Advancements in pelvic ring fracture surgery: Assessing INFIX screw placement accuracy with CT navigation.

The management of unstable pelvic ring fractures, typically resulting from high-energy trauma, presents a significant clinical challenge due to the complexity of injuries. While effective in many cases, the traditional stabilization methods are fraught with various complications that can significantly impact patient recovery and quality of life (QOL). This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and precision of the anterior subcutaneous internal fixator (INFIX) technique when used with intraoperative computed tomography (CT) navigation, a novel approach intended to mitigate the limitations of conventional treatment modalities. Our retrospective case series encompasses 43 patients who sustained traumatic pelvic injuries and were subsequently treated with the INFIX technique from December 2020 to January 2024. The focus of this analysis was to assess the accuracy of INFIX screw placement facilitated by intraoperative CT navigation. A total of 81 INFIX screws were inserted, and our study findings reveal a high level of precision in screw placement, with only one screw deviating, resulting in an inaccuracy rate of merely 1.2 %. This highlights the significant advantage provided by intraoperative CT navigation. The high level of accuracy not only enhances the stability of the pelvic fixation but also substantially reduces the risk of complications commonly associated with screw misplacement, such as abdominal damage, vascular injury, and issues related to incorrect hardware positioning. In conclusion, the integration of the INFIX technique with intraoperative CT navigation in the treatment of unstable pelvic ring fractures represents a significant advancement in orthopedic trauma surgery. This study provides compelling evidence supporting the efficacy and precision of this approach, suggesting its potential as a superior alternative to traditional fixation methods. Further research, ideally through prospective studies involving larger patient cohorts, is needed to validate these findings and explore the long-term implications of this technique on patient recovery and QOL.

A novel minimally invasive and press-fit method for symphysiodesis - a biomechanical analysis.

PURPOSE: Does the cylindrical shaped bone block allow a stable construct for the arthrodesis of the pubic symphysis compared to a rectangular shaped bone block. The cylindrical shaped bone block stabilized by a 3.5 symphyseal plate is inferior to the stabilization with an internal fixator. METHODS: This study analyzed the arthrodesis of the pubic symphysis on 24 synthetic pelvises, using a rectangular shaped bone block (control group) or a cylindrical shaped bone block, stabilized with a symphysis locking plate (n = 8) as the standard clinical procedure. Additionally we analyzed the stability using an internal fixator. RESULTS: This study showed that utilizing a cylindrical shaped synthetic bone graft results in a significant higher contact area and compression force compared to the classical rectangular shaped graft. Furthermore, the stabilization with an internal fixator had the tendency for increases of compression force and contact area, yet without a statistical significance, when compared to the plate fixation. CONCLUSION: The novel method of cylindrical symphysis resection and cylindrical bone block implantation allowed an increased biomechanical stability compared to using a classical rectangular bone graft, also resulting in higher contact area. Moreover, this technique would also allow a minimally invasive approach for this purpose, which in turn could preserve perisymphyseal ligaments, thereby improving healing in a clinical context.

Internal fixator vs external fixator in the management of unstable pelvic ring injuries: A prospective comparative cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the pelvic ring anatomy in unstable anterior pelvic ring injuries is a significant step to reduce the mortality rate associated with these injuries efficiently. There is a debate on using either an anterior subcutaneous pelvis internal fixator (INFIX) or an anterior supra-acetabular external fixator (EXFIX) to manage an unstable anterior pelvic ring fracture. AIM: To compare the functional and radiological outcomes and complications of INFIX vs EXFIX in managing unstable pelvic ring injuries. METHODS: A prospective cohort study included 54 patients with unstable pelvic ring fractures. The patients were divided into two groups; the INFIX group, in which 30 cases were fixed by INFIX, and the EXFIX group, in which 24 patients were treated by EXFIX. The average age in the EXFIX group was 31.17 years (16-57 years), while in the INFIX group, it was 34.5 years (17-53 years). The study included 20 (66.7%) males and 10 (33.3%) females in the INFIX group and 10 (41.7%) males and 14 (58.3%) females in the EXFIX group. The radiological outcomes were evaluated using Matta and Tornetta's score, and the functional outcomes using the Majeed score. RESULTS: The results revealed a statistically significant difference between both groups (P = 0.013) regarding radiological outcomes, according to Matta and Tornetta's score in favor of the INFIX group. Sitting, standing, and walking abilities were measured at a 3-mo follow-up visit using Majeed score modules. It was significantly better among the INFIX group than the EXFIX group in all three modules. At the final follow-up, both groups had no statistically significant difference according to the Majeed score; 92.35 in the INFIX group and 90.99 in the EXFIX group (P = 0.513). A lower surgical site infection rate was noticed in the INFIX group (P = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Anterior subcutaneous pelvis INFIX is associated with better radiological outcomes and a lower infection rate than anterior supra-acetabular EXFIX in managing patients with unstable anterior pelvic ring fractures.

