A Novel Method to Assess Healing of Segmental Bone Defects using the Induced Membrane Technique.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical concerns exist regarding the quality of bony consolidation in the context of the induced membrane technique. This study evaluates the clinical process of bone grafting in the second stage of induced membrane bone union in patients with tibial bone defects to infer the possibility of non-union and establish a reliable and effective evaluation method combined with computed tomography (CT) to assess fracture healing. METHODS: Patients with tibial bone defects who underwent the induced membrane technique at our hospital between February 2017 and February 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The Hounsfield unit (HU) values of the patients were evaluated at different times during the second stage of bone grafting. Bone healing at the boundary value of the 120 HU output threshold (-1024 HU-3071 HU) was directionally selected, and the changes in the growth volume of union (new bone volume [selected according to HU value]/bone defect volume) were compared with analyzing individual class bone union. Method 1 involved X-rays revealing that at least three of the four cortices were continuous and at least 2 mm thick, with the patient being pain free. For Method 2, new bone volume (selected according to HU value/bone defect volume) at the stage was compared with analyzing individual class healing. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used for Methods 1 and 2. RESULTS: A total of 42 patients with a segmental bone defect with a mean age of 40.5 years (40.5 ± 8.3 years) were included. The relationship between bone graft volume and time variation was analyzed by single factor repeated variable analysis (F = 6.477, p = 0.016). Further, curve regression analysis showed that the change in bone graft volume over time presented a logarithmic curve pattern (Y = 0.563 + 0.086 × ln(X), Ra2 = 0.608, p = 0.041). ROC curve analysis showed that Method 2 is superior to Method 1 (AUC: 86.3% vs. 68.3%, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The induced membrane technique could be used to treat traumatic long bone defects, with fewer complications and a higher healing rate. The proposed imaging grading of HU (new bone volume/bone defect volume) can be used as a reference for the quality of bony consolidation with the induced membrane technique.

Ta4C3 Nanosheets as a Novel Therapeutic Platform for Photothermal-Driven ROS Scavenging and Immune Activation against Antibiotic-Resistant Infections in Diabetic Wounds.

The accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and recurrent infections with drug-resistant bacteria pose significant challenges in diabetic wound infections, often leading to impediments in wound healing. Addressing this, there is a critical demand for novel strategies dedicated to treating and preventing diabetic wounds infected with drug-resistant bacteria. Herein, 2D tantalum carbide nanosheets (Ta4C3 NSs) have been synthesized through an efficient and straightforward approach, leading to the development of a new, effective nanoplatform endowed with notable photothermal properties, biosafety, and diverse ROS scavenging capabilities, alongside immunogenic attributes for diabetic wound treatment and prevention of recurrent drug-resistant bacterial infections. The Ta4C3 NSs exhibit remarkable photothermal performance, effectively eliminating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and excessive ROS, thus promoting diabetic wound healing. Furthermore, Ta4C3 NSs enhance dendritic cell activation, further triggering T helper 1 (TH1)/TH2 immune responses, leading to pathogen-specific immune memory against recurrent MRSA infections. This nanoplatform, with its significant photothermal and immunomodulatory effects, holds vast potential in the treatment and prevention of drug-resistant bacterial infections in diabetic wounds.

[Application of antibiotic bone cement-coated plates internal fixation for primary treating Gustilo type â ¢B tibiofibular open fracture].

