[Reconstruction of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge using Kirschner wire to assist in closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire in the closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children. Methods: A clinical data of 43 children with multi-direction unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between August 2020 and August 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one cases of fractures were treated wuth closed reduction after medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire and percutaneous Kirschner wires fixation (study group), while 22 cases of fractures were treated by traditional closed reduction technique and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, and interval from injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the number of children who were changed to open reduction after closed reduction failure, fracture healing time, complications within 2 months after operation, and the Flynn score of elbow joint function at last follow-up were compared between the two groups. Results: All the fractures in the study group were successfully closed reduction, and 4 cases in the control group were changed to open reduction and completed the operation, the difference between the two groups was significant ( P=0.040). The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the study group were significantly less than those of the control group ( P<0.05). All children in both groups were followed up 6-18 months with an average of 9.0 months in the study group and 9.8 months in the control group. Imaging review showed that the fractures of both groups healed, and the difference in the healing time between the two groups was not significant ( P=0.373). According to Flynn score at last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of elbow joint function was 95.2% (20/21) in the study group and 86.4% (19/22) in the control group, with no significant difference ( P=0.317). There was no complication such as infection or irritation at the end of Kirchner wire within 2 months after operation. Conclusion: For children with multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, the use of Kirschner wires to reconstruct the medial and lateral column periosteal hinge to assist in closed reduction has the advantages of shortening operation time, reducing intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and effectively reducing the incidence of open reduction, and can achieve similar postoperative elbow joint function when compared with traditional closed reduction technique.

Peri-articular fractures of the hand.

Peri-articular fractures of the hand are common injuries. Long-term consequences can be relatively innocuous or severely disabling. Due to the specific anatomy of the hand, avulsion fractures are likely more common here than anywhere else in the body and often occur at or near joints. The management of peri-articular fractures of the hand requires consideration of both the articular reduction and the status of ligament and tendon attachments. In general, these fractures can be treated non-operatively. Operative treatment can be percutaneous or open and should be individualized.

[Effectiveness of three-dimensional visible technique without fluoroscopy versus two-dimensional fluoroscopy in reduction of unstable pelvic fractures].

Objective: To compare the reduction qualities of three-dimensional visible technique without fluoroscopy and two-dimensional fluoroscopy for unstable pelvic fractures during operations. Methods: The clinical data of 40 patients with unstable pelvic fractures, who met the selection criteria in three clinical centers between June 2021 and September 2022, were retrospectively analyzed. According to the reduction methods, the patients were divided into two groups. Twenty patients in trial group were treated with unlocking closed reduction system combined with three-dimensional visible technique without fluoroscopy; 20 patients in control group with unlocking closed reduction system under two-dimensional fluoroscopy. There was no significant difference in the gender, age, injury mechanism, Tile type of fracture, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and the time between injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The qualities of fracture reduction according to the Matta criteria, operative time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture reduction time, times of fluoroscopy, and System Usability Scale (SUS) score were recorded and compared. Results: All operations were successfully completed in both groups. According to the Matta criteria, the qualities of fracture reduction were rated as excellent in 19 patients (95%) in trial group, which was better than that in the control group (13 cases, 65%), with a significant difference ( χ 2=3.906, P=0.048). The operative time and intraoperative blood loss had no significant differences between the two groups ( P>0.05). The fracture reduction time and times of fluoroscopy were significantly less in trial group than in control group ( P<0.05), and SUS score in trial group was significantly higher in trial group than in control group ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Compared to using unlocking closed reduction system under two-dimensional fluoroscopy, three-dimensional visible technique without fluoroscopy can significantly improve the reduction quality of unstable pelvic fractures without prolonging the operative time, and is valuable to reduce iatrogenic radiation exposure for patients and medical workers.

