ObjectiveTo explore the clinical outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation by posterolateral and posteromedial approaches for treating posterior Pilon fractures in elderly patients. MethodsBetween August 2009 and August 2014, 20 elderly patients with posterior Pilon fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation by posterolateral and posteromedial approaches. There were 14 males and 6 females, aged from 66 to 83 years (mean, 72.7 years). The causes were falling injury in 11 cases and traffic accident injury in 9 cases. All the patients had lateral malleolus and medial malleolus fractures. The time from injury to operation was 7-14 days (mean, 8.6 days). The posterolateral incision was made to expose the posterolateral bone fragments of posterior malleolus and lateral malleolus fracture, and the posteromedial incision was made to expose the posteromedial fracture fragments of posterior malleolus and medial malleolus fracture. After reduction, fracture was fixed with locking plate or cannulated screw. All the patients began to functional exercise at 1 day after operation. ResultsThe operation time was 60-110 minutes (mean, 92 minutes). The incisions healed primarily in all patients. There were no complications of incision dehiscence, infection, implant exposure, and nerve damage. No irritation sign of tendon was observed. All 20 cases were followed up for 12-18 months (mean, 13 months). The X-ray films showed that fracture healed at 3-9 months, with an average of 5.2 months. During follow-up period, no loosening or breakage of the implant was observed. The other patients could walk normally except 2 patients (over 80 years old) who could walk with crutch. According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score, the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 4 cases; the excellent and good rate was 80%. ConclusionA combination of posterolateral approach and posteromedial approach for open reduction and fixation of posterior Pilon fractures can achieve satisfactory effect in elderly patients. It has the advantages of protecting ankle blood supply and avoiding the soft tissue necrosis and implants exposure.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of one-stage radical debridement and total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the treatment of active tuberculosis of the hip. MethodsBetween January 2006 and June 2011,one-stage radical debridement and THA were performed on 12 cases (12 hips) of active tuberculosis of the hip.There were 7 males and 5 females,aged 18-60 years (mean,46.3 years).The disease duration ranged from 6 to 24 months (mean,10.5 months).According to Babhulkar and Pande staging criteria,5 cases were at stage Ⅲ and 7 cases were at stage IV.One case had sinus,and 2 cases had previous pulmonary tuberculosis.Preoperative hip range of motion was (35.83±9.25)°; hip Harris score was 36.83±6.44.Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) was 45-90 mm/1 h (mean,62.4 mm/1h); C-reactive protein (CRP) was 19-50 mg/L (mean,33.6 mg/L).Perioperatively all the patients accepted the regular anti-tuberculous medication. ResultsThe results of histopathological examination and PCR detection were positive for tuberculosis bacillus.Postoperatively the incisions healed primarily.All the patients were followed up 25-60 months (mean,40.8 months).The ESR and CRP returned to normal level with no liver injury.Tuberculosis recurrence occurred in 1 patient at 4 months after operation,which was cured after revision.X-ray film showed no prosthesis shift,prosthesis loosening,or sinus tract.At 18-24 months after operation,the bilateral sides had the same bone density,which was similar to that at the final follow-up.Hip range of motion was significantly improved to (107.08±13.56)° (t=14.571,P=0.000).Hip Harris score was significantly increased to 88.00±10.78 (t=16.750,P=0.000). ConclusionA combination of one-stage radical debridement and THA is a safe method to treat active tuberculosis of the hip,which can relief symptoms and improve hip function,with low recurrence and satisfactory short-term effectiveness.