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of using antibiotic bone cement-coated plates internal fixation technology as a primary treatment for Gustilo type ⅢB tibiofibular open fractures. Methods: The clinical data of 24 patients with Gustilo type ⅢB tibiofibular open fractures who were admitted between January 2018 and December 2021 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. Among them, there were 18 males and 6 females, aged from 25 to 65 years with an average age of 45.8 years. There were 3 cases of proximal tibial fracture, 6 cases of middle tibial fracture, 15 cases of distal tibial fracture, and 21 cases of fibular fracture. The time from injury to emergency surgery ranged from 3 to 12 hours, with an average of 5.3 hours. All patients had soft tissue defects ranging from 10 cm×5 cm to 32 cm×15 cm. The time from injury to skin flap transplantation for wound coverage ranged from 1 to 7 days, with an average of 4.1 days, and the size of skin flap ranged from 10 cm×5 cm to 33 cm×15 cm. Ten patients had bone defects with length of 2-12 cm (mean, 7.1 cm). After emergency debridement, the tibial fracture end was fixed with antibiotic bone cement-coated plates, and the bone defect area was filled with antibiotic bone cement. Within 7 days, the wound was covered with a free flap, and the bone cement was replaced while performing definitive internal fixation of the fracture. In 10 patients with bone defect, all the bone cement was removed and the bone defect area was grafted after 7-32 weeks (mean, 11.8 weeks). The flap survival, wound healing of the affected limb, complications, and bone healing were observed after operation, and the quality of life was evaluated according to the short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36 scale) [including physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores] at 1 month, 6 months after operation, and at last follow-up. Results: All 24 patients were followed up 14-38 months (mean, 21.6 months). All the affected limbs were successfully salvaged and all the transplanted flaps survived. One case had scar hyperplasia in the flap donor site, and 1 case had hypoesthesia (grade S3) of the skin around the scar. There were 2 cases of infection in the recipient area of the leg, one of which was superficial infection after primary flap transplantation and healed after debridement, and the other was sinus formation after secondary bone grafting and was debrided again 3 months later and treated with Ilizarov osteotomy, and healed 8 months later. The bone healing time of the remaining 23 patients ranged from 4 to 9 months, with an average of 6.1 months. The scores of PCS were 44.4±6.5, 68.3±8.3, 80.4±6.9, and the scores of MCS were 59.2±8.2, 79.5±7.8, 90.0±6.6 at 1 month, 6 months after operation, and at last follow-up, respectively. The differences were significant between different time points ( P<0.05). Conclusion: Antibiotic bone cement-coated plates internal fixation can be used in the primary treatment of Gustilo type ⅢB tibiofibular open fractures, and has the advantages of reduce the risk of infection in fracture fixation, reducing complications, and accelerating the functional recovery of patients.

Masquelet combined with free-flap technique versus the Ilizarov bone transport technique for severe composite tibial and soft-tissue defects.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of bone and soft-tissue defects after open fractures remains challenging. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the Masquelet technique combined with the free-flap technique (MFFT) versus the Ilizarov bone transport technique (IBTT) for the treatment of severe composite tibial and soft-tissue defects. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed the data of 65 patients with tibial and soft-tissue defects and Gustilo type IIIB/C open fractures treated at our hospital between April 2015 and December 2021. The patients were divided into two groups based on the treatment method: group A (n = 35) was treated with the MFFT and internal fixation, and group B (n = 30) was treated with the IBTT. RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 28 months (range 13-133 months). Complete union of both soft-tissue and bone defects was achieved in all cases. The mean bone-union times were 6 months (range 3-12 months) in group A and 11 months (range 6-23 month) in group B, with a significant difference between the two groups (Z = -4.11, P = 0.001). The mean hospital stay was 28 days (range 14-67 d) in group A which was significantly longer than the mean stay of 18 days (range 10-43 d) in group B (Z = -2.608, P = 0.009). There were no significant differences in the infection rate between group A (17.1 %) and group B (26.7%) (χ2 = 0.867, P = 0.352). The Total Physical Health Scores were 81.51 ± 6.86 (range 67-90) in group A and 75.83±16.14 (range 44-98) in group B, with no significant difference between the two groups (t = 1.894, P = 0.063). The Total Mental Health Scores were significantly higher in group A (90.49 ± 6.37; range 78-98) than in group B (84.70 ± 13.72; range 60-98) (t = 2.232, P = 0.029). CONCLUSION: Compared with IBTT, MFFT is a better choice of treatment for open tibial and soft-tissue defects with Gustilo IIIB/C fractures. IBTT is the preferred option when the tibial bone defect is large or if the surgeon's expertise in microsurgery is limited.

