[Transcriptomic characteristics analysis of bone from chronic osteomyelitis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism of chronic osteomyelitis and to clarify the role of MAPK signal pathway in the pathogenesis of chronic osteomyelitis, by collecting and analyzing the transcriptional information of bone tissue in patients with chronic osteomyelitis. METHODS: Four cases of traumatic osteomyelitis in limbs from June 2019 to June 2020 were selected, and the samples of necrotic osteonecrosis from chronic osteomyelitis (necrotic group), and normal bone tissue (control group) were collected. Transcriptome information was collected by Illumina Hiseq Xten high throughput sequencing platform, and the gene expression in bone tissue was calculated by FPKM. The differentially expressed genes were screened by comparing the transcripts of the Necrotic group and control group. Genes were enriched by GO and KEGG. MAP3K7 and NFATC1 were selected as differential targets in the verification experiments, by using rat osteomyelitis animal model and immunohistochemical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 5548 differentially expressed genes were obtained by high throughput sequencing by comparing the necrotic group and control group, including 2701 up-regulated and 2847 down-regulated genes. The genes enriched in MAPK pathway and osteoclast differentiation pathway were screened, the common genes expressed in both MAPK and osteoclast differentiation pathway were (inhibitor of nuclear factor κ subunit Beta, IκBKß), (mitogen-activated protein kinase 7, MAP3K7), (nuclear factor of activated t cells 1, NFATC1) and (nuclear factor Kappa B subunit 2, NFκB2). In rat osteomyelitis model, MAP3K7 and NFATC1 were highly expressed in bone marrow and injured bone tissue. CONCLUSION: Based on the transcriptome analysis, the MAPK signaling and osteoclast differentiation pathways were closely related to chronic osteomyelitis, and the key genes IκBKß, MAP3K7, NFATC1, NFκB2 might be new targets for clinical diagnosis and therapy of chronic osteomyelitis.

Single-stage procedures for treatment of traumatic patellar osteomyelitis: A retrospective study of 21 patients.

INTRODUCTION: We herein report on a series of 21 patients with traumatic patellar osteomyelitis treated by single-stage surgery, and discuss the specific application of single-stage procedures for traumatic patellar osteomyelitis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 patients with traumatic patellar osteomyelitis treated in our hospital from January 2010 to April 2018. In a single-stage surgery, aggressive debridement was performed together with application of a tissue flap, especially a gastrocnemius flap (for repair of skin/soft tissue defects and treatment of extensor mechanism defects), and internal refixation of the patellar fracture. The knee joint was exercised early after surgery. Long-term follow-up was performed to evaluate the recurrence of osteomyelitis according to clinical and laboratory signs of infection and to measure the active knee range of motion (ROM). RESULTS: Single-stage wound treatment was successful in 20 of 21 patients. Treatments included radical debridement together with tissue flap for repair of soft tissue and extensor mechanism defects, and internal refixation of patellar fractures. 14 patients were treated with gastrocnemius flaps. One patient developed recurrent wound infection, which healed after reoperation. At a mean follow-up of 8 ± 2.63 years (range, 3.2-11.4 years), none had developed recurrence. Six patients had nearly full knee ROM (0°-105° to 0°-146°), whereas 11 patients had impaired knee mobility (ROM, 0°-90° to 0°-65°), 3 patients had knee joint stiffness with a ROM of 0°, and 1 patient had knee flexion contracture with a ROM of 78°-130° CONCLUSIONS: Single-stage surgical treatment consisting of various surgical techniques was an acceptable treatment for traumatic patellar osteomyelitis, allowing early exercise of the knee joint. The osteomyelitis did not recur, and most patients' knee ROM was restored to a certain extent, excluding patients with severe damage to the patellar articular surface and inactive functional exercise.

Protective effects of Wuwei Xiaodu Drink against chronic osteomyelitis through Foxp3+CD25+CD4+ Treg cells via the IL-2/STAT5 signaling pathway.