Reconstruction of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge using Kirschner wire to assist in closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children / 中国修复重建外科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the effectiveness of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire in the closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children.@*METHODS@#A clinical data of 43 children with multi-direction unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between August 2020 and August 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one cases of fractures were treated wuth closed reduction after medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire and percutaneous Kirschner wires fixation (study group), while 22 cases of fractures were treated by traditional closed reduction technique and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, and interval from injury to operation between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the number of children who were changed to open reduction after closed reduction failure, fracture healing time, complications within 2 months after operation, and the Flynn score of elbow joint function at last follow-up were compared between the two groups.@*RESULTS@#All the fractures in the study group were successfully closed reduction, and 4 cases in the control group were changed to open reduction and completed the operation, the difference between the two groups was significant ( P=0.040). The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the study group were significantly less than those of the control group ( P<0.05). All children in both groups were followed up 6-18 months with an average of 9.0 months in the study group and 9.8 months in the control group. Imaging review showed that the fractures of both groups healed, and the difference in the healing time between the two groups was not significant ( P=0.373). According to Flynn score at last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of elbow joint function was 95.2% (20/21) in the study group and 86.4% (19/22) in the control group, with no significant difference ( P=0.317). There was no complication such as infection or irritation at the end of Kirchner wire within 2 months after operation.@*CONCLUSION@#For children with multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, the use of Kirschner wires to reconstruct the medial and lateral column periosteal hinge to assist in closed reduction has the advantages of shortening operation time, reducing intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and effectively reducing the incidence of open reduction, and can achieve similar postoperative elbow joint function when compared with traditional closed reduction technique.

Surgical Versus Conservative Management for Treating Unstable Atlas Fractures: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: This multicenter study compared radiological parameters and clinical outcomes between surgical and nonsurgical management and investigated treatment characteristics associated with the successful management of unstable atlas fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 53 consecutive patients with unstable atlas fracture who underwent halo-vest immobilization (HVI) or surgical fixation. Clinical outcomes were assessed using neck visual analogue scale and disability index. The radiological assessment included total lateral mass displacement (LMD) and the anterior atlantodental interval (AADI). RESULTS: Thirty-two patients underwent surgical fixation and 21 received HVI (mean follow-up, 24.9 months). In the surgical fixation, but not in the HVI, LMD, and AADI showed statistically significant improvements at the last follow-up. The osseous healing rate and time-to-healing were 100% and 14.3 weeks with surgical fixation, compared with 71.43% and 20.0 weeks with HVI, respectively. Patients treated with HVI showed poorer neck pain and neck disability outcomes than those who received surgical treatment. LMD showed an association with osseous healing outcomes in nonoperative management. Clinical outcomes and osseous healing showed no significant differences according to Dickman's classification of transverse atlantal ligament injuries. CONCLUSION: Surgical internal fixation had a higher fusion rate, shorter fracture healing time, more favorable clinical outcomes, and a more significant reduction in LMD and AADI compared to nonoperative management. The pitfalls of external immobilization are inadequate maintenance and a lower probability of reducing fractured lateral masses. Stabilization by surgical reduction with interconnected fixation proved to be a more practical management strategy than nonoperative treatment for unstable atlas fractures.

The lesser trochanter "Sling fixation technique" in proximal intramedullary nailing of unstable intertrochanteric fractures: A polymer-based cerclage wiring.

Introduction: Lesser trochanter (LT) fixation to restore the continuity of the posteromedial fragment using a cerclage wire has been reported to provide a more stable reduction in the treatment of unstable femoral neck fractures with LT involvement. However, LT fixation is not commonly performed due to the complications associated with the traditional monofilament cerclage metal wires. In this study, we investigate the clinical and radiological outcomes of a new technique for LT fixation in conjunction with Intramedullary (IM) fixation with nail and screws when compared to isolated IM fixation. The Sling Fixation Technique involves a new wiring technique and the use of a polymer-based cerclage cable characterized by iso-elastic properties that is hypothesized to provide better clinical and radiographic outcomes. Patients and methods: This prospective observational study included 30 patients who underwent proximal IM nailing from July 2019 to April 2020. Thirty consecutive patients (30) were assigned to 2 different treatment groups. Fifteen (15) patients were treated with the IM Nailing and Sling Fixation Technique and 15 with IM nailing only. Patients were comparable for demographic features, fracture pattern, age, gender and associated medical comorbidities. Clinical outcomes were analyzed in terms of time needed to achieve complete weight bearing, Harris hip score (HHS), Barthel Index (BI) and Radiographic Union Scale for Hip (RUSH). The follow-up period was one year. Results: Time for fracture healing and to achieve weight-bearing in the "Sling" group were shown to be significantly shorter than in the IM group. The Sling group showed furthermore better HHS, BI and RUSH scores when compared to the IM group at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months from the surgery. No complications such as wiring breakage, cut-outs, breakage or pullout of the fixation screws were observed; one case of heterotrophic ossification was reported. Conclusion: In cases of unstable intertrochanteric fractures of the proximal femur with lesser trochanter involvement, the Sling fixation technique using an isoelastic polymer-based wire showed superior results in terms of stability and consequently better clinical and radiographic outcomes than IM nailing only.

