Clinical study of vacuum phenomenon in closed pelvic fracture.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine the prevalence and clinical findings of the vacuum phenomenon (VP) in closed pelvic fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 352 patients with closed pelvic fractures who presented to our institution from January 2017 to December 2020. Pelvic fractures were diagnosed by plain radiography and computed tomography (CT). The default "bone window" was used for inspection in the cross section. Electronic medical records were consulted by two orthopedic physicians to obtain patient information. The VP of pelvic fracture, fracture classification, injury mechanism, and image data were evaluated, and the demographic parameter data were statistically analyzed. The follow-up time was 12-18 months. RESULTS: Among them, 169 were males and 183 were females with ages ranging from 3 to 100 years, with an average of 49.6 ± 19.3 years. VP in pelvic fractures was detected by CT in 109 (31%) of the 352 patients with pelvic fractures. Patients were divided into the high-energy trauma group (278 cases) and fragility fractures of the pelvis (FFP) group (74 cases) according to the injury mechanism. In the high-energy trauma group, 227 cases were treated surgically and 201 cases had bony healing. The healing time was 9.8 ± 5.3 weeks. In the FFP group, 54 cases were treated surgically and 49 cases had bone healing. The healing time was 9.3 ± 3.8 weeks. Fractures progressed in nine patients. VP was mostly located in the sacroiliac joint in our study. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of VP in pelvic fractures is statistically high and is affected by many factors, such as examination technique, joint position, population composition, etc. Therefore, the VP is not a reliable sign of pelvic injury. Clinically, we need to determine the nature of VP in conjunction with gas patterns, laboratory tests, history, and physical examination.

[Comparison of clinical efficacy of subchondral blocking technique combined with plate-screw biplanar fixation and simple plate-screw support peripheral block fixation in the treatment of complex posterior wall acetabular fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effect of subchondral blocking technique combined with plate and screw biplane fixation in the treatment of complex acetabular posterior wall fractures. METHODS: From July 2015 to December 2019, a total of 47 cases of acetabular posterior wall fractures were treated. According to the different internal fixation techniques, they were divided into the external blocking fixation group supported by lateral plate and screw(control group of 23 cases) and the subchondral blocking technique combined with lateral plate and screw support biplane fixation group(study group of 24 cases). In the control group, there were 15 males and 8 females, aged 18 to 68 years old with an average of (40.9±7.2) years;preoperative preparation was 4 to 13 days with an average of (7.9±1.5) days. In the study group, there were 14 males and 10 females, aged 20 to 71 years old with an average of (41.7±7.9) years;preoperative preparation was 4 to 12 days with an average of (7.5±1.9) days. Kocher-Langenbeck approach was used in both groups and all patients were followed up for at least 1 year. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospitalization time, quality of fracture reduction after operation, modified Merle D'Aubigne Postel score of hip joint one year after operation and postoperative complication rate of two groups were statistically analyzed and compared. RESULTS: The patients in both groups were followed up for at least 1 year. One year after operation, the Merled'Aubigne Postel score(16.042±1.517) of hip function improvement in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (14.696±1.222)(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative bleeding between the two groups(P>0.05). One year after operation, there was a significant difference between two groups in the evaluation results of Matta fracture reduction quality(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications between two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: The treatment of complex acetabular posterior wall fracture with subchondral blocking technique combined with plate and screw biplane fixation technique has lower postoperative complication rate, better functional recovery of hip joint and satisfactory clinical effect.