To explore the effectiveness and safety of a Chinese medicinal decoction Wuwei Xiaodu Drink (WWXDD) in inhibiting chronic osteomyelitis via regulatory T cells signaling. The effective constitutes of WWXDD and osteomyelitis related genes were screened. Target proteins were cross-validated using the Venny database. GO function and KEGG pathway analysis were performed for target proteins, while pharmacological network was constructed. The bone properties were analyzed by HE staining and the concentrations of immune factors were measured by ELISA. The expression of CTLA-4 and Foxp3 mRNA and STAT5, p-STAT5, CTLA-4 and Foxp3 protein were detected using Real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. FACS was used to analyze the percentages of cells. A total of 117 genes overlapped between 785 target genes of the active compounds of WWXDD and 912 osteomyelitis related genes. Inflammation-related genes, including IL-6, TNFα, IL-1ß and IL-2 showed high connection degree in the drug-compound-disease-target network. GO function and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that 117 intersection genes mainly enriched in virus infection related pathways, immune related pathways and chemokine signaling pathway. Furthermore, the development of chronic osteomyelitis was suppressed in model rats after treatment with WWXDD. Meanwhile, the concentrations of IL-2 and CD4+CD25+Foxp3 Treg percentages together with the levels of p-STAT5, CTLA-4 and Foxp3 were also down-regulated. Furthermore, IL-2 and WWXDD drug-containing serum exhibited opposite effects on regulating IL-2, IL-10, TGF-ß1, Foxp3, CTLA4 and STAT5. In addition, a STAT5 phosphorylation inhibitor suppressed the expression of Foxp3 and CTLA-4. WWXDD can treat chronic osteomyelitis through suppressing the main regulating factors of Tregs and interfere its immunodepression. Our results bring a new solution for chronic osteomyelitis.

PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone alleviates inflammatory response induced by lipopolysaccharides in osteoblast cells.

Osteomyelitis is an acute or chronic inflammatory bone disease with a high disability rate. As an anti-inflammatory factor, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) is not only implicated in a variety of inflammatory responses but also regulates osteoblast differentiation and bone mass. However, the role of PPAR-γ in osteomyelitis is not fully understood. In the present study, we demonstrated that PPAR-γ showed a lower expression level in infected bone tissue of osteomyelitis patients as compared with uninfected bone tissue from nonosteomyelitis patients with fracture of the hip. We applied lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) in MC3T3-E1 osteoblast precursor cell line as an in vitro model for osteomyelitis. LPS treatment increased osteomyelitis-associated inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), whereas PPAR-γ levels and cell viability in MC3T3-E1 cells were suppressed. PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 further enhanced IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and decreased cell viability in the presence of LPS treatment. In contrast, PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone antagonized the effect of LPS treatment in MC3T3-E1 cells. These findings suggest that PPAR-γ downregulation is associated with the inflammation and progression of osteomyelitis, and PPAR-γ agonist could serve as a therapeutic strategy to attenuate inflammatory responses. This study provides novel insights into the physiopathogenesis of osteomyelitis and future study is required to validate the findings in animal model and uncover the molecular mechanism of PPAR-γ-dependent anti-inflammation in osteoblasts.

[Surgical treatment of traumatic osteomyelitis of extremities with MRSA infection].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize and discuss the clinical efficacy and application value of intravenous drip of linezolid combined with local targeted sustained-release of vancomycin in the treatment of traumatic osteomyelitis of extremities infected with MRSA. METHODS: Thirty patients with traumatic osteomyelitis of extremities infected by MRSA from March 2015 to March 2017 were analyzed retrospectively, including 21 males and 9 females; aged 25 to 64 years old, with an average age of(47.94± 6.23) years old;the course of disease ranged from 9 to 23 months, with an average of (15.68±6.23) months. The lesions were located in tibia in 18 cases and calcaneus in 12 cases. The causes of injury were fall injury in 12 cases, trafficaccident injury in 9 cases and fall injury in 9 cases. There were 22 patients with closed fractures and 8 patients with open fractures. There were 13 cases of internal fixation. Twenty-two patients had sinustract, 8 patients had soft tissue defect with bone and internal fixation exposure, soft tissue defect area ranged from 2.0 cm × 3.0 cm to 8.2 cm × 12.3 cm;10 patients had bone defect, defect area ranged from 0.5 to 3.4 cm;bacterial culture of sinus tract or wound secretion in all patients was MRSA. On the basis of thorough debridement, calcium sulfate artificial bone loaded with vancomycin was implanted in the lesion, and linezolid and glucose injection was given intravenously during the perioperative period. The patients were followed up regularly according to the time of antibiotic use, blood routine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, liver and kidney function and other related laboratory indexes, X-ray, CT and other imaging examinations, bone healing, flap survival, joint function and McKee's osteomyelitis cure criteria. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 3 to 6 years, with a mean of (4.23±0.76) years. No recurrence of osteomyelitis occurred. Fracture healing, infection control, wound healing and functional recovery were achieved. CONCLUSION: Intravenous drip of linezolid combined with local targeted sustained-release of vancomycin for the treatment of MRSA infected traumatic osteomyelitis in limbs have significant effects and low recurrence rates.