Clinical efficacy of the topical application of tranexamic acid in tendon release in the hand: A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To study the clinical effectiveness of the topical application of tranexamic acid in hand tendon release. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted after receiving approval from the local ethics committee according to guidelines from the Helsinki Declaration. Eighty patients who underwent hand tendon release operation in our hospital from January 2021 to December 2022 were included and randomly divided into 2 groups. Patients in the tranexamic acid group (40 cases) received intraoperative topical application of 2 g of tranexamic acid after tendon release, while patients in the conventional group (40 cases) did not receive topical application of tranexamic acid during operation. The operation time, perioperative hemoglobin changes, total blood loss, incidence of early postoperative complications, and total active movement (TAM) before surgery and 6 months after surgery were compared between the 2 groups. The continuous variable which follows normal distribution expressed by mean ± SD and used t-test to compare between groups. Meanwhile, categorical variables were used by Chi-square test, and a p < 0.05 indicated that the differences were statistically significant. RESULTS: Both groups were followed up for 7 - 18 months, with a mean of 10.3 months. Postoperative decrease in hemoglobin was significantly less in the tranexamic acid group than in the conventional group (t = 7.611, p < 0.001). The total blood loss in the tranexamic acid group (74.33 ± 20.50) mL was less than that in the conventional group (83.05 ± 17.73) mL, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Both groups showed improvement in thumb/finger flexion and extension range of motion after surgery, and the TAM improved compared with those before surgery, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The TAM improved more significantly in the tranexamic acid group (87.68° ± 10.44°) than in the conventional group (80.47° ± 10.93°) at 6 months after surgery, with a statistically significant difference (t = 3.013, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in operation time and incidence of early postoperative complications between the 2 groups (p = 0.798, 0.499, respectively). CONCLUSION: The topical application of tranexamic acid during hand tendon release can significantly reduce postoperative bleeding and improve surgical efficacy, which is worth promoting.

Clinical effect of nice knot-assisted minimally invasive titanium elastic nail fixation to treat Robinson 2B midshaft clavicular fracture.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of completely displaced midshaft clavicle fractures is still controversial, especially Robinson 2B fractures. Titanium elastic nail (TEN) fixation is a good option for simple fractures, but no reports exist on its use in complex fractures. This study aimed to present a surgical method using the Nice knot-assisted TEN fixation to treat Robinson 2B midshaft clavicular fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 29 patients who underwent fixation with TEN and had a 1-year postoperative follow-up between 2016 and 2020 was performed. The fractures were classified as Robinson type 2B1 in 17 cases and type 2B2 in 12 cases. Length of the incision, postoperative shoulder function Disability of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score and Constant score, complications rate, and second surgical incision length were recorded. RESULTS: The length of the incision was 2-6 cm (average 3.7 cm). All incisions healed by first intention, and no infection or nerve injury occurred. The Constant score was 92-100 (average 96) and the DASH score was 0-6.2 (mean, 2.64). TEN bending and hypertrophic nonunion occurred in one case (3.4%) and implant irritation occurred in four cases (13.8%) Fixation implants were removed at 12-26 months (mean, 14.6 months) after surgery, and the length of the second incision was 1-2.5 cm (average 1.3 cm). CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary fixation by TEN is approved as a suitable surgical technique in clavicular fracture treatment. Nice knot-assisted fixation provides multifragmentary fracture stabilization, contributing to good fracture healing. Surgeons should consider this technique in treating Robinson 2B midshaft clavicular fractures. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital (LW20220021).

A novel primary antibiotic cement-coated locking plate as a temporary fixation for the treatment of open tibial fracture.

Complex lower extremity trauma reconstruction remains a challenge. This study used an internal fixation composite structure of antibiotic cement plates as a temporary fixation to treat lower extremity Grade III open fractures; thus, reducing the treatment period and complications of external fixation. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of this technique in the initial surgery stage. Between January 2018 and March 2021, 20 patients with Gustilo grade IIIB/C open fractures received an antibiotic cement-coated locking plate as a temporary internal fixator during initial surgery. Thorough debridement and temporary internal fixation were performed with a 3.5-mm system antibiotic cement-coated locking plate. Ten patients required free bone fragment removal, followed by bone cement packing. The final stage involved internal fixation and wound repair with a free anterolateral thigh flap. Clinical and imaging results were retrospectively analysed. The repair time ranged 1-7 days. All flaps survived. Two patients experienced wound infection, and one developed severe bone infection 3 months after three-stage bone graft surgery. Autologous cancellous bone grafting was performed on 10 patients with bone defects 6 weeks after surgery. Bone union was universally achieved after 1 year. This method proved safe and effective, successfully repairing Grade III open fractures of the lower extremity 1-7 days post-treatment.

