Finite element analysis of anterograde and retrograde intramedullary nail for different areas of femoral shaft fractures / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Intramedullary nail has achieved a good clinical result in the treatment of femoral shaft fractures,but some patients still have aseptic nonunion due to mechanical instability.The femur is the longest and largest bone in the human body,but there are few studies on whether the fracture of the femur has different biomechanical results in different areas and the influence of different inserting methods on the stability of fracture fragments in different areas. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the biomechanical characteristics of anterograde and retrograde intramedullary nails in the treatment of different areas of femoral shaft fractures,and to evaluate the best way of insertion to reduce the incidence of nonunion. METHODS:CT data of a healthy volunteer were selected to import into the software of Mimics 19.0 and Geomagic studio 2017 to extract and optimize the three-dimensional model of the right femur.The anterograde and retrograde intramedullary nail models were built with Solidworks 2017 software and assembled with femoral shaft fracture models at different fracture areas according to standard surgical techniques.The models were imported into Abaqus 2017 software in STEP format to set material attribute parameters,boundary conditions,load and submit calculation,and the results were viewed in the visualization module.Among them,the antegrade and retrograde intramedullary nails of the upper femoral shaft fracture were A1 and A2 models,B1 and B2 models in the middle segment,and C1 and C2 models in the lower segment. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In models A1,B1 and C2,the overall stress distribution of the femur was more uniform,and the placement,the displacement and angle of the fracture site,and inversion angle of the proximal femoral bone fragment were smaller.(2)For the upper and middle femoral shaft fractures,the anterograde intramedullary nail has a better biomechanical effect.For lower femoral shaft fractures,a retrograde intramedullary nail is preferable.

Effect of vessel number on computational fluid dynamics in vascular networks / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Mechanical factors can affect the angiogenic ability of vascular endothelial cells.How the vessel number affects the hydrodynamic properties of microvessels remains to be clarified. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the influence of vessel number on the hydrodynamics of vascular networks based on computational fluid dynamics. METHODS:Three three-dimensional models of vascular network with different vessel numbers were constructed using the Geometry module of ANSYS 19.0 software,and then the vascular network was meshed to tetrahedral elements in Mesh module.The vascular network was assumed to rigid wall without slip,and the blood was assumed to laminar,viscous,and incompressible Newtonian fluid.Blood density,velocity,and a series of blood viscosity coefficients were also established.The Navier-Stokes equation was used for calculation.Hydrodynamic properties of different parts of vascular network with different vessel numbers were analyzed and compared. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The streamline,velocity,and mass flow all had the same trend in the vascular network,that is,the outlet and inlet were higher and the middle junction of vascular network was lower.The more the number of vessels,the thinner the blood flow lines in each part of the vascular network.Also,the velocity,mass flow,and wall shear decreased with the increase of the number of blood vessels.Therefore,the changes in vessel number could influence the hydrodynamic environment in the vascular network.Computational fluid dynamics indicates that the changes in vessel numbers can influence the hydrodynamic properties of blood,and provides a new idea for treating bone hypoperfusion-induced diseases(fracture nonunion,bone defect,osteoporosis,etc.)through tonifying kidney and activating blood circulation based on the coupling between angiogenesis and osteogenesis.

