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.

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.

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.

Risk of Neurovascular Injury during Screw Fixation of Tibial Tubercle Fractures in Pediatric and Adolescent Patients / Risco de lesão neurovascular durante a fixação com parafuso de fraturas da tuberosidade da tíbia em pacientes pediátricos e adolescentes

Abstract Objective To review knee magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans for the analysis of the location of neurovascular structures (NVSs), and to define the risk of bicortical fixation. Methods Distances between the posterior cortex and the popliteal NVSs were measured on the MRI scans of 45 adolescents (50 knees) at 3 levels (C1: center of the proximal tibial epiphysis; C2: 10 mm distal to the physis; and C3: 20 mm distal to the physis). The NVSs located between 5 mm and 10 mm from the incision were considered in a zone of moderate risk for damage, while those less than 5 mm from the incision were considered in a zone of high risk for damage, and those more than 10 mm from the incision were considered to be in a zone of low risk for damage. The independent Student t-test was used for the comparison of the NVS distance 0with gender, skeletal maturity, and the tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance. Values of p < 0.05 were regarded as statistically significant. Results The path of the C1 screw posed an increased risk of damage to the popliteal artery and vein compared with other screw paths (p < 0.001). The popliteal artery has a high risk of damage at the level of C1 (4.2 ± 2.2mm), and a moderate risk at C2 (9.6 ± 2.4mm), and the popliteal vein has a moderate risk at C1 (6.0 ± 2.7 mm), and a low risk at C2 and C3 (10.8 ± 3.1mm, and 12.05 ± 3.1mm respectively). The C3 position presented the lowest risk of damage to these structures (p < 0.001). The distance between the posterior tibial cortex and the posterior tibial nerve was < 15 mm at the 3 levels analyzed (C1: 11.0 ± 3.7 mm; C2:13.1 ± 3.8 mm; and C3:13 ± 3.9 mm). Conclusions The present study clarifies that the popliteal vessels are at risk of injury during tibial tubercle screw fixation, particularly when drilling the proximal tibial epiphysis. Monocortical drilling and screw fixation are recommended for the surgical treatment of tibial tubercle fractures. Level of Evidence III Diagnostic study.

Resumo Objetivo Revisar estudos de ressonância magnética (RM) do joelho para análise da localização das estruturas neurovasculares (ENVs) e definição do risco de fixação bicortical. Métodos As distâncias entre o córtex posterior e as ENVs poplíteas foram medidas nas RMs de 45 adolescentes (50 joelhos) em 3 níveis (C1: centro da epífise proximal da tíbia; C2:10 mm distalmente à fise e C3: 20 mm distalmente à fise). Considerou-se que as ENVs entre 5mme10mmda incisão estavam na zona de risco moderado de lesão, as ENVs a menos de 5 mm da incisão, na zona de alto risco de lesão, e as ENVs a mais de 10 mm da incisão, na zona de baixo risco de lesão. O teste t de Student independente foi usado para comparar a distância até as ENVs com o gênero, a maturidade esquelética e a distância entre a tuberosidade tibial e a garganta (fundo) da tróclea (TT-GT). Valores de p < 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. Resultados A trajetória do parafuso em C1 apresentou maior risco de lesão à artéria e à veia poplítea em comparação com outras trajetórias (p < 0,001). A artéria poplítea apresenta risco de lesão alto em C1 (4,2 ± 2,2 mm) e moderado em C2 (9,6 ± 2,4 mm), e a veia poplítea tem risco moderado em C1 (6,0±2,7 mm) e baixo em C2 e C3 (10,8±3,1 mm e 12,05±3,1mm, respectivamente). A posição C3 apresentou o menor risco de lesão dessas estruturas (p < 0,001). A distância entre o córtex tibial posterior e o nervo tibial posterior foi inferior a 15 mm nos 3 níveis analisados (C1: 11,0±3,7mm; C2: 13,1±3,8 mm; e C3: 13±3,9mm). Conclusões Este estudo esclarece que os vasos poplíteos correm risco de lesão durante a fixação do parafuso na tuberosidade tibial, principalmente durante a perfuração da epífise proximal da tíbia. A perfuração monocortical e a fixação com parafusos são recomendadas para o tratamento cirúrgico das fraturas da tuberosidade tibial. Nível de Evidência III Estudo diagnóstico.