Repair of pressure ulcers in the elderly using autologous microskin implantation and negative pressure wound therapy: A retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Pressure ulcers remain a worldwide problem. OBJECTIVE: To introduce an intermittent and feasible wound treatment method for the treatment of pressure ulcers in elderly patients. METHODS: This surgical procedure was performed on eight elderly patients suffering from pressure ulcers. Microskin measuring 0.1 × 0.1 centimeters was cut from a small amount of thin skin and then grafted onto the wound surface in conjunction with closed negative pressure therapy. RESULTS: Seven patients had their wounds closed after a single surgery, while one patient required two surgeries to close the wound. CONCLUSION: Autologous microskin implantation for the treatment of pressure ulcers in the elderly is an effective method to close the wound, which can prevent the elderly from living with wounds in their later years and is a viable treatment option.

Analysis of the Risk Factors for Free Flap Necrosis in Soft Tissue Reconstruction of the Lower Limbs.

OBJECTIVE: Free flaps are widely used for the repair of soft tissue defects in the lower limbs, but there is still a specific rate of necrosis. Few clinical retrospective studies have analyzed the nontechnical risk factors for lower limb free flap necrosis. This study aimed to analyze the nontechnical causes of flap necrosis in lower limb soft tissue reconstruction in order to identify risk factors and improve the survival rate of free flaps. METHODS: Clinical data from 244 cases of soft tissue defects of the leg or foot that were repaired with a free flap from January 2011 to June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The flap results were divided into complete survival and necrosis groups. The patients' general information, smoking history, soft tissue defect site, Gustilo-Anderson classification, shock after injury, type and size of the flap, and time from injury to flap coverage were recorded. A logistic regression model was used to analyze the correlations between flap necrosis and possible risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 244 flaps, 32 suffered from partial or total necrosis, and 212 completely survived. Univariate analysis showed that age, smoking history, soft tissue defect site, and time from injury to flap coverage were significantly correlated with flap necrosis (p ≤ 0.2). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that moderate-to-severe smoking history (p < 0.001, odds ratio [OR] = 10.259, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.886-36.468), proximal leg defect (p = 0.006, OR = 7.095, 95% CI = 1.731-29.089), and time from injury to flap coverage >7 days (p = 0.003, OR = 12.351, 95% CI = 2.343-65.099) were statistically significant risk factors for flap necrosis (p < 0.05), and age was excluded (p = 0.666; p = 0.924). CONCLUSION: The risk of flap necrosis was significantly increased when the soft tissue defect was located in the proximal leg, the time from injury to flap coverage was >7 days, and the patient had a moderate-to-severe smoking history. These three risk factors have an increased influence on flap necrosis and have guiding significance in predicting flap prognosis.

Treatment of inferior pole patella fracture using Krackow suturing combined with the suture bridge technique.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical effect of Krackow suturing combined with the suture bridge technique for the treatment of acute inferior pole patella fracture. METHODS: In this study, 18 patients with acute inferior pole patella fracture who received treatment using Krackow suturing combined with the suture bridge technique between January 2019 and March 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. There were 10 men and 8 women, with an average age of 50.1 years (range 24-69 years). X-ray examinations were performed to assess fracture healing and the Insall-Salvati index. The clinical effect was measured by the range of motion of the knee joint and the Böstman scale. RESULTS: Patients were followed up for 13-26 months, with an average follow-up period of 19.6 months. X-ray indicated that fracture union had occurred in all patients by 10.1 weeks after surgery on average (range 8-14 weeks). The mean Insall-Salvati index immediately after surgery and at the final follow-up was 0.98 ± 0.07 and 0.90 ± 0.22, respectively (P > 0.05). At the last follow-up, the mean flexion and extension ranges for the knee joint were 135.8° ± 8.8° and - 2.8° ± 3.9°, respectively, and the mean Böstman scale was 28.9 ± 1.1 points. Functional recovery was excellent in 17 patients and good in one patient, resulting in an overall good/excellent recovery rate of 100%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that Krackow suturing combined with the suture bridge technique can achieve stable fracture fixation, provides good clinical outcomes in the treatment of acute inferior pole patella fracture, and is worthy of clinical application.

