet platform (DATASUS), via software with artificial intelligence. Data from 2008 to 2021 on surgical treatment for malleolar fracture, distal tibia fracture, and isolated fibula fracture were analyzed. Results: From 2008 to 2021, there was an average incidence of 28.8 fractures/105 inhabitants per year, representing 14.62% of all fractures. The total amount paid for hospitalizations due to these fractures was R$ 34,218,014.62 over these 14 years. Conclusion: The incidence of distal leg joint fractures follows the pattern of those recorded in other countries. The adjustment of reimbursement over the years was lower than the accumulated inflation. Level of Evidence II, Economic and Decision Analyses - Developing an Economic or Decision Model.

RESUMO As fraturas articulares distais da perna estão entre as fraturas mais comuns do ser humano ao longo de todas as faixas etárias, e 50% delas necessitam de tratamento cirúrgico. Existem poucos trabalhos discutindo a epidemiologia e os custos dessa fratura na literatura mundial e, principalmente, na nacional. Objetivo: Avaliar a incidência anual e o valor de reembolso das fraturas distais da perna com indicação para tratamento cirúrgico entre os anos de 2008 e 2021. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo para analisar os dados complexos estruturados de alto volume e alta variabilidade (Big Data), disponibilizados publicamente na plataforma TabNet (Datasus), através de um software com inteligência artificial. Foram analisados os dados de 2008 a 2021 do tratamento cirúrgico de fratura maleolar, fratura distal da tíbia e fratura isolada da fíbula. Resultados: Entre 2008 e 2021, houve incidência média de 28,8 fraturas/105 habitantes-ano, representando 14,62% de todas as fraturas. O valor total pago pelas internações dessas fraturas foi de R$ 34.218.014,62 ao longo desses 14 anos. Conclusão: A incidência das fraturas articulares distais da perna acompanha o padrão daqueles registrados em outros países. O reajuste do repasse ao longo dos anos foi inferior à inflação acumulada. Nível de Evidência II, Análises Econômicas e de Decisão - Desenvolvimento de Modelo Econômico ou de Decisão.

Sports rehabilitation in athletes with meniscal lesions based on electroacupuncture associated with sports therapy / Reabilitação esportiva de atletas com lesão meniscal baseada em eletroacupuntura combinada à terapia esportiva / Rehabilitación deportiva de atletas con lesión meniscal basada en electroacupuntura combinada con la terapia deportiva

ABSTRACT Introduction: Meniscal injury is a common condition that can lead to disability due to pain and proprioceptive failure, requiring immediate attention. Combination therapies involve advanced approaches aiming to accelerate rehabilitation in athletes, and electroacupuncture presents therapeutic benefits, although there is still no evidence of its combination with sports therapy. Objective: This paper analyzes the performance of sports rehabilitation in athletes with meniscal lesions using electroacupuncture combined with sports therapy. Methods: The intervention in the control group was based on a traditional range of motion work, muscle strength, proprioceptive training, and other exercise therapies, while the experimental group received a 30 min electro-acupuncture protocol three times a week for four consecutive weeks. The surrogate data (gender, age, disease course, location) are the same. Before treatment, joint activity, muscle strength, total joint scale score of the LYSHOLM questionnaire, and other observational indices were measured during the 6th and 12th week of treatment. The non-parametric statistical method and T-test were used to analyze the changes of each index before and after treatment. After 12 weeks of treatment, the difference between the experimental group and the combination before treatment was significant. Results: The treatment effect of the experimental group was significantly better than the control group. Conclusion: The effect of sports rehabilitation of athletes with meniscus injury based on electroacupuncture combined with sports therapy showed high resolutive application value, indicating an alternative for non-surgical treatment in knee meniscus injuries. Level of evidence II; Therapeutic studies - investigation of treatment outcomes.