Wedge fragment variations of tibial shaft fractures with intramedullary nailing / Fragmento em cunha das fraturas da diáfise da tíbia com haste intramedular

ABSTRACT Introduction: Tibial shaft fracture is the most common long-bone fracture, and the standard treatment is intramedullary (IM) nail fixation. Regardless of the development of this technique pseudoarthrosis remains prevalent. Objectives: Evaluate the correlation between wedge fragment size and displacement, displacement of the main fragments of the 42B2 type, and pseudoarthrosis incidence. Methods: We retrospectively assessed all patients with 42B2 type fracture treated with IM nailing between January, 2015 and December, 2019. Six radiographic parameters were defined for preoperative radiographs in the anteroposterior (AP) and lateral views. Another six parameters were defined for postoperative radiographs at three, six, and 12 months. The Radiographic Union Score for Tibial Fractures score was used to assess bone healing. Results: Of 355 patients with tibial shaft fractures, 51 were included in the study. There were 41 (82.0%) male patients, with a mean age of 36.7 years, 37 (72.5%) had open fractures, and 28 (54.9%) had associated injuries. After statistical analysis, the factors that correlated significantly with nonunion were wedge height > 18 mm, preoperative translational displacement of the fracture in the AP view > 18 mm, and final distance of the wedge in relation to its original anatomical position after IM nailing > 5 mm. Conclusion: Risk factors for nonunion related to the wedge and42B2 fracture are wedge height > 18 mm, initial translation in the AP view of the fracture > 18 mm, and distance > 5 mm of the wedge from its anatomical position after IM nailing. Evidence level III; Retrospective comparative study .

RESUMO Introdução: A fratura da diáfise da tíbia é a fratura mais comum dentre os ossos longos, sendo o tratamento padrão a fixação com haste intramedular (HIM). Independentemente do desenvolvimento da técnica cirúrgica, a pseudoartrose continua prevalente. Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre o tamanho e o desvio da cunha, os desvios dos fragmentos principais do tipo 42B2 e a incidência de pseudoartrose. Métodos: Avaliamos, retrospectivamente, todos os pacientes com fraturas tipo 42B2 tratados com hastes intramedulares entre janeiro de 2015 e dezembro de 2019. Seis parâmetros radiográficos foram definidos para as radiografias pré-operatórias nas incidências anteroposterior (AP) e perfil. Outros seis parâmetros foram definidos para as radiografias pós-operatórias em 3, 6 e 12 meses de acompanhamento pós-operatório. O Escore Radiográfico de União para as Fraturas da Tíbia (RUST) foi o instrumento usado para avaliar a consolidação óssea. Resultados: Dos 355 pacientes com fraturas da diáfise da tíbia, 51 foram incluídos no estudo. Os pacientes incluídos foram 41 (82,0%) do sexo masculino, com idade média de 36,7 anos, 37 (72,5%) com fraturas expostas e 28 (54,9%) com lesões associadas. Após análise estatística, os fatores que se correlacionaram significativamente com a não consolidação foram a altura da cunha > 18 mm, o deslocamento translacional pré-operatório da fratura na incidência AP > 18 mm e a distância final da cunha em relação à sua posição anatômica original após a cravação do MI > 5 mm. Conclusão: Os fatores de risco para a pseudartrose relacionada com a fratura em cunha e42B2 são a altura da cunha > 18 mm, a translação inicial na vista AP da fratura > 18 mm e a distância > 5 mm da cunha em relação à sua posição anatómica após a fixação IM. Nível de evidência III; estudo comparativo retrospectivo. Nível de evidência III; Estudo retrospectivo comparativo .