Does minimally invasive percutaneous transilial internal fixator became an effective option for sacral fractures? A prospective study with novel implantation technique.

AIM: To assess radiological and functional outcomes of transilial internal fixator (TIFI) for treatment of sacral complete transforaminal fractures with a novel implantation technique that decrease wound irritation problems in addition to facilitating easy application of reduction methods beside showing the best entry points, screw trajectories and angles. METHODS: A Prospective case series from 2019 to 2021 was conducted at university hospital including 72 patients with Denis type 2 sacral fractures. The operative and fluoroscopy time, reduction, implantation techniques, postoperative radiological and functional data were collected and evaluated with minimum follow-up of 12 months. RESULTS: The mean initial fracture displacement was 4.42 mm while mean postoperative maximum residual fracture displacement was 2.8 mm, Radiological outcome assessed using Matta's grading at the final follow-up visit with 63 cases scored as Excellent,7 cases as Good, 2 cases as fair. Functional outcome using Majeed scoring shows 64 cases of Excellent grading and 8 cases were Good. Short operative and fluoroscopy time, easy reduction techniques, few skin problems were recorded. CONCLUSION: TIFI through a minimally invasive technique represents a valid method for dealing with transforaminal sacral fractures. TIFI provides a rigid fixation for posterior ring injuries with few risks regarding iatrogenic nerve injury, avoiding different variations of upper sacral osseous anatomy or sacral dysmorphism. In addition, there is no necessity for high quality fluoroscopy for visualization of sacral foramina intraoperatively, decreasing risk of radiation exposure, unlike other methods of fixation as iliosacral screws. Our novel modification for implantation technique provides few risks for postoperative and wound complications.

A Case of a Combined Distal Radius and Lunate Fracture in Association With Kienböck's Disease.

The natural history of Kienböck's disease (KD) is often indolent until it progresses to an advanced stage causing pain and stiffness. Lunate fragmentation and collapse can sometimes occur with trauma. However, concomitant fracture of the distal radius is a rare phenomenon, and this combination can limit treatment options. The aim of this case report is to outline our management algorithm in the operative fixation of a young mechanic with known ipsilateral KD who was involved in a road traffic accident and suffered a combined distal radius and lunate fracture. He was managed with an open reduction internal fixation using a volar plate and a temporary dorsal spanning internal fixator. At a later date, the internal fixator was removed and a scaphocapitate fusion was performed to offload the lunate in order to avoid a total wrist fusion.

Modified percutaneous iliosacral screw and anterior internal fixator technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The commonly used technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures with sacroiliac screws and anterior internal fixator (INFIX) is prone to complications, such as injury to the pelvic vasculature and nerves, life-threatening bleeding, lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis, and wound infection. This study investigated the clinical effects of using a modified percutaneous iliosacral screw and INFIX technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of minimally invasive internal fixation using modified incision of an anterior-ring INFIX application combined with modified percutaneous iliosacral screw placement was performed for 22 cases of unstable pelvic fractures from January 2017 to December 2018. Based on the Tile classification, there were 4 type B1, 7 type B2, 5 type B3 and 6 type C1 injuries. Preoperatively, the length and orientation of the internal fixation were computer-simulated and measured. On postoperative day 3, pelvic radiographs and three-dimensional computed tomograms were used to assess fracture reduction and fixation. All patients were regularly followed up at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and annually thereafter. Fracture healing, complications, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, the quality of fracture repositioning and Majeed score were assessed during follow-up. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for a mean of 25.23 ± 1.48 months. All fractures healed without loss of reduction and no patient showed evidence of delayed union or nonunion. Two years postoperatively, the mean VAS score was 0.32 ± 0.09 and the mean Majeed score was 94.32 ± 1.86. CONCLUSION: The modified percutaneous iliosacral screw technique increases the anterior tilt of the sacroiliac screw by shifting the entry point posteriorly to increase the safety of the screw placement. Downward modification of the INFIX incision reduces the risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury. This technique is safe, effective and well tolerated by patients.

