[Limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in treatment of peri-elbow bone infection].

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in the treatment of peri-elbow bone infection. Methods: The clinical data of 19 patients with peri-elbow bone infection treated with limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator between May 2018 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 4 females with an average age of 44.6 years (range, 28-61 years). There were 13 cases of distal humerus fractures and 6 cases of proximal ulna fractures. All the 19 cases were infected after internal fixation of fracture, and 2 cases were complicated with radial nerve injury. According to Cierny-Mader anatomical classification, 11 cases were type Ⅱ, 6 cases were type Ⅲ, and 2 cases were type Ⅳ. The duration of bone infection was 1-3 years. After primary debridement, the bone defect was (3.04±0.28) cm, and the antibiotic bone cement was implanted into the defect area, and the external fixator was installed; 3 cases were repaired with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, and 2 cases were repaired with lateral brachial fascial flap. Bone defects repair and reconstruction were performed after 6-8 weeks of infection control. The wound healing was observed, and white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reaction protein (CRP) were reexamined regularly after operation to evaluate the infection control. X-ray films of the affected limb were taken regularly after operation to observe the bone healing in the defect area. At last follow-up, the flexion and extension range of motion and the total range of motion of the elbow joint were observed and recorded, and compared with those before operation, and the function of the elbow joint was evaluated by Mayo score. Results: All patients were followed up 12-34 months (mean, 26.2 months). The wounds healed in 5 cases after skin flap repair. Two cases of recurrent infection were effectively controlled by debridement again and replacement of antibiotic bone cement. The infection control rate was 89.47% (17/19) in the first stage. Two patients with radial nerve injury had poor muscle strength of the affected limb, and the muscle strength of the affected limb recovered from grade Ⅲ to about grade Ⅳ after rehabilitation exercise. During the follow-up period, there was no complication such as incision ulceration, exudation, bone nonunion, infection recurrence, or infection in the bone harvesting area. Bone healing time ranged from 16 to 37 weeks, with an average of 24.2 weeks. WBC, ESR, CRP, PCT, and elbow flexion, extension, and total range of motions significantly improved at last follow-up ( P<0.05). According to Mayo elbow scoring system, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 89.47%. Conclusion: Limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in the treatment of the peri-elbow bone infection can effectively control infection and restore the function of the elbow joint.

Limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in treatment of peri-elbow bone infection / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To evaluate the effectiveness of limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in the treatment of peri-elbow bone infection.@*METHODS@#The clinical data of 19 patients with peri-elbow bone infection treated with limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator between May 2018 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 4 females with an average age of 44.6 years (range, 28-61 years). There were 13 cases of distal humerus fractures and 6 cases of proximal ulna fractures. All the 19 cases were infected after internal fixation of fracture, and 2 cases were complicated with radial nerve injury. According to Cierny-Mader anatomical classification, 11 cases were type Ⅱ, 6 cases were type Ⅲ, and 2 cases were type Ⅳ. The duration of bone infection was 1-3 years. After primary debridement, the bone defect was (3.04±0.28) cm, and the antibiotic bone cement was implanted into the defect area, and the external fixator was installed; 3 cases were repaired with latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap, and 2 cases were repaired with lateral brachial fascial flap. Bone defects repair and reconstruction were performed after 6-8 weeks of infection control. The wound healing was observed, and white blood cell (WBC), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and C-reaction protein (CRP) were reexamined regularly after operation to evaluate the infection control. X-ray films of the affected limb were taken regularly after operation to observe the bone healing in the defect area. At last follow-up, the flexion and extension range of motion and the total range of motion of the elbow joint were observed and recorded, and compared with those before operation, and the function of the elbow joint was evaluated by Mayo score.@*RESULTS@#All patients were followed up 12-34 months (mean, 26.2 months). The wounds healed in 5 cases after skin flap repair. Two cases of recurrent infection were effectively controlled by debridement again and replacement of antibiotic bone cement. The infection control rate was 89.47% (17/19) in the first stage. Two patients with radial nerve injury had poor muscle strength of the affected limb, and the muscle strength of the affected limb recovered from grade Ⅲ to about grade Ⅳ after rehabilitation exercise. During the follow-up period, there was no complication such as incision ulceration, exudation, bone nonunion, infection recurrence, or infection in the bone harvesting area. Bone healing time ranged from 16 to 37 weeks, with an average of 24.2 weeks. WBC, ESR, CRP, PCT, and elbow flexion, extension, and total range of motions significantly improved at last follow-up ( P<0.05). According to Mayo elbow scoring system, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 89.47%.@*CONCLUSION@#Limited internal fixation combined with a hinged external fixator in the treatment of the peri-elbow bone infection can effectively control infection and restore the function of the elbow joint.