Correlation analysis for the lateral condylar tibial plateau fracture and complete medial collateral ligament rupture / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the relationship between the CT images of a lateral condylar tibial plateau fractures and complete medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury.Methods:Data of 59 patients with lateral condylar fracture of tibial plateau complicated with MCL injury admitted to Tianjin Hospital from January 2020 to November 2021 were collected, including 32 males and 27 females, aged 42.4±12.3 years (range, 19-65 years), there were 26 cases of extension injury and 33 cases of flexion injury. The patients were separated into two groups: those with partial MCL injury and those with total rupture based on preoperative MR examination and intraoperative valgus stress test following fracture fixation. According to the ABC fracture classification of lateral condyle tibial plateau proposed by Sun et al., the fracture locations were determined on CT images, and the lateral plateau collapse depth (LPD) was measured. The relationship between LPD and MCL complete rupture was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results:Among 59 patients with lateral condylar tibial plateau fracture and MCL injury, 42 had partial injuries and 17 had complete ruptures. According to the ABC fracture classification, there were 26 cases of extension injury (involving area A), 21 cases of AB type, and 5 cases of ABC type; and 33 cases of flexion type injury, 19 cases of B type, 12 cases of BC type, and 2 cases of C type. All the 17 cases of MCL complete fracture occurred in extension injury, including type AB (14 cases) and type ABC (3 cases). The difference between the mean LPDs of the MCL full rupture group and the partial injury group was not statistically significant ( t=0.11, P=0.567), and the mean LPDs of both groups were 11.7±5.3 mm (range, 4.3-28.1 mm) and 11.5±4.8 mm (range, 3.8-23.6 mm), respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve analysis was 0.504, and there was no statistical correlation between lateral platform collapse depth and MCL injury. Among the 26 patients with extensional injury area, MCL was completely ruptures in 17 cases and partially injury in 9 cases, LPD was 11.7±5.3 mm (range, 4.3-28.1 mm) and 6.6±1.8 mm (range, 3.8-9.4 mm), respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.57, P=0.009). The best predictive cut-off value of LPD was 7.25 mm, the sensitivity was 88.2%, the specificity was 77.8%, and the AUC was 0.868. Conclusion:When the lateral condyle fracture of the tibial plateau is located in the extensional injury area (involving the A area in the ABC fracture classification) and the LPD measured on the CT image is greater than 7.25 mm, the complete rupture of the MCL should be considered. Clinical MCL repair is required after the fracture fixation surgery for improved surgical outcomes.

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.

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.

Mises stress analysis of 42A2 type tibial mid segment oblique fracture fixed with external locking plate at different angles / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To establish a three-dimensional model of locking plate fixation for 42A2 type oblique tibial fractures with different fracture line directions and different angles between the fracture line and the long axis of the tibia. Finite element analysis was used to calculate and analyze the biomechanics of locking plate, screw, and tibia, providing theoretical basis for clinical application.Methods:A healthy adult volunteer, 25 years old, male, with a height of 173 cm and a weight of 69.5 kg, was selected to perform computed tomography (CT) scans on the left tibia. Relevant data were obtained to establish a locking steel plate fixation model for 42A2 type tibia with different oblique fracture line directions and different angles between the fracture line and the long axis of the tibia. Eight hole pure titanium plates were used for fixation, respectively. We compared the Mises stress changes of locking plates, screws, and tibia in different angle fracture models.Results:In the case of a 42A2 type fracture in the left oblique direction with a fracture line from outside to inside, the maximum Mises stress in the tibia was 114 MPa, the maximum Mises stress in the screw was 279.8 MPa, and the maximum Mises stress in the locking steel plate was 302.4 MPa; In the case of a 42A2 type fracture in the right oblique fracture with a fracture line from the bottom to the top, the maximum Mises stress of the tibia was 93.41MPa, the maximum Mises stress of the screw was 353.4 MPa, and the maximum Mises stress of the locking steel plate was 411.8 MPa.Conclusions:Regardless of the oblique fractures in both left and right directions, the maximum stress values are: locking plate>screw>tibia; When the position of the locking steel plate is fixed, the maximum stress values of the locking steel plate and screw are both right oblique fracture>left oblique fracture; And the maximum stress values all increase with the increase of angle.