Exploration of the Protective Mechanism of Bax Removal against Ischemia Reperfusion Injury of Skin Flap through the p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Pathway.

This research is aimed at exploring the influences of the Bax gene in the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway and its protective mechanism against ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) of skin flap. Forty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were equally divided into the experimental group (Bax gene knockout rats) and control group. The dorsal flap model was prepared, and the survival rate of flap was observed after surgery. The rat flap tissue was cut and stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). The distribution characteristics of p38MAPK and Bax were detected to evaluate the protective mechanism of Bax gene knockout on IRI of skin flap. After surgery, the survival rate of flaps in the experimental group (82.32%, 70.28%) was significantly higher than that in the control group (57.64%, 46.14%) (P < 0.05). The results of HE staining showed that on the 1st day after surgery, compared with those in the control group, the skin flaps of the rats in the experimental group were arranged more neatly. The results of TUNEL staining showed that compared with that of the control group, the tissue structure of the skin flap of the experimental group was normal and only a few apoptotic cells appeared. In addition, compared with that in the control group (7.14, 4.25, 3.48, 2.18/6.46, 7.12, 4.86, and 2.44), the expression of Bax and p38 MAPK in the experimental group (0.96, 0.81, 0.76, 0.55/1.63, 1.33, 1.01, and 0.56) significantly decreased (P < 0.05). In short, after the Bax gene was knocked out, injury of the flap after ischemia-reperfusion was considerably improved, which may play a protective role on the IRI of the flap by affecting the p38MAPK pathway.

Radio-anatomical study of anterior-posterior placement sacroiliac screw channel.

PURPOSE: The outlet of the classic sacroiliac screw (SIS) cannot be precisely controlled by aiming devices, which may lead to malpositioned implants and neurovascular and visceral injury. This study aimed to radio-anatomically measure the parameters of the channel for anterior-posterior placement SIS (AP-SIS), which can be placed percutaneously with an aiming device. METHODS: Pelvic CT scan data of 80 healthy adults (40 males and 40 females) with an average age of 45 years (range 20-70 years) were collected. The length (L), width (W), height (H), cortical bone spacing (M), camber angle (E), anteversion angle (F), cross-sectional safety angle (P) and sagittal safety angle (Q) of the channel were measured by CT or Mimics software. RESULTS: The L, W, H, M, E, F, P and Q measures of S1 were 109.2 ± 8.0 mm, 18.5 ± 1.9 mm, 21.7 ± 1.7 mm, 8.1 ± 0.4 mm, 44.2 ± 3.2°, 42.4 ± 3.6°, 16.8 ± 1.1°, and 19.4 ± 2.0°, respectively, for S1, and 113.5 ± 9.4 mm, 18.2 ± 1.5 mm, 21.7 ± 1.7 mm, 7.7 ± 0.4 mm, 44.7 ± 3.2°, 31.2 ± 2.7°, 13.8 ± 1.0° and 15.4 ± 1.4°, respectively, for S2. Of the L measures, the intra-iliac segment was slightly longer than the intra-sacral segment. All parameters showed significant sex-related differences (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The AP-SIS channels of S1-2 have sufficient width and length to accommodate a cancellous screw with a Φ 7.0-8.0 mm and a length 90-130 mm. The intra-iliac segment is a long channel screw with better mechanical properties over classic SIS.