[Closed folding apex manipulation combined with splinting for the treatment of double fractures of distal ulna and radius in children].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate specific technique and clinical effects of closed folding top consolidation maneuver combined with splint fixation maneuver for consolidation and cedar bark external fixation splint for the treatment of double fractures of distal ulna and radius in children. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2019, 17 children with double fractures of distal ulna and radius were treated with closed folded apex consolidation maneuver, including 13 males and 4 females, aged from 4 to 11 years old with an average of (7.29±2.34) years old. The fractures were fixed with cedar bark splint and followed up for 6 months, and alignment of fracture was evaluated according to the latest X-rays by follow up, and function of the affected limbs was evaluated by Anderson forearm function evaluation criteria. RESULTS: Fifteen of 17 children were successfully reset immediately, and 2 children were successfully reset again. The average fixed time was (25.00±3.35) days. At 6 months of follow up, 12 patients got excellent results, 3 good, 2 fair, and 0 poor according to Anderson forearm function evaluation criteria. The position of all children were larger than 3/4, and 10 children were received anatomical reduction, alignment of 4 children was less than 10°, 3 children was less than 15°. No complications such as fracture displacement, nonunion, compartment syndrome, and forearm rotation dysfunction occurred. CONCLUSION: Restoration of distal radius double fracture in children with the combination of the closed folding and top fixation maneuver and splint fixation maneuver has advantages of higher success rate, lower complications, which could reduce operating difficultyand pain of patients.

[Progress on complications of chronic osteomyelitis with bone defect treated by bone transportation].

Bone transportation technology (Ilizarov technique) effectively solves the clinical problem of chronic osteomyelitis with structural bone defect. The paper combined with own clinical experience and a large number of literatures, the results showed that this method had some complications related to severe bone healing, such as non union of the joint ends and poor mineralization of the extended gap. Maintenance of force line during operation, protection of osteotomy end tissues, appropriate transporting velocity and stress stimulation after operation, and application of "accordion technology" are the keys to reduce such complications. At present, there is still much controversy about the timing of removal of external fixator. Once the re fracture is caused by early removal, it must be treated actively as soon as possible. In addition, it is necessary to reduce the local thermal injury of nail canal during operation and strengthen the nursing of nail canal after operation in order to prevent nail canal infection. Reasonable analgesic regimen combined with active functional exercise is an important method to avoid the occurrence of adjacent joint dysfunction.

[Surgical treatment of deep infection around the spine].