The value of fibroblast growth factor 2 and microRNA-206 in predicting postoperative delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the value of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and microRNA-206 (miR-206) in predicting postoperative delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures.Methods:The clinical data of 136 patients who underwent closed tibial shaft fracture surgery in Hospital of the 80 th Group Army of Chinese People's Liberation Army Ground Forces from May 2018 to May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. Eighty-six patients who had delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures were included in the observation group, and fifty patients who had normal union of closed tibial shaft fractures were included in the control group. Serum FGF-2 level was measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and serum miR-206 expression was detected using the real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction. The relationship between FGF-2 expression and miR-206 expression and closed tibial shaft fractures was analyzed. Results:At 1 day, 1, and 4 weeks after surgery, serum FGF-2 level was significantly lower in the observation group than the control group [(14.24 ± 2.15) ng/L vs. (20.36 ± 3.42) ng/L, (21.38 ± 3.27) ng/L vs. (30.45 ± 4.29) ng/L, (23.59 ± 4.36) ng/L vs. (36.67 ± 4.51) ng/L, t = 7.42, 8.42, 16.66, all P < 0.001]. Serum FGF-2 level gradually increased with time in each group. At 1 day after surgery, serum miR-206 expression was significantly lower in the observation group than the control group ( t = 7.50, P < 0.001). At 4 weeks after surgery, serum miR-206 expression was significantly higher in the observation group than the control group ( t = 17.24, P < 0.001). At 1 week after surgery, there was no significant difference in serum miR-206 expression between the two groups ( P > 0.05). Univariate analysis results showed that postoperative infection, FGF-2, and miR-206 were closely related to the delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures after surgery (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that postoperative infection ( OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.20-3.07), FGF-2 ( OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.31-3.36), miR-206 ( OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.35-3.89) were independent risk factors for delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures after surgery (all P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves plotting serum FGF-2 level and serum miR-206 expression after closed tibial shaft fractures showed that at 4 weeks after surgery, the optimal cut-off value of FGF-2 for predicting delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures was 29.83 ng/L, with the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of 0.76 (95% CI: 1.23-3.25), 79.34%, and 68.82%, respectively; at 4 weeks after surgery, the optimal cut-off value of miR-206 for predicting delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures was 0.63, with the area under the curve, sensitivity and specificity of 0.72 (95% CI: 1.10-2.45), 75.33%, and 67.25%, respectively. The area under the curve, the sensitivity, and specificity of combined use of FGF-2 and miR-206 in predicting delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures were 0.81 (95% CI: 1.35-3.26), sensitivity and specificity were 83.45% and 67.36% respectively. Conclusion:The decrease in serum FGF-2 level and the increase in serum miR-206 expression at 4 weeks after surgery are independent risk factors for delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures. Combined use of FGF-2 and miR-206 can better predict the delayed union of closed tibial shaft fractures.

