Caracterización de las fracturas supracondíleas del húmero en niños que requirieron manejo quirúrgico en un hospital de Santander, Colombia / Characterization of Supracondylar Fractures of the Humerus in Children who Required Surgical Management at a Hospital in Santander, Colombia / Caracterização das fraturas supracondilianas do úmero em crianças que precisaram de tratamento cirúrgico em um hospital de Santander, Colômbia

Introducción. El objetivo del estudio fue describir las características sociodemográficas, tratamiento y complicaciones pre y posquirúrgicas de las fracturas supracondíleas del húmero distal en niños que requirieron manejo quirúrgico en un hospital de Santander, Colombia. Metodología. Se trata de un estudio observacional, descriptivo, de corte transversal con 58 pacientes que cumplieron los siguientes criterios de inclusión: edad entre 3 a 14 años, fracturas supracondíleas de manejo quirúrgico; como criterios de exclusión se tomó: antecedente de enfermedad ósea o neurológica previa y fracturas de más de 7 días de evolución. Para las variables continuas se usó medidas de tendencia central y dispersión, las categóricas en porcentajes y frecuencias absolutas. Resultados. La edad media de presentación fue de 6.2 años, el principal mecanismo de trauma fue caídas de altura con un 96.5%. El 65.5% provenía de zonas urbanas. El 13.8% se asoció con fracturas de antebrazo, y el 3.4% de epitróclea. La fijación se realizó en un 75% con técnica cruzada y un 17.2% se asoció con lesión iatrogénica del nervio ulnar. Discusión. En el estudio no se informaron lesiones vasculares; sin embargo, se documentó una alta prevalencia de lesión neurológica con la fijación medial, similar a lo descrito en la literatura (1.4%-17.7%); algunos autores describen técnicas que disminuyen estas lesiones hasta en un 0%. Conclusión. Las características sociodemográficas de nuestra población coinciden con la estadística publicada mundialmente; la principal complicación fue la lesión iatrogénica nervio ulnar, que se puede disminuir con un uso racional del pin medial y con el empleo de técnicas que busquen rechazar directamente el nervio. Palabras clave: Fracturas del Húmero; Fijación Interna de Fracturas; Clavos Ortopédicos; Codo; Niño; Nervio Cubital.

Introduction. The objective of this study was to describe sociodemographic characteristic, treatment, and pre- and post-surgical complications of supracondylar fractures of the distal humerus in children who required surgical management at a hospital in Santander, Colombia. Methodology. This was an observational, descriptive, and cross-sectional study involving 58 patients who met inclusion criteria: age between 3 and 14 years old, supracondylar fractures with surgical management; exclusion criteria include previous bone or neurological illness and fractures with more than 7 days of evolution. Central tendency and dispersion measures were used for continuous variables, and categorical variables in percentages and absolute frequencies. Results. The average age at presentation was 6.2 years old, the main mechanism of trauma was fall from height (96.5%). 65.5% came from urban zones. The 13.8% were associated with forearm fractures, and 3.4% with epitrochlear fractures. Pinning was performed at 75% with crossed technique and 17.2% were associated with iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury. Discussion. Study didn't inform vascular injuries. However, a high prevalence of neurological injury with medial pinning was documented, similar to that describe in the literature (1.4%-17.7%); some author described techniques that reduce these lesions by 0%. Conclusion. The sociodemographic characteristics of our population match with worldwide published statistics; the main complication was iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury, which can be reduced with the rational use of medial pin and with the application of techniques that seek to directly spare the nerve. Keywords: Humeral Fractures; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Bone Nails; Elbow; Child; Ulnar Nerve.

Introdução. O objetivo do estudo foi descrever as características sociodemográficas, o tratamento e as complicações pré e pós-cirúrgicas das fraturas supracondilianas do úmero distal em crianças que precisaram de tratamento cirúrgico em um hospital de Santander, Colômbia. Metodologia. Trata-se de um estudo observacional, descritivo e transversal com 58 pacientes que atenderam aos seguintes critérios de inclusão: idade entre 3 e 14 anos, fraturas supracondilianas tratadas cirurgicamente. Os critérios de exclusão foram: histórico de doença óssea ou neurológica prévia e fraturas com duração superior a 7 dias de evolução. Para variáveis contínuas foram utilizadas medidas de tendência central e dispersão, as categóricas em percentuais e frequências absolutas. Resultados. A média de idade de apresentação foi de 6.2 anos, o principal mecanismo de trauma foi a queda de altura com 96.5%. 65.5% vieram de áreas urbanas. 13.8% estavam associados a fraturas de antebraço e 3.4% a epitróclea. A fixação foi realizada em 75% com técnica cruzada e 17.2% esteve associada à lesão iatrogênica do nervo ulnar. Discussão. Nenhuma lesão vascular foi relatada no estudo. No entanto, foi documentada alta prevalência de lesão neurológica com fixação medial, semelhante à descrita na literatura (1.4%-17.7%). Alguns autores descrevem técnicas que reduzem essas lesões em até 0%. Conclusão. As características sociodemográficas da nossa população coincidem com as estatísticas publicadas mundialmente. A principal complicação foi a lesão iatrogênica do nervo ulnar, que pode ser reduzida com o uso racional do pino medial e com o uso de técnicas que buscam rejeitar diretamente o nervo. Palavras-chave: Fraturas do Úmero; Fixação Interna de Fraturas; Pinos Ortopédicos; Cotovelo; Criança; Nervo Ulnar

Child Fractures: Are We Getting More Surgical? / Fraturas na criança: Estamos ficando mais cirúrgicos?