RESUMO Introdução: A lesão meniscal é um acometimento comum que pode gerar incapacitação por dor e falha proprioceptiva, exigindo atenção imediata. Terapias combinadas envolvem abordagens avançadas com o objetivo de acelerar a reabilitação nos atletas, e a eletroacupuntura apresenta benefícios terapêuticos, embora ainda não possua evidencias de sua combinação com a terapia esportiva. Objetivo: Analisar o desempenho da reabilitação esportiva em atletas com lesão meniscal utilizando eletroacupuntura combinada à terapia esportiva. Métodos: A intervenção no grupo controle baseou-se no trabalho tradicional de amplitude de movimento, força muscular, treinamento proprioceptivo e outros tipos de terapias de exercício enquanto que ao grupo experimental foi adicionado um protocolo de eletro-acupuntura de 30 minutos de duração, 3 vezes por semana durante 4 semanas consecutivas. Os dados de substituição (sexo, idade, curso de doença, localização) são basicamente os mesmos. Antes do tratamento, a atividade articular, a força muscular, o escore total da escala articular do questionário LYSHOLM e outros índices de observação foram medidos na 6ª e 12ª semana do tratamento. O método estatístico não paramétrico e teste-T foram utilizados para analisar as alterações de cada índice antes e depois do tratamento. Após 12 semanas de tratamento, a diferença entre o grupo experimental e a combinação antes do tratamento foi significativa. Resultados: O efeito de tratamento do grupo experimental foi significativamente melhor do que o grupo controle. Conclusão: O efeito de reabilitação esportiva de atletas com lesão meniscal baseada em eletroacupuntura combinada à terapia esportiva demonstrou alto valor de aplicação resolutiva, indicada como alternativa para o tratamento não cirúrgico em lesões no menisco do joelho. Nível de evidência II; Estudos terapêuticos - investigação dos resultados do tratamento.

Resumen Introducción: La lesión meniscal es una lesión común que puede causar incapacidad por dolor y fallo propioceptivo, requiriendo atención inmediata. Las terapias combinadas implican enfoques avanzados con el objetivo de acelerar la rehabilitación en los deportistas, y la electroacupuntura presenta beneficios terapéuticos, aunque todavía no hay pruebas de su combinación con la terapia deportiva. Objetivo: Analizar el rendimiento de la rehabilitación deportiva en atletas con lesión meniscal utilizando electroacupuntura combinada con la terapia deportiva. Métodos: La intervención en el grupo de control se basó en el trabajo tradicional de amplitud de movimiento, fuerza muscular, entrenamiento propioceptivo y otros tipos de terapias de ejercicio, mientras que al grupo experimental se le añadió un protocolo de electroacupuntura de 30 minutos de duración, 3 veces a la semana durante 4 semanas consecutivas. Los datos sustitutivos (sexo, edad, evolución de la enfermedad, localización) son básicamente los mismos. Antes del tratamiento, se midieron la actividad articular, la fuerza muscular, la puntuación total de la escala articular del cuestionario LYSHOLM y otros índices de observación en la 6ª y 12ª semana de tratamiento. Se utilizó el método estadístico no paramétrico y la prueba T para analizar los cambios de cada índice antes y después del tratamiento. Tras 12 semanas de tratamiento, la diferencia entre el grupo experimental y la combinación antes del tratamiento era significativa. Resultados: El efecto del tratamiento del grupo experimental fue significativamente mejor que el del grupo de control. Conclusión: El efecto de la rehabilitación deportiva de atletas con lesión de menisco basada en la electroacupuntura combinada con la terapia deportiva mostró un alto valor de aplicación resolutiva, indicada como alternativa de tratamiento no quirúrgico en las lesiones de menisco de rodilla. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudios terapéuticos - investigación de los resultados del tratamiento.