Treatment of open tibial diaphyseal fractures by external fixation combined with limited internal fixation versus simple external fixation: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of open tibial shaft fractures is challenging. External fixation (EF) is comparatively safe in treating these open injuries, meanwhile it has the advantages of easy application, minimal additional disruption, and convenient subsequent soft tissue repair. Nevertheless, its application is accompanied by a series of problems in alignment and bone healing. Therefore, limited internal fixation (LIF), such as cortical screws, has been used based on the external fixator for better therapeutic effect. The aim of this study is to compare the outcomes of EF combined with LIF and simple EF in the management of open tibial shaft fractures, evaluating the efficacy and safety of using the combined technique in treating such fractures. METHODS: From January 2012 to December 2016, patients with open tibial shaft fractures treated with EF with or without LIF augmentation were identified. A total of 152 patients were included in the analysis, and there were 85 patients in the simple external fixation group and 67 patients in the EF-LIF group. General assessment indicators included the direct cost of hospitalization and the times of first surgery, full weight bearing, and complete union. Infections and complications in union or limb alignment were compared as primary outcomes. Additionally, the number of patients who changed the fixation system for various reasons were analysed. RESULTS: Effective follow-up of all participants for statistical analysis was obtained. The follow-up time averaged 17.15 months (range: 12.00 to 24.00 months) in the EF group and 16.20 months (range: 12.00 to 19.00 months) in the EF-LIF group. Combined fixation provided shortened time to bear full weight and achieve complete bone union, while requiring additional first surgery time. No significant difference was found in infection rates or direct cost of hospitalization. Delayed union and non-union in the EF-LIF group were significantly decreased (20.9% versus 40.0, 1.5% versus 14.1%, p < 0.05). In limb alignment, patients with combined fixation exhibited reduced malreduction, loss of reduction, and malunion. In terms of secondary fixation, the EF-LIF group showed a markedly lower incidence (5.8% versus 34.1%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with simple EF, combined fixation is an effective and safe alternative for management of open tibial diaphyseal fractures. It provides superior initial reduction, better stability and decreases the risk of inferior alignment and delayed union without increasing the risk of infection.

Two-stage open reduction and internal fixation versus limited internal fixation combined with external fixation: a meta-analysis of postoperative complications in patients with severe Pilon fractures.

Objectives Two-stage open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and limited internal fixation combined with external fixation (LIFEF) are two widely used methods to treat Pilon injury. However, which method is superior to the other remains controversial. This meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively compare two-stage ORIF and LIFEF and clarify which method is better with respect to postoperative complications in the treatment of tibial Pilon fractures. Methods We conducted a meta-analysis to quantitatively compare the postoperative complications between two-stage ORIF and LIFEF. Eight studies involving 360 fractures in 359 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Results The two-stage ORIF group had a significantly lower risk of superficial infection, nonunion, and bone healing problems than the LIFEF group. However, no significant differences in deep infection, delayed union, malunion, arthritis symptoms, or chronic osteomyelitis were found between the two groups. Conclusion Two-stage ORIF was associated with a lower risk of postoperative complications with respect to superficial infection, nonunion, and bone healing problems than LIFEF for tibial Pilon fractures. Level of evidence 2.

Clinical study of limited internal fixation contrasting micro?external fixator in the treatment of fractures around the hand / 中国综合临床

Objective To analyze the effect of limited internal fixation contrasting micro -external fixator in the treatment of fractures around the hand.Methods Sixty patients with fractures around the hand treated in the First People′s Hospital of Huizhou from May 2015 to May 2017 were selected and randomly divided into the internal fixation group and the external fixation group,and then were treated with effective internal fixation and mini external fixator respectively.The curative effect,operation condition,postoperative recovery and complications of the two groups were compared.Results The treatment effect(excellent and good rate was 96.67%(29/30)),fracture recovery time((6.37 ± 1.25)weeks),hospitalization time((4.32 ±1.23)d)and postoperative complication rate(10.0%(3/30))in the external fixation group were superior to those in the internal fixation group(76.67%(23/30),(8.87 ± 2.12)weeks,(7.29 ± 2.15)d,33.3%(10/30)),the differences were statistically significant(P=0.032;t=15.459,P=0.005;t=17.788,P =0.001;P=0.012).However,there were no significant differences between the external fixation group and internal fixation group in the operation time and the blood loss during operation((28.41±2.87)min vs.(27.67±1.42)min;(16.87 ± 3.71)ml vs.(16.43 ± 2.89)ml)(t=2.459,P=0.423;t=1.788,P =0.619). Conclusion Compared with limited internal fixation,the mini external fixator is reliable and effective,with less complications,and is more conducive to the early activity and functional recovery of the patients with hand fractures.