Abstract Historically, surgeries on the immature skeleton were reserved for open or articular fractures. In recent years, the improvement in the quality and safety of anesthesia, new imaging equipment, implants designed especially for pediatric fractures, associated with the possibility of shorter hospitalization time and rapid return to social life has demonstrated a new tendency to evaluate and treat fractures in children. The purpose of this update article is to answer the following questions: (1) Are we really turning more surgical in addressing fractures in children? (2) If this is true, is this surgical conduct based on scientific evidence? In fact, in recent decades, the medical literature demonstrates articles that support better evolution of fractures in children with surgical treatment. In the upper limbs, this is very evident in the systematization of the reduction and percutaneous fixation of supracondylar fractures of the humerus and fractures of the forearm bones. In the lower limbs, the same occurs with diaphyseal fractures of the femur and tibia. However, there are gaps in the literature. The available published studies show low scientific evidence. Thus, it can be inferred that, even though the surgical approach is more present, the treatment of pediatric fractures should always be individualized and conducted according to the knowledge and experience of the professional physician, taking into account the presence of technological resources available for the care of the small patient. All possibilities, non-surgical and/or surgical, should be included, always instituting actions based on science and in agreement with the family's wishes.

Resumo Historicamente, as cirurgias no esqueleto imaturo eram reservadas às fraturas expostas ou articulares. Nos últimos anos, a melhora na qualidade e segurança das anestesias, novos equipamentos de imagem, implantes desenhados especialmente para fraturas pediátricas, associados à possibilidade de menor tempo de hospitalização e rápido retorno ao convívio social vêm demonstrando uma nova tendência de avaliar e tratar fraturas na criança. O objetivo deste artigo de atualização é responder às seguintes questões: (1) estamos realmente ficando mais cirúrgicos na abordagem das fraturas em crianças? (2) Caso isto seja verdadeiro, esta conduta cirúrgica está baseada em evidências científicas? De fato, nas últimas décadas, a literatura médica demonstra artigos que suportam melhor evolução das fraturas na criança com o tratamento cirúrgico. Nos membros superiores, isto fica muito evidente na sistematização da redução e fixação percutânea das fraturas supracondilianas do úmero e das fraturas de ossos do antebraço. Nos membros inferiores, o mesmo ocorre com fraturas diafisárias do fêmur e tíbia. No entanto, há lacunas na literatura. Os estudos publicados são geralmente com baixa evidência científica. Assim, pode-se deduzir que, mesmo sendo a abordagem cirúrgica mais presente, o tratamento de fraturas pediátricas deve ser sempre individualizado e conduzido de acordo com o conhecimento e experiência do médico profissional, levando em conta a presença de recursos tecnológicos disponíveis para o atendimento do pequeno paciente. Deve-se incluir todas as possibilidades, não cirúrgicas e/ou cirúrgicas, sempre instituindo ações baseadas na ciência e em concordância com os anseios da família.

Current research on injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis and prospects of its treatment / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Among ankle injuries, the injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is common and likely neglected. The stability of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is related to the depth of the fibular notch. In imaging diagnosis, X-ray examination cannot be used for a definite diagnosis of the injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. For diagnosis of the distal tibiofibular separation>3 mm, CT scan can be accurate but is not sensitive enough for a separation<1 mm while MRI is more sensitive in diagnosis of the injury. Arthroscopy has gradually been used as the "gold standard" in diagnosis of the injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis due to its advantage of direct vision. The distal tibiofibular separation occurs in the injuries of pronation external rotation Ⅳ°, supination external rotation Ⅲ° and Ⅳ°, and pronation abduction Ⅱ° and Ⅲ° by the Lange-Hansen classification. Most patients with simple stable injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis may have a good prognosis after nonoperative treatment. Surgical anatomic reduction and maintenance of stability of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis are the basic management principles for unstable distal tibiofibular syndesmosis or the injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis combined with ankle fracture. Screw fixation is the most commonly used in the surgical treatment of the injury. Elastic fixation has the advantages of maintaining the biological characteristics of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis fretting joint, better reduction fault tolerance, and lower rates of complications and long-term reduction loss. The angle of nail placement is the key to maintaining good reduction of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, but there has been little description of the specific methods to ensure the theoretical angle of nail placement in practice. This article also reviews the prospects of the future treatment of the injury to the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.