Arthroscopic reduction and double-tunnel button fixation of fractures of the tibial intercondylar eminence in children / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of arthroscopic reduction and double-tunnel button fixation in the treatment of fractures of the tibial intercondylar eminence in children.Methods:From January 2019 to June 2022, 8 children with fracture of the tibial intercondylar eminence were treated at Orthopedics Department, Shenzhen Children's Hospital with arthroscopic reduction and double-tunnel button fixation. They were 6 boys and 2 girls, with an age of (8.4±1.9) years. Injured sites: 4 left knees and 4 right knees. Their operation time, intraoperative blood loss, knee flexion and extension, and complications were recorded. Their Lysholm scores were compared between preoperation and the last follow-up.Results:The operation time was (161.9±57.9)min. All patients were followed up for (12.1±5.7) months. The intraoperative blood loss was 3.5 (1.0,4.3)mL. Their knee flexion was 145.0°±5.0° and extension 0.9°±1.2° after operation. All their incisions healed at one stage, with no postoperative infection or other complications. Their preoperative Lysholm score [(20.3±15.8) points (from 2 to 54 points)] increased significantly to (99.3±1.0) points (from 98 to 100 points) after operation ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Arthroscopic reduction and double-tunnel button fixation is effective for fractures of the tibial intercondylar eminence in children, leading to limited complications, limited bleeding and a low infection rate.

3D-printing-assisted surgery versus conventional surgery for treatment of Schatzker VI tibial plateau fractures: a multi-center clinical study / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare 3D-printing-assisted surgery and conventional surgery in the treatment of Schazker type Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 50 patients with type Ⅵ tibial plateau fracture who had been treated from January 2019 to December 2021 at the 5 Departments of Orthopedics in The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, The First People's Hospital of Jiujiang, Pingkuang General Hospital, Ganzhou People's Hospital, and Nanchang Hongdu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their different treatment methods. In the 3D printing group of 25 cases treated by 3D-printing-assisted surgery, there were 14 males and 11 females, with an age of (42.5±9.1) years; in the conventional group of 25 cases treated by conventional surgery, there were 13 males and 12 females with an age of (42.2±9.3) years. The 2 groups were compared in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, fracture healing time, postoperative complications, the Rasmussen radiological scores and the American Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee function scores at 6 and 12 months after operation.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). The operation time [(125.4±10.6) min], intraoperative blood loss [(206.2±16.3) mL], intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency [(9.2±2.7) times] and fracture healing time [(3.0±0.7) months] in the 3D printing group were all significantly less than those in the conventional group [(168.2±14.1) min, (303.2±20.4) mL, (15.5±3.5) times and (4.1±0.8) months] while the Rasmussen radiological scores (17.6±1.2 and 17.9±0.6) and HSS knee scores (90.8±6.4 and 91.5±5.6) at 6 and 12 months after operation in the 3D printing group were all significantly higher than those in the conventional group (16.2±2.6 and 16.7±2.2; 84.5±9.2 and 87.6±8.0) (all P<0.05). In the 3D printing group, there were 1 case of wound infection and 1 case of wound dehiscence after operation. In the conventional group, there were 2 cases of wound skin necrosis, 3 cases of wound dehiscence, 1 case of traumatic arthritis, 2 cases of wound infection, and 1 case of screw loosening. The incidence of complications in the 3D printing group (8.0%, 2/28) was significantly lower than that in the conventional group (36.0%, 9/25) ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures, compared with conventional surgery, 3D-printing-assisted surgery can lead to better curative outcomes, because it is conducive to lowering surgical difficulty, reducing postoperative complications, and promoting fracture union and functional recovery of the knee.