Mortality and functional consequences after revision osteosynthesis for peritrochanteric fractures treated by intramedullary nail: A retrospective study of 312 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Osteosynthesis of peritrochanteric fractures by intramedullary nail is associated with a 3 to 15% rate of complications requiring revision surgery. The objective of our study was to compare mortality and autonomy between patients who required revision surgery after osteosynthesis, and patients without revision surgery. HYPOTHESES: Patients who underwent revision surgery after osteosynthesis of a peritrochanteric fracture by intramedullary nail did not exhibit excess mortality or loss of autonomy compared to those who did not undergo revision surgery. METHODS: Between January 2017 and October 2019, 312 consecutive patients were operated on for a peritrochanteric fracture by intramedullary nail. Among them, 23 patients (7.4%) required revision surgery (change, nail removal, total hip arthroplasty). Mortality at 90 days and at one year was evaluated and compared between the group of "revision" patients and "no revision" patients. The level of autonomy was assessed by the Parker and Palmer score, one year postoperatively and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The patients requiring revision surgery were younger: 73 years old vs. 86 years old (p<0.011). The overall mortality was 7.25% at 90 days after surgery and 15% at one year. Mortality was zero at 90 days, and at 1 year, postoperatively for patients requiring revision surgery. There was no significant difference for the mortality at 90 days (p=0.39) between the 2 groups, however at 1 year, it was significantly less for the revision patients (0% vs. 17%, p=0.032). There was no significant difference for the Parker score between the "revision" group; 5 (4-9) and the "no revision" group; 4 (3-7), at one year postoperatively (p=0.24). CONCLUSION: This study did not show any excess mortality, nor loss of autonomy at 1 year postoperatively, for patients who required osteosynthesis for a trochanteric fracture, and who presented with a complication requiring revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, comparative retrospective study.

Influence of the PFNA screw position on the risk of cut-out in an unstable intertrochanteric fracture: a computational analysis.

The position of the lag screw in the femoral head is a key factor to cut-out, the most reported complication in the internal fixation of intertrochanteric fractures. Considering that the best position for the lag screw remains controversial, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different lag screw positions on the risk of cut-out of an unstable intertrochanteric fracture fixed with a Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-Rotation (PFNA) implant. The relationship between cut-out and the tip-apex distance (TAD) or the calcar referenced tip-apex distance (CalTAD) was also investigated. Finite element models of one male and one female femur treated with a PFNA implant were developed considering the lag screw positioned centrally and inferiorly on the anteroposterior view, and for each of these, the screw tip at 4 discrete positions along its longitudinal axis. All 8 positions simulated for each femur considered the lag screw in a centre position on the lateral view. The risk of cut-out was evaluated for two loading conditions assuming it is related with high compressive strains. The bone region at the fracture line, near the tip of the missing medial fragment, was always the most concerning regarding high compressive strains. The inferior positioning of the lag screw reduced the volume of bone susceptible to yielding compared to the centre positioning. The deep placement of the screw tip improved the outcome for both centre and inferior positions. The results suggested the inferior and deep placement of the screw to be the best position to reduce the risk of cut-out. The volume of bone susceptible to yielding was found not to be correlated to TAD or CalTAD, suggesting that further investigation is necessary to identify other, more reliable, predictors of cut-out.