[Modified internal fixator combined with sacroiliac screws in treatment of Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of modified internal fixator (INFIX) to fix the anterior pelvic ring for Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture by comparing with the traditional INFIX. Methods: The patients with Tile C1.3 pelvic fractures admitted between April 2018 and June 2021 were taken as the study objects. Of them, 55 cases were included in the study according to the selection criteria. During operation, the anterior pelvic ring was fixed with the modified INFIX in 30 cases (modified group) and with the traditional INFIX in 25 cases (control group). The posterior pelvic ring in 55 cases was fixed with sacroiliac screws. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, cause of injury, time from injury to operation, and combined injury ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. The X-ray film was taken to evaluate the reduction of the anterior pelvic ring after operation, grade the reduction according to the Matta scoring standards, and observe the fracture healing and healing time. The function was evaluated according to Majeed scoring standards during follow-up. Results: The operation time of the modified group was significantly longer than that of the control group ( Z=-3.837, P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in the intraoperative blood loss between the two groups ( t=-1.831, P=0.076). All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 14 months). X-ray film reexamination showed that the excellent and good rate of Matta scoring for anterior pelvic ring reduction in the modified group was 88.00%, which was significantly better than that in the control group (63.33%) ( χ 2=4.373, P=0.037). All fractures healed, and the fracture healing time of the modified group and the control group was (12.04±3.59) and (14.83±4.83) weeks respectively, with a significant difference ( t=2.401, P=0.020). At last follow-up, the excellent and good rates of Majeed scoring were 80.00% in the modified group and 76.67% in the control group, with no significant difference ( χ 2=0.089, P=0.766). In the modified group, 2 cases (8%) had complications, all of which were incision infection above pubic symphysis. In the control group, 9 cases (30%) had complications, including 5 cases of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury, 2 cases of femoral nerve paralysis, and 2 cases of delayed fracture healing. The incidence of complications was significantly lower in the modified group than in the control group ( χ 2=4.125, P=0.042). Conclusion: Compared with the traditional INFIX, the modified INFIX to fix the anterior pelvic ring for Tile C1.3 pelvic fracture has fewer complications, better stability, shorter fracture healing time, and lower risk of nerve injury.

The spanning plate as an internal fixator in complex distal radius fractures: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Minimal invasive temporary spanning plate (SP) fixation of the wrist has been described as an alternative treatment method in complex distal radius fractures (DRFs). The purpose of this study is to conduct an outcome analysis of all consecutive DRFs treated by SP fixation representing the so far largest published patient cohort outside the United States. METHODS: Indication for SP fixation include DRFs with severe metaphyseal comminution, radiocarpal fracture dislocations with concomitant ligamentous injuries and very distal intra-articular fractures lacking the possibility of adequate plate anchoring. All consecutive patients undergoing SP fixation of DRFs were prospectively included in a single level I trauma centre between 01/01/2018 and 31/12/2020. For functional and patient-rated outcome analysis only patients who completed the 12 month follow-up were included. RESULTS: In the mentioned timeframe, a total of 562 DRFs were treated operatively of which 28 underwent SP fixation. Average age was 58.1 years (range 22-95 years). The fracture type ranged from AO/OTA type B1.1 to C3.3 and included 8 fracture dislocations. SP removal was performed on average 3.7 months after the initial operation (range 1.4-6.5 months). Twenty-five patients completed the 12 month follow-up (mean 14.5 months, range 12-24). Radiological evidence of fracture healing appeared on average 9.9 weeks (range 5-28 weeks) after the initial operation. One patient experienced asymptomatic non-union. Mean radial inclination, volar tilt and ulnar variance at 1 year were all within the acceptable limit predictive of symptomatic malunion. Complications included two patients with tendon rupture and one patient with extensor tendon adhesions needing tenolysis at the time of plate removal leaving an overall complication rate of 12%. There was no implant failure and no infection. Mean satisfaction score was 8.3 (range 4-10) and mean visual analogue scale for resting pain was 0.8 (range 0-5). The mean PRWE score was 17.9 (range 0-59.5) and the mean DASH score was 16.6 (range 0-60.8). Grip strength averaged 23 kg (range 4-74 kg) amounting to 68% of the opposite side. Range of motion regarding the extension/flexion, radial/ulnar abduction and pronation/supination arc reached 72%, 77% and 95% compared to the unaffected side, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The radiological, functional and patient-rated outcomes in this study are remarkably good considering the complexity of the included fractures. Therefore, this method represents a valuable alternative for the treatment of complex DRFs in selected patients.