Distal tibial spiral fracture and ankle injury / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To characterize the injury to the ipsilateral ankle joint after low energy spiral fracture of the distal tibia.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 80 patients with distal tibial spiral fracture who had been treated at Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University from March 2010 to March 2021. There were 61 males and 19 females with an age of (43.5±12.5) years. Their mean follow-up time was 67.0 (38.5, 90.0) months. All patients underwent preoperative X-ray examination, 64 ones preoperative CT examination, and 30 ones preoperative MRI examination. Of the 80 patients, 3 received conservative treatment with plaster external fixation, 3 closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation, and 74 plate fixation. Statistically analyzed were incidence of posterior malleolus fracture, characteristics of posterior malleolus fracture lines, normal matching rate of the ipsilateral ankle joint, positive rate of intraoperative Cotton test or stress external rotation test of ipsilateral ankle joint, positive rates of passive pronation-external rotation and supination-external rotation stress tests during follow-up, incidences of short-term ankle pain (≤2 years) and medium-long term pain (>2 years) after operation, injuries to the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, the deep medial malleolus deltoid ligament and the posterior malleolus, and incidence of ankle injury.Results:The diagnostic rate for posterior malleolus fracture was 16.3% (13/80) on X-ray film, 60.9% (39/64) on CT and 76.7% (23/30) on MRI. 74.5% (35/47) of the posterior malleolus fracture lines opened on the lateral side. The normal matching rate of the ipsilateral ankle joint was 96.3% (77/80). The positive rates of intraoperative Cotton test and stress external rotation test were 34.8% (8/23) and 7.1% (1/14), respectively. The positive rates of passive pronation-external rotation and supination-external rotation stress tests during follow-up were 46.2% (12/26) and 34.6% (9/26). The incidences of postoperative short term (≤2 years) and medium-long term (>2 years) ankle pain were 37.7% (29/77) and 20.8% (16/77). MRI examination showed that the rates of injury to the anterior inferior tibiofibular ligament, deep medial malleolus deltoid ligament and posterior malleolus were 80.0% (24/30), 80.0% (24/30) and 76.7% (23/30). The incidence of ankle injury was 88.8% (71/80).Conclusions:It is highly probable that spiral fracture of the distal tibia is complicated with ipsilateral ankle injury. The medial malleolus, lateral malleolus, and posterior malleolus are prone to the following hidden injuries while the ankle joint is normally matched in the most cases: injury to the deep deltoid ligament in different degrees, rupture of the inferior tibiofibular anterior ligament and posterior malleolus fracture. Therefore, the ankle injury is likely to be missed in diagnosis. The secondary torsion injuries to the pronation-external rotation and supination-external rotation at the leg are likely to cause ipsilateral ankle injury.

Treatment of Klammer type Ⅲ posterior pilon fracture via the posterolateral combined posteromedial approach / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of internal fixation via the posterolateral combined posteromedial approach in the treatment of posterior pilon fracture (Klammer type Ⅲ).Methods:A retrospective study was performed to analyze the 69 posterior pilon fractures (Klammer type Ⅲ) which had been treated by internal fixation with hollow screws or a buttress plate at Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Yantai Shan Hospital from January 2015 to January 2020. There were 36 males and 33 females with an age of (45.3±10.0) years and duration from injury to surgery of (6.0±1.5) d. They were assigned into 2 groups according to different surgical approaches. The observation group (41 cases) was treated through the posterolateral combined posteromedial approach while the control group (28 cases) through the posterolateral approach alone. The therapeutic effects were evaluated by comparing the 2 groups in terms of incision length, intraoperative bleeding, operation time, fracture union time, fracture reduction (evaluated by the Burrwell-Charnley radiological score), the ankle-hindfoot score of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and complications.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). All the 69 cases were followed up for (16.9±4.0) months, revealing primary healing of all the incisions and no vascular injury or wound infection. The incision length [(11.2±1.8) cm] and operation time [(76.0±6.6) min] in the observation group were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(12.4±1.9) cm and (79.7±6.8) min], the excellent and good rate of reduction in the observation group (97.6%, 40/41) was significantly higher than that in the control group (89.3%, 25/28), and the ankle-hindfoot scores of AOFAS at 1, 3 and 12 months after operation in the observation group [(78.4±5.6), (79.5±2.8) and (86.9±2.1)] were significantly higher than those in the control group [(75.2±5.5), (78.0±3.2) and (85.8±2.3)] (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the intraoperative bleeding between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). In the control group, 2 patients developed numbness in the dorsum of foot, which gradually disappeared after 3 months of treatment, but no other complications like persistent pain or flexor contracture within 1 year after operation. Conclusion:In the treatment of Klammer type Ⅲ posterior pilon fracture, the posterolateral combined posteromedial approach can result in satisfactory therapeutic effects, because the surgical approach can fully expose the fracture and facilitate better reduction.