Application of biomaterials in Masquelet technology / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:The remediation and treatment of bone defects present considerable challenges,with a variety of clinical intervention strategies available.One such approach,the Masquelet technique,has demonstrated high rates of success and reliable outcomes and is currently employed in clinical practice.However,the underlying mechanisms of this technique remain incompletely understood,and certain challenges persist in its clinical application,indicating that this technique is not yet fully mature. OBJECTIVE:To compile and categorize the biomaterials currently employed in research aimed at improving the Masquelet technique,in order to provide insights and references for the further development of this technique. METHODS:A literature search of the China National Knowledge Infrastructure and PubMed databases was conducted,spanning publications from January 2013 to November 2022.The search terms used included"Masquelet technique;induced membrane technique;induced membrane;biomaterial;bone defect"in both Chinese and English.A total of 58 articles meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The emergence and continual development of the Masquelet technique provide a therapeutic strategy for treating bone defects.Some researchers are focusing on developing superior spacer materials,autograft substitutes,and membrane materials that mimic the properties of the induced membrane,to simplify the two-stage procedure,shorten treatment duration,and reduce patient distress.(2)Calcium sulfate,silicone,poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid),and polypropylene can replace polymethylmethacrylate bone cement to form induced membranes in animal experiments or clinical applications,each with their advantages.Contrary to expectations,common materials such as titanium and polyvinyl alcohol sponge cannot replace polymethylmethacrylate bone cement.(3)Autograft substitutes are diverse,with allograft bone,β-tricalcium phosphate,absorbable gelatin sponge,α-calcium sulfate hemihydrate,bioactive glass,titanium,and tantalum demonstrating their ability to reduce the quantity of autologous cancellous bone graft required in the second stage of the procedure.Among them,allograft bone,β-tricalcium phosphate,bioactive glass,titanium and tantalum can replace autogenous bone as grafts,and other materials need to be mixed with autogenous bone,in both clinical and fundamental experiments.(4)Biomimetic-induced membranes,human amnion,human decellularized dermis,polytetrafluoroethylene,and even autogenous cortical bone have been shown to possess properties similar to the induced membrane.(5)Most of the application and research of biomaterials in this technology still exist in the stage of basic research and have not been applied in clinical practice or popularized on a large scale,but the above materials can provide more sufficient theoretical basis and new ideas for the exploration of Masquelet technical mechanism,the improvement of surgical methods and clinical application.

Establishment of a rat femoral nonunion model by intramedullary fixation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Establishing an objective and standard animal model of bone nonunion is essential for experimental studies and treatment of nonunion. OBJECTIVE:To establish an objective animal model for experimental studies of nonunion. METHODS:Specific pathogen-free male Wistar rats were selected and prepared by cutting off a 5 mm bone defect in the middle femur,peeling off a large periosteum and removing bone marrow.Animal models were fixed with a 1.2 mm Kirschner wire.At 1,4 and 8 weeks,bone nonunion was observed by gross specimen observation,X-ray examination and histopathological examination. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The gross specimen,X-ray film and histopathological examination showed that there was no callus formation in the bone defect area,the broken end was filled with fiber tissue,and the bone callus was rare or even invisible.To conclude,the rat model of nonunion can be successfully established by osteotomy of the middle femur,large periosteum peeling and bone marrow removal.This modeling method is simple,reliable and effective.

Clinical observation of auxiliary steel plate combined with autologous platelet rich plasma for the treatment of bone nonunion after intramedullary fixation of long bone fractures / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To evaluate the clinical efficacy of utilizing auxiliary steel plates in conjunction with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for the treatment of bone non-union following intramedullary fixation of long shaft fractures in the limbs. 【Methods】 From January 2020 to September 2022, 33 patients with non union after intramedullary fixation of long shaft fractures of the limbs admitted to the orthopedic trauma ward of the 960th Hospital of the PLA Jonit Logistics Support Force were selected as the research subjects, including 28 males and 5 females.The age range was 22 to 55 years, with an average of (37.2±6.7) years. The patients were divided into the experimental group (n=15) and the control group (n=18) in order of admission. All patients retained intramedullary fixation, and the fracture end was fixed with reconstruction steel plates. According to the random number table method, 15 cases in the experimental group were treated with autologous iliac bone transplantation combined with intraoperative and postoperative autologous PRP. The activated autologous PRP was fully fused with the patient′s autologous iliac bone during surgery and transplanted to the bone defect site.Ultrasound guidance was used to accurately locate the location. Autologous PRP was injected 10 mL/(person) occasion on the 14 th and 28 th day after surgery respectively. Eighteen cases in the control group received the treatment of autologous iliac bone transplantation at the bone defect site only. The clinical healing status of fractures between the two groups of patients were observed and compared. 【Results】 All 33 patients were followed up for a complete period of 9 to 30 months, with an average of (11.8±2.7) months. Compared with the control group, the clinical fracture healing time (months) was 5.25±1.18 vs 7.27±1.38 (P<0.05); The healing rate was 93.3%(14/15)vs 61.1%(11/18) (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The combination of intraoperative and postoperative use of autologous PRP and auxiliary steel plates could promote the healing of bone non union after intramedullary fixation of long shaft fractures in the limbs, which is beneficial for early functional exercise of patients.