Clinical application of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture.

OBJECTIVE: Pilon fracture is so complex that its therapy poses a great challenge to surgeons. Few studies have compared arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy and external fixation combined with limited internal fixation (EFLIF), and an optimal choice of surgical therapy remains unclear in patients with type III Pilon fracture. Moreover, to our knowledge, very few studies have specifically evaluated arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture. The current study was performed to observe the clinical application of arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy, compared with EFLIF, in Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture. METHODS: There were 230 Chinese elderly with type III Pilon fracture assigned to undergo EFLIF (group A, n=115) or arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy (group B, n=115), and followed up for 1 year after surgery. RESULTS: Age, sex, causes, sides and types of Pilon fractures were not different between the two groups (P>0.05 for all). Compared with EFLIF, arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy achieved a better reduction result, bone union and Mazur system (P<0.05 for all). Patient satisfaction, screw loosening and infection prevalence were not different between the two groups (P>0.05 for all). There was no skin necrosis in the two groups. Traumatic arthritis had a significantly lower prevalence in participants with arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy than EFLIF (P<0.05 for all). CONCLUSION: Compared with EFLIF, arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy for type III Pilon fracture significantly improved reduction result, bone union and functional status, and decreased traumatic arthritis, demonstrating that arthroscopy-assisted minimally invasive therapy is an optimal choice for type III Pilon fracture in Chinese elderly.

Evaluation of functional outcome of pilon fractures managed with limited internal fixation and external fixation: A prospective clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: The management of pilon fractures is controversial primarily due to the high rate of complications irrespective of the mode of treatment. Limited internal fixation with external fixation is associated with minimal soft tissue handling. This may reduce the chances of wound dehiscence and infection. This study was designed to evaluate the functional and clinical outcomes in patients treated with limited internal fixation combined with external fixation in pilon fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted as a prospective clinical study on 56 skeletally mature patients with closed fractures with poor skin condition, and with open grade 1 and grade 2 distal tibial intra-articular fractures. All patients were treated with combined limited internal fixation and ankle spanning external fixation. RESULTS: All fractures in this series united with an average time period of union of 18.3weeks (ranging from 13 weeks to 30 weeks). There was no non-union in any case. There was malunion in 4 cases, varus malunion (>5 degree) in 2 cases and recurvatum in another 2 cases). Excellent to good functional results were observed in 88% cases based on the modified Ovadia and Beals score. The mean ankle dorsiflexion and planter flexion movements were 10.2±5.3 degrees and 27.4±7.2 degrees respectively. infections occurred in 6 patients which included 4 pin tract infections and 2 superficial wound infection, all 6 healed after removal of pin tract and with oral antibiotics. CONCLUSION: The technique of combined external fixation with internal fixation is safe and effective management option for intra-articular distal tibial fractures.

Therapeutic Efficacy of Modified Taohong Siwu Decoction Combined with Limited Internal Fixation and External Fixation on Tibial Plateau Fracture / 广州中医药大学学报

Objective To explore the therapeutic efficacy of modified Taohong Siwu Decoctio n(TSD) combined with limited internal fixation and external fixation for the treatment of tibial plateau fracture of Schatzker type Ⅴand Ⅵ. M ethods A total of 31 cases of tibial plateau fractures of Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ treated with TSD orally combined with limited internal fixation and external fixation were enrolled into the study. Follow-up was carried out for the evaluation of therapeutic effect and postoperative complications. Results All of the cases received follow-up for 6 months to 3 years. According to Merchant scoring criteria, the therapeutic effect was excellent for 15 cases, good for 12 cases, acceptable for 3 cases and inferior for one case, with the excellent and good rate being 87.1%. One case had pin tract infection, and then was cured after symptomatic treatment. Conclusion For tibial plateau fracture of Schatzker typeⅤandⅥwith unsatisfactory skin state, we can perform limited internal fixation and external fixation to take the place of strong steel plate fixation with extensive exposure for surgical treatment, and then give postoperative oral use of TSD, which will be a safe and effective therapy for the fracture by promoting the relief of the clinical symptoms and signs of early fracture.