Clinical efficacy of early versus delayed open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of tibial pilon fracture / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of early versus delayed open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of tibial pilon fracture. Methods:Sixty patients with tibial pilon fractures admitted to Zhejiang Veteran Hospital from May 2018 to May 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a control group and a study group ( n = 30/group) using the coin-tossing method. Patients in the control group underwent early reduction and internal fixation within 3 days after injury. Patients in the study group underwent delayed reduction and internal fixation during 7-14 days after injury. The time to bone fracture healing and the time to independent weight-bearing walking were recorded. At 3 and 6 months after surgery, the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score, Visual Analogue Scale score, clinical efficacy, and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. Results:The time to bone fracture healing and the time to independent weight-bearing walking in the study group were (8.23 ± 0.63) weeks and (11.77 ± 0.82) weeks, respectively, which were significantly shorter than (9.57 ± 0.86) weeks and (13.40 ± 0.93) weeks in the control group ( t = 6.87, 7.21, both P < 0.001). At 3 months after surgery, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the Visual Analogue Scale score in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group ( t = 6.69, 5.16, both P < 0.001). Overall excellent and good rate of clinical efficacy in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (86.6% vs. 63.3%, χ2 = 4.35, P = 0.037). At 6 months after surgery, there were no significant differences in American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score and Visual Analogue Scale score between the two groups ( t = 0.96, 1.12, P = 0.339, 0.267). At 6 months after surgery, there was no significant difference in the overall excellent and good rate of clinical efficacy between the study and control groups (96.6% vs. 90.0%, χ2 = 0.26, P = 0.605). The incidence of complications in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (3.3% vs. 26.6%, χ2 = 4.70, P = 0.030). Conclusion:Delayed open reduction and internal fixation after reducing injury to the soft tissue of the affected limbs can effectively shorten the rehabilitation cycle of tibial pilon fracture, increase short-term efficacy, and decrease the risk of postoperative complications.

Evaluation of the Reproducibility of the Schatzker Classification Reviewed by Kfuri for Tibial Plateau Fractures / Avaliação da reprodutibilidade da classificação de Schatzker revisada por Kfuri para as fraturas do planalto tibial

Abstract Objective The Schatzker classification is the most used for tibial plateau fractures. Kfuri et al.12 reviewed Schatzker's initial classification describing in more detail the involvement of the tibial plateau in the coronal plane, allowing a better understanding of the fracture pattern and a more accurate surgical planning. The objectives of the present study are to evaluate the interobserver agreement of these classifications and to evaluate the influence of the experience of the observer on the reproducibility of the instruments. Methods An observational and retrospective study was conducted by evaluating the radiological study of 20 adult individuals with tibial plateau fractures, including radiographs and computed tomography (CT). The fractures were classified once by 34 examiners with varied experience (24 specialists and 10 residents in Orthopedics and Traumatology), according to the Schatzker classification and to the modification proposed by Kfuri. The Fleiss Kappa index was used to verify interobserver agreement. Results The interobserver agreement index was considered moderate for the Schatzker classification (κ = 0.46) and mild for the Kfuri modification (κ = 0.30). The Schatzker classification showed moderate agreement, with κ = 0.52 for residents and κ = 0.45 among specialists. The Kfuri classification showed mild agreement, with Kappa values for residents and specialists of 0.39 and 0.28, respectively. Conclusion The Schatzker classification and the classification modified by Kfuri presented moderate and mild interobserver agreement, respectively. In addition, the residents presented higher agreement than the specialists for the two systems studied.

Resumo Objetivo A classificação de Schatzker é a mais utilizada para as fraturas do planalto tibial. Kfuri et al.12 revisaram a classificação inicial de Schatzker descrevendo com mais detalhes o envolvimento do planalto tibial no plano coronal, permitindo uma melhor compreensão do padrão de fratura e um planejamento cirúrgico mais acurado. Os objetivos do presente estudo são avaliar a concordância inter-observador dessas classificações e avaliar a influência da experiência dos observadores na reprodutibilidade dos instrumentos. Métodos Foi realizado um estudo observacional e retrospectivo, por meio da avaliação do estudo radiológico de 20 indivíduos adultos com fraturas do planalto tibial, incluindo radiografias e tomografia computadorizada (TC). As fraturas foram classificadas 1 vez por 34 examinadores com experiência variada (24 especialistas e 10 residentes em Ortopedia e Traumatologia), de acordo com a classificação de Schatzker e com a modificação proposta por Kfuri. O índice Kappa de Fleiss foi usado para verificar a concordância interobservadores. Resultados O índice de concordância inter-observador foi considerado moderado paraa classificação de Schatzker (κ = 0,46) e leve para a modificação de Kfuri (κ = 0,30). A classificação de Schatzker apresentou concordância moderada, com κ = 0,52 para residentes e κ = 0,45 entre os especialistas. A classificação de Kfuri apresentou concordância leve com valores de Kappa para residentes e especialistas de 0,39 e 0,28, respectivamente. Conclusão A classificação de Schatzker e a classificação modificada por Kfuri apresentaram concordância interobservadores moderada e leve, respectivamente. Além disso, os residentes apresentaram concordâncias superiores aos especialistas para os dois sistemas estudados.