No-consolidación diafisaria de húmero en pacientes adultos con osteoporosis. Tratamiento quirúrgico y resultados a largo plazo / Diaphyseal osteoporotic nonunion of the humerus in elderly patients. Surgical treatment and long-term results

Resumen: Introducción: evaluar los resultados radiográficos y funcionales obtenidos a largo plazo en pacientes adultos que presentaron no-consolidaciones atróficas diafisarias de húmero asociadas a osteoporosis; tratadas quirúrgicamente mediante reducción abierta y fijación interna con placas e injerto óseo. Material y métodos: evaluamos retrospectivamente 22 pacientes, con edad promedio de 72 años, el tiempo desde el trauma inicial hasta la cirugía definitiva promedió, 18 meses. Once pacientes eran fumadores y cuatro presentaban infección activa. El score de Constant y el DASH preoperatorios promediaron 23.13 y 81.04, respectivamente. El valor de la escala analógica del dolor preoperatorio promedió 7.45 puntos. Resultados: el seguimiento promedió 69 meses. Se obtuvo la consolidación en todos los casos, luego de un promedio de 4.68 meses. Al último seguimiento, los valores del DASH promediaron 20.27 puntos y el score de Constant promedió 79.31 puntos. La escala analógica del dolor promedió 0.77 puntos. La estabilización se realizó utilizando clavos placa bloqueados en 12 no-consolidaciones, placas bloqueadas de compresión en seis y doble placa en cuatro. Los pacientes con infección activa fueron tratados en dos etapas utilizando la técnica descripta por Masquelet. Se asoció injerto óseo en todas las reconstrucciones (autoinjerto esponjoso de cresta ilíaca en 17, aloinjerto en tres y se combinó aloinjerto estructural con autoinjerto esponjoso en dos). Dos gramos de vancomicina en polvo fueron asociados localmente al injerto óseo. Conclusión: la combinación de reducción abierta y fijación interna con placas e injerto óseo permitió obtener la consolidación y resultados funcionales objetivos y subjetivos buenos y predecibles a largo plazo en todos los casos, sin complicaciones mayores ni la necesidad de intervenciones quirúrgicas sucesivas.

Abstract: Introduction: to evaluate the long term radiographic and functional results achieved in adult patients with osteoporotic, atrophic, non-unions of the diaphyseal humerus, treated surgically by open reduction and internal fixation with plates and bone graft. Material and methods: we retrospectively evaluated 22 patients. Patient's age averaged 72 years. Time from initial trauma to definitive surgery averaged 18 months. Eleven patients were smokers, and four had active infection. Pre-operative Constant score and DASH score averaged 23.13 and 81.04, respectively. Pre-operative pain scale averaged 7.45 points. Results: follow-up averaged 69 months. Union was achieved in all cases after an average of 4.68 months. DASH score at last follow-up averaged 20.27 points and Constant score 79.31 points. Analog pain scale averaged 0.77 points. Stabilization was performed using locking blade plates in 12 non-unions, locking compression plates in six cases, and double plating in four non-unions. Patients with active infection were treated in two stages using Masquelet's technique. Bone graft was associated in all cases (cancellous iliac crest autograft in 17, allograft in three, and combined structural allograft and cancellous autograft in two). Two grams of vancomycin powder were associated to the bone graft in all cases. Conclusion: the use of open reduction and internal fixation with plates associated to bone graft with local antibiotics, aloud achieving bony union and good predictable long-term objective and subjective functional results in all cases, without major complications or the need of further surgical intervention.

Late consolidation of the scaphoid. Case report and literature review / Consolidación tardía del escafoides. Reporte de un caso y revisión de la literatura

Abstract: Scaphoid fractures are a common wrist injury accounting for 2-7% of all adult fractures. Nonunion is described in 5-12% of cases leading to osteoarthritis. Several classifications have been developed focused on this pathology and its complication. We present a case of a 28 years old male patient with a scaphoid fracture and nonunion who spontaneously consolidates without treatment. We performed a literature review to recognize this pathology, its common evolution and possible treatment options.