Mininally invasive surgery combined with Chinese dialectical theory of governance for treatment of complex Pilon's fracture / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To investigate the clinical effect of treatment of complex Pilon's fractures with limited internal fixations and external fixators.[Method]Since 2000,78 cases of complex Pilon's fractures with limited internal fixations and external fixators were treated,of which male 51cases,female 27cases,aged 20～79 years old,average 36 yrs.According to Ovadia and Beals classification,type Ⅲ 27 cases,type Ⅳ 35 cases,type Ⅴ 16 cases,fresh fracture 53cases,old fracture 25 cases,close fracture 57 cases,open fracture 21 cases.They were all treated by Kirsschner wires and screws together with external fixators.External fixator were removed at 1.5～2 months after operation and splints were used and began ankle movement.[Result]All cases were followed up after operation.The following observation time was 1～3 years,average 20 months.All fractures were ostcal concrescence.Two cases were evaginate about 5 degree.Three cases were open injury and needed flap grafting rehabilitation because skin and soft tissue were compressed severely and necrotized.Traumatic artharitis occurred in 4 cases,nitric oxide-releasing anti-inflammatory drug was needed.One case was treated with arthrodesis.The functional evaluation was completed according to standard of American Orthopedic Association of Foot and Ankle.The excellent rate was 87.2%.[Conclusion]Limited internal fixation and external fixator is one of the effective way of treatment of Pilon's fracture because it can immobilize the sections of fracture and avoid infection of soft tissue and nonunion of fracture.

Internal fixation with plates: the best method to cure intra-articular calcaneal fractures? / 中华创伤骨科杂志

0.05). Nine foots (18.0% ) reported soft tissue problems in the plate group, and three foots (5.5% ) in the limited internal fixation group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P

Use of an articulated and spanning external fixator for Pilon fractures / 中华创伤骨科杂志

Objective To introduce our experience of treating Pilon fractures with an articulated and spanning external fixator. Methods From February 2002 to June 2004, 19 patients with high energy Pilon fractures (21 sides) were treated with a T- shaped unilateral articulated and spanning external fixator in our department. The fixators were placed medial1y across the ankle joint, and the fixation of fracture was enhanced by a combined use of limited internal fixation. The main causes of injury were traffic accidents and high altitude falling. The distal 2 pins were inserted into the talus and the tuberosity of calcaneus so that the subtalar joint was treated as an axis during ankle movement. At approximately postoperative 2 or 3 weeks, the articular hinge was released and the patient began ankle exercises. The clinical outcomes and complications were investigated and the postoperative X- ray examinations of the ankle were also evaluated. Results 19 patients were followed up for a mean period of 13 months. No infection of wound or pin site, no neurovascular complication or no nonunion was found. According to Baird & Jackson ankle joint scoring system, their functional evaluation of the ankle scored from 72 to 98 (averaging 92). Clinical results were excellent in 4, good in 12, fair in 3 and poor in 2. Reduction of the articular surface was anatomic in 16, fair in 3 and poor in 2 according to Burwell & Charnley classification. Conclusions External fixation with an articulated and spanning fixator combined with limited internal fixation is a satisfying technique to treat Pilon fractures. This technique can restore anatomical articular surface, allow early ankle joint motion, effectively decrease complications of both wound and bone healing, and prevent ankle joint stiffness after fixation.

Treatment of the Open Tibial Pilon Fractures - Using Limited Internal Fixation and External Fixation / 대한정형외과학회잡지

Open tibial pilon fractures present extensive soft tissue disruption and common complications such as sepsis or skin slough, and deserve special cosideration in addition to the challenging reconstructive problems. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of limited internal fixation and external fixation for the treatment of the open tibial pilon fractures, and to introduce some idea in Ilizarov device use. We reviewed 27 open tibial pilon fractures treated with limited internal fixation and external fixation from Feb. 1992 to Mar. 1996(follow-up range, 1 to 5 years). Fracture classification(Ruedi and Allgower) was type I in 5, type II in 10 and type III in 12, open wound type(Gustilo-Anderson) was II in 8, IIIA in 17 and IIIB in two. Secondary procedures were 16 soft tissue procedures, 13 bone graftings and 2 limb lengthening. Mean time for removal of the external fixators was 3.5 months(range, 6 to 21 weeks), and clinical union averaged 4.3 months(range, 12 to 25 weeks). At the time of last follow-up, radiologic grading(Burwell and Charnley) showed 13 good(48%), 10 fair(37%) and 4 poor results(15%). Objective functional grading(Ovadia and Beals) showed 5 excellent(19%), 15 good(56%), 6 fair(22%) and 1 poor(4%), and subjective grading 2 excellent(7%), 16 good(59%), 7 fair(26%) and 2 poor(7%). Common complications included 10 wound sepsis(37%), 6 posttraumatic arthritis(22%) and 5 malunions(19%). In conclusion, we cosider limited internal fixation and external fixation is an effective treatment modality till bone union for open tibial pilon fractures, and Ilizarov method using tension wires crossed only through the fracture fragments can provide a sufficient early and late stability.