Preliminary application of a novel distraction reductor in the surgical treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with metaphyseal volar comminution / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate a novel distraction reductor in the surgical treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with metaphyseal volar comminution.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2020, 27 patients with unstable distal radius fracture complicated with metaphyseal volar comminution were treated at Department of Orthopaedics, Zhoupu Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences. They were 6 males and 21 females, with an age of (69.4±9.4) years. All fractures were unilateral and closed, involving the right side in 17 cases and the left side in 10 cases. All patients were treated by internal fixation with an anatomical locking plate through the volar approach and the novel distraction reductor was used to reduce the fracture ends. Regular imaging examinations were performed to evaluate the reduction, maintenance and union of fractures after surgery. One year after operation, the curative efficacy was assessed by evaluation of the range of wrist motion, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Gartland-Werley score and Bartra radiology score.Results:All the operations went on successfully with a duration of (92.3±8.9) min. All the incisions healed primarily. The follow-up time was (15.9±2.9) months. The radial height, palmar tilt, ulnar inclination and articular surface step-off immediately after operation [(11.23±1.51) mm, 12.10°±3.44°, 20.54°±3.44°, and (0.95±0.42) mm] were not significantly lost compared with those one year after operation [(11.22±1.55) mm, 12.07°±3.44°, 20.51°±3.33°, and (0.93±0.40) mm] (all P>0.05). One year after operation, the range of wrist motion was good with dorsiflexion of 59.7°±5.5°, palm flexion of 63.0°±9.1°, pronation of 66.5°±5.5°, supination of 61.2°±5.6°, radial deviation of 22.7°±4.8°, and ulnar deviation of 30.3°±6.1°; DASH score was 13.5±5.5; Bartra radiology score was 88.6±6.5, giving an excellent and good rate of 88.9% (24/27);Gartland-Werley score was 2.7±2.1, giving an excellent and good rate of 92.6% (25/27). Follow-ups observed no poor fracture healing, internal fixation failure, tendon or nerve injury or traumatic arthritis. Conclusion:In the surgical treatment of unstable distal radius fractures with metaphyseal volar comminution, the novel distraction reductor can lead to ideal reduction of displaced fractures and effectively correct the shortening caused by volar cortex comminution to achieve satisfactory functional effects in clinic.

Comparison of three surgical fixation methods for fracture of distal radial metaphyseal diaphyseal junction in children / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the effects of anterograde elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN-A), retrograde K-wires fixation (KW-R) and retrograde precision shaping of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN-RPS) in the treatment of fractures of distal radial metaphyseal diaphyseal junction (DRMDJ) in children.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 112 eligible children with DRMDJ fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopedics, Children's Hospital, Anhui Medical University and Department of Orthopedics, The People's Hospital of Fuyang City,Anhui Medical University, from January 2016 to May 2022. There were 64 males and 48 females, with an age of (8.4±2.3) years. The children were divided into 3 groups according to different surgical fixation methods: group ESIN-A of 36 cases, group KW-R of 52 cases, and group ESIN-RPS of 24 cases. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, fluoroscopy times, alignment rates and residual angulations by the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films immediately after reduction were compared among the 3 groups. The Gartland-Werley evaluation of wrist function and complications were compared at the last follow-up.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative general data among the 3 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). In the operation time, group KW-R [(71.2±9.2) min] > group ESIN-A [(65.1±13.1) min] > group ESIN-RPS [(51.7±17.1) min]; in the fluoroscopy times, group KW-R [(13.9±6.3) times] > group ESIN-A [(9.0±2.8) times] > group ESIN-RPS [(6.4±2.0) times]; in the alignment rates by the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films immediately after reduction, group ESIN-RPS (93.1%±4.6% and 95.2%±3.3%) > group KW-R (82.1%±11.0% and 88.1%±7.4%) > group ESIN-A (80.4%±9.9% and 86.7%±6.9%); in the residual angulations by the anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films immediately after reduction, group ESIN-RPS (3.3°±1.8° and 2.9°±2.1°) < group ESIN-A (5.2°±1.0° and 5.0°±3.2°) < group KW-R (6.6°±1.6°and 7.5°±2.7°). Pairwise comparisons in the above items were statistically significant ( P<0.05). In group ESIN-A, the incision length [(1.8±0.3) cm] was significantlylonger than that in group ESIN-RPS [(1.4±0.2) cm], and the intraoperative blood loss [(8.3±2.2) mL] significantly larger than that in group ESIN-RPS [(5.5±1.6) mL] ( P<0.05). One year after operation, the excellent and good rate by the Gartland-Werley evaluation of wrist function in groups ESIN-RPS, ESIN-A and KW-R, respectively, were 95.8% (23/24), 86.5% (31/36) and 86.1% (46/52), showing no statistically significant difference between the 3 group ( P>0.05), and the major incidence of complications in group KW-R (25.0%, 13/52) and in group ESIN-A (25.0%, 9/36) were significantly higher than that in group ESIN-RPS (4.2%, 1/24) ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of DRMDJ fractures in children, compared with ESIN-A and KW-R, ESIN-RPS is an effective choice due to its advantages of shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, less radiation, better alignment, and fewer complications.