OBJECTIVE: To study the surgical method and clinical effect of deep infection around the spine. METHODS: The clinical data of 7 patients with deep infections around the spine treated from January 2015 to January 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were acute infection within 3 weeks after spinal surgery. There were 5 males and 2 females, aged from 29 to 67 years old with an average of 42 years old. Four of them had implants and the other three didn't. After infection was diagnosed, they accepted aggressive debridement with assistance of vacuum sealing drainage(VSD). The antibiotic artificial bones were put in wounds, combined with intravenous antibiotics. Blood-rich adjacent tissue flaps were used to reconstruct defect of wounds. The tissue flaps included 4 paraspinal muscle flaps, 1 thoracolumbar fascial flap, 1 latissimus dorsi flap and 1 paraspinal muscle combined with thoracolumbar fascial flap. RESULTS: All 7 patients were followed up from 6 to 24 months with an average of 13.28 months. During the follow-up period, among the 4 patients with instrument, except one patient of lumbar fusion removed internal fixation due to postoperative infection, the other 3 patients successfully kept the implants. One case of cervical fracture and dislocation was repaired by latissimus dorsi transposition. Its wound healed but hydrops accumulated under the flap. This patient was cured by puncture drainage and local pressure bandaging. The other 5 wounds' healing were first intention and no postoperative complications such as infection recurrence, hematoma, effusion or wound dehiscence occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Deep infection around the spine is a serious complication and should be treated aggressively once diagnosed. Thorough debridement with the help of negative pressure closed drainage, local application of antibiotic artificial bone combined with systemic intravenous antibiotics and repairing wounds with adjacent tissue flaps are effective procedures for the treatment of deep infection around the spine.

[Transfer of gastrocnemius muscle flap for postoperative infection with patellar internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate clinical effect of gastrocnemius muscle flap for repairing postoperative infection of patellar internal fixation. METHODS: From January 2011 to January 2017, 15 patients with postoperative infection of patellar internal fixation were treated, including 9 males and 6 females ranged from 31 to 66 years old with an average age of (42.5±11.2) years old. The courses of disease ranged from 2 to 8 months with an average of (4.3±1.5) months. All wounds were repaired by gastrocnemius muscle flap after debridement. The coverage of muscle flap was performed by free skin graft and donor site was closed directly. Survival of muscle flap, healing of incision were observed. HUANG Yong-xin clinical criteria and KSS score criteria were used to evaluate knee joint function 9 after operation. RESULTS: All muscle flaps were survived without necrosis. Incision of 13 patients were healed at stageI, and 2 patients had wound dehiscence after operation and healed after symptomatic treatment. All patients were followed up from 9 months to 30 months with an average of(20.6±8.3) months. No recurrence of infection was observed, and texture of muscle flap, skin color, appearance were good. According to HUANG Yong-xin clinical criteria, 13 excellent and 2 moderate. The clinical score of KSS score was 83.3±7.8, and functional score of KSS score was 86.3±10.4. CONCLUSIONS: Gastrocnemius muscle flap is an effective method in repairing postoperative infection of patellar internal fixation with stable curative effect and low recurrence rate, which is worthy popularizing.

[Causes and strategies for postoperative bone nonunion after bone transport of lower limb bone of chronic osteomyelitis with bone defect].

OBJECTIVE: To explore causes and strategies for postoperative bone nonunion after bone transport of lower limb bone of chronic osteomyelitis with bone defect. METHODS: From June 2012 to December 2015, clinical data of 38 patients with lower limb bone of chronic osteomyelitis with bone defect were retrospectively analyzed, including 23 males and 15 females aged from 20 to 56 years old with an average of 36.5 years old; 5 cases occurred on 5 femoral osteomyelitis and 33 cases were tibial;the time from injury to bone transport ranged from 2 to 19 months with an average of 7.4 months; the distance of bone defect ranged from 4 to 12 cm with an average of 7.3 cm. Bone transport were performed at 1 week later after operations, and transport directions were from near-end to far-end for 30 cases, from far-end to near-end for 3 cases and bidirectional transport for another 5 cases. The alignment and transport speed were adjusted and weight-bearing was encouraged. Regular follow-up was performed and X-ray films were taken to observe complications such as poor mineralization in transport gaps, nonunion of docking sites, and recurrent fracture. Paley scoring was used to evaluate clinical effects. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 12 to 36 months with an average of 23.1 months. No recurrence of osteomyelitis, but multiple complications associated with poor bony healing occurred. In the process of bone transport, 3 cases occurred poor mineralization in transport gaps, 17 cases occurred ununion of docking sites, 5 cases suffered fracture gap, 1 case occurred fracture without remove of external fixation, and 4 cases occurred facture after remove of external fixation. The time of taken fixation ranged from 9 to 27 months with an average of 16.3 months; index of external fixation ranged from 1.7 to 2.7 months/cm with an average of 2.24 months/cm. According to Paley's scoring, bony results showed 12 cases excellent, 16 good, 3 moderate and 7 poor;and functional results showed 14 cases excellent, 18 good, 3 moderate and 3 poor. CONCLUSIONS: Bone transport technique could effectively solve clinical problems of long bone osteomyelitis with bone defect. However, long treatment period influence prognosis. Therefore, indications should be chosen strict, and operations should be precise and accurate, also monitored across whole process and followed up in time. Doctors should be actively guide corresponding prevention strategies.