[Effect analysis of trajectory screw technique in fragility fracture of pelvic ring].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy of minimally invasive technology with trajectory screw fixation for fragility fractures of pelvic(FFP). METHODS: A retrospective case control study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 35 patients with FFP who were treated and followed up between January 2016 and December 2019. There were 12 males and 23 females, aged from 65 to 99 years with an average of(75.4±7.8) years old. There were 13 cases of type Ⅱb, 7 cases of type Ⅱc, 8 cases of type Ⅲa, 2 cases of type Ⅲb, 2 cases of type Ⅲc, 1 case of type Ⅳb, and 2 cases of type Ⅳc according to Rommens FFP comprehensive classification. All patients received the treatment of minimally invasive technology with trajectory screws fixation. According to the different methods of anterior pelvic ring fixation, FFP patients were divided into two groups:12 cases were fixed with the pedicle screw rod system in the anterior pelvic subcutaneous internal fixator (INFIX) group;23 cases were fixed with hollow screws of the pubic symphysis, superior ramus of pubis or acetabular anterior column in the screw group. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, length of hospital stay, cost of internal fixation, pre- and post-operative visual analogue scale(VAS) were compared between the two groups. The fracture reduction quality was evaluated according to the Matta criteria, and the clinical function was evaluated by the Majeed functional scoring system respectively. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 to 39(16.5±5.4) months after surgery. There was no statistically significant difference in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy time, and length of hospital stay between the two groups(P>0.05). As for the cost of internal fixation, the cost of internal fixation in the screw group [2 914 (2 914, 4 371) yuan] was significantly lower than that of the INFIX group [6 205 (6 205, 6 205) yuan] (P<0.05). No significant difference was observed in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in VAS assessment at admission, 1 week, and 3 months after surgery between the two groups(P>0.05). However, the VAS assessment at 1 week and 3 months after surgery of the two groups were significantly better than those at admission(P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the quality of fracture reduction after the operation and the efficacy evaluation at the last follow-up between the two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSION: For the treatment of fragility fractures, minimally invasive technology with trajectory screw fixation can achieve good clinical efficacy. It has the advantages of being relatively minimally invasive, less bleeding, relieving the pain. It deserves clinical application.

[Analysis of clinical effects of iliolumbar fixation in treating U-shaped sacral fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of iliolumbar fixation in the treatment of U-shaped sacral fractures. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on the 14 complex U-shaped sacral fractures which had been treated from January 2014 to December 2019, involved 10 males and 4 females, aged 24 to 48 (35.4±6.5) years. Fracture healing time, nerve function, clinical function and complications were observed in the patients. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 9 to 16(26.0±5.9) months. The complete weight-bearing time for bone healing was(12.4±2.0) weeks. One case of surgical incision infection occurred after operation, and one case of sacrum nailspenetrated to the outer plate of sacrum. No complications such as pressure ulcers, loosening or rupture of internal fixation occurred. According to Gibbons scoring, the neurological function recovered from preoperative 2.9±0.9 to postoperative 2.1±1.1, there were statistically significant differences between preoperative and postoperative (t=6.9, P=0.00). There was significant difference between preoperative malformation angle (41.4±11.2)° and postoperative value (28.3±7.5)° (t=4.70, P=0.00). According to Majeed scoring to evaluate the clinical function, postoperative pain, standing, sitting, sexual life, work ability, total score respectively were 23.21±3.17, 25.57± 3.94, 7.71±1.54, 2.64±0.92, 16.14±2.41, 75.30±8.10, 2 cases got excellent results, 10 good, 2 fair. CONCLUSION: Sacral lumbar fixation is an effective method for the treatment of U-shaped sacrum fractures. It has the advantages of strong internal fixation and satisfactory functional recovery.

[Comparison of different minimally invasive internal fixation in the treatment of pelvic anterior ring fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of three minimally invasive methods of anterior column screw, plate and screw rod system in the treatment of anterior pelvic ring fracture. METHODS: From December 2015 to September 2018, 77 patients with pelvic anterior ring fracture were treated and followed up, including 45 males and 32 females, aged 19 to 73 years. According to AO / OTA classification, there were 26 cases of type B1, 20 cases of type B2, 17 cases of type B3 and 14 cases of type C. According to the different internal fixation methods, they were divided into three groups:anterior column screw group(35 cases), plate group(20 cases), and screw rod system group(22 cases). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, blood loss, fracture reduction quality, complications and curative effect of the three groups were compared. RESULTS: All 77 patients were followed up for 12 to 33 (16.5±5.7) months. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss and incision length of anterior column screw group were significantly shorter than those of plate group and screw rod system group, and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of plate group were significantly less than those of anterior column screw group and screw rod system group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the quality of fracture reduction and curative effect among the three groups(P>0.05). The incidence of complications was significant different among three group(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive internal fixation with anterior column screw, plate and screw rod system can obtain good clinical effect, but anterior column screw fixation has less trauma and lower incidence of surgicalcomplications.