A comparative study of three internal fixation techniques for comminuted fractures of humeral greater tuberosity / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes between anatomical locking plate, proximal humerus internal locking system (PHILOS) and anatomical locking plate combined with suture anchors in the treatment of comminuted fractures of humeral greater tuberosity.Methods:A total of 33 comminuted fractures of humeral greater tuberosity were surgically treated from October 2016 to October 2021 at Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University. There were 20 males and 13 females, with an age of (53.5±13.6) years. They were assigned into 3 groups according to different internal fixation techniques. Group A of 12 cases was subjected to fixation with anatomical locking plate via the deltoid approach, group B of 10 cases subjected to fixation with PHILOS via the pectoralis major and the deltoid approaches and group C of 11 cases subjected to fixation with anatomical locking plate combined with suture anchors via the deltoid approach. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, range of shoulder motion, Constant-Murley shoulder score, visual analogue scale (VAS) and postoperative complications were compared between the 3 groups.Results:The 3 groups were comparable because there was no significant difference between them in the general clinical data ( P>0.05). The follow-up duration for all patients was (14.5±4.1) months. All fractures got united at the last follow-up. In groups A, B and C, respectively, the operation time was (57.9±7.8), (73.0±7.1) and (63.6±9.5) min, and the intraoperative blood loss (41.7±18.9), (82.0±22.9) and (46.4±13.6) mL, showing significant differences between the 3 groups ( P<0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in groups A and C were significantly less than those in group B ( P< 0.05). At the last follow-up, in groups A, B and C, respectively, the shoulder abduction was 144.0°±7.7°, 138.7°±10.7° and 148.5°±6.2°, showing significant differences between the 3 groups ( P<0.05). Group C was significantly better than group B ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the forward flexion, external rotation, or internal rotation of the shoulder joint between the 3 groups ( P>0.05). The Constant-Murley scores in groups A, B and C, respectively, were (90.4±5.7), (86.1±6.6) and (93.1±3.4) points, showing significant differences between the 3 groups ( P<0.05). Group C was significantly better than group B ( P<0.05). The VAS scores in groups A, B and C, respectively, were 1 (0, 2), 1 (0, 2), and 1 (0, 1) point, showing insignificant differences between the 3 groups ( P>0.05). Group A had 1 case of shoulder joint stiffness and 1 case of fracture re-displacement complicated with acromial impingement syndrome, group B 1 case of shoulder joint stiffness and 3 cases of fracture re-displacement, but group C no post-operative complication. Conclusions:In the treatment of comminuted fracture of humeral greater tuberosity, all the 3 internal fixation techniques can lead to fine clinical outcomes. Conventional PHILOS may lead to relatively large trauma and a high incidence of postoperative complications. The anatomical locking plate may result in fine functional recovery of the shoulder due to advantages of less invasion, shorter operation time and fewer postoperative complications than PHILOS. The anatomical locking plate combined with suture anchors may lead to the best shoulder functional recovery and the least complications.

Oblique intervertebral fusion for treatment of failed internal fixation of thoracolumbar fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of oblique intervertebral fusion in the treatment of failed internal fixation of thoracolumbar fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 14 patients who had undergone revision surgery for failed internal fixation of thoracolumbar fracture at Department of Orthopedics, The First Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2014 to December 2021. There were 6 men and 8 women with a mean age of 47.5 (42.0, 54.3) years. Fracture segments: T 12 in 2 cases, L 1 in 3 cases, L 2 in 4 cases, L 3 in 3 cases, and L 4 in 2 cases; AO classification: type A in 1 case, type B in 7 cases, and type C in 6 cases. Their prior surgical method was posterior internal fixation with pedicle screws. The revision surgery consisted of subtotal vertebral resection through the oblique lateral approach, bone column reconstruction and lateral screw-rod internal fixation for intervertebral fusion after posterior internal fixation reset. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative hospital stay, and incidence of complications were recorded. Compared were visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) scores for low back pain at preoperation, 3 days and 3 months postoperation, and the last follow-up, fusion at the last follow-up, and Frankel grading for neurological function at preoperation and postoperation. Results:All the 14 patients underwent surgery successfully and were followed up for 23 (18, 24) months. The operation time was (175.1±28.2) min, the intraoperative bleeding (300.4±122.6) mL, and the postoperative hospital stay 6 (6, 7) d. One case developed postoperative transient hip flexion weakness but was discharged after restoration of normal muscle strength by conservative treatment. Both VAS and ODI scores for low back pain at all postoperative time points were significantly improved compared with the preoperative values ( P<0.05), with a significant trend of 3 days postoperation >3 months postoperation > the last follow-up ( P<0.05). In the 12 patients with preoperative neurological damage, the Frankel grading rose by at least 1 level postoperatively ( Z=-3.110, P=0.002). The last follow-up revealed no loosening or fracture of the internal fixation. Complete bony fusion was visible in all CT sagittal reconstructions. Conclusion:For patients with thoracolumbar fracture undergoing failed internal fixation, oblique intervertebral fusion is an alternative minimally invasive surgical treatment due to its satisfactory overall outcomes.

Open reduction and internal fixation via anterior approaches for the geriatric acetabular fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate open reduction and internal fixation via the anterior approaches in the treatment of geriatric acetabular fractures.Methods:Retrospectively analyzed were the clinical data of 74 consecutive patients with acetabular fracture who had been treated by open reduction and internal fixation via the anterior approaches from June 2018 to December 2020. The patients were divided into 2 groups. In the geriatric group (≥65 years old): 16 patients [8 males and 8 females with an age of (74.0±5.9) years]; 7 both column fractures, 4 anterior column fractures, and 5 anterior column plus posterior hemi-transverse fractures according to the Letournel-Judet classification; time from injury to operation: (6.1±3.4) d. In the young group (<65 years old): 58 patients [48 males and 10 females with an age of (46.7±10.9) years]; 28 both column fractures, 14 anterior column fractures, 8 anterior column plus posterior hemi-transverse fractures, 5 T type fractures and 3 transverse fractures; time from injury to operation: (5.4±2.7) d. The 2 groups were compared in terms of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative reduction, operative complications, and functional results.Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there was no significant difference in the preoperative general data like fracture Letournel-Judet classification or dome impaction between them ( P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss in the geriatric group was (715.6±285.0) mL, significantly less than that in the young group [(1,008.6±463.9) mL]( P<0.05). In the geriatric and young groups, respectively, the operation time was (167.2±44.3) min and (172.9±56.6) min, 3 and 6 cases had main operative complications, the good to excellent rate of postoperative reduction was 87.5% (14/16) and 84.5% (49/58), and the follow-up time was (26.6±10.7) months and (23.6±10.1) months, all showing no significant difference ( P>0.05). According to the improved Merle d'Aubigné & Postel scoring system, the hip function at the last follow-up was evaluated as excellent in 5 cases, as good in 10 cases, and as fair in 1 case in the geriatric group while as excellent in 21 cases, as good in 33 cases, and as fair in 2 cases (the other 2 cases were lost) in the young group, showing no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Open reduction and internal fixation via the anterior approaches is as safe and effective for the geriatric patients with acetabular fracture as for the young and middle-aged ones.