Treatment of tibial plateau fractures using modified double reverse traction technique / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical efficacy of our modified double reverse traction technique in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted of the 66 patients with tibial plateau fracture who had been treated by our modified double reverse traction technique at Articular Department, Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2019 to December 2021. There were 37 males and 29 females, with an age of (44±14) years. The double reverse traction technique was used in all patients for reduction of the tibial plateau fracture, and their collapsed articular surfaces were restored by our self-designed universal high affinity prying technique, or by fibular graft support, or by the hooping technique to restore the transverse diameter of the tibial plateau which had been widened. The outcomes of fracture reduction at 2 days postoperation were recorded and evaluated by Rasmussen imaging assessment. Complications were also recorded. The visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores were compared between preoperation, 3 and 6 months postoperation and the rates of fracture healing between 3 and 6 months postoperation.Results:This group of 66 patients was followed up for 12.0(8.0, 16.5) months. The Rasmussen imaging assessment at 2 days postoperation: 60 excellent, 4 good, and 2 fair cases, yielding an excellent to good rate of 97.0% (64/66). At 3 and 6 months postoperation, the VAS scores [1 (0, 1) and 0 (0, 1)] and HSS scores [84 (78, 88) and 91 (85, 95)] were significantly improved compared with those before operation [4 (3, 5) and 36 (29, 39)], and the values at 6 months postoperation were significantly improved compared with those at 3 months postoperation ( P<0.05). The rate of clinical fracture healing at 6 months postoperation (100%, 66/66) was significantly higher than that at 3 months postoperation (77.3%, 51/66) ( P<0.05). Perioperatively, no adverse events were observed like incision infection, deep vein thrombosis of lower limbs, or failure or exposure of internal fixation, except for delayed incision healing in only one patient. Conclusion:In the minimally invasive surgery for tibial plateau fractures, our modified double reverse traction technique can result in excellent fracture reduction by imaging assessment, fine functional recovery of the knee joint and relief of pain.

Be alert to insidious fracture-related infections secondary to severe open fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To report our experience in using the Ilizarov technique to treat bone defects secondary to Gustilo Ⅲb open tibial fractures with negative clinical signs and serological inflammatory markers.Methods:A retrospective study was performed to analyze the 19 patients with bone defects secondary to Gustilo Ⅲb open tibial fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between January of 2010 and June of 2021. They were 15 males and 4 females with an age of (41±11) years. Their inclusion criteria: undergoing treatment with Ilizarov technique (consecutive compression-distraction or bone transport), soft tissue coverage procedures resulting in wound closure and negative clinical infection signs for at least 3 months and normal serological inflammatory markers, and follow-up for more than 3 months after frame removal. Three-phase bone scan was performed for the patients before the present surgery. Debridement, sampling of deep tissues for bacterial culture, and external stabilization with a fixator were performed in the present surgery. Osteotomy for compression-distraction or bone transport technique was carried out at 1 stage or 2 stages. Systemic antibiotic therapy for 6 weeks was continued for those with positive microbiological analysis guided by antibiogram. Recorded were results of intra-operative pus detection around defects, microbiological findings, length of bone defect reconstructed, rate and time of infection recurrence during treatment, fracture union rate, bone healing index, bony and functional results.Results:The interval between primary injury to the present surgery was (10±8) months. The preoperative three-phase bone scan showed infection free in 8 cases, chronic osteomyelitis in 7 cases, and suspicious infection in 4 cases. No pus was found during intra-operative debridement in all. The intra-operative microbiological detection was positive in 1 sample in 1 patient (infection free indicated by bone scan), and in ≥2 samples in 3 patients (bone scan indicating non-infection, infection not excluded and osteomyelitis in 1 case each). The length of bone defect reconstructed was (8±3) cm. The follow-up after the present surgery was (37±15) months. Fracture union was achieved in all cases, with a bone healing index of (1.7±0.5) months/cm. Clinical infection signs were observed 1 (1, 1) month after the present surgery in 6 patients whose microbiological results were all negative. All the 6 patients ended up with no clinical recurrence after empirical use of systemic antibiotics in 5 and radical debridement in one. The bony results showed 16 excellent and 3 good cases while the functional results showed 10 excellent and 9 good cases.Conclusions:In treatment of bone defects secondary to Gustilo Ⅲb open tibial fractures with negative clinical signs and serological inflammatory markers, constant vigilance is needed against low-grade infection. Intra-operative multiple sampling of deep tissues with a standardized protocol and microbiological testing are extremely valuable for diagnosis of fracture-related infections.