[Modified one-stage revision procedure for treating proximal femoral infected nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the methods and results of modified one-stage revision procedure for treating proximal femoral infected nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation. METHODS: From June 2010 to June 2015, 10 patients of proximal femoral infected nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation were treated with modified one-stage revision procedure, including 9 males and 1 female, ranging in age from 35 to 77 years old. There were 3 cases of intertrochanteric fractures, 2 cases of intertrochanteric fractures accompanied with proximal femoral fractures and 5 cases of subtrochaneric fracures. The fractures ware fixed by LISS plate after radically debridement. The bone defects were repaired by free vascularized fibular graft and autogenous cancellous bone graft mixed artificial bone containing antibiotics. Postoperatively, ambulation without weight bearing was encouraged as early as possible. RESULTS: Ten patients were followed up from 9 to 30 months and all nonunions healed smoothly without wound infection recurrence or internal fixation failure at the final follow-up. The time for full weight bearing was from 12 to 28 weeks. The hip joint function was evaluated by Sanders Traumatic Hip Rating Scale, the result was excellent in 7 cases, good in 2, and fair in 1 at the final follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Modified one-stage revision procedure is an effective treatment with a good functional result for proximal femoral infected nonunion after intramedullary nail fixation. On the basis of radical debridement, the combination of infection control and bone healing therapeutic techniques is key for success.

[Treatment of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture with rivet-assisted hollow nail:a case-control study].

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively investigate the clinical effect of the rivet-assisted hollow screw in the treatment of posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture. METHODS: Total 49 patients with knee cruciate ligament avulsion fracture in the ending point of the ligament from January 2010 to December 2014 were divided into the treatment group and the control group. Thirty-one patients in treatment group were treated with rivet-assisted double cannulate nail, including 13 males and 18 females, ranging in age from 38 to 51 years old, with a mean of (40.6±5.1) years old; according to Meyers classification, 23 cases of type 2, 8 cases of type 3; 5 patients were caused by the low energy injury and 26 patients were caused by the high energy injury. Eighteen patients in control group were treated with double gold hollow screw fixation, including 5 males and 13 females, ranging in age from 36 to 52 years old, with an average age of (4.16±4.7) years old; according to Meyers classification, 14 cases of type 2 and 4 cases of type 3;2 patients were caused by the low energy injury and 16 patients were caused by the high energy injury. The operation time, postoperative complications, fracture healing time and the last AKS scoring system were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 12 to 24 months, with an average of 14.2 months. The patients in treatment group had no displacement of fracture fragments and internal fixation failure. The results of AKS score:pain was 48.1±1.5, activity was 21.3±2.7, stability was 20.9±2.5, walking ability was 47.3±1.9, under the stairs ability was 43.4±2.1, the total score was 190.7±2.9. There were 2 cases in control group had fracture fragment displacement and 1 patient had nail withdraw. The results of AKS score:pain was 40.1±2.2, activity was 20.1±0.2, stability was 18.1±3.2, walking ability was 46.3±1.7, under the stairs ability was 40.2 ±1.3, the total score was 180.2±1.4. Therefore, the comparison of the above indicators, the results of the treatment group were better than those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Rivet-assisted hollow screw fixation in the treatment of cruciate ligament avulsion fracture in the ending, has some advantages such as follows:accurate reduction, less postoperative complications and better postoperative knee function recovery, therefore it is an effective way to treat posterior cruciate ligament avulsion fracture.