Resumen: Las fracturas de escafoides son una lesión frecuente de la muñeca y representan de 2-7% de todas las fracturas en adultos. La no unión se describe en 5-12% de los casos y conduce a la osteoartritis. Se han desarrollado varias clasificaciones centradas en esta patología y su complicación. Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 28 años con fractura y no unión de escafoides que consolida espontáneamente sin tratamiento. Realizamos una revisión bibliográfica para reconocer esta patología, su evolución habitual y las posibles opciones de tratamiento.

Augmenting locking plate with autologous bone graft for the treatment of nonunion of long bone fracture in the lower extremity with retaining of the original intramedullary nail / 中国骨伤

OBJECTIVE@#To explore clinical effect of attaching locking plate with bone grafting based on retaining the original intramedullary nail in treating non-union after intramedullary nail fixation of long shaft fractures of lower limbs.@*METHODS@#A retrospective study was conducted on 20 patients treated with non-union fractures after intramedullary nailing of long shaft fractures of lower limbs from June 2015 to June 2020. All patients were treated with the original intramedullary nailing and bone grafting from the iliac bone, and were underwent open reduction plate internal fixation and bone grafting for old fractures. Among them, 14 were males and 6 were females, aged from 35 to 56 years old with an average of (42.2±9.6) years old. Nine patients were femoral shaft fracture and 11 patients were tibial shaft fracture. According to characteristics of fracture end nonunion, 6 patients were stable/atrophic, 9 patients were unstable/large, and 5 patients were unstable/atrophic. The nonunion time ranged from 8 to 12 months with an average of(9.8±2.0) months after the initial surgery. Visual analogue scale (VAS), knee range of motion, bone healing time, complications and fracture-end healing were recorded before and at the latest follow-up.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up for 18 to 48 months with an average of (36.3±10.5) months. The incision of all patients were healed at stageⅠwithout complications such as infection or internal fixation ruptur. Healing time of femur and tibia was (8.5±2.6) months and (9.5±2.2) months. Knee joint motion increased from preoperative (101.05±8.98) ° to postoperative (139.35±8.78) ° at the latest follow-up (t=-12.845, P<0.001). VAS decreased from preoperative (5.15±1.72) to postoperative (0.75±0.96) at the latest follow-up (t=11.186, P<0.001).@*CONCLUSION@#On the basis of retaining the original intramedullary nail, the addition of locking plate internal fixation and autogenous iliac bone grafting have advantages of simple operation, less trauma, fewer complications and high fracture healing rate. It is one of the effective surgical schemes for the treatment of nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation of long bone fracture of lower extremity.

Application progress of Ilizarov technique in orthopedics / 中国基层医药

Ilizarov technique is designed based on the "tension-stress principle". Application of the Ilizarov technique can help form a stable mechanical structure through external fixation. It only creates small wounds, without peeling off the surrounding tissue and periosteum. It connects different types of fixation pins and bone or soft tissue to form a traction force, which continuously stimulates the regeneration of bone and tissue and improves the local blood supply and early functional rehabilitation exercises, forming a complete set of minimally invasive orthopedic treatment systems. Ilizarov technique has achieved good results in fracture healing, deformity correction, tissue repair, osteomyelitis, bone nonunion, bone defect, and bone tumor. This paper will summarize the clinical application and research of the Ilizarov technique in orthopedics and explore the key problems of the Ilizarov technique that need to be solved at present.