Treatment of open tibial fractures in children with composite pin-rod external fixation / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of composite pin-rod external fixation in the treatment of open tibial fractures in children.Methods:The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed of the 21 pediatric patients with open tibial fracture who had been treated at Department of Pediatric Orthopeadics, Tianjin University by composite pin-rod external fixation from January 2019 to December 2021. There were 15 boys and 6 girls, and 9 left sides and 12 right sides. The age at the time of operation was (8.6±4.1) months. According to the Gustilo-Anderson classification, there were 3 cases of type Ⅰ, 12 cases of type Ⅱ, 3 cases of type ⅢA, 1 case of type ⅢB, and 2 cases of type ⅢC. Twenty cases had a concomitant fibular fracture, 3 cases multiple injuries, and 3 cases a segmental fracture. All the operations were performed at the emergency department. After debridement, the fractures were reduced and immobilized with a triangle external fixation of composite pin-rod system. In the patients whose conditions permitted, the wounds were closed at one stage, and no other external fixation was added after operation. Wound healing, fracture healing, frame time, knee and ankle functional results and complications were evaluated.Results:All patients were followed up for (20.7±15.8) months. Primary wound closure was achieved in 18 cases; the wound was covered by vacuum sealing drainage after debridement and reverse skin removal in the other 3 cases, of which 2 healed smoothly, and 1 was complicated with superficial infection of Gustilo type ⅢC treated eventually by an anterolateral thigh flap. Fractures healed satisfactorily in 20 cases, with a frame time of (4.5±1.7) months. At the last follow-up, there was no significant difference in the range of motion of the knee and ankle joints on the affected side compared with the uninjured side ( P>0.05). According to the Johner-Wruhs evaluation criteria, the functional recovery was excellent in 16 cases and good in 4 cases. Fracture nonunion happened in one child after skin flap operation, but fracture occurred again after reoperation for fracture, yielding a poor Johner-Wruhs evaluation. Needle tract infection was found in 9 cases but responded to therapy with no other complications. Conclusions:In the treatment of open tibial fractures in children, the composite pin-rod external fixation may lead to satisfactory clinical outcomes. It is easy in operation, provides stable fixation, and allows early rehabilitation after surgery. It can be used as a terminal treatment for wounds that can be closed at one stage.