Efficacy comparison of internal fixation of ribs with complete thoracoscopy and thoracotomy for flail chest / 中华创伤杂志

Objective:To compare effect of internal fixation of ribs assisted by complete thoracoscopy and thoracotomy for flail chest.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was used to analyze the clinical data of 86 patients with flail chest treated at No.2 Hospital of Nanping City and 900th Hospital of Joint Logistics Support Force between January 2019 and December 2020, including 58 males and 28 females; aged 25-69 years [(42.9±9.5)years]. A total of 45 patients underwent internal fixation of ribs assisted by complete thoracoscopy (thoracoscopy group), and 41 patients by thoracotomy (thoracotomy group). The operation time, number of fixed ribs, intraoperative blood loss, ventilation time, postoperative length of hospital stay, hemodynamic indicators [partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2), oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2)] before surgery and at 1 day after surgery, respiratory function [forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), maximal voluntary ventilation (MVV)] at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Results:All patients were followed up for 12-18 months [(14.1±1.9)months]. Thoracoscopy group showed prolonged operation time [(139.5±36.4)minutes vs. (114.8±32.5)minutes], reduced intraoperative blood loss [(124.6±42.4)ml vs. (198.6±62.6)ml] as well as shortened ventilation time [(4.0±1.1)days vs. (6.7±1.6)days] and postoperative length of hospital stay [(14.9±2.4)days vs. (17.9±3.7)days] when compared with thoracotomy group (all P<0.01). There was no statistical significance in the number of fixed ribs between the two groups ( P>0.05). There were no statistical differences in PaO 2, PaCO 2 or PaO 2/FiO 2 between the two groups before surgery (all P>0.05). At day 1 after surgery, the PaO 2 and PaO 2/FiO 2 in thoracoscopy group were (86.2±5.4)mmHg and 321.4±36.1, higher than (80.1±6.2)mmHg and 286.0±29.3 in thoracotomy group (all P<0.01); the PaCO 2 was (37.4±2.4)mmHg in thoracoscopy group, lower than (40.0±3.1)mmHg in thoracotomy group ( P<0.01). At 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after surgery, the FVC was (75.5±10.9)%, (84.5±10.5)%, (93.1±12.8)% and (102.6±17.5)% in thoracoscopy group, higher than (69.2±9.9)%, (78.3±8.9)%, (86.2±10.4)% and (92.4±14.8)% in thoracotomy group; the FEV1 was (76.9±9.3)%, (88.4±12.9)%, (92.4±13.9)% and (98.5±10.6)% in thoracoscopy group, higher than (72.9±8.5)%, (82.8±11.4)%, (86.4±12.7)% and (93.5±11.9)% in thoracotomy group; the MVV was (78.3±13.4)L/min, (87.5±13.5)L/min, (94.6±14.7)L/min and (100.1±11.9)L/min in thoracoscopy group, higher than (72.5±11.6)L/min, (80.5±12.7)L/min, (86.5±13.5)L/min and (92.8±10.3)L/min in thoracotomy group (all P<0.05). There were no thoracic deformities in the two groups after surgery. There was no statistical significance in incision infection rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidence rate of pulmonary infection, atelectasis and pleural effusion was 11.1% (5/45), 6.7% (3/45) and 11.1% (5/45) in thoracoscopy group, lower than 29.3% (12/41), 24.4% (10/41) and 31.7% (13/41) in thoracotomy group (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Although internal fixation of ribs with complete thoracoscopy has longer surgical time than thoracotomy in the treatment of flail chest, it can decrease intraoperative blood loss, ventilation time and length of hospital stay and is more conducive to improving the respiratory function and reducing complication rate.