Gait Characteristics and Brain Activity in Parkinson's Disease with Concomitant Postural Abnormalities.

To explore the underlying pathogenic mechanism of Parkinson's disease (PD) with concomitant postural abnormalities (PDPA) through the relationship between its gait and brain function characteristics. PD patients from the neurology outpatient clinic at Ruijin Hospital were recruited and grouped according to whether postural abnormalities (including camptocormia and Pisa syndrome) were present. PD-related scale assessments, three-dimensional gait tests and brain resting-state functional magnetic imaging were performed and analyzed. The gait characteristics independently associated with PDPA were decreased pelvic obliquity angle and progressive downward movement of the center of mass during walking. PDPA features included decreased functional connectivity between the left insula and bilateral supplementary motor area, which was significantly correlated with reduced Berg Balance Scale scores. Functional connectivity between the right insula and bilateral middle frontal gyrus was decreased and significantly correlated with a decreased pelvic obliquity angle and poor performance on the Timed Up and Go test. Moreover, through diffusion tensor imaging analysis, the average fractional anisotropy value of the fibers connecting the left insula and left supplementary motor area was shown to be decreased in PDPA. There is decreased functional connectivity among the insula, supplementary motor area and middle frontal gyrus with structural abnormalities between the left insula and the left supplementary motor area; these changes in brain connectivity are probably among the causes of gait dysfunction in PDPA and provide some clues regarding the pathogenic mechanisms of PDPA.

[Management of displaced radial neck fractures in children: elastic stable intramedullary nailing vs K-wire fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the complications and clinical outcome of titanium elastic nail(TEN) versus K-wire fixation(KW) for the treatment of displaced radial neck fractures in children. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2014, 56 children with displaced radial neck fractures were studied retrospectively according to the inclusion criteria. Based on the different methods of internal fixation, patients were divided into two groups: titanium elastic nail (TEN group) and K-wire fixation (KW group). Among 25 patients(15 males and 11 females, aged from 3 to 12 years old with an average of 8.6±2.1) treated with TEN, 16 patients had type III fractures, 19 patients had type IV fractures according to Metaizeau-Judet modified classification; 20 patients were treated with closed reduction and 5 patients were treated with open reduction; the time from injury to treatment ranged from 1 to 8 days with an average of (3.6±1.7) days. Among 31 patients (20 males and 11 females, aged from 3 to 11 years old with an average of 9.1±1.9 years old) treated with KW, 19 patients had type III fractures, 12 patients had type IV fractures; 22 patients were treated with closed reduction, and 9 patients were treated with open reduction; the time from injury to treatment ranged from 2 to 7 days with an average of (3.7±1.5) days. No significant differences between two groups were found in general data. Operative time, hospitalization time, healing time of fracture, internal fixation time, postoperative complications and function recovery of the two groups were compared and evaluated. RESULTS: The average follow-up period of the patients was 22.1 months in TEN group(ranged, 16 to 48 months), and 21.9 months in KW group(ranged, 13 to 48 months). There were no significant differences between these 2 groups in follow-up duration, average hospitalization time and fracture healing time. The operation time, hospital costs and internal fixation time in TEN group were (56.6±11.8) min, (18 000±3 000) Yuan(RMB), (9.1±2.5) weeks respectively; and in KW group were(45.5±10.3) min, (8 000±1 000) Yuan(RMB), (4.8±1.6) weeks respectively, there were significant differences between two groups(P<0.05). Outcome scores according to Metaizeau and Tibone-Stoltz had no significant differences between two groups(P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is no significant difference of therapeutic effects between TEN and KW for children with displaced radial neck fractures. Because the removal of TEN fixation requires the secondary anesthesia, and the TEN costs significantly more than KW, TEN still can't replace the traditional KW for the treatment of radial neck fracture in children.

[Titanium elastic nail versus plate-screw fixation for the treatment of upper segment fractures of femoral shaft in children].