Metallic screw fixation versus absorbable screw fixation after open reduction in treatment of distal tibial epiphyseal fractures in adolescents / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy between metallic screw fixation and absorbable screw fixation after open reduction in the treatment of adolescent distal tibial epiphyseal fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 82 patients with closed distal tibial epiphyseal fracture who had been admitted to Department of Pediatric Orthopedics, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University from January 2013 to December 2020. There were 61 males and 21 females (aged from 8 to 15 years), and 39 left sides and 43 right sides. The Salter-Harris classification: type Ⅱ in 25 cases, type Ⅲ in 8 cases, and type Ⅳ in 49 cases. They were divided into 2 groups according to different internal fixation methods. Group A (42 cases) was subjected to open reduction and metallic screw fixation and group B (40 cases) to open reduction and absorbable screw fixation. Preoperative data, operation time, total treatment cost and complications during follow-up were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. In both groups at the last follow-up, anteroposterior and lateral ankle radiographs were taken for radiographic evaluation of the injury to the distal tibial epiphysis and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was used to assess the ankle function.Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there were no significant differences in all their preoperative demographic data ( P>0.05). Group A was followed up for 18.0(16.0, 21.3) months while group B for 16.0(13.0, 20.0) months. The treatment cost for group A [27, 000 (25, 000, 33, 000) Yuan] was significantly higher than that for group B [23, 000 (19, 000, 27, 000) Yuan] ( P<0.05). The operation time was (112.4±34.3) min for group A and (101.0±41.1) min for group B, showing no significant difference ( P>0.05). The lateral distal tibial angle was 89.5 (88.0, 91.0)° on the affected side and 89.7°±1.8° on the unaffected sides in group A; it was 90.0 (88.3, 90.8)° on the affected side and 89.5°±1.8° on the unaffected side in group B. The anterior distal tibial angle was 81.9°±1.8° on the affected side and 81.8°±1.5° on the unaffected side in group A; it was 82.0 (81.0, 83.0)° on the affected side and 82.1°±2.2° on the unaffected side in group B. There was no significant difference in the above comparisons at the last follow-up in radiographic evaluation of the distal ankle joint between the affected and the unaffected sides in either group or between groups( P>0.05). There was a significant difference between the 2 groups in the rate of superficial skin infection [11.9% (5/42) versus 0% (0/40)] ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the incidence of premature physeal closure between the 2 groups [11.9% (5/42) versus 5.0% (2/40)] ( P>0.05). The last follow-up revealed no significant difference in the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score between group A [(90.6±4.9) points] and group B [(92.1±4.6) points] ( P>0.05). Conclusions:In the treatment of adolescent distal tibial epiphyseal fractures, compared with metallic screw fixation, absorbable screw fixation may lead to comparable efficacy in fixation, functional recovery and imaging evaluation, but no increased risk of premature physeal closure. Moreover, it spares the need for secondary surgical removal, and reduces operation time and treatment cost.

Efficacy of second-stage Masquelet technique with 3D-printed quantitative bone implants for the treatment of long-segment bone defect following Gustilo type IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of 3D-printed quantitative bone implants assisting second-stage Masquelet technique for the treatment of long-segment bone defect following Gustilo type IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures.Methods:A retrospective case series analysis was made on 26 patients with long-segment bone defect following Gustilo type IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures treated in Wuxi Ninth People′s Hospital from July 2015 to December 2020, including 20 males and 6 females; aged 19-63 years [(46.5±4.5)years]. Gustilo classification was type IIIB in 23 patients and type IIIC in 3. In the first stage, all patients had thoroughly emergent debridement, removal of all free bone pieces, restoration of the length and force line plus externally fixion, and vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) of the residual wound. After 2-7 days, the external fixation was removed and replaced by internal fixation, with the bone cement filling in the defect area and the free flap covering the wound. The length of tibial bone defect was 5-14 cm [(6.3±0.4)cm], and the tibial defect volume was 12.2-73.1 cm 3 [(33.6±9.2)cm 3]. In the second stage (6-19 weeks after injury), the bone cement was removed, followed by autologous bone grafting. Prior to bone grafting, digital technology was used to accurately calculate the bone defect volume, and an equal volume of bone harvesting area was designe to produce the 3D printed osteotomy template. Bone grafting was conducted after bone removal according to the osteotomy template during operation. The success rate of one-time iliac bone extraction, bone harvesting time, and bleeding volume were recorded. Pain in the bone extraction area was evaluated by visual analogue score (VAS) at 1 day and 1 month after operation and at the last follow-up. Wound healing, complications, and bone healing were observed. Life quality was evaluated by health survey brief form (SF-36) including scores of physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) before bone grafting and at the last follow-up. Results:All the patients were followed up for 13-53 months [(32.3±12.5)months]. One-time iliac bone extraction was successful in all the patients. Bone harvesting time was 15-30 minutes [(21.0±2.5)minutes]. The bleeding volume was 50-120 ml [(62.3±29.0)ml]. The VAS was 1-4 points [(1.2±0.9)points] at 1 day after operation, higher than these (0.0±0.0)points at 1 month after operation and at the last follow-up (all P<0.01). Totally, 25 patients obtained wound healing after operation, except for 1 patient with superficial wound infection after bone grafting that was healed by dressing change. There was 1 patient with bone infection after 3 months of bone grafting that was healed by repeated surgery with Masquelet technique in the first and second stage. Besides, 2 patients had symptoms of cutaneous nerve injury in the iliac donor area. The time of bone healing was 4-7 months [(5.8±0.8)months]. The scores of PCS and MCS in SF-36 at the last follow-up were (73.6±12.8)points and (83.6±13.2)points, significantly higher than those before bone grafting [(46.8±0.5)points, (60.7±2.0)points] (all P<0.01). Conclusion:Second-stage Masquelet technique with 3D printed quantitative bone implants for the treatment of long-segment bone defect following Gustilo type IIIB and IIIC tibial fractures is associated with shortened bone harvesting time, attenuated pain, reduced complications, accelerated bone healing and improved function.