Clinical application of anterior ring internal fixator system combined with sacroiliac screw fixation in Tile C pelvic fracture treatment.

BACKGROUND: How to perform minimally invasive surgery for Tile C pelvic fracture is a major problem in clinical practice. We performed minimally invasive surgery for Tile C pelvic fracture using anterior ring internal fixator systems combined with sacroiliac screw fixation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the advantages and efficacy of anterior ring internal fixator systems combined with sacroiliac screw fixation in the treatment of Tile C pelvic fracture. METHODS: From May 2017 to May 2020, 27 patients with Tile C pelvic fracture who underwent anterior ring internal fixator system combined with sacroiliac screw fixation (group A) and 21 patients with Tile C pelvic fracture who underwent plate-screw system combined with sacroiliac screw fixation (group B) were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: All 48 patients were followed up for more than 12 months, all fractures healed within 3-6 months. The operative time, intraoperative bleeding volume, blood transfusion volume, incision length, hospital stay, complication rate and Majeed score were 63.5 ± 10.7 min, 48.3 ± 27.9 ml, 0 ml, 4.5 ± 0.8 cm, 10.2 ± 2.7 d, 3.7% and 89.7 ± 4.6 points, respectively, in group A and 114.8 ± 19.1 min, 375 ± 315.8 ml, 266.7 ± 326.6 ml, 9.2 ± 3.9 cm, 20.9 ± 5.7 d, 23.8% and 88.7 ± 4.9 points, respectively, in group B. Combined excellent and good rates of the Matta evaluation and Majeed score were 100% in both groups. There were no significant differences in the Matta evaluation or Majeed score between the two groups (both P > 0.05), whereas the operative time, intraoperative bleeding volume, blood transfusion volume, incision length and hospital stay were significantly less in group A (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: An anterior ring internal fixator system combined with sacroiliac screw fixation can effectively treat Tile C pelvic fracture, and has advantages, including minimal invasiveness, simple operation, short operative time, safe and reliable features, fewer complications, short hospital stay and a good curative effect.

The Surgical Treatment of Brachymetatarsia.

This article describes the 3 main surgical options for correction of congenital brachymetatarsia in childhood. The one-stage lengthening by lengthening osteotomy and lengthening with graft interposition are suitable for defects less than 10 mm. For the greater defects from 10 mm to more than 20 mm, gradual lengthening by callus distraction with an external or internal fixator is appropriate. Over the last years, callus distraction with an internal minifixator became commonly established because of the significantly improved aftercare with early full weight-bearing and high postoperative comfort for the child. All 3 surgical procedures are presented with comprehensive image material.

Minimally Invasive Internal Fixation of Femoral Shaft Fractures-A Biomechanical Study with a Disruptive Technique.

(1) Background: In polytrauma patients, femur fractures are usually stabilised by external fixation for damage control, later being treated with definitive plate or nail osteosynthesis. Screw/rod systems established in spinal surgery might be inserted for internal fixation, providing sufficient fracture stability that subsequent intervention is unnecessary. This was to be investigated biomechanically. (2) Methods: The unilaterally applied spinal internal fixator (IF) was subjected to load and deformation analysis on artificial femurs with 32-A3 fracture according to AO classification. Distance of screws to fracture and rod to cortical bone were analysed as parameters influenced surgically as stiffness and deformation of the treated fracture. In addition, the stability of another construct with a second screw/rod system was determined. The axial load in stance phase during walking was simulated. The results were compared against an established fixed-angle plate osteosynthesis (IP). (3) Results: There were no implant failures in the form of fractures, avulsions or deformations. All unilateral IF combinations were inferior to IP in terms of stability and stiffness. The bilateral construct with two screw/rod systems achieved biomechanical properties comparable to IP. 4) Conclusion: Biomechanically, a biplanar screw/rod system is suitable for definitive fracture stabilisation of the femur, despite a damage control approach.

[Osteoporotic fractures of the pelvic ring and their minimally invasive treatment options]. / Osteoporotische Frakturen des Beckenrings und deren minimal-invasive Behandlungsoptionen.