Treatment of tibial plateau fractures involving external posterior condyle collapse with 3D printed osteotomy guide plate combined with "Jail" screw technique / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of 3D printed osteotomy guide plate combined with "Jail" screw technique in the treatment of tibial plateau fractures involving external posterior condylar collapse.Methods:From January 2016 to January 2021, 41 patients (22 males and 19 females) with tibial plateau fractures involving external posterior condylar collapse were treated with 3D printed osteotomy guide plate combined with "Jail" screw technique and followed up. The age was 47.4±11.5 years (range, 22-69 years). According to Schatzker fracture type, 18 cases were type IV, 14 cases were type V and 9 cases were type VI. All fractures were closed, and 12 of them were complicated with lateral meniscus injury, but none of them were complicated with nerve and vascular injury. The time from injury to operation was 7.2±3.4 d (range, 4-17 d). All patients underwent 3D CT scanning and digital modeling before operation. According to the modeling results, a 1∶1 solid size fracture model was made by 3D printing, and the osteotomy guide plate and the "Jail" screw preset guide plate were designed. During the operation, the tibial lateral condyle osteotomy was performed with customized osteotomy guide plate. After reduction, the fixation of the fracture was performed with the preset guide plate using "Jail" screw. Postoperative fracture reduction was evaluated according to Rasmussen score, and knee function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score.Results:All the 41 patients were followed up for 15.2±5.8 months (range, 6-26 months). Immediate postoperative radiographs showed good fracture reduction, and the average healing time was 14.1±1.2 weeks (range, 12-17 weeks). One year after operation, the Rasmussen score of knee joint was 17.4±1.6 points (range, 13-19 points), of which 31 cases were excellent, 8 cases were good, and 2 cases were fair, with an excellent/good rate of 95% (39/41). HSS scores was 87.3±5.6 points (range, 68-95 points), including 30 excellent cases, 10 good cases and 1 fair case, with an excellent/good rate of 98% (40/41). The range of motion of knee joint was 126.8°±3.8°. At the last follow-up, no serious complications such as common peroneal nerve injury, popliteal vascular injury, postoperative infection, or internal fixation failure occurred.Conclusion:3D printed osteotomy guide plate combined with "Jail" nail placement technique is an effective method for tibial plateau fractures involving external posterior condylar collapse, and the postoperative treatment results are satisfactory. The use of customized osteotomy guide plate is more accurate and less damaging. The use of "Jail" screw preset guide plate can ensure more accurate screw placement.