Treatment of infected nonunion after internal fixation of subtrochanteric fracture with a reconstruction stent of external fixation / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the treatment of infected nonunion after internal fixation of subtrochanteric fracture with a reconstruction stent of external fixation.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 5 male patients with infected nonunion after internal fixation of subtrochanteric fracture who had been treated and completely followed up at The Great Wall Orthopaedics and Hand Surgery Hospital from January 2017 to October 2022. The patients were (30.0±13.5) years old. Seinsheimer fracture types: ⅢA (1 case), ⅢB (1 case), Ⅳ (2 cases), and Ⅴ (1 case); original internal fixation: intramedullary system (4 cases) and plate fixation (1 case); the Cierny-Mader anatomical classification: type Ⅳ (diffuse type) for all. After complete debridement at stage one, 2 or 3 hydroxyapatite (HA) coated screws were placed at both fracture ends from the lateral side of the femur for unilateral reconstruction external fixation. Next, a hybrid external fixation scaffold was added with a 1/3 ring at the sagittal position and 1 or 2 HA screws in 4 cases while unilateral reconstruction external fixation was constructed at both sides by inserting 2 HA screws into both fracture ends from the anterior femur at the sagittal position in 1 case. Antibiotic bone cement was used to fill bone defects of (3.8±1.8) cm. At 6 to 8 weeks after debridement when infection did not recur, antibiotic bone cement was removed before autogenous iliac bone grafting was performed in 3 patients and osteotomy bone transport in 2 patients. Infection control, bone union time, time for removal of external fixation stent, complications, Sanders hip function score and Paley bone outcome score were recorded.Results:The 5 patients were followed up for (23.4±8.1) months after surgery. Infection at the fracture ends was controlled after 1 time of debridement in 3 patients and after 2 times of debridement in 2 patients. The loosening HA screws were replaced twice due to infection at the proximal nail tract, and autologous bone grafting was performed at the opposite fracture ends in 1 case; no complications occurred in the other 4 cases. Bony union was achieved at the extended segment and fracture ends in all patients. The time for imaging union after bone reconstruction was (10.2±3.4) months. The time for wearing a stent of external fixation was (18.0±4.5) months. There was no recurrent infection or lingering infection. According to the Sanders hip function score at the last follow-up, 4 cases were excellent and 1 case was good; according to the Paley bone outcome score, the curative effect was excellent in all.Conclusion:Application of a reconstruction stent of external fixation combined with antibiotic bone cement can control infection at the first stage and conduct bone reconstruction at the second stage to successfully treat the infected nonunion and preserve the hip function after internal fixation of subtrochanteric fracture.

Arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion with bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effectiveness of arthroscopic treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion with bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 14 patients with scaphoid fracture nonunion who met the selection criteria between February 2021 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 13 males and 1 female with an average age of 32 years ranging from 17 to 54 years. The time from injury to operation ranged from 6 to 15 months, with an average of 9.6 months. According to the Slade-Geissler classification of scaphoid fracture nonunion, there were 3 cases of grade Ⅲ, 8 cases of grade Ⅳ, and 3 cases of grade Ⅴ. The preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.9±1.0, and the modified Mayo wrist score was 53.2±9.1. There were 2 cases of scaphoid nonunion advanced collapse, both of which were stage Ⅰ. All patients were treated with arthroscopic bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation, and the fracture healing was observed by X-ray film monthly after operation, and the effectiveness was evaluated by VAS score and modified Mayo wrist score before and after operation.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up 6-14 months, with an average of 8.4 months. All fractures healed in 4-8 months, with an average of 6.3 months. The postoperative pain symptoms and wrist function of the patients significantly improved when compared with those before operation, and the VAS score at last follow-up was 2.4±1.3, and the modified Mayo wrist score was 87.1±6.7, which were significantly different from those before operation ( t=12.851, P<0.001; t=-14.410, P<0.001). According to the modified Mayo wrist evaluation, 9 cases were excellent, 3 cases were good, and 2 cases were fair.@*CONCLUSION@#Arthroscopic bone graft and Kirschner wire combined with screw fixation is an effective surgical method for the treatment of scaphoid fracture nonunion.

A Case of Paediatric Non-union of Tibia Treated With Tibialization of Fibula

Management of non-union with bone gap in tibia is difficult, especially if superimposed by infection of bone. Various modalities have been described for the treatment of gap non-union, with their own advantages and disadvantages. A case of a paediatric patient with traumatic left tibia fracture which was complicated by subsequent osteomyelitis and non-union presented to tertiary care hospital. After failure of different modalities of treatment, to provide union, the patient was managed with tibialization of fibula with fibula strut graft supported by a rush nail

Compresión-distracción en el tratamiento de pseudoartrosis de tibia distal utilizando el aparato de Ilizarov: reporte de casos / Compression-distraction in the treatment of distal tibial no union using the Ilizarov apparatus: case report / Compressão-distração no tratamento da pseudoartrose distal da tibia com Ilizarov: relato de caso

