Current application and prospect of accurate navigation technology in orthopaedic trauma / 中华外科杂志

In the past decades,a dramatic development of navigation technology in orthopaedic surgery has been witnessed. By assisting the localization of surgical region,verification of target bony structure,preoperative planning of fixation,intraoperative identification of planned entry point and direction of instruments or even automated insertion of implants,its ability and potential to reduce operation time,intraoperative radiation,surgical trauma,and improve accuracy has been proved. However,in contrast to the widespread use of navigation technology in arthroplasty,orthopaedic tumor,and spine surgery,its application in orthopaedic trauma is relatively less. In this manuscript,the main purpose is to introduce the technical principles of navigation devices,outline the current clinical application of navigation systems in orthopaedic trauma,analyze the current challenges confronting its further application in clinical practice and its prospect in the future.

Elastic intramedullary nail for treatment of extremity fractures in children / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To assess the clinical therapeutic effects of elastic intramedullary nail on extremity fractures in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 2005 to March 2008, 40 children with extremity fractures were treated by elastic intramedullary nail, in whom femoral shaft fractures occurred in 26 cases, tibiofibular fractures in 8 cases, radial capitular fractures in 4 cases, ulnoradial fractures in 2 cases. All patients were treated by closed reduction and elastic intramedullary nail fixation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All the fractures gained satisfactory reduction and healing. The average duration needed for fracture healing was 1-2 months. Postoperative follow-up confirmed a sound functional recovery.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The elastic intramedullary nail is a minimally invasive and effective surgical approach for treatment of extremity fractures in children. It allows early functional exercises after operation and secures a satisfactory bone union and functional recovery.</p>

Coupled exofixator for comminuted fracture of humeral shaft / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To report and assess the efficacy of a coupled exofixator in the treatment of comminuted fracture of the humeral shaft.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 1999 to September 2003, 24 patients with comminuted fracture of the humeral shaft were treated in our department, in whom 11 were involved in left humerus fractures and 13 in right humerus fractures. Closed reduction or open reduction with a small incision as well as a coupled exofixator was used to treat these patients.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>All cases got anatomical reduction after 6-12 months follow-up. The time for fracture union averaged 5.8 months with a good functional recovery of the shoulder-elbow joints.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The coupled exofixator is favorable to the treatment of comminuted humeral shaft fractures. It can shorten union time and avoid nonunion occurrence.</p>