Application of the induced membrane technique of tibia using extracorporeal vs. intracorporeal formation of a cement spacer: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: There were two ways of preparing the cement spacer: intracorporeal and extracorporeal formation. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of extracorporeal vs. intracorporeal formation of a spacer using the induced membrane technique (IMT) for repairing bone defects of the tibia. METHODS: Sixty-eight patients with tibial defects treated with IMT were analyzed retrospectively. According to the mode of bone cement preparation, patients were divided into intracorporeal and extracorporeal groups (36 vs. 32 respectively). All patients were followed up for 12-48 months (average 18.7 months). The time interval between the first and second stages, the time required to remove the spacer, injury of the IM or bone ends, bone healing and infection control, as well as the functional recovery (Johner-Wruhs scoring), were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the preoperative data between the two groups (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the time interval (12.64 ± 4.41vs. 13.22 ± 4.96 weeks), infection control (26/28 vs. 20/23), bone healing time (7.47 ± 2.13vs. 7.50 ± 2.14 mos), delayed union (2/36 vs. 2/32), nonunion (2/36 vs. 1/32), an excellent or good rate of limb functional recovery (30/36 vs. 26/32) between the intracorporeal and extracorporeal groups (P > 0.05). However, the time required to remove (3.97 ± 2.34 min) was longer and the injury of IM or bone ends (28/36) was greater in the intracorporeal group than those in the extracorporeal group (0.56 ± 0.38 min and 1/32, respectively), showing a significant difference (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Both approaches were shown to have similar effects on bone defect repair and infection control. However, intracorporeal formation had advantages in terms of additional stability, while extracorporeal formation had advantages in terms of removal. Therefore, the specific method should be selected according to specific clinical needs. We recommended the extracorporeal or the modified extracorporeal formation in most cases.

Percutaneous minimally invasive treatment of transverse patellar fracture using cannulated screws combined with high-strength sutures and Nice knots: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Patella fractures treated with traditional open approach and tension band fixation are associated with a significant rate of soft tissues complications, including hardware irritation, postoperative adhesions and non-cosmetic scar. An alternative is to utilize cannulated screws and high-strength sutures by the minimally invasive technique. METHODS: This retrospective study comprised 48 patients who had been treated for unilateral closed transverse patellar fracture, type 34C1 according to the AO Foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, between June 2018 to June 2020. All patients were treated either by closed reduction and internal fixation using cannulated screws combined with high-strength sutures and Nice knots (the CRIF-NK group, n=24), or traditional open reduction and internal fixation using cannulated screws and tension band wiring (the ORIF-TBW group, n=24). The operative time and intraoperative blood loss for each patient were recorded. All the patients were underwent a regularly clinical and radiological follow-up. The clinical evaluation was performed using the Böstman scale and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. RESULTS: Average follow up was 21.9 months (range, 16-29 months). The mean intraoperative blood loss of the CRIF-NK group (35.21±6.16 mL) was significantly less than that of the ORIF-TBW group (75.42±7.92 mL; P<0.001). The mean VAS scores at 4 and 8 weeks and the mean Böstman scale score at 8 weeks after surgery were significantly better in the CRIF-NK group (3.52±0.42, 1.47±0.40 and 28.13±0.94, respectively) than the ORIF-TBW group (5.16±0.68, 3.14±0.72 and 26.33±1.00, respectively; all P<0.001). No significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of operative time, Böstman scale score at 1-year follow-up, or fracture healing time. The union rate was 100% (24/24) in both groups. One patient (1/24) in the CRIF-NK group, and all patients (24/24) in the ORIF-TBW group required internal fixation removal. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous minimally invasive technique using cannulated screws combined with high-strength sutures and Nice knots exhibited some superiority to traditional open reduction with cannulated screws and tension band wiring for treatment of transverse patellar fractures in terms of efficacy and safety by reducing soft-tissue stimulating complications and promoting functional recovery.

Effect of Iliosacral Screw Implantation Through a New Channel in Three-Dimensional Printing Pelvic Model.