Minimally invasive percutaneous anterior column screwing assisted by blocking screws for pelvic and acetabular fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and clinical efficacy of percutaneous anterior column screwing assisted by blocking screws for pelvic and acetabular fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted of the 13 patients who had been admitted from July 2019 to April 2022 for pelvic and acetabular fractures. There were 8 males and 5 females with an age of (49.1±13.3) years, 7 acetabular fractures (6 on one side and 1 on both sides; by the Letournel-Judet classification: 5 anterior column fractures on 6 sides, and 2 transverse and posterior wall fractures on 2 sides), and 6 pelvic fractures (5 complicated with pelvic posterior ring fracture; by the Tile classification: 1 case of type B2, 3 cases of type C1, and 2 cases of type C2). According to the anatomic zones of the anterior column, 5 fractures were at zone Ⅲ, 3 ones at zone Ⅳ, and 6 ones at zone Ⅴ. The time from injury to surgery ranged from 3 to 14 days, averaging (8.2±2.9) days. Anterograde anterior column screwing assisted by blocking screws was performed for all the 13 patients; the posterior ring was fixated with percutaneous sacroiliac joint screws for the 5 patients complicated with pelvic posterior ring fracture. The surgical time, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, and intraoperative bleeding volume for insertion of anterior column screws, fracture reduction quality, and hip joint function at the last follow-up were recorded.Results:A total of 14 anterior column screws were inserted percutaneously in the 13 patients. For insertion of anterior column screws, the surgical time was (65.0±10.2) min, the intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency (63.5±14.5) times, and the intraoperative bleeding volume for each screw less than 30 mL. All the incisions healed primarily after surgery, without such complications as iatrogenic neurovascular injury or poor wound healing. All the 13 patients were followed up for (11.1±2.2) months after surgery. In the patient with bilateral acetabular anterior column fractures for which 2 anterior column screws had been inserted, one screw had to be removed due to its displacement at 1 month after surgery; no such complications as loosening of internal fixation or fracture re-displacement was found in the other patients. All fractures healed after (10.2±2.1) months. According to the Matta scoring for quality of fracture reduction, 7 sides were excellent, 5 sides good, and 2 sides poor; according to the Majeed scoring for the 6 patients with pelvic fracture at the last follow-up, the efficacy was rated as excellent in 4 cases and as good in 2 ones; according to the modified Merle d'Aubigné & Postel scoring for the 7 patients with 8 acetabular fractures at the last follow-up, the efficacy was rated as excellent in 4 hips, as good in 3 hips, and as fair in 1 hip.Conclusion:For pelvic and acetabular fractures, minimally invasive percutaneous anterior column screwing assisted by blocking screws can result in fine clinical efficacy, in addition to its easy procedures, safety and reliability.

The pubic symphysis orthotic compression anatomic plate for treatment of fractures and dislocations around the pubic symphysis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate our self-designed pubic symphysis orthotic compression anatomic plate (PSOCAP) in the treatment of fractures and dislocations around the pubic symphysis.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 16 patients with fracture or dislocation around the pubic symphysis who had been treated by our self-designed PSOCAP at Department of Traumatic Surgery, Center for Orthopaedic Surgery, The Third Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University from January 2021 to June 2022. There were 8 males and 8 females with an age of (41±19) years. According to the Tile classification for pelvic fractures, there were 3 cases of type B1, 2 cases of type B3, 1 case of type C1.2, 4 cases of type C1.3, 3 cases of type C2, and 3 cases of type C3. There were 8 cases of pubic symphysis separation and 8 fractures of the pubic ramus (2 ones at Nakatani zone Ⅰ and 6 ones at Nakatani zone Ⅱ). Time from injury to surgery was 16 (11, 53) days, ranging from 4 to 348 days. The fractures or dislocations around the pubic symphysis were exposed by the modified Stoppa approach, reduced with the assistance of PSOCAP and fixated with PSOCAP; the posterior pelvic ring was reduced and fixated by corresponding surgical methods. Recorded were the surgical time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative quality of fracture reduction, surgical complications, and functional recovery at the last follow-up concerning the pelvic anterior ring.Results:Surgery went on successfully in the 16 patients. Their surgical time was (58±15) min, ranging from 40 to 90 min, and their intraoperative bleeding 85 (63, 150) mL, ranging from 50 to 250 mL. According to the Matta scoring, the fracture reduction was evaluated as excellent in 10 cases, as good in 3 cases and as fair in 3 cases. The (10±3)-month follow-up for the 16 patients revealed complete fracture union for all after (12±2) weeks. According to the Majeed scoring at the last follow-up, the pelvic function was evaluated as excellent in 5 cases, as good in 7 cases, and as fair in 4 cases. No such postoperative complications as fracture displacement or internal fixation failure occurred.Conclusion:Owing to the biplane and integrated structure, our self-designed PSOCAP can help reduce the fractures or dislocations around the pubic symphysis to achieve anatomical reduction and strong internal fixation, leading to good clinical efficacy.