UNLABELLED: ABSTRA CT OBJECTIVE To compare the complications and clinical outcome of titanium elastic nail (TEN) versus plate-screw fixation (PF) for the treatment of upper segment fractures of femoral shaft in children. METHODS: From May 2006 and August 2012,32 consecutive children with upper segment fractures of femoral shaft were studied prospectively. They were randomly divided into TEN group and PF group. Ninteen patients were treated with titanic elastic nail (TEN) fixation including 11 males and 8 females with an average age of (6.9?2.2) years old ranging from 3 to 11,11 cases of them were type A, 6 cases were type B,2 cases were type C according to AO classification. The other 13 patients were treated with plate-screw fixation (PF) including 9 males and 4 females with an average age of (7.5±2.1) years old ranging from 5 to 12 years, and 3 cases of them were type A,6 cases were type B,2 cases were type C. Operative time, blood loss,incision length,the time of hospitalization,fracture healing time, postoperative complications and function recovery between two groups were compared and evaluated. RESULTS: The average follow-up period of the patients was 25.3 months (ranging from 15 to 48 months) in TEN group, and 36.2 months (ranging from 13 to 36 months) in the PF group. The operation time, time of hospitalization, the time of implants removed after the initial surgery, fracture healing time in TEN group were respectively (56.7±11.2) min, (6.6±3.9) d, (8.1±2.3) months, (12.6+3.8) weeks; and in PF group were respectively (51.5±8.3) min, (7.8±4.8) d, (7.8±1.6) months, (11.8±2.8) weeks, there was no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). However, the length of incisions was (4.3±1.7) cm and the intraoperative blood loss was (12.7+3.2) ml in TEN group,which were significantly less than that in PF group respectively (89.2±21.1) ml and (11.6?2.3) cm (P<0.05). There was no statistically difference in postoperative in complication between two groups, but the patients in TEN group had a higher incidence of soft tissue irritation and misalignment. Outcome scores according to Sanders had no significant difference between two groups (P>0.05). In TEN group,the result was excellent in 13 cases, good in 3,fair in 2, and poor in 1, while in PF group excellent in 10, good in 2, fair in 1. CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference in therapeutic effects between TEN and PF for children with upper segment fractures of femoral shaft. The internal fixation should be selected according to the associated fracture type, weight, the expected value of the parents, scars, and so on.

[Surgical treatment of acetabular type C1 acetabular fracture by posteroproximal-posteroanterior sequential reduction and internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the operative reduction techniques and clinical results of surgical treatment of type C1 (AO/ASIF) acetabular fracture by posteroproximal-posteroanterior sequential reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: From August 2004 to January 2012, 13 patients with type C1 (AO/ASIF) acetabular fracture were treated by posteroproximal-posteroanterior sequential reduction and internal fixation. Of them, 8 cases were male and 5 cases were female with an average age of 42 years years old (ranged, 18 to 64). Pelvis 3-dimentional CT reconstruction were used to confirmed the classification of fracture, and the operation were performed during from 5 to 20 days with an average of 9.5 days. Operation time, blood loss, complications and reduction were recorded and evaluated. The function of hip joint were accessed at the final follow-up. RESULTS: The operation time ranged from 190 to 290 min with an average of 240 min. The mean blood loss was 1 800 ml (ranged, 1 300 to 3 000 ml). One case had superficial infection and healed after 3 weeks. According to Matta reduction criteria, 8 cases obtained anatomical reduction, 4 cases got satisfied results and 1 cases got unsatisfied results. Eleven cases were followed up with an average of (24.0 +/- 8.0) months, and 2 cases were lost to follow-up. According to revised Mede d'Aubingne and Postel evaluation system, 7 cases got excellent results, 2 good, 1 moderate and 1 poor. CONCLUSION: Posteroproximal-posteroanterior sequential reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of type C1 (AO/ASIF) acetabular fracture can achieve satisfied surgical proces and operation quality.

[Treatment of acromion base fractures with double plates internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical effects of double plates fixation for the treatment of acromion base fracutres. METHODS: From January 2010 to May 2012, 7 patients with acromion base fractures were treated with double plates ORIF surgical treatment. There were 5 males and 2 females, with an average age of 36.3 years old (ranged, 24 to 62 years old). All fractures were acuted and closed injuries. The duration from injury to surgery was 4.6 days (ranged, 2 to 10 days). Hardegger functional criterion, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and complications of the patients were documented analysis. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up,and the duration ranged from 4 to 13 months (averaged 8.9 months). The healing duration of fractures ranged from 8 to 14 weeks without any infection, shoulder instability, subacromial impingement syndrome, nonunion and failure of internal fixation. At the latest follow-up, the VAS ranged from 0 to 5. According to Hardegger criterion, 2 patients got an excellent result, 4 good and 1 poor. CONCLUSION: Double plates ORIF plays a positive role in the treatment of acromion base fractures, which reduces complications and maximally restore the function of shoulder.