[Mid and long-term clinical effects of percutaneous kyphoplasty with two methods for vertebral fragility fracture in the elderly].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the middle-long-term clinical effects of unilateral and bilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty(PKP) for vertebral fragility fracture in the elderly. METHODS: The clinical data in elderly patients with vertebral fragility fracture treated by unilateral and bilateral PKP between January 2008 and January 2010 was retrospective analyzed. According to a unified criteria to divided into two groups for 104 patients(44 males and 60 females), of them, 50 cases were divided in unilateral group using unilateral pedicle surgical approach for PKP and 54 cases were in bilateral group using bilateral pedicle approach. VAS score, Cobb angle, and the height of anterior and posterior vertebral body were respectively analyzed peroperatively and at 3 d, 3 months, 1 year, 3 years postoperatively and final follow-up. Clinical effects and safety were assessed in two groups. RESULTS: All the operations were successful. Operative time and bone cement injection volume in unilateral group were less than those of bilateral group(P<0.05). Postoperative VAS scores, Cobb angle, and the height of anterior and posterior vertebral body were obviously improved in two groups(P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between two groups(P>0.05). Bone cement leakage occurred in 12 cases(11.5%), recurrent fracture of vertebral body occurred in 5 cases(4.8%), cerebrospinal leak occurred in 2 cases(1.9%), and nerve root irritation occurred in 3 cases(2.9%). The above complications were transient and released after symptomatic treament. CONCLUSIONS: Middle-long-term clinical effects of unilateral and bilateral percutaneous kyphoplasty for vertebral fragility fracture are safe and satisfactory, and may be extended as a minimally invasive method. Unilateral approach for PKP has advantages of short operation time, relative less trauma, thus is a more ideal method.

[Total thigh musculocutaneous flap in reconstruction of refractory pressure ulcers around hips in patients with spinal cord injury].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the treatment of life-threatening refractory pressure ulcers around hips in patients with spinal cord injuries(SCI)and evaluate its clinical outcomes. METHODS: From March 2012 to June 2015, eight paraplegic patients with life-threatening refractory pressure ulcers around hips were treated with total thigh musculocutaneous flaps following amputation of proximal femurs or hips, including 7 males and 1 female with an average age of (52.0±2.6) years old ranging from 35 to 68. The coures of disease was from 10 months to 7 years with a mean of(2.9±0.2) years. All the 8 patients had compound ulcers of more than two parts, 7 cases had hip infection on the same side. The area of superficial wounds ranged from 3.0 cm×3.0 cm to 12.0 cm×15.0 cm. The clinical effects were evaluated according to infection controlling, wound healing, improving of nutrition and life quality of patients. RESULTS: All patient were followed up for 3 months to 2 years with an average of 1.3 years. All flaps survived, 5 cases obtained wound healing at one-stage, 2 cases had wound dehiscence and the wounds were closed after a second operation, 1 case had partial flap necrosis which was healed by dressing change, 1 case had urethral injury that was repaired in operation. All wounds were cured successfully without infection and ulcer recurrence during the follow-up period. The nutrition and quality of life of all cases improved observably after operation. CONCLUSIONS: The total thigh musculocutaneous flap is effective to reconstruct the refractory pressure ulcers around hip of patient with SCI. It can rescue life at the cost of losing one lower limb. It is an operation of last resort for the patients.

[Surgical treatment for the fractures and dislocations of the elbow in old patients].