Comparison of bone transport technique combined with bone grafting plus internal fixation versus simple bone transport technique for large segmental bone defects at lower limbs after trauma / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy between bone transport technique combined with bone grafting plus internal fixation and simple bone transport technique in the treatment of large segmental bone defects at lower limbs after trauma.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 42 patients with large segmental bone defects at lower limbs after trauma who had been treated at Department of Trauma Orthopaedics, Honghui Hospital Affiliated to Medicine College, Xi'an Jiaotong University from September 2015 to September 2019. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the different methods of repairing bone defects. In group A of 18 patients subjected to bone transport combined with bone grafting plus internal fixation, there were 11 males and 7 females with an age of (35.2±10.3) years, and 12 tibial defects and 6 femoral defects; in group B of 24 patients subjected to simple bone transport, there were 15 males and 9 females with an age of (37.3±9.4) years, and 17 tibial defects and 7 femoral defects. The external fixation time (EFT), external fixation index (EFI), total cure time and complications were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. At the last follow-up, the Ennecking score for limb functional recovery (score/total score 30) and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) were used to evaluate respectively the functional recovery of the limbs and postoperative anxiety.Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there was no significant difference between them in preoperative general data or follow-up time ( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the number of surgeries between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). The EFT [(5.9±1.5) months], EFI [(0.45±0.09) months/cm], total treatment time [(16.2±2.4) months], Ennecking score for limb functional recovery (87.0%±8.6%), SAS score [(43.2±9.0) points], and complications per capita [(0.4±0.2) times/case] in group A were significantly better than those in group B [(15.3±4.2) months, (1.19±0.28) months/cm, (19.7±3.5) months, (77.3%±9.2%), (58.2±9.3) points, and (1.2±0.5) times/case] (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of large segmental bone defects at lower limbs, compared with simple bone transport technique, bone transport technique combined with bone grafting plus internal fixation has advantages of shorter external fixation time and overall cure time, a lower rate of complications, and better functional recovery of the limbs.

The effect of medial calcar screws on the treatment of Neer type Ⅲ proximal humeral fracture with Multiloc intramedullary nailing / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the effect of the use of medial calcar screws on the treatment of Neer type Ⅲ proximal humeral fracture with Multiloc intramedullary nailing.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 36 patients with Near type Ⅲ fracture of the proximal humerus who had received Multiloc intramedullary nailing at Department of Upper Limbs, Sichuan Orthopedic Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021. There were 6 males and 30 females with an age of (63.9±5.3) years. They were divided into 2 groups according to whether medial calcar screws had been used or not. There were 17 cases in the group without medial calcar screws and 19 cases in the group with medial calcar screws. The 2 groups were compared in terms of flexion and lifting, external rotation, internal rotation and back touch, visual analogue scale (VAS), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, Constant-Murley score for shoulder function (Constant score), neck shaft angle, and incidence of complications at the last follow-up.Results:There were no statistically significant significances in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, indicating comparability between the groups ( P>0.05). The 36 patients were followed up for 13.5(12.0,19.8) months after surgery. The flexion and lifting, external rotation, internal rotation and back touch, VAS, ASES score, Constant score, neck shaft angle at the last follow-up in the group without medial calcar screws were, respectively, 134.1°±8.4°, 32.1°±5.3°, 14.0 (13.0, 15.5) , 0.0 (0.0, 1.0), 78.2±5.2, 78.0±5.8, and 137.6°±8.1°, insignificantly different from those in the group with medial calcar screws [134.7°±6.1°, 35.0(30.0, 35.0)°, 14.0(13.0, 15.0), 1.0 (0.0, 1.0), 78.2±5.4, 76.7±4.5, and 136.9°±6.4°] ( P>0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in 6 patients in each group, showing no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups ( P=1.000). Conclusion:The use of medial calcar screws has no significant impact on the postoperative shoulder function and incidence of complications in the treatment of Neer type Ⅲ fractures of the proximal humerus with Multiloc intramedullary nailing.

Treatment of the aged patients with unstable proximal humeral fracture with a locking plate and an intramedullary titanium mesh / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the radiological and clinical outcomes of the aged patients with unstable proximal humeral fracture (UPHF) treated with a locking plate and an intramedullary titanium mesh.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 43 aged patients with UPHF who had been admitted to Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital Affiliated to Southeast University from January 2017 to July 2019. There were 13 males and 30 females with an age of (71.3±10.3) years (from 60 to 83 years). All patients were treated with a locking plate and an intramedullary titanium mesh to support. The postoperative imaging measurements included changes in humeral head height (HHH) and neck-shaft angle (NSA) (the difference between 3 years after surgery and the second day after surgery, taken as an absolute value); the postoperative clinical measurements included visual analogue scale (VAS), range of shoulder motion, Constant-Murley shoulder functional score (Constant score), American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and incidence of complications.Results:All patients were followed up for (39.2±2.3) months after surgery. The change in HHH at 3 years after surgery was (1.5±1.1) mm, and the change in NSA at 3 years after surgery 3.3°±2.6°. At 3 years after surgery, the VAS score was (2.2±1.3) points, the Constant score (79.2±9.1) points, and the ASES score (78.9±9.2) points; the range of forward extension was 143.2°±20.8°, the range of outward extension 139.3°±23.1°, and the range of outward rotation 55.1°±4.7°. Complications after surgery were found in 6 patients, including humeral head necrosis in 2 cases, ectopic ossification in 1 case, and infection in 3 cases.Conclusion:In the treatment of the aged patients with UPHF, a locking plate combined with an intramedullary titanium mesh can help to restore the medial column support, leading to fine radiological and clinical outcomes.