Analysis of the types of lateral meniscal injury in Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures and its correlation with CT features of lateral plateau / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the specific types of lateral meniscus injury in Schatzker type II tibial plateau fractures and its potential correlation with CT features of the lateral plateau.Methods:The data of 213 patients with Schatzker II tibial plateau fractures from August 2014 to June 2021 were retrospectively analyzed, including 132 males and 81 females, aged from 29 to 61 years, with an average of 44.9 years. All patients underwent arthroscopic evaluation of fracture reduction immediately after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). According to the actual situation during the operation, the types and locations of lateral meniscus injury were determined and the patients were divided into the meniscus injury group and non-injury group. By measuring lateral plateau depression (LPD) and lateral plateau widening (LPW) of the lateral tibial plateau on CT images, the correlation of which and lateral meniscus injury was analyzed. The optimal critical values of LPD and LPW for predicting lateral meniscus injury were obtained by drawing the relevant receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.Results:The meniscus injury group (109 patients) mainly showed injuries involving the mid-body and posterior horn of lateral meniscus (98.2%, 107/109) and LPD was 13.1±3.2 mm; while the LPD of 104 patients without meniscus injury was 9.1±3.0 mm with a statistical difference ( t=3.98, P<0.001). The LPW of meniscus injury group and non-injury groups was 8.0±1.3 mm and 6.7±1.6 mm, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=2.68, P=0.011). The optimal predictive critical point of LPD and LPW was 7.6 mm (sensitivity 90.3%, specificity 64.7%, area under the curve 0.834) and 7.3 mm (sensitivity 80.5%, specificity 58.8%, area under the curve 0.722). Conclusion:Schatzker II tibial plateau fractures combined with lateral meniscus injury is usually characterized by meniscus-joint capsule separation, rupture and longitudinal fracture. The mid-body and posterior horn of lateral meniscus injury is more likely to occur when LPD> 7.6 mm and/or LPW> 7.3 mm on coronal CT images.

Clinical effect of peroneal fracture line in the treatment of posterior Pilon fracture / 中华骨科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of peroneal fracture line in the treatment of posterior Pilon fracture.Methods:The data of 26 patients treated with fibular fracture line from January 2017 to July 2019 were analyzed retrospectively, including 11 males and 15 females; the age ranged from 28 to 69 years, with an average of 42.2 years. There were 10 cases of falling injury, 9 cases of falling injury and 7 cases of traffic injury; all of them were fresh closed fibular fractures;According to Yu Guangrong's classification, there were 11 cases of type I, 8 cases of type II and 7 cases of type III; AGH was divided into 10 cases of type I, 5 cases of type IIa, 2 cases of type IIb, 5 cases of type IIIa and 4 cases of type IIIb. All cases were treated by opening the fibular fracture line through the posterolateral approach, the quality of fracture reduction was evaluated by Burwell Charnley radiological evaluation standard after operation; At the last follow-up, ankle function was evaluated by American Association of Foot and Ankle surgery (AOFAS) ankle and hindfoot scores.Results:All 26 patients were followed up for 12-23 months, with an average of 14.9 months; Bone healing was achieved in all fractures. The healing time was 3-6 months, with an average of 4.0 months. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated according to the Burwell Charnley radiology evaluation standard after operation, including anatomical reduction in 23 cases and acceptable reduction in 3 cases. The anatomical reduction rate was 88% (23/26). At the last follow-up, AOFAS ankle and hindfoot scores ranged from 80 to 100, with an average of 89.9 points, of which 17 cases were excellent and 9 cases were good, and the excellent and good rate was 100%. At the last follow-up, no patient had complications such as reduction loss, skin necrosis, infection, internal fixation loosening or ankle stiffness.Conclusion:After the treatment of Pilon fractures via peroneal fracture line, the distal tibial articular surface and posterior ankle fracture gap can be fully exposed, which can be repositioned and fixed under direct vision, with high anatomical repositioning rate and good and safe clinical results.