BACKGROUND: The exit point of classic iliosacral screw (ISS) is deep and viewing device cannot be used, implantation of ISS may lead to malposition and nerve injury. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to explore the effect of ISS implanted through a new channel (NSIS) with the aid of a viewing device. METHODS: With the aid of a viewing device, NISSs were implanted into 50 3D printed pelvis models (1:1), in which the entry point was located at a vertical distance of 6 mm from the middle of the superior posterior quarter of the acetabular rim, and the exit point was the intersection of the vertical extension line of S1 superior articular process and the horizontal median line of S1 transverse process. Screws with diameter of 6.5 mm and 7.3 mm and length of 90 mm were implanted into the left and right sides of the pelvic models, respectively. The implantation was observed. CT scan was performed when penetrating of channel was suspected. RESULTS: None of the implanted screws perforated the tunnel, but 6.0% (3 models) of the screws were too long and a little bit penetrated (< 4 mm) behind the back of the tunnel, which was found in small models. CONCLUSION: The NISS implantation is simple, safe and accurate, but individualized screw implantation with appropriate diameter and length should be more accurate. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: WXSJY-LY-2020-00216, date of registration: June 5, 2020, retrospectively registered.

Changes in local bone mineral density can guide the treatment plan for patients with rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.

BACKGROUND: Many factors affect the outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. However, few studies have examined the effects of local bone conditions on the reconstruction of the ACL. This study investigated the changes in the local bone mineral density (BMD) of the knee after rupture of the ACL with the view of using this information to guide treatment options. METHODS: Patients with ACL rupture treated in our department from January 2017 to April 2019 were enrolled in this study. Prior to surgery, local BMD measurements were obtained from all patients and used to determine the appropriate method of ligament fixation. If the local BMD of the affected knee was not significantly lower than that of the healthy side, extrusion fixation was conducted. If the BMD was significantly lower than that of the healthy knee, suspension fixation was applied. The conditions of tunnel cutting or screw splitting, and tunnel enlargement or screw pull-out were observed during the surgery. The post-surgical function of the knee joint was evaluated regularly by physical examination, imaging data, the IKDC scale score, and the Lysholm score. RESULTS: A total of 80 patients with unilateral ACL rupture were included. There were 64 males and 16 females. Decreased BMD was observed in the affected knee compared to the healthy knee for 68 patients. Patients with an ACL history of more than 3 months had lower BMD compared to patients with a history of less than 3 months. Tunnel enlargement and screw pull-out occurred in 2 patients, screw splitting occurred in 1 patient. The fixation mode was adjusted in real-time during the surgery for 3 patients. All patients were followed up for at least 12 months (mean 20.65±5.12 months). The IKDC score increased from 43.07±2.66 pre-surgery to 89.17±3.28 at the final follow-up, and similarly, the Lysholm score increased from 43.49±2.38 pre-surgery to 89.67±2.97 post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of local BMD before surgery may play a significant role in guiding the type of graft fixation. It is recommended that patients undergo surgical reconstruction within 3 months after injury.

Repair of severe peri-knee soft tissue defect using an anterolateral thigh flap with the descending genicular vessels as the recipient pedicle: a case series of 14 patients.

BACKGROUND: The application of free skin flaps to repair severe peri-knee soft tissue defects is a common clinical approach. This article aims to investigate clinical efficacy and precautions of using a free anterolateral thigh flap with the descending genicular vessels as a recipient pedicle for repairing Gustilo IIIB and IIIC soft tissue defects around the knee. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of the patients with severe peri-knee Gustilo IIIB or IIIC soft tissue defects operated on from January 2015 to December 2019. All patients underwent repair of the severe soft tissue defect using anterolateral thigh flap transplantation with the descending genicular vessels as the recipient pedicle. RESULTS: All patients completed effective follow-up for an average of 14.1 [6-30] months. For two patients with larger flaps, necrosis occurred in the distal tip of the flaps, 6 cm and 4 cm in size. The necrotic flaps were removed, and the wound healed after skin grafting. In the other 12 patients, the skin flaps fully survived. CONCLUSIONS: Using a free anterolateral thigh flap with descending genicular vessels as the recipient pedicle to repair Gustilo IIIB and IIIC soft tissue defects around the knee is a convenient and preferred technique that can achieve satisfactory efficacy.