Anterior percutaneous minimally invasive internal fixation with proximal humerus internal locking system inverted versus with a posterior single plate for distal humeral shaft fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical effects between proximal humerus internal locking system (PHILOS) inverted and a posterior single plate in the anterior percutaneous minimally invasive internal fixation for distal humeral shaft fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 65 patients with distal humeral shaft fracture who had been treated from January 2018 to May 2021 at Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Fuzhou. The patients were assigned into 2 groups according to different treatment methods. In the observation group of 30 cases subjected to anterior percutaneous minimally invasive internal fixation with PHILOS inverted: 20 males and 10 females with an age of (41.5±11.6) years; type A in 5 cases, type B in 14 cases, and type C in 11 cases by AO fracture classification. In the control group of 35 cases subjected to anterior percutaneous minimally invasive internal fixation with a posterior single plate: 23 males and 12 females with an age of (39.9±11.2) years; type A in 7 cases, type B in 17 cases, and type C in 11 cases by AO fracture classification. The preoperative general data, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, total incision length, fracture healing time, and shoulder and elbow VAS scores, Constant-Murley shoulder function score, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), and complications at the last follow-up were recorded and compared between the 2 groups.Results:There was no significant difference in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences either in operation time, fracture healing time, or shoulder or elbow VAS pain score, Constant-Murley shoulder function score, or MEPS at the last follow-up between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). The intraoperative blood loss was (59.7±26.6) mL in the observation group and (165.7±86.4) mL in the control group, and the total incision length was (10.7±2.1) cm in the observation group and (18.6±2.7) cm in the control group, showing statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P<0.01). There was no injury to the radial nerve or musculocutaneous nerves, incision infection or fracture nonunion in the observation group. There were 4 cases of iatrogenic radial nerve injury, 2 cases of incision infection and 1 case of fracture nonunion in the control group, yielding a complication rate of 20.0% (7/35). The difference in the incidence of complications was significant between the 2 groups ( P<0.01). Conclusion:In the treatment of distal humeral shaft fracture with anterior percutaneous minimally invasive internal fixation, PHILOS inverted has advantages of less soft tissue damage, less intraoperative bleeding, and a lower risk of iatrogenic radial nerve injury than the posterior single plate.

A comparative study of three internal fixation techniques for split fractures of humeral greater tuberosity / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the clinical effectiveness between arthroscopic hollow screws combined with a suture anchor, hollow screws and proximal humerus internal locking system (PHILOS) in the treatment of split-type fractures of humeral greater tuberosity.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the 54 patients with split-type fracture of humeral greater tuberosity who had been admitted to Department of Joint Surgery, Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Southwest Medical University from May 2015 to August 2020. There were 17 males and 37 females with an age of (58.4±12.1) years. According to different treatment methods, they were divided into 3 groups. Group A of 18 cases was treated with arthroscopic hollow screws combined with a suture anchor, group B of 18 cases with hollow screws, and group C of 18 cases with PHILOS. The length of surgical incision, and range of shoulder motion, visual analogue scale (VAS), and American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score at the last follow-up were recorded and compared between the 3 groups.Results:There was no statistically significant difference in the preoperative general information between the 3 groups, indicating the 3 groups were comparable ( P>0.05). The surgical incision in group A [(0.7±0.1) cm] was the shortest, followed by (5.0±1.4) cm in group B, and (12.8±2.1) cm in group C, showing statistically significant differences in pairwise comparison ( P<0.05). In the 3 groups at the last follow-up, respectively, the shoulder forward flexion was 159.7°±13.4°, 154.9°±16.2°, and 160.5°±12.9°, and the shoulder abduction 149.6°±11.3°, 142.4°±12.0°, and 145.1°±10.4°, showing no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups ( P>0.05); the external rotation was 41.1°±8.1°, 38.1°±7.8° and 43.7°±6.2°, showing a statistically significant difference between groups B and C ( P<0.05); the dorsal extension was T 12 (L 5 to T 6), T 12 (L 5 to T 7), and T 12 (L 3 to T 6), showing no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups ( P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference among the 3 groups in the VAS score or ASES score at the last follow-up ( P>0.05). Respectively, there were 2, 6, and 4 patients in groups A, B and C who developed complications, showing statistically significant differences between the 3 groups ( P<0.05). Conclusions:In the treatment of split fractures of humeral greater tuberosity, arthroscopic hollow screws combined with a suture anchor, hollow screws and PHILOS can all relieve pain and restore joint function of the shoulder. However, arthroscopic hollow screws combined with a suture anchor are the most recommendable due to their advantages in minimally invasiveness and reduction in complications.