Biplane osteotomy and bone transport combined external locking plating for sequential treatment of massive tibial bone defects / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate biplane osteotomy and bone transport combined external locking plating for sequential treatment of massive tibial bone defects.Methods:Twenty-eight patients with massive tibial bone defects were reviewed who had been treated at Department of Repair and Reconstruction, Wuhan Puai Hospital from October 2013 to October 2019. They were divided into a bone transport group and a combined bone transport group (bone transport combined external locking plating) according to their surgical methods. In the bone transport group of 14 cases, there were 10 males and 4 females with an age of (38.6±3.2) years and a bone defect of (8.0±0.5) cm; in the combined bone transport group of 14 cases, there were 9 males and 5 females with an age of (39.1±3.9) years and a bone defect of (8.3±0.3) cm. The time for wearing external fixator, fracture healing time, dock-in-site healing time, postoperative function assessment and complications were observed and compared between the 2 groups.Results:There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in their preoperative general data, showing they were comparable ( P>0.05). The bone transport group were followed up for 12 to 28 months (average, 18.4 months) and the combined bone transport group for 12 to 26 months (average, 16.8 months). The time for wearing external fixator in the combined bone transport group [(8.4±0.7) months] was significantly shorter than that [(13.3±1.4) months] in the bone transport group ( P<0.05). No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in either the fracture healing time [(8.4±1.3) months versus (7.4±1.2) months] or the dock-in-site healing time [(210.2±9.1) months versus (206.2±9.8) months] ( P>0.05). By the Association for the Study and Application of the Method of Ilizarov (ASAMI) scoring, the bone healing was excellent in 6, good in 5 and fair in 3 cases in the bone transport group while excellent in 8, good in 4 and fair in 2 cases in the combined bone transport group, showing no significant difference between the 2 groups in the excellent to good rate ( P>0.05). By the postoperative functional assessment of the lower extremity, there were 7 excellent, 3 good, 3 fair and one poor cases in the bone transport group while 8 excellent, 5 good and one poor cases in the combined bone transport group, showing no significant difference between the 2 groups in the excellent to good rate ( P>0.05). In the bone transport group, there were 3 cases of pin track infection, one case of dock-in-site nonunion, 2 cases of poor alignment of lower extremities, 2 cases of skin depression, one case of nail loosening, 5 cases of joint stiffness and 3 cases of delayed union of the distracted bone; in the combined bone transport group, there were one case of pin track infection, 2 cases of poor alignment of lower extremities, 3 cases of skin depression, 3 cases of joint stiffness, 2 cases of delayed union of the distracted bone and one case of refracture. Conclusion:In the sequential treatment of massive tibial bone defects, biplane osteotomy and bone transport combined external locking plating can reduce the time for wearing external fixator and increase the satisfaction of patients.

Comparison of hook thin plate compression technique with conventional screw-plate fixation for tibial tubercle avulsion fractures in adolescents / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To compare the outcomes between hook thin plate compression technique and conventional screw-plate fixation in the treatment of adolescent tibial tubercle avulsion fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed of the 43 adolescent patients with tibial tubercle avulsion fracture who had been treated at Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2018 to October 2020. There were 42 males and one female, aged from 13 to 17 years. According to their treatment methods, they were divided into an observation group (9 cases) treated with hook thin plate compression technique and a control group (34 cases) treated with fixation with cannulated screws alone or in addition with a 1/3 tube plate. The maximum range of knee flexion, B?stman score, and cases returning to school at one month after operation, as well as fracture union time, B?stman score and cases with complications at the last follow-up were compared between the 2 groups.Results:There were no significant differences in the preoperative general data between the 2 groups, showing comparability ( P>0.05). By the postoperative one month, the maximum range of knee flexion [90.0° (85.0°, 102.5°)], B?stman score [21.0 (18.5, 21.0)] and cases returning to school (7) in the observation group were significantly better than those in the control group [22.5° (15.0°, 30.0°), 11.0 (10.0, 13.0), and 0] ( P<0.001). The last follow-up revealed no significant differences between the 2 groups in frature union time [(2.7±0.5) months versus (2.8±0.5) months], B?stman score [30.0 (30.0, 30.0) versus 30.0 (30.0, 30.0), 30.0)] or cases with complications (1 versus 2) ( P>0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of adolescent tibial tubercle avulsion fractures, compared with conventional fixation with cannulated screws alone or in addition with a 1/3 tube plate, hook thin plate compression technique may lead to better outcomes, because it allows early rehabilitation to shorten the postoperative immobilization time and promote early functional recovery.