OBJECTIVE: To introduce and report the preliminary results of 7 old patients with fractures and dislocations of the elbow. METHODS: From July 2011 to August 2015, 7 old patients suffered from fractures and dislocations of the elbow(5 of which were terrible triad). One patient had type Iradial head fracture, 3 type IIand 1 type III according to the Mason classification, and 1 type I, 5 type IIand 1 type III according to the Regan-Morrey classification. All the 7 patients received operation and then were treated with external fixation. Fractures of the radial head were fixed with Herbert screws or locking plates and screws. Fractures of ulnar coronoid were reduced and fixed with lag screws or K-wires or PDS sutures or locking screws according to the types. The lateral and medial collateral ligaments were also repaired. Plaster external fixation was applied for 3 weeks after operation, in the position with elbow flexion in 90 degrees and forearm rotation in neutral. External fixation braces were used for each patient after the plasters were removed, and at the same time rehabilitation programs were carried out. RESULTS: All the 7 patients were followed up, and the during ranged from 13 to 48 months(averaged, 20 months), with healed fractures, stable elbow and no pain movement. The functional outcome was excellent in 3 patients, good in 3 and fair in 1 according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score(MEPS). CONCLUSIONS: It is not easy to get stable fixation for fractures and dislocations of the elbow in old patients with osteoporosis and low density of bone, but the operation can achieve satisfied clinical outcomes after external fixation.

[Repairing ankle and foot injuries with perforator-based propeller flaps].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical effects of repairing ankle and foot injuries with perforator-based propeller flaps. METHODS: From June 2012 to April 2014, 20 patients with soft tissue defects on the foot and ankle were treated by perforator-based propeller flaps, including 14 males and 6 females with an average age of (36.2±4.6) years old ranging from 8 to 64 years. Area of soft tissue defect varied from 5 cm×2 cm to 22 cm×7 cm. The time from injury to operation ranged from 8 to 90 days, with an average of(38.2±6.2) days. AOFAS scoring were applied to evaluate therapeutic effects. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 6 to 24 months with an average of(13.5±2.2) months. Appearance and quality of flap were good. Operation time was 90 to 210 min, with an average of(120±32) min. Nineteen flaps were survived successfully, the flap edge of 1 case was necrosis and healed after free skin grafting. A good contour was confirmed on the recipient area. The total AOFAS score was(93.1±10.0) at the final following-up, 14 cases obtained excellent results and 6 cases were good. CONCLUSIONS: Perforator-based propeller flaps for ankle and foot injuries has advantages of safe, effectivity and could receive good results.

[Treatment of osteomyelitis and bone defect of femoral shaft by external fixation and bone transport].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the clinical effects and superiority of applying external fixation and bone transport to treat osteomyelitis and bone defect of femoral bone. METHODS: From August 2008 to December 2013,16 patients with osteomyelitis and bone defect of femoral bone were treated including 11 males and 5 females with an average age of 42 years old ranging from 13 to 62 years old. The average course of disease was 18 months ranging from 2 months to 4.5 years, and the average length of bone defect was 7.8 cm ranging from 4.5 to 15 cm. The bone defect of all cases were treated by external fixation and bone transport, the bone transport began at 1 week after operation, 1 mm per day and 4 times per day. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 10 to 36 months (means 22.5 months). One patient did not cooperate with treatment leads to the failure, then took the amputation. The remaining 15 cases of osteomyelitis were under control, including 12 cases of bone transport achieved one stage bone union, 3 cases achieved bone union via bone graft from iliac bone. The bone union time was 5 to 13 months(means 7.9 months). Thirteen patients almost obtained the same length of two lower extremities,2 patients had shortening of 1.5 to 2 cm. The time of moving the external fixation was from 6 to 16 months (means 9.3 months). CONCLUSION: Application of external fixation and bone transport is an effective method in treating the osteomyelitis and bone defect that can control the infection, eradicate wounds, and be the equalization of limb length.

