[Comparison of effect between internal fixation and total hip replacement in the treatment of displaced femoral neck fracture in middle age patients].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare the clinical efficacy of internal fixation and total hip replacement in the treatment of displaced femoral neck fracture from 55 to 65 years. METHODS: From September 2016 to August 2020, 86 patients with Garden type Ⅲ or Ⅳ femoral neck fracture were divided into two groups according to different surgical methods. Among them, 38 patients were treated with lag screws for internal fixation, there were 26 males and 12 females, aged 55 to 64 years old with an average of(60.2±3.1) years;the other 48 patients were treated with total hip replacement, including 28 males and 20 females, aged from 57 to 65 years old with an average of(61.3±3.8) years. The time from injury to operation ranged from 1 to 3 days. The reoperation rate, incidence of deep infection, Harris score of hip joint function, visual analogue scale(VAS) of pain and patients reported outcome scores(European five-dimensional Health Questionnaire, EQ-5D) were compared between two groups. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 24 to 54 months with an average of (35.8±10.3) months. There was significant difference in reoperation rate between two groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference on the incidence of deep infection, hip Harris score and VAS between two groups(P>0.05) . The postoperative EQ-5D score of patients with internal fixation was lower than that of total hip replacement, and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Both the surgery of internal fixation and total hip replacement have similar effect in short-and medium term among the patients aged 55 to 65 years old. However, for the reoperation rate, the group of internal fixation was higher than that of total hip replacement. For the subjective functional score of patients, the group of internal fixation was lower than that of total hip replacement.

Effect of elbow flexion angles on stress distribution of the proximal ulnar and radius bones under a vertical load: measurement using resistance strain gauges.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the surface stress at the proximal ends of the ulna and radius at different elbow flexion angles using the resistance strain method. METHODS: Eight fresh adult cadaveric elbows were tested. The forearms were fixed in a neutral position. Axial load increment experiments were conducted at four different elbow flexion angles (0°, 15°, 30°, and 45°). Surface stain was measured at six sites (tip, middle, and base of the coronoid process; back ulnar notch; olecranon; and anterolateral margin of the radial head). RESULTS: With the exception of the ulnar olecranon, the load-stress curves at each measurement site showed an approximately linear relationship under the four working conditions studied. At a vertical load of 500 N, the greatest stress occurred at the middle of the coronoid process when the elbow flexion angles were 0° and 15°. When the flexion angles were 30° and 45°, the greatest stress occurred at the base of the coronoid process. The stress on the radial head was higher than those at the measurement sites of the proximal end of the ulna. CONCLUSION: The resistance strain method for measuring elbow joint surface stress benefits biomechanics research on the elbow joint. Elbow joint surface stress distributions vary according to different elbow flexion angles.

Revision hip arthroplasty as a treatment of Vancouver B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures without bone grafting.

BACKGROUND: It is conventionally considered that bone grafting is mandatory for Vancouver B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures (PFF) although few clinical studies have challenged the concept previously. The aim of the current study was to investigate the radiographic and functional results of Vancouver B3 PFF treated by revision total hip or hemiarthroplasty (HA) in combination with appropriate internal fixation without bone grafting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 12 patients with Vancouver B3 PFF were treated by revision THA/HA without bone grafting between March 2004 and May 2008. There were nine females and three males, with an average age of 76 years. PFFs were following primary THA/HA in nine patients and following revision THA/HA in three. Postoperative followup was 5.5 years on average (range, 3.5-6.5 years). At the final followup, radiographic results were evaluated with Beals and Tower's criteria and functional outcomes were evaluated using the Merle d'Aubigné scoring system. RESULTS: All fractures healed within an average of 20 weeks (range, 12-28 weeks). There was no significant deformity and shortening of the affected limb and the implant was stable. The average Merle d'Aubigné score was 15.8. Walking ability was regained in 10 patients without additional assistance, while 2 patients had to use crutches. There were 2 patients with numbness of lateral thigh, possibly due to injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. There were no implant failures, dislocation and refractures. CONCLUSIONS: Revision THA/HA in combination with appropriate internal fixation without bone grafting is a good option for treatment of Vancouver B3 periprosthetic femoral fractures in the elderly.

Clinical value of the Ottawa ankle rules for diagnosis of fractures in acute ankle injuries.

BACKGROUND: The Ottawa ankle rules (OAR) are clinical decision guidelines used to identify whether patients with ankle injuries need to undergo radiography. The OAR have been proven that their application reduces unnecessary radiography. They have nearly perfect sensitivity for identifying clinically significant ankle fractures. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the applicability of the OAR in China, to examine their accuracy for the diagnosis of fractures in patients with acute ankle sprains, and to assess their clinical utility for the detection of occult fractures. METHODS: In this prospective study, patients with acute ankle injuries were enrolled during a 6-month period. The eligible patients were examined by emergency orthopedic specialists using the OAR, and then underwent ankle radiography. The results of examination using the OAR were compared with the radiographic results to assess the accuracy of the OAR for ankle fractures. Patients with OAR results highly suggestive of fracture, but no evidence of a fracture on radiographs, were advised to undergo 3-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT). RESULTS: 183 patients with ankle injuries were enrolled in the study and 63 of these injuries involved fractures. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of the OAR for detection of fractures of the ankle were 96.8%, 45.8%, 48.4% and 96.5%, respectively. Our results suggest that clinical application of the OAR could decrease unnecessary radiographs by 31.1%. Of the 21 patients with positive OAR results and negative radiographic findings who underwent 3D-CT examination, five had occult fractures of the lateral malleolus. CONCLUSIONS: The OAR are applicable in the Chinese population, and have high sensitivity and modest specificity for the diagnosis of fractures associated with acute ankle injury. They may detect some occult fractures of the malleoli that are not visible on radiographs.

Surgical approach for high-energy posterior tibial plateau fractures.

BACKGROUND: High-energy fractures of posterior tibial plateau always need surgical treatment. Generally, posterior fragments of these fractures could not be exposed and reduced well in conventional anterior approaches. Although a posterolateral/posteromedial approach to manage posterior tibial plateau fractures can achieve satisfactory results, there are few presentations concerning the treatment of these high-energy injuries based on posterior approaches combined with anterior approach if necessary. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten cases of posterior tibial plateau fractures from high-energy injuries were retrospectively reviewed and followed up for mean 26.5 months (range 14-45 months). A posterolateral/posteromedial approach was adopted primarily to fix main fragment in posterior tibial plateau, and intraoperative assessment of the stability of knee was done. An anterior approach was added if required. RESULTS: Posterolateral approach was employed in seven cases, posteromedial in three, and additional anteromedial in three, and anterolateral in two cases. The average time to union of all 10 fractures was 3.7 months (range 3-5.5 months). Nine patients had satisfactory articular reduction. The range of motion of the knee averaged 2° of extension to 110.5° of flexion. No patient complained of knee instability. The average postoperative HSS score at the final followup was 92.70. CONCLUSIONS: High-energy fractures of posterior tibial plateau could be well treated based on posterior approaches combined with necessary anterior approach if required.