[Treatment of unstable femoral neck fracture with posteromedial comminutations by cannulated screws and medial bracing plate combined with bone allograft].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of unstable femoral neck fracture with posteromedial comminutations treated by cannulated screws and medial bracing plate combined with bone allograft. METHODS: The clinical data of 18 patients with unstable femoral neck fracture with posteromedial comminutations treated by cannulated screws and medial bracing plate combined with bone allograft between July 2016 and March 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The age ranged from 22 to 64 years, with a median age of 43 years. The causes of injury included 11 cases of falling injury, 3 cases of traffic accident injury, and 4 cases of fall from height injury. According to Garden classification, the femoral neck fracture was classified as type Ⅲ in 3 cases, type Ⅳ in 15 cases, and all patients were type Ⅲ according to Pauwels classification. The time from injury to operation was 1-5 days, with an average of 2.3 days. The fracture healing time and complications were recorded. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated by Garden index immediately after operation; at last follow-up, the degree of femoral neck shortening was determined by Zlowodzki method, Harris score was used to evaluate hip function. RESULTS: The operation time was 62-98 minutes (mean, 75 minutes); intraoperative blood loss was 101-220 mL (mean, 153 mL). Cannulated screws guide wire was inserted 3-5 times (mean, 4 times). Intraoperative fluoroscopy was performed 9-21 times (mean, 15 times). The hospital stay was 5-11 days (mean, 7.2 days). All the patients were followed up 12-40 months with an average of 17.3 months. There was no postoperative complication such as accumulated pneumonia, lower extremity deep venous thrombosis, nail cutting, nail withdrawal, internal fixation fracture, and so on. There was no fracture nonunion and osteonecrosis of the femoral head during the follow-up; the fracture healing time was 7-15 weeks, with an average of 12.1 weeks. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated immediately after operation, the results were grade Ⅰ in 15 cases and grade Ⅱ in 3 cases. At last follow-up, there were 2 cases with femoral neck shortening less than 5 mm and 1 case with 5-10 mm. The incidence of femoral neck shortening was 16.7%. The Harris score of hip joint was 73-97, with an average of 93.5; among them, 12 cases were rated as excellent, 3 cases as good, and 3 cases as fair, with an excellent and good rate of 83.3%. CONCLUSION: For the treatment of unstable femoral neck fracture with posteromedial comminutations, cannulated screws and medial bracing plate combined with bone allograft are dramatically effective due to earlier weight bearing, faster fracture healing, and better hip function recovery.

[Treatment of unstable fresh thoracolumbar burst fracture by over-bending rod reduction and fixation technique via posterior approach].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of over-bending rod reduction and fixation technique via posterior approach in the treatment of unstable fresh thoracolumbar burst fracture. METHODS: A clinical data of 27 patients with unstable fresh thoracolumbar burst fracture, who were met the inclusive criteria and admitted between January 2018 and October 2019, was retrospectively analyzed. There were 15 males and 12 females with an average age of 41.8 years (range, 26-64 years). The fractures were caused by falling from height in 14 cases, traffic accident in 8 cases, and crushing by a heavy objective in 5 cases. The interval between injury and operation was 1-7 days (mean, 3.2 days). The injured fracture was located at T 10 in 1 case, T 11 in 3 cases, T 12 in 6 cases, L 1 in 7 cases, L 2 in 7 cases, and L 3 in 3 cases. According to AO classification, there were 11 cases of type A3, 7 cases of type B, and 9 cases of type C. Neurological function was rated as grade A in 3 cases, grade B in 7 cases, grade C in 5 cases, and grade D in 12 cases according to the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading. All cases were treated by over-bending rod reduction and fixation technique via posterior approach, and 16 cases were combined with limited fenestration decompression. The evaluation indicators consisted of operation time, intraoperative blood loss, the compression ratio of the anterior vertebral height, the invasion rate of the injured vertebra into the spinal canal, the Cobb angle of segmental kyphosis, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). RESULTS: The operation time was 67-128 minutes (mean, 81.6 minutes), and the intraoperative blood loss was 105-295 mL (mean, 210 mL). All patients were followed up 12-23 months (mean, 17.2 months). A total of 178 pedicle screws were implanted during operation, and the accuracy of the implantation was 98.9% (176/178). The compression ratios of the anterior vertebral height at the early postoperatively and last follow-up were significantly increased when compared with preoperative one ( P<0.05), and the invasion rate of the injured vertebra into the spinal canal, Cobb angle, VAS score, and ODI were significantly lower than those preoperatively ( P<0.05). Except that the ODI at last follow-up was significantly lower than that of the early postoperative period ( P<0.05), there was no significant difference between the last follow-up and the early postoperative period for other indicators ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the neurological function was rated as grade A in 1 case, grade B in 2 cases, grade C in 4 cases, grade D in 9 cases, and grade E in 11 cases according to the ASIA grading, showing significant difference when compared with that before operation ( Z=-3.446, P=0.001). CONCLUSION: Over-bending rod reduction and fixation technique can effectively restore vertebral height, reset the invaded vertebral block, and selectively perform limited decompression and posterolateral bone grafting to ensure the completeness of intravertebral decompression and stability, which is one of the effective methods to treat unstable fresh thoracolumbar burst vertebral fracture.