[One-stage compound grafting of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous cancellous bone for the treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the treatment of chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis with bone defect after debridement and evaluate its clinical outcomes. METHODS: From June 2009 to June 2011, 52 patients with chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis were treated with stage-one compound grafting of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous cancellous bone,including 12 females and 40 males with an average age of 43 years old ranging from 18 to 67. According to Cierny-Mader classification, there were 34 cases with stage III and 18 with stage IV. There were 32 cases on right side and 20 on left,with a course of 6 months to 3 years. The area of soft tissue wound ranged from 3.0 cm x l.5 cm to 23.0 cm x l2.0 cm. The clinical effects were evaluated according to infection controlling, calcium sulfate absorption,bone defect repair and heel functional recovery. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 2 to 3.8 years (averaged 2.8 years). Primary healing was achieved in 52 patients. Two cases of recurrence were found post-operatively, 1 case in 3 months and another in 5 months,which were cured after a second operation. Bone repair healing was gained in 1.5 to 3.5 months (averaged 2.5 months). Complete radiological absorption of calcium sulfate was found in 1.2 to 3 months(averaged 2.2 months). Local exudation after removal of drainage tube had been persisting in 10 patients for 2 to 3 months, which was consistent with the time when cacium sulfate were totally absorbed. Flap had partial necrosis in 4 cases,and the wounds were closed after appropriate treatment finally. The mean Maryland score was 88.15±7.70. There were excellent results in 32 cases, good in 14, fair in 6. CONCLUSION: A satisfactory short-term clinical results can be gained by one-stage compound grafting of antibiotic-impregnated calcium sulfate and autogenous cancellous bone in chronic calcaneal osteomyelitis, but the long-term results need further follow-up. And much more study is also demanded to reduce the exudation of calcium sulfate.

[Application of vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate in treatment of osteomyelitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the role of vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate in the treatment of osteomyelitis. METHODS: We implanted vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate into 24 patients with traumatic osteomyelitis who were treated in our hospital from February 2008 to February 2010,and then the antibiotic concentrations in the lesions were measured.Bacterial culture results,inflammatory markers,as well as wound healing were observed.X-ray was performed in the location where the vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate was implanted.The blood vancomycin level as well as liver and kidney functions were determined. RESULTS: The vancomycin concentration in the lesion exceeded the effective therapeutic concentrations and the minimum inhibitory concentration,while the blood concentration was low.The liver and renal function remained normal.The safety profile was good,and the cure rate of osteomyelitis reached 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The vancomycin-loaded calcium sulphate can release high-concentration vancomycin in the diseased sites without causing high blood concentration.Also,it can guide the regeneration of bones.Therefore,it is effective and safe in treating osteomyelitis.

[Case-control study on needle-knife to cut off the medial branch of the lumbar posterior ramus under C-arm guiding for the treatment of low back pain caused by lumbar facet osteoarthritis].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical efficacy of needle-knife to cut off the medial branch of the lumbar posterior ramus under C-arm guiding to treat low back pain caused by lumbar facet osteoarthritis. METHODS: From July 2009 to June 2011, 60 patients with low back pain caused by lumbar facet osteoarthritis were reviewed,including 34 males and 26 females, ranging in age from 39 to 73 years old,averaged 61.9 years old; the duration of the disease ranged from 6 to 120 months, with a mean of 18.9 months. All the patients were divided into two groups, 30 patients (18 males and 12 females, ranging in age from 39 to 71 years old, needle-knife group) were treated with needle-knife to cut off medial branch of the lumbar posterior ramus under C -arm guiding and the other 30 patients(16 males and 14 females, ranging in age from 41 to 73 years old, hormone injection group) were treated with hormone injection in lumbar facet joint under C-arm guiding. The preoperative JOA scores and the scores at the 1st, 12th and 26th weeks after treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Before treatment,the JOA scores between the two groups had no significant difference (P= 0.479); after 1 week of treatment, the JOA scores between the two groups had significant difference (P= 0.040), the improvement rate of hormone injection group was superior than that of the needle-knife group,which were (58.73+/-18.20)% in needle-knife group and (71.10+/-22.19)% in hormone injection group; after 12 weeks of treatment, the JOA scores between the two groups had no significant difference(P=0.569), and the improvement rate between the two groups had no significant difference,which were (50.09+/-19.33)% in the needle-knife group and (48.70+/-18.36)%) in the hormone injection group; after 26 weeks of treatment,the JOA scores between the two groups had significant difference (P=0.000), the improvement rate of hormone injection group was superior than that of the needle-knife group,which were (48.56+/-28.24)% in needle-knife group and (15.62+/-11.23 )% in hormone injection group. CONCLUSION: Using needle-knife to cut off the medial branch of the lumbar posterior ramus could get longer efficacy than hormone injection in the treatment of lumbar facet osteoarthritis.