The routine care of osteoporotic fractures of the pelvic ring requires a well-structured treatment algorithm in order to start a stage-appropriate treatment without delay. Nowadays, minimally invasive treatment methods are the gold standard. The minimally invasive dorsal techniques primarily include percutaneous sacroiliac screw osteosynthesis and internal spinopelvic fixation. For minimally invasive treatment from an anterior approach the subcutaneous internal fixator is the method of choice. The primary goal of all forms of treatment, whether conservative or surgical, is the quickest possible painless mobilization and transfer to the familiar environment.

[Design and Clinical Application of Split Memory Alloy Sternum Plate].

OBJECTIVE: The design and development of split memory alloy sternum bone plate are discussed, and the effect of split memory alloy sternum bone plate internal fixation in the treatment of sternal fractures are analysed. METHODS: The structure of the product is designed according to the anatomy and physiological characteristics of human bones, and the cross section shape of the product is designed according to the cross section shape of human bones. Internal fixation is effective in the treatment of sternal fracture. RESULTS: The split memory alloy sternal plate was successfully designed and developed, and all the patients with sternal fractures treated by internal fixation were clinically healed, the hospitalization and fracture healing time were significantly shortened, and no obvious complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: The application of split memory alloy sternal plate internal fixation in the treatment of sternal fracture has the advantages of small trauma, simple operation, safety, reliable fixation, good histocompatibility and less complications, and is conducive to promoting fracture healing and respiratory function improvement.

Medial pantarsal arthrodesis with Compact UniLock 2.0 locking plate system in a cat.

Background: Pantarsal arthrodesis is a salvage procedure carried out for the treatment of tarsal joint disease, including severe osteoarthritis with intractable pain in the tarsocrural joint, tarsal fractures, shearing injuries, tarsocrural joint instability, and failure of the common calcaneal tendon. Although medial plating is preferable, the high incidence of post-surgery complications is possible. Using thin, pre-contouring or easy contouring, locking plates might reduce the incidence of such complications. However, to date, there are no pre-contouring and dedicated locking plates for pantarsal arthrodesis with medial placement. Case Description: The case of an 18-month-old female stray European cat has been referred because of a severe tibiotarsal injury improperly treated with an intramedullary pin. The patient was submitted for medial pantarsal arthrodesis, performed with the Compact UniLock 2.0™ locking plate systema (DePuy Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland). The authors hypothesized that this particularly innovative osteosynthesis system could present advantages compared to the systems already in use for medial pantarsal arthrodesis and therefore reduce the risk of complications. Conclusion: This innovative titanium locking system, because of its versatile contour function and thinness, allowed the good functional recovery of the limb and showed numerous advantages over traditional systems.

Role of a spanning plate as an internal fixator in complex distal radius fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive temporary internal wrist arthrodesis as an alternative treatment method in complex distal radius fractures. INDICATIONS: Complex distal radius fractures with dorsal and/or palmar comminution and little to no reconstruction possibilities, radiocarpal ligamentous injury, need for early weight bearing through the affected wrist (walking aids). CONTRAINDICATIONS: Complex hand injuries limiting the possibility to safely secure the plate at either the metacarpal or the radial shaft. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Percutaneous or open reduction and fixation of the distal radius fracture. Determine the location for the two stab incisions under fluoroscopy; one over the distal radial diaphysis and one over the second or third metacarpal. A third incision over Lister's tubercle allows transposition of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon, excision of the posterior interosseous nerve and dorsal arthrotomy. Retrograde insertion of the spanning plate. Placement of a first nonlocking screw through the glide hole into the metacarpal shaft. Under traction, a proximal screw hole is filled with a nonlocking screw into the radial diaphysis. Tightening of the cortical screws under lateral fluoroscopic view. The remaining screw holes at both the distal and proximal ends of the plate are filled with locking screws. Layered wound closure. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: A removable wrist splint is worn during 2 weeks. Weight bearing through the injured wrist is immediately allowed. Removal of the spanning plate is scheduled at 3 months after radiographic evidence of fracture consolidation. RESULTS: In total, twelve distal radius fractures were treated by dorsal spanning plate fixation between January 2018 and January 2019. Average age was 53.3 ± 24.5 years (range 22-95 years). Both 3.5 mm and 2.4/2.7 mm plates were used. All twelve fractures were healed after 3 months. The mean Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was 36.4 (range 8.3-70.0). There was one EPL tendon rupture, one case with extensor tendon adhesions, one periosteosynthetic fracture of the radial shaft and one complex regional pain syndrome. There was no implant failure and no infection.