Outcomes of tibial avulsion fracture of the posterior cruciate ligament treated with a homemade hook plate.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effects of an inverted L-shaped postero-medial approach with a homemade hook plate and arthroscopic fixation with Endobutton for tibial avulsion fractures of the posterior cruciate ligament. METHODS: The clinical data of 36 patients with PCL tibial avulsion fractures from January 2012 to December 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The fractures were classified into Meyers-McKeever types II and III. Among them, 20 cases were treated with a homemade hook plate through an inverted L-shaped postero-medial approach (incision group), and 16 cases were treated with Endobutton under arthroscopy (arthroscopic group). The operative time, fracture union time, operative complications and range of motion of the knee joint were compared between the two groups. The stability of the knee joint was tested by the posterior drawer test, the functional recovery of the knee joint was evaluated by the Lysholm score, and the gastrocnemius muscle strength of the incision group was tested by performing heel raises with a single leg stance. RESULTS: There were no adverse events, such as fracture nonunion, infection, deep-vein thrombosis, abnormal hematoma or joint stiffness, in either group. The operative time was shorter in the incision group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in fracture union time between the two groups (P > 0.05). At the last follow-up, there was no significant difference in range of motion or the Lysholm score between the two groups. There was no decrease in gastrocnemius muscle strength in the incision group. CONCLUSIONS: The fixation of PCL tibial avulsion fractures with a homemade hook plate through an inverted L-shaped postero-medial approach is safe and effective. It showed almost the same satisfactory outcomes as arthroscopic Endobutton fixation.

GRK2 deletion improves the function of skin flap following ischemia-reperfusion injury by regulating Drp1.

Skin flap ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury is the key factor to the success rate of skin transplantation, the molecular mechanism of flap IR injury needs to be continuously explored to provide new ideas for its clinical treatment. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) was reported to be involved in regulating mitochondrial function, and mitochondria were essential in the process of flap IR. Thus, we aimed to investigate the function of GRK2 in flap ischemia-reperfusion injury and further explore the underlying mechanism. Sixty male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups: sham, IR+sh-NC, IR+sh-GRK2 and IR+sh-GRK2+ dynamin-related GTPase 1 (Drp1). Flap function and mitochondrial function were determined after ischemia for 3 hours and reperfusion for 72 hours. Comparing with sham group, GRK2 was increased in flap after IR injury. Loss of GRK2 inhibited cell apoptosis and promoted cell proliferation of flap after IR injury. And deficiency of GRK2 promoted mitochondrial function in flap after IR injury. IR injury up-regulated Drp1 expression in flap, while sh-GRK2 down-regulated Drp1 expression. Furthermore, overexpression of Drp1 removed the protective effect of sh-GRK2. In conclusion, our study revealed that GRK2 deletion improved flap function and mitochondrial function by inhibiting Drp1 expression, which may provide a new insight for the clinical treatment of flap ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Masquelet technique for reconstructing bone defects in open lower limb fracture: Analysis of the relationship between bone defect and bone graft.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the experience of treating long segmental bone defects. Bone union was used as the criteria for the assessment of the quantitative relationship between tibial bone defects and bone grafts, which could help reduce the complication incidence in patients. METHODS: A total of 45 patients with tibial bone defects treated with the Masquelet technique at the Ninth People's Hospital of Wuxi Affiliated to Soochow University between February 2013 and December 2017 were recruited. The age, sex, body mass index (BMI), complications, site of bone defect, length of bone defect, time from the first to the second stage of operation, and postoperative complications (including deep infection, absorption of bone graft, and bone union) were assessed. RESULTS: Forty-two patients, including 17 males (40.5%) and 25 females (59.5%), with segmental bone defect, met the inclusion criteria. The mean age of the patients was 38.5 years (22-55 years). Nineteen patients (45.2%) underwent multiple traumas. The mean length of the bone defect was 6.3 cm. Six patients experienced complications, resulting in the incidence of complications of 14.3%. The relationship between the length of bone defect and volume of bone grafts was Y = 7.210 + 6.954 × X in patients treated with steel plates; Y = 10.962 + 5.029 × X for patients treated with intramedullary nails, and Y = 11.498 + 5.474 × X regardless of methods of internal fixation. CONCLUSION: Masquelet technique is effective and safe for the treatment of long segmental tibial bone defects. The present study revealed the quantitative relationship between the size of bone defects and bone grafts, thus providing evidence for the selection of treatment strategies for long segmental bone defects in clinical practices, as well as helping to reduce the incidence of complications in Masquelet technique.