Effect of c-erbB2 overexpression on prognosis in osteosarcoma: evidence from eight studies.

C-erbB2 (HER-2/neu) plays an important role in the progression of several types of cancer by increasing tumor growth, migration, invasion, and metastasis and is associated with poor disease prognosis. Numerous studies examining the relationship between c-erbB2 expression and prognostic impact in patients with osteosarcoma have yielded inconclusive results. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the prognostic role of c-erbB2 expression on 5-year survival, which compared the positive and negative expression of c-erbB2 in patients of the available studies. A detailed search was made in PubMed for relevant original articles published in English. Finally, a total of eight studies with 411 osteosarcoma patients were involved to estimate the relationship between c-erbB2 expression and 5-year overall survival. Positive expressions of c-erbB2 predicted poorer survival in osteosarcoma with the pooled RR of 1.53 (95 % CI 1.20-1.94, P = 0.0006). In conclusion, the findings from this present meta-analysis suggest that c-erbB2 overexpression is related to poor prognostic of osteosarcoma and can be a useful clinical prognostic factor for those patients.

Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures.

BACKGROUND: Fractures of distal radius are common injury in all age groups. Cast treatment with or without close reduction is a viable option. However, the results are often unsatisfactory with restricted function. The open reduction and internal fixation often results in extensive soft tissue dissection and associated high rates of infect and delayed/nonunion. The distractor/external fixator have reported good functional and anatomical results but the incidence of pin traction infection nerve injury and cosmedic deformity are high. We introduced a modified operative technique for minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for distal radial fracture and evaluated the functional outcomes and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 22 distal radial fractures (10 left, 12 right) were treated using the MIPO technique and two small incisions with a palmar locking plate from August 2009 to August 2010. The wrist function was assessed according to Dienst wrist rating system, and postoperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: According to Dienst wrist rating system, 13 patients showed excellent results, 6 cases showed good results and 3 patients had moderate results. No patient had poor results. Thus, the excellent and good rate was 86.4%. One patient had anesthesia in the thenar eminence and this symptom disappeared after 3 months. One patient had delayed healing in the proximal wrist crease. Two patients had mild pain on the ulnar side of the wrist and two patients had limited wrist joint function. CONCLUSION: The MIPO technique by using two small palmar incisions is safe and effective for treatment of distal radial fractures.

[Case-control study on percutaneous compressing plating and proximal femoral nail antirotation in treating in tertrochanteric fracture with risk external wall].

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical effects between percutaneous compressing plating (PCCP) and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) for the treatment of patients with intertrochanteric fracture with risk external wall. METHODS: From September 2007 to June 2010, 43 patients with intertrochanteric fracture with risk external wall were treated by PCCP or PFNA according to different kinds of internal fixations. There were 22 cases in PCCP, including 9 males and 13 females with an average age of 68.4 (ranged, 60 to 86) years old, and 13 cases with type A2.2 and 9 cases with type A2.3; while 21 cases in PFNA, including 7 males and 14 females with an average age of 67.7 (ranged, 57 to 93) years old, and 10 cases with type A2.2 and 11 cases with type A2.3. Blood loss, operation time, hospital stay, fracture healing time, complications and Harris score after 1 years' following-up were observed and compared. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 to 22 (means 18.4) months, and all patients were obtained fracture healing, and recovered walking ability as before injury. There were no significant differences in blood loss, operation time, hospital stay, fracture healing time, complications and Harris score after 1 years' following-up (P>0.05). One case occurred displacement on the top of greater trochanter, and 1 case injuried weakness of hip abduction. One case occurred screw breakage in PCCP, while 1 case occurred hip joint pain in PFNA. CONCLUSION: Both of PCCP and PFNA in treating patients with intertrochanteric fracture with risk external wall can receive good clinical effects, while the effects and therapy strategy for displacement of bone on the top of lateral wall should further study.

[Treatment of refractory sinus in the lower leg with modified VSD technique].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of modified vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) technique in treating refractory sinus in the lower leg. METHODS: From January 2010 to December 2011, 11 patients with refractory sinus in the lower leg, including 7 males and 4 females, with an average age of 34.5 years (ranged,23 to 56). These patients were treated with modified VSD technique after thorough cleaning sinus and continuous washing. After 14 to 21 days of treatment, removed VSD and re-debrided the sinus and sutured wound. RESULTS: Infections got control after operation, sinus in the lower leg healed. All patients were followed up from 6 to 14 months with an average of 10 months, no recidivations were found. CONCLUSION: Modified VSD technique is an effective method in the treatment of stubborn sinus in the lower leg.