The study on the repair effect of Dipsacus saponins Ⅵ on tibial fracture model rats based on Wnt/β-catenin pathway / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To observe the repair effect and possible mechanism of Dipsacus saponins Ⅵ on tibial fracture model rats.Methods:Thirty Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into model group, intervention group, and combination group, with 10 rats in each group, to establish a tibial fracture rat model using the sawing method. On the second day after surgery, the intervention group was intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg of Chuanduduan saponin Ⅵ; The combination group received intraperitoneal injection of Dipsacus saponins Ⅵ 10 mg/kg and XAV939 1 mg/animal; The model group was intraperitoneally injected with 0.2 ml of physiological saline solution and 0.2 ml of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) solution; Once a day, continuous intervention for 14 days. After 2 to 4 weeks of intervention, Micro CT scan and X-ray scan were used to observe the fracture healing status; After 4 weeks of intervention, the wet weight of the tibia was detected; Hematoxylin eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of callus tissue; The Western blot method was used to detect the expression level of callus tissue β- catenin (β-catenin), p-β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3 β) and Runt related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) protein.Results:After 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the bone volume fraction (BV/TV), number of trabeculae (Tb.N), Lane Sandhu score, and callus volume in the intervention group were higher than those in the model group (all P<0.05); After 2 and 4 weeks of intervention, the BV/TV, Tb.N, Lane Sandhu score, and callus volume in the combined group were lower than those in the intervention group (all P<0.05). The wet weight of the tibia in the intervention group was higher than that in the model group at 4 weeks after intervention ( P<0.05); The wet weight of the tibia in the combined group was lower than that in the intervention group ( P<0.05). The HE staining results showed that the model group had fibrous tissue hyperplasia and more bone trabeculae, but the maturity was not high and the thickening was not significant; The intervention group formed more bony callus, with orderly arrangement of bone trabeculae, partially mature, and obvious mineralization, consistent with the direction of stress; The combined group formed more cartilaginous and fibrous callus, with more mineralization at the edge of the cartilaginous callus and the formation of bone trabeculae. Abundant capillaries can be observed in the gaps. The expression level of Runx2 and p-β-catenin/β-catenin protein in callus tissue of the intervention group was higher than that of the model group, the protein expression GSK-3 β level was lower than that of the model group (all P<0.05); The expression level of Runx2 and p-β-catenin/β-catenin protein in the callus tissue of the combined group was lower than that of the intervention group; the protein expression level of GSK-3β was higher than that of the intervention group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:Dipsacus saponins Ⅵ can effectively promote fracture repair in tibial fracture model rats; It is possible to plays a role by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.