El método de Ilizarov, con sus diferentes variantes y mediante la utilización de su aparato, desarrollado en la década del 50, continúa vigente, sobre todo en el tratamiento de las complicaciones de fracturas, principalmente aquellas vinculadas a la infección y a las dificultades de la consolidación. Reportamos 2 pacientes adultos con diagnóstico de pseudoartrosis hipertrófica, rígida, con deformidad, sin infección activa y sin dismetría, tratados mediante el método de distracción y compresión realizado con el aparato de Ilizarov. En ambos casos se logró la alineación y consolidación del miembro con escasas complicaciones.

The Ilizarov method, with its different variants and using its apparatus, developed in the 1950s, is still valid, especially in the treatment of fracture complications, mainly those linked to infection and consolidation difficulties. We report 2 adult patients with a diagnosis of hypertrophic, rigid nonunion, with deformity, without active infection and without dysmetria, treated by the distraction and compression method performed with the Ilizarov device. In both cases, the alignment and consolidation of the limb was achieved with few complications.

O método de Ilizarov, com suas diferentes variantes e pelo uso de seu aparato, desenvolvido na década de 1950, ainda é válido, principalmente no tratamento de complicações de fraturas, principalmente aquelas ligadas à infecção e dificuldades de consolidação. Relatamos 2 pacientes adultos com diagnóstico de pseudoartrose hipertrófica, rígida, com deformidade, sem infecção ativa e sem dismetria, tratados pelo método de distração e compressão realizado com o dispositivo de Ilizarov. Em ambos os casos, o alinhamento e a consolidação do membro foram alcançados com poucas complicações.

Channel bone grafting in treatment of postoperative atrophic nonunion of clavicular fracture / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective:To evaluate the clinic efficacy of channel bone grafting [preservation of the sclerotic bone at the broken nonunion ends and fixation with limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP)] in the treatment of postoperative atrophic nonunion of middle clavicular fracture.Methods:The 41 patients were retrospectively analyzed who had been treated at Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Xi'an Hong-Hui Hospital for atrophic nonunion after internal fixation of middle clavicular fracture from June 2015 to December 2019. They were 23 males and 18 females, with a mean age of 47.6 years (from 28 to 63 years). The left side was affected in 25 cases and the right side in 16 cases. The time interval between initial fracture surgery and nonunion surgery averaged 18.5 months (from 9 to 40 months). Thirty-six cases had undergone one operation and 5 cases 2 operations before admission. The length of bone defect was measured during operation. All nonunions were treated with construction of a graft channel, iliac bone graft and LC-DCP internal fixation above the clavicle. The upper limb function of the affected side was evaluated by the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) 12 months after operation.Results:The 41 patients were followed up for an average of 13.6 months (from 12 to 15 months). A bone defect ≤2.0 cm was found in 25 cases and that >2.0 cm in 16 ones. Nonunion healed in all patients after an average time of 14 weeks (from 12 to 16 weeks). One patient reported continuous pain in the donor area after operation and the other developed deep venous thrombosis at the right lower limb. The DASH upper limb scores at 12 months after operation averaged 14.7.Conclusion:Channel bone grafting is a feasible clinical treatment of postoperative atrophic nonunion of middle clavicular fracture, because it preserves the sclerotic bone at the broken nonunion ends, reduces the amount of iliac bone graft and leads to fine clinic efficacy.

The functional outcomes of scaphoid nonunion with deformity treated with anterior wedge bone grafting: A case series