Comparison of anterior-only versus combined anterior and posterior fusion for unstable subaxial cervical injuries: a meta-analysis of biomechanical and clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to perform a meta-analysis comparing biomechanical and clinical outcomes between anterior-only and combined anterior and posterior fusions to determine which method of cervical fusion yielded better results for unstable cervical injuries. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science and SCOPUS electronic databases were searched for relevant articles published through 2000-2019 that compared the biomechanical and clinical outcomes of anterior-only and combined anterior and posterior fusion for unstable cervical fracture. RESULTS: Eight biomechanical and four clinical studies were included in the analysis. There were significant biomechanical differences between the groups with respect to flexion-extension, axial rotation and lateral bending. Combined fusion provided better biomechanical stability for unstable cervical injuries than anterior-only fusion, regardless of the number of corpectomies or the presence of a posterior column injury. However, despite significant biomechanical differences, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes, such as the degree of neurologic improvement and complications between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Anterior-only and combined anterior and posterior fusions for unstable subaxial cervical injuries can both restore cervical stability. Although combined fusion might have some advantages in terms of stability biomechanically, there were no significant differences in clinical outcomes, such as the degree of neurologic improvement and perioperative complications. Therefore, rather than the routine use of combined fusion for unstable cervical injuries, the selective use of anterior-only or combined fusion according to the type of injury is recommended.

[Comparison of effectiveness of anterior subcutaneous internal fixator and plate internal fixation for unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of anterior subcutaneous pelvic internal fixator (INFIX) and plate internal fixation in treatment of unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures. METHODS: The clinical data of 48 patients with unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures who met the selection criteria between June 2014 and December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 21 cases were treated with INFIX (INFIX group), and 27 cases were treated with plate (plate group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, Injury Severity Score (ISS), and fracture type between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, partial weight-bearing time, and complete weight-bearing time were recorded and compared between the two groups. Matta standard was used to evaluate the quality of fracture reduction, and Majeed score system was used to evaluate the functional recovery of pelvic fracture after operation. RESULTS: The patients in both groups were followed up for an average of 12.5 months (range, 6-16 months). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss in INFIX group were significantly lower than those in plate group ( t=-11.965, P=0.000; t=-20.105, P=0.000). There was no significant difference in the quality of fracture reduction, fracture healing time, partial weight-bearing time, and complete weight-bearing time between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 14 weeks after operation, there was no significant difference in the scores of pain, working, standing and walking, and total scores between INFIX group and plate group ( P>0.05), but there were significant differences in sitting and sexual intercourse scores ( t=-4.250, P=0.003; t=-6.135, P=0.006). The incidences of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury, femoral nerve injury, and heterotopic ossification were significantly higher in INFIX group than in plate group ( P<0.05), while the incidence of incision infection was lower in INFIX group than in plate group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with the plate internal fixation, the INFIX internal fixation can obtain the similar effectiveness for the unstable anterior pelvic ring fracture and has the advantages of shorter operation time, less blood loss, and lower risk of infection.

Motion-preserving treatment of unstable atlas fracture: transoral anterior C1-ring osteosynthesis using a laminoplasty plate.