Olecranon sled fixation versus tension band wiring fixation in treatment of Mayo ⅡA olecranon fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the efficacy between olecranon sled fixation and tension band wiring fixation in the treatment of Mayo ⅡA olecranon fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 54 patients with Mayo ⅡA olecranon fracture who had been admitted to Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from October 2018 to February 2021. There were 20 males and 34 females with an age of (45.5±17.7 years), and 36 left and 18 right sides. They were divided into 2 groups according to different methods of internal fixation. Group A (25 cases) was subjected to olecranon sled fixation and group B (29 cases) to tension band wiring fixation. Preoperative data, operation time, reoperations and complications during follow-up were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. In both groups at the last follow-up, the range of the elbow motion, the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were recorded to evaluate the elbow function.Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there were no significant differences in all their preoperative demographic data ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups either in follow-up time [(32.8±8.9) months for group A and (35.8±9.0) months for group B] or in operation time [60.0 (60.0, 82.5) min for group A and 60.0 (60.0, 67.5) min for group B] ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up in group A and group B, respectively, the flexion and extension of the elbow was 141.0°±8.4° and 140.0 (140.0, 150.0)°, the pronation-supination 180.0 (175.0, 180.0)° and 180.0 (175.0, 180.0)°, the MEPS score 100.0 (85.0, 100.0) and 100.0 (92.5, 100.0), and the DASH score 4.2 (1.7, 6.3) and 5.8 (1.3, 8.3), all showing no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Olecranon skin irritation occurred in 5 patients (20.0%,5/25) in group A and in 15 patients (51.7%,15/29) in group B, and 7 patients (28.0%,7/25) in group A and 21 patients (72.4%,21/29) in group B underwent removal of internal fixation, both showing statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of Mayo ⅡA olecranon fractures, compared with tension band wiring fixation, olecranon sled fixation may lead to comparable efficacy in fixation and functional recovery, but significantly reduced rates of complications and internal fixation removal.

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.

Efficacy of implant surface culture in identification of microorganisms for fracture device-related infection: a preliminary analysis / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of implant surface culture in identification of pathogens for fracture device-related infection.Methods:A prospective study was conducted to include the eligible patients who were diagnosed with infection after fracture fixation and needed surgical removal of the implants according to treatment principles at Division of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Nanfang Hospital from November 2020 to January 2023. With informed consent, after rinsing with aseptic normal saline twice, their implants were gently covered with a thin layer of tryptone soy agar medium. Thereafter, the implants were incubated at 37 ℃ with 5% CO 2. Changes on the surface and in the surroundings of the implants were observed every day for consecutive 2 weeks to avoid drying up by supplementing the medium when necessary. Once pathogen colonies formed, samples were collected at 3 independent sites using sterile swabs for laboratory identification. Comparisons were made between the samples from implant surface culture and the intraoperative multisite samples from conventional culture. Results:Included were a total of 75 patients [56 males and 19 females with an age of (46.2±15.4) years]. The most common infection site was the tibia (37 cases), and the most common type of implants was plate and screw (59 cases). The positive rate of implant surface culture was significantly higher than that of conventional culture (86.7% vs. 52.0%, P<0.001). 80.5% (29/36) of the negative patients detected by the conventional culture obtained positive results by the implant surface culture; three of the positive patients detected by the conventional culture obtained negative results by the implant surface culture. The culture results were positive by both culture methods in 36 patients, and consistent by both culture methods in 35 patients, yielding a consistent rate of 97.2% (35/36). The time for implant surface culture was significantly shorter than that for conventional culture [1 (1, 2) d versus 3 (3, 4) d] ( P<0.001). Of the 65 positive patients by the implant surface culture, 59 were detected with monomicrobial infection, with Staphylococcus aureus on the top (29 cases). Conclusion:As the implant surface culture, a novel method, may be superior to the conventional culture in a significantly higher positive rate and a shorter culture time, it may be used as an effective adjunct to the conventional culture in identification of pathogens for fracture device-related infection.

Design of an anatomic plate of ulna coronoid process by 3D printing and computer software / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To design an anatomical plate of ulna coronoid process using 3D printing and computer model design software based on a collection of CT scanning data of the ulna coronoid process.Methods:The CT scans of the elbow joint with no obvious anatomic variation, no fracture, or no history of elbow operation were collected which had been taken at Trauma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from September 2017 to January 2022. There were 52 males and 50 females. RadiAnt DICOM Viewer and Mimics Medical 21.0 were used to visualize the CT data of the elbow joint of 102 volunteers. The software was used to measure the angle between the tip of the ulna coronoid process and the tuberosity of the ulna, the width at 1/2 height of the ulna coronoid process, the distance between the tip of the ulna coronoid process and the horizontal plane of the ulna tuberosity, and the safety angle for screw placement. After the values were measured, Siemens Ungraphics NX12.0 software was used to design the anatomical plate and the screw guide device of the ulna coronoid process. After the plate model was designed, a 1:1 actual plate model of the ulna coronoid process was produced by 3D printing. The actual plate model was placed onto an adult model of the ulna coronoid process and an adult cadaveric specimen of the ulna coronoid process to verify its matching degree. An in vitro operation was simulated using the plate model to verify its operability. Results:There were no significant differences between the left and right sides in the angle between the tip of the ulna coronoid process and the tuberosity of the ulna, the width at 1/2 height of the ulna coronoid process, the distance between the tip of the ulna coronoid process and the horizontal plane of the ulna tuberosity, or the safety angle for screw placement in either males or females ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences between males and females in the angle between the tip of the ulna coronoid process and the tuberosity of the ulna or in the safety angle for screw placement ( P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between males and females in the width of 1/2 height of the ulna coronoid process and the distance between the tip of the ulna coronoid process and the horizontal plane of the ulna tuberosity ( P<0.05). However, the experiments on computer simulative adaptation and plate model simulative adaptation found that the anatomical plates of the ulna coronoid process designed on various parameters of males and females were exchangeable, leading to similarly good marching degrees and safe angles for screw placement. Conclusions:The anatomical plate of the ulna coronoid process designed in this study demonstrates a good fit and a safe angle for screw placement, basically achieving the goal expected to provide a basis for fabrication of a titanium alloy plate. In design of an anatomical plate of ulna coronoid process, it is not necessary to differentiate males from females or to differentiate the left side from the right one, because only a general plate can be used for both males and females and for both the left and the right sides.