INTRODUCTION@#Scaphoid nonunion is one of the most difficult fractures to treat. Restoration of carpal alignment and fracture stability can provide good outcomes in the management of scaphoid nonunion.@*OBJECTIVE@#The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcomes of scaphoid nonunion associated with humpback deformity treated with anterior wedge bone grafting and internal fixation.@*METHODS@#A retrospective review of all patients with scaphoid nonunion treated with anterior wedge bone grafting from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2019 was done. Outcome measurements were time to union, pre- and postoperative FIL-DASH scores, grip, pinch, and scapholunate angle improvement. The other outcome measures were pain and complications.@*RESULTS@#A total of 12 patients were included in the study. All were males with an average age of 27.4 years (SD, 9.6). The average delay to surgery was 9.5 months (SD, 10). All fractures were at the waist, except for three proximal pole fractures, none had established avascular necrosis. Eleven out of 12 scaphoids healed at an average of 11.5 weeks (SD, 3.2). There was a significant improvement in the FIL-DASH score and scapholunate angle after surgical reconstruction. Grip strength averaged 83% of the contralateral side. All returned to previous normal activities. One patient with persistent proximal pole nonunion was managed with a 4-corner arthrodesis.@*CONCLUSION@#Anterior wedge bone grafting for scaphoid nonunion restored the scapholunate angle and was able to establish union in 11 of 12 scaphoid nonunions with good outcomes.

Effect of Systemic Administration of Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor on Rate of Fracture Healing of Bone Defect in Goats as Animal Model

@#Granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) serves as an important cytokine in haematopoiesis; released at both physiological and pathological conditions by a range of cells. We hypothesized that the systemic administration of G-CSF would produce an accelerated fracture-healing rate in non-union bone defects; thus, potentially leading to useful clinical applications. Ten male adult Katjang goats, weighing about 15-26 kilograms were randomly chosen and a tibial bone defect was induced in each animal. The defect was maintained by internal fixation with a titanium plate and reinforced by an external fiberglass cast. Post-operative radiographs were performed twice weekly and radiographic assessments were performed by evaluating the bridging and union measurements through a validated method. In the treatment group, the time for bridging and union exhibited statistically significant differences when compared with a control group. The outcomes of the present study establishing a notion that administration of G-CSF besides inducing haematopoiesis, promotes healing of fractures and non-union bone defects as well.

Application of autologous platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of postoperative bone nonunion for long bone shaft fractures during and after operation / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To explore the clinical effects of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of postoperative bone nonunion for long bone shaft fractures during operation and after operation. 【Methods】 A total of 34 patients with postoperative bone nonunion for long bone shaft fracture, who were admitted and cured in the Orthopedics Department of our hospital from January 2019 to June 2020, were selected. They were randomly divided into the experimental group(n=17) and control group(n=17). Individuals in the control were treated with autologous iliac bone alone., while the experimental group were treated with autologous iliac bone graft plus autologous PRP during and after operation. After surgery, the autogenous PRP was accurately injected with ultrasound guidance every 7 days (5 mL/person, 4 occasions in total). The clinical healing time of the fracture, the grading of callus formation and the functional rehabilitation level of limbs on the affected side at different time were observed in both groups. 【Results】 All 34 patients were followed up. In the experimental group and the control group, the clinical healing time (month) of the fracture was (5.03±1.24) vs (6.91±1.41), P<0.05. The healing rate of the fracture for 6 months and 9 months was 94%(16/17)vs 59%(10/17)and 94%(16/17)vs 82%(14/17), respectively (P<0.05). The grading of callus formation within 3, 6 and 9 months was (2.11±0.69) vs (1.53±0.80), (3.06±0.90) vs (2.59±0.87) and (3.82±0.73) vs (3.35±0.86), respectively (P<0.05). The acceptance rate of functional rehabilitation of limbs on the affected side was 82.35%(14/17)vs 76.47%(13/17), P<0.05. 【Conclusion】 The application of autologous PRP in the treatment of postoperative bone nonunion for long bone shaft fractures during operation and after operation can achieve good clinical treatment.