BACKGROUND: C1-ring osteosynthesis is a valid alternative to posterior C1-C2 or C0-C2 fusion to preserve important C1-C2 motion in the treatment of unstable atlas fractures. Nevertheless, the fixation instruments used in current studies for transoral anterior C1-ring osteosynthesis were not suitable for anterior anatomy of the atlas or did not have reduction mechanism. We therefore present this report to investigate preliminary clinical effects of transoral anterior C1-ring osteosynthesis using a laminoplasty plate in unstable atlas fractures. METHODS: From January 2014 to December 2017, 13 patients with unstable atlas fractures were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated with transoral anterior C1-ring osteosynthesis using a laminoplasty plate. Pre- and postoperative images were obtained to assess reduction of the fracture, internal fixation placement, and bone union. Neurological function, range of motion, and pain levels were evaluated clinically on follow-up. RESULTS: The surgeries were successfully performed in all cases. The average follow-up duration was 16.6 ± 4.4 months (range 12-24 months). One patient suffered screw loosening after operation and underwent replacement operation subsequently. Satisfactory clinical outcomes were achieved in all patients with ideal fracture reduction, reliable plate placement, well-preserved range of motion, and neck pain alleviation. All patients achieved bone union of fractures without loss of reduction or implant failure or C1-C2 instability during the follow-up. No vascular or neurological complication was noted during the operation and follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Transoral anterior C1-ring osteosynthesis using a laminoplasty plate is a effective surgical treatment for unstable atlas fractures. This technique has a ingenious reduction mechanism, and can provide satisfactory bone union and preservation of C1-C2 motion.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability of a three-dimensional classification system for intertrochanteric fracture using computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Intertrochanteric fractures are common fragility fractures in elderly patients. The importance of a reliable classification system for these fractures has been increasingly recognized. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that three-dimensional classification by CT has better intra- and inter-observer reliability than conventional two-dimensional classification. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two hundred and three consecutive patients (39 male, 164 female; mean age 84.5 years) with intertrochanteric fracture were included in the study. In each case, the fracture was classified using the two-dimensional Evans-Jensen and AO/OTA systems that rely on plain radiographs and using a three-dimensional fragment-based CT system. The second evaluation was performed 1 month after the first evaluation by the same examiner to determine intra-observer reliability. Another blinded examiner also classified each case to assess inter-observer reliability. The kappa coefficient was used for determination of intra- and inter-observer reliability. RESULTS: The kappa values for the two-dimensional Evans-Jensen and AO/OTA classification systems showed moderate intra-observer reliability (κ=0.65 and κ=0.61, respectively) and slight inter-observer reliability (κ=0.20 and κ=0.19). The intra-observer kappa value for the three-dimensional classification system was 0.88, indicating almost perfect reliability; the inter-observer kappa value was 0.70, indicating substantial reliability. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study confirm that the fragment-based classification system has high reliability. Surgeons should be aware that the three-dimensional fragment-based CT system for classification of intertrochanteric fractures has better intra-observer and inter-observer reliability than the conventional two-dimensional systems.

[Application of anterior subcutaneous internal fixator combined with posterior plate in treatment of unstable pelvic fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of anterior subcutaneous internal fixator combined with posterior plate in the treatment of unstable pelvic fractures. METHODS: Between January 2015 and January 2019, 26 cases of unstable pelvic fractures were treated with anterior subcutaneous internal fixator combined with posterior plate. There were 16 males and 10 females, with an average age of 42.8 years (range, 25-66 years). According to the Tile classification, 9 of them belonged to type B2, 6 to type B3, 7 to type C1, 3 to type C2, 1 to type C3. The injury severity score (ISS) was 6-43 (mean, 18.3). Four cases combined with brain injury, 7 with limb fractures, 3 with hemopneumothorax, 1 with sciatic nerve injury. The time from injury to operation was 4-12 days (mean, 6.4 days). The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, and the complications were recorded. The fracture reduction and the postoperative function of patients were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were followed up 12-26 months (mean, 16.8 months). The operation time was 65-142 minutes (mean, 72.5 minutes) and the intraoperative blood loss was 42-124 mL (mean, 64.2 mL). There were 2 cases of unilateral lateral femoral cutaneous nerve stimulation, 1 case of femoral nerve paralysis, and 1 case of superficial infection of incision, which were cured after corresponding treatment. X-ray films showed that all fractures healed at 3 months after operation. At last follow-up, according to Matta criteria for fracture reduction, the results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 15 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 88.5%. According to Majeed scoring system for pelvic function, the results were excellent in 10 cases, good in 12 cases, and fair in 4 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 84.6%. CONCLUSION: For unstable pelvic fractures, the anterior subcutaneous internal fixator combined with posterior plate has fewer operative complications, high security, and achieve good effectiveness.