Reliability of the measurement of thoracolumbar burst fracture kyphosis with Cobb angle, Gardner angle, and sagittal index.

INTRODUCTION: Kyphotic deformity plays a key role in our evaluation of patients with thoracolumbar burst fracture, and there are several variables available for kyphotic deformity assessment, including Cobb angle, Gardner angle, and sagittal index. However, it remains unknown about intra- and inter-observer variability of sagittal index. AIM: The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability of the measurement for thoracolumbar burst fracture kyphosis using Cobb angle, Gardner angle, and sagittal index. Thirty-five patients with thorocolumbar burst fractures treated in our institute were identified. The lateral spine radiographs and midsagittal CT images of the 35 patients were measured on two separate occasions, in random order, by five attending spine surgeons using Cobb angle, Gardner angle, and sagittal index. METHOD: We statistically assessed the agreement, the intra-observer and the inter-observer reliability of the three methods. The intra-observer reliability is always better than the inter-observer reliability, regardless of the parameter being measured or the imaging modality. RESULTS: Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were the most consistent for Cobb angle, followed by Gardner angle and sagittal index. Midsagittal CT images had better intra- and inter-observer reliabilities than lateral plain radiography. Also, agreement was better using midsagittal CT images as compared with lateral plain radiography. CONCLUSION: The results of our study suggest that Cobb angle is the most consistent in terms of intra- and inter-observer reliabilities in the assessment of thoracolumbar burst fracture kyphosis.

[Clinical outcomes of elastic intramedullary nail fixation and external fixation for the treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes of elastic intramedullary nail fixation and external fixator for the treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: From Sep. 2002 to Aug. 2008, 67 pediatric patients with femoral shaft fractures were treated. Among them, 36 pediatric patients with femoral shaft fractures were treated with closed reduction and elastic intramedullary nail fixation including 23 males and 13 females with an average age of (7.1 +/- 1.6) years ranging from 5 to 11 years; while 31 patients were treated with closed reduction and external fixation including 19 males and 12 females with an average age of (6.5 +/- 2.3) years ranging from 3 to 12 years. All patients obtained closed reduction. The fracture healing time and postoperative complications were compared between these two groups. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 9 to 24 months, in averaged (12 +/- 3) months. The time of fracture healing and bone union in elasitic intramedullary nail group was shorter than that of external fixation group (P<0.05). There were 5 cases of infection,3 of delayed healing, 2 of refracture, and 1 of fixation failure in external fixation group, and there were 3 of soft tissue irritation in elastic intramedullary nail group. CONCLUSION: Elastic intramedullary nail has some advantages for the treatment of pediatric femoral shaft fracture, while external fixation has some advantage in patients with multiple injury and open injury. The proximal and distal femoral fractures are not suitable for elastic intramedullary nail fixation.

[Curative effect of the fibrinogen gel for sacral canal arachnoid cyst].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate curative effect of the fibrinogen gel for treating sacral canal arachnoid cyst. METHODS: Nineteen patients with sacral canal arachnoid cysts included 7 males and 12 females; The average age was 48.4 years ranging from 19 to 68 years. The course was from 2 weeks to 7 months. Of all the patients, 9 were in level of S1, 4 were in level of S1 to S2, 5 were in level of S2, 1 was in level of S1 to S3. Cystis wall greater partial excision adopted in 11 cases, partial resection in 8, then all patients were treated by spray painting fibrinogen gel. RESULTS: Nineteen patients were followed-up for 13 to 30 months (mean 21.3 months). The clinical symptom disappeared completely in 18 patients, and only one patient urinated incapably, but after 2 weeks returned to normal. No one found recurrence by MRI after 12 months. CONCLUSION: This method of fibrinogen gel for treating sacral canal arachnoid cyst has advantages of easy performing, safety, achieve good results, less neck symptoms and early commencing of mobilization.