Transfer of vascular pedicled free medial femoral condyle bone flap in treatment of scaphoid nonunion / 中华显微外科杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of the free medial femoral condylar bone flap in treatment of scaphoid nonunion.Methods:From May, 2012 to May, 2016, 15 patients, which were 10 males and 5 females and aged from 18 to 63 (mean 43.5±15.5) years, with scaphoid nonunion were treated with transfer of free medial femoral condyle bone flaps. After debridement of the fractural segment in surgery, the bone flap was transferred to scaphoid and had the bone defect filled. The artery of the bone flap was end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosed to the radial artery. The concomitant vein of the bone flap was end-to-end anastomosed to the concomitant vein of the radial artery. Thirteen patients were treated with the free osteoperiosteal medial femoral condylar graft, and 2 were treated with the free osteochondral medial femoral condylar graft. Fracture healing was evaluated based on X-ray evidence. The clinical effect was evaluated by visual analogue scale (VAS), strength of grip and modified Mayo wrist score. The t-test was used to compare the function between before and after surgery. Results:All patients were entered into a followed-up for an average of 32.5 (8-60) months, 11 of them took the follow-up reviews at the outpatient clinic and 4 via WeChat distanced interviews. All fractures of the 15 patients healed with an average healing time at 12.5 (10-16) weeks. The VAS score decreased from (3.5±1.5) before the surgery to (1.0±1.0) after the surgery. The strength of grip increased from (16.5±4.3) kg before the surgery to (31.5±3.5) kg at the last follow-up review. The modified Mayo wrist score increased from (46.2 ±11.4) before the surgery to (68.5 ±10.8) at the last follow-up review. The wrist function was excellent in 8 patients, good in 6 and fair in 1. There was significant difference in functional evaluation ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The transfer of free medial femoral condylar bone flap is effective in the treatment of scaphoid nonunion. This technique provides both of sufficient blood supply and a structural support for defected scaphoid bone and promotes the healing of fracture. Osteochondral flap transfer may be used as an alternative measure to prevent wrist osteoarthritis and collapse, in the case that there is an avascular necrosis of the proximal pole of the scaphoid. It has an advantage in the treatment of refractory scaphoid nonunion.

Role of Primary Autologous Bone Graft at Docking Site in the Treatment of Infected Non-union Tibia Using Rail Fixation System

@#Introduction: Distraction osteogenesis has been used effectively in the management of tibia non-unions with skeletal defect. A retrospective case series study of the infected non-union tibia managed with acute docking in a rail fixation system was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in South India. It was designed to evaluate the use of autologous bone graft at the docking site in achieving an early union with a seven years follow-up period. Materials and Methods: From 2010 to 2017, a total of 19 patients with infected tibia non-union and a bone defect less than 3cm, were treated with debridement and a monolateral frame fixation with acute shortening and lengthening. The patients were divided into two groups: one in which no bone graft was used at the docking site during early years of the study; and a later group in which autologous bone graft was used at the acute docking site primarily in addition to compression. Consolidation at the docking site was assessed both radiographically and clinically, and the results were statistically analysed. Results: There were 12 patients in Group I without bone graft, where consolidation at the docking site was noted after a mean duration of 22.08 ± 3.87 weeks. There were seven patients in Group II with bone graft, where the mean time for docking site consolidation was significantly lower at 16.57 ± 3.82 weeks. No docking site complications were noted in either group. Conclusion: Primary autologous bone graft enhances docking site consolidation in acute shortening. The routine use of bone graft at the docking site in acute shortening will expedite the docking site union with reduction of treatment time.

Femoral Neck Non-union Treated using Compression Screw with or without Gluteus Medius Trochanteric Flap: A Case Series of Ten patients

@#Non-union is a challenging complication following a femoral neck fracture. Inability to achieve anatomical reduction and compression over the fracture leads to non-union. We reported a 10-case series of femoral neck non-union treated with sliding compression screw and anti-rotational screw with or without gluteus medius local trochanteric flap. When compression could not be achieved and a gap was present over the non-union site, a gluteus medius trochanteric flap was used to enhance the union. Surgeries were performed as a single-stage procedure through the Watson Jones approach. The initial implants were removed, followed by fracture reduction, during which the varus deformity was corrected, and the neck length was preserved as much as possible. Patients were advised for strict non-weight bearing until the presence of trabecular bone crossing the fracture on the radiographs. Union was achieved at three months in all cases. Patients undergoing surgery without trochanteric flap had normal abduction strength, and the neck length was maintained. All cases had no significant loss of function. Patients with trochanteric myo-osseous flap had neck shortening with weak abductors with MRC grade 4. Two out of 10 cases developed avascular necrosis of the femoral head before intervention. One case progressed to collapse of the femoral head requiring implant removal. This and the femoral neck shortening, caused this patient to have weak abductors and a positive Trendelenburg gait. We observed that delayed surgery leads to neck shortening and fracture gap requiring trochanteric myo-osseous flap to achieve union.