[Effect of screw blade position on proximal femoral nail anti-rotation internal fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the screw blade position on the effectiveness of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) internal fixation for unstable intertrochanteric fractures in the elderly. METHODS: A clinical data of 131 elderly patients with unstable intertrochanteric fractures who were treated with PFNA internal fixation between January 2010 and January 2017 was retrospectively analyzed. According to the anteroposterior X-ray films, the screw blades were placed in the middle of the femoral neck in 72 patients (group A) and at one-third of the femoral neck in 59 patients (group B). There was no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05) in the gender, age, bone density, classification of fractures, other medical diseases, and the time between injury and operation. Multiple treatment indexes were analyzed, including complications, hip Harris score, the healing status of fracture, tip-apex distance (TAD), and the height of the tail nail. RESULTS: All patients were followed up 11-14 months, with an average of 12.1 months. All incisions healed by first intention with no complications. All fractures healed and no significant difference in bone healing time between the two groups ( Z=-0.190, P=0.849). At 6 months after operation, TAD was (2.23±0.07) cm in group A and (2.85±0.12) cm in group B, showing significant difference ( t=-47.643, P=0.000); and the height of the tail nail was (1.72±0.14) cm in group A and (0.53±0.26) cm in group B, showing significant difference ( t=31.031, P=0.000). According to the Harris score, the hip functions were rated as excellent in 48 cases, good in 15 cases, and poor in 9 cases in group A, while as excellent in 38 cases, good in 16 cases, and poor in 5 cases in group B, with no significant difference between the two groups ( Z=-0.075, P=0.941). CONCLUSION: For the unstable intertrochanteric fracture in the elderly, the PFNA internal fixation with appropriated TAD and the screw blades placed in the middle or at one-third of the femoral neck can obtain good effectiveness.

Surgical Stabilization of a Cervical Fracture in a Patient with Ankylosing Spondylitis in the Sitting Position.

Ankylosing spondylitis is a seronegative spondyloarthropathy promoting alteration of the integrity and biomechanics of the spine. This leads to a brittle and hyperkyphotic spine with an increased risk of cervical spine fracture. Cervical spine fractures in people with ankylosing spondylitis are often unstable three-column extension injuries that are managed with posterior long segment fusions. Kyphotic deformity, body habitus, and increased airway pressures complicate these procedures. A 65-year-old man presented with neck pain following a fall from a roof. He was found to have a displaced transverse three-column fracture of C6/7. The original plan was to perform a staged circumferential cervical fusion with anterior cervical fusion first to make prone positioning for posterior fusion safer. CT after anterior cervical fusion from C5 to C7 demonstrated improved alignment of the fractured posterior elements. Due to concern of increased peak airway pressures and awkward positioning, planned prone positioning for posterior approach was abandoned. A posterior long segment fusion from C4 to T3 was performed in the seated position. CT demonstrated the hardware was appropriately placed. The patient's hospital course was uncomplicated, and he was followed up with cervical spine x-rays. Two years later, he denied neck pain or functional impairment and x-ray demonstrated healing of the fracture. Utilizing the sitting position for the posterior cervicothoracic fusion portion of a combined anterior-posterior approach can overcome complication-spurring positioning difficulties and provide proper surgical management of an unstable cervical spine fracture in a patient with ankylosing spondylitis.

Role of the distal fourth fixation factor in treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures with intramedullary nails / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the role of the distal fourth fixation factor in the treatment of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures with intramedullary nails. Methods: A total of 108 patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures (AO type: A2.2-A.3.3) treated from Jun. 2014 to Jun. 2018 in our hospital were selected and divided into three groups. The injury was fixed with short intramedullary nails and had matched medullary cavity in group A (n=42). The injury was fixed with short intramedullary nails and had mismatched medullary cavity in group B (n=40). The injury was fixed with long intramedullary nails in group C (n=26). Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, postoperative complications and clinical efficacy were compared among the three groups. The efficacy was evaluated by the Harris hip score. Results: There was no significant difference in the age, gender composition, or causes of injury between groups (P>0.05), but there was statistic difference in the AO type between groups (P0.05). The amount of intraoperative bleeding in group A was (149.19 ± 45.97) mL, which was significantly less than that in group C ([230.77 ± 57.40] mL, P0.05). The fracture healing time in group B was (14.10 ± 2.22) months, which was significantly longer than that in group A ([11.43 ± 2.95] months) and group C ([12.35 ± 4.47] months, P<0.05). At the last follow-up, the Harris score in group B was 77.33 ± 8.18, which was significantly lower than that in group A and C (85.52 ± 10.76, 89.12 ± 9.14, P<0.05). Two patients in group A developed coxa vara. Eight patients had lost restoration in group B. No complications occurred in group C. There was significant difference in the incidence of complication among the three groups (Fisher exact test, P=0.013). Conclusion: The technique using the distal fourth fixation factor can reduce the complications of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fractures such as postoperative loss of restoration and internal fixation failure, shorten the fracture healing time, and achieve early weight-bearing exercise.