Design and Clinical Application of Split Memory Alloy Sternum Plate / 中国医疗器械杂志

OBJECTIVE@#The design and development of split memory alloy sternum bone plate are discussed, and the effect of split memory alloy sternum bone plate internal fixation in the treatment of sternal fractures are analysed.@*METHODS@#The structure of the product is designed according to the anatomy and physiological characteristics of human bones, and the cross section shape of the product is designed according to the cross section shape of human bones. Internal fixation is effective in the treatment of sternal fracture.@*RESULTS@#The split memory alloy sternal plate was successfully designed and developed, and all the patients with sternal fractures treated by internal fixation were clinically healed, the hospitalization and fracture healing time were significantly shortened, and no obvious complications occurred.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The application of split memory alloy sternal plate internal fixation in the treatment of sternal fracture has the advantages of small trauma, simple operation, safety, reliable fixation, good histocompatibility and less complications, and is conducive to promoting fracture healing and respiratory function improvement.

[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.

[Analysis on the causes and prevention strategies of the vascular injury caused by the oblique lateral lumbar fusion].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the causes of vascular injury occurred in oblique lateral interbody fusion for treating lumbar degenerative diseases, and put forward preventive measures. METHODS: There were 235 patients analyzed from October 2014 to May 2017 in five hospitals, who were treated with oblique lateral interbody fusion with or without posterior pedicle screw fixation. There were 79 males and 156 females with an average age of (61.9±13.5) years old (ranged from 32 to 83 years). There were 7 cases of vascular injury, including 4 cases of segmental vessel injury, 1 case of left common iliac artery injury, 1 case of left common iliac veininjury and 1 case of ovarian vein injury. RESULTS: The follow up time ranged from 6 to 36 months, averagely (15.6±7.5) months. There was no pedicle screw loosen or fracture. The low back pain VAS decreased from preoperative 6.7±2.3 to 1.4±0.8 at the latest follow-up, which was statistically difference(t=7.21, P=0.033). The ODI decreased from preoperative (36.5±7.7)% to (9.4±3.6)% at the latest follow-up, which was statistically difference (t=8.11, P=0.025). CONCLUSION: Oblique lateral interbody fusion technique provides a new method for minimally invasive fusion of lumbar internal fixation. However, it has a risk of vascular injury. In order to effectively prevent the occurrence of vascular injury, the operative indications and careful and meticulous operation should be strictly grasped.

Stability of internal versus external fixation in osteoporotic pelvic fractures - a biomechanical analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis-related fragility fractures of the pelvic ring (FFP) differ fundamentally from pelvic fractures in younger patients. However, very little is known about biomechanical stability of different osteosynthesis procedures addressing the anterior pelvic ring in these fractures. The aim of this study was to compare standard external fixation with internal fixation using a novel screw-and-rod system in osteoporotic fractures of the pelvic ring in terms of stiffness, plastic deformation and maximum load under cyclic loading in a human cadaveric model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 embalmed osteoporotic cadaver pelvis specimens were randomized based on the T-score into a group for external fixation and a group for internal fixation. FFP type-IIB fractures were created. In addition to the external or internal fixator, a cement-augmented sacroiliac screw was implanted. Afterwards, axial cyclic loading was performed in a testing setup simulating one-leg stand. RESULTS: Mean plastic deformation and stiffness both were significantly better in the internal fixation group than in the external fixation group (plastic deformation: 0.37 mm (SD: 0.23) versus 0.71 mm (SD: 0.26), p = 0.011; stiffness: 43.69 N/mm (SD: 18.39) versus 26.52 N/mm (SD: 9.76), p = 0.029). Maximum load did not differ significantly between internal fixator (506.3 N; SD: 129.4) and external fixator (461.1 N; SD: 147.4) (p = 0.515). CONCLUSIONS: Submuscular internal fixation might be an interesting alternative to external fixation in clinical practice because of better biomechanical properties as well as several advantages in clinical use.