Objective To analyze the effectiveness of flexible internal fixation with locking plate for distal femoral fractures. Methods Between January 2015 and June 2016, 21 cases of distal femoral fractures were treated. There were 5 males and 16 females with an average age of 62 years (range, 32-88 years). Injury was caused by falling in 14 cases, by traffic accident in 5 cases, and by falling from height in 2 cases. The fractures located at the left side in 13 cases and the right side in 8 cases. Twenty cases were fresh closed fractures and 1 case was open fracture. According to AO/Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/OTA) typing, there were 5 cases of type 33-A1, 3 of type 33-A2, 8 of type 33-A3, 2 of type 33-C2, and 3 of type 33-C3. The time from injury to operation was 3-13 days (mean, 6.5 days). Results All operation incisions healed primarily. Eighteen patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 16 months). All fractures healed, and the healing time was 8-24 weeks (mean, 16.6 weeks). The articular surface was smooth and the thigh length was recovered. No screw loosening, plate breakage, valgus or varus of the knee, stiff of the knee or non-unions occurred during follow-up. There was no significant difference in visual analogue scale (VAS) score between at 6 and 12 months after operation (P>0.05), and the difference was significant bewteen the other time points (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the range of motion of knee between 1 month and 3, 6, 12 months (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between 3, 6, and 12 months (P>0.05). There were significant differences in the Neer scores between 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after operation (P<0.05). According to Neer score criteria, the results were excellent in 12 cases and good in 6 cases at 12 months after operation. Conclusion Flexible internal fixation with locking plate for distal femoral fractures can get good functional recovery.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of rotationplasty in treating osteosarcoma of distal femur in children.MethodsA clinical data of 10 children with osteosarcoma of distal femur treated with rotationplasty between March 2014 and June 2016 was retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 boys and 3 girls with an average age of 6.7 years (range, 4-10 years). There were 4 cases of osteoblastic osteosarcoma, 4 cases of mixed osteosarcoma, and 2 cases of chondroblastic osteosarcoma. All children were staged as Enneking stage ⅡB. The disease duration ranged from 3.5 to 6.0 months (mean, 4.6 months). The lower limb functional scoring system of 1993 Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS93), Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), and knee mobility were used to evaluate postoperative function. Tumor recurrence and metastases were monitored by radiograph.ResultsPoor superficial incision healing occurred in 1 patient, and healed after dressing change. The other incisions healed by first intention. All children were followed up 24-72 months (mean, 52.6 months). No local recurrence was observed during follow-up. Three of the ten patients suffered from metastases including 1 dying of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, 1 alive with tumor, and 1 tumor free survival. Painful callosities and ulcers which related to prosthetic wear occurred in 2 patients and turned up after optimizing prosthetic fit and physiotherapy. The fracture healing time was 2.5-5.0 months (mean, 3.5 months). All children could walk independently at 4 months postoperatively. At last follow-up, the MSTS93 score was 19-25 (mean, 22) and the TESS score was 87-93 (mean, 90). The extension of knee joint mobility with artificial limbs was 0°-10° (mean, 5°), and the flexion of knee joint mobility with artificial limbs was 85°-95° (mean, 90.5°).ConclusionRotationplasty in treating osteosarcoma of distal femur in children with limb salvage difficulties can effectively preserve the limb function and improve the quality of life, and it can be used as an alternative to amputation.
To investigate the therapeutic effects and the related factors during operation of the less invasive stabilization systemdistal femur（LISSDF）for Types 33A3, C2 and C3 fractures classfied on the criteria by Association of Orthopedics (AO). Methods From August 2004 to December 2005, 26 patients with distal femoral fractures were surgically treated by LISSDF, including 9 patients with Type 33A3, 11 with Type 33C2, and 6 with Type 33C3. There were 15 males and 11 females, aged 3272 years (average, 55 years). The fractures occurred on the left side in 16 patients and on the right side in 10 patients. The fractures resulted from a road traffic accident in12 patients, a fall from the height in 9, and a crush injury in 5. Of the 26 patients, 3 had an open fracture (2 Gustilo Type Ⅰ,1 Gustilo Type ⅡA), with the mean time between the injury and the operation of 4 days (range, 6 h16 d).The operation through a lateral parapatellar incision and a transarticular retrograde plate of osteosynthesis (TARPO) was performed on 17 patients for Type33C2 and 33C3 fracture of the distal femur. The locking head screw (LHS) insertion through the stab incisions and monocortical fixation was performed on 9 patients for Type 33A3 fracture. Results The followup of all the patients for 12-26 months averaged 14.5 months revealed that the bone union was completed in all the 26 patients, 1 of whom had a delayed bone union. The X-ray films showed that the time for the bone union was 1136 weeks averaged 16.1weeks, and the time for the full weight loading was 1326 weeks averaged 17.6 weeks. Superficial infection developed in 1 patient, and the infection was curedafter the dressing changes. The internal fixator attachment was performed on 5 patients 613 months after operation, who had a serious pain in the lateral part of the distal femur. No deep infection，loosening of the internal fixation，breakage or failure of the implants was found in all the patients. Evaluated by the Merchant score system for the knee joint, of the 26 patients 13 achieved an excellent result, 11 achieved a good result, and 2 achieved a fair result, with 92.3% excellent and good results. Based on the Rasmussen criteria for the fracture reduction, the 26 patients had standard scores of 1219 with an average of 17.6; of the 26 patients, 16 had an excellent result, 9 had a good result, and 1 had a fair result. Conclusion The LISS is consistent with the principles of biological osteosynthesis on the design, and the system offers a new and effective internal fixation method for treatment of AO Types A3, C2 and C3 fractures. However, its operation indications and operating instructions should be strictly followed.
ObjectiveTo review the current status and progress of locking plate for the treatment of distal femoral comminuted fractures.MethodsThe related literature was extensively reviewed to summarize the current status and progress in the treatment of distal femoral comminuted fracture with locking plate from four aspects: the current treatment situation, the shortcomings of locking plate and countermeasures, the progress of locking technology, locking plate and digital orthopedic technology.ResultsTreatment of distal femoral comminuted fractures is challenging. Locking plates, the most commonly used fixation for distal femoral comminuted fractures, still face a high rate of treatment failure. Double plates can improve the mechanical stability of comminuted fractures, but specific quantitative criteria are still lacking for when to choose double plates for fixation. The far cortial locking screw has shown good application value in improving the micro-movement and promoting the growth of callus. The biphasic plating is a development of the traditional locking plate, but needs further clinical examination. As an auxiliary means, digital orthopedic technology shows a good application prospect.ConclusionThe inherent defect of locking plate is a factor that affects the prognosis of distal femoral comminuted fracture. The optimization of locking technology combined with digital orthopedic technology is expected to reduce the failure rate of treatment of distal femoral comminuted fracture.
Objective To assess the factors that affect the outcome of distal femoral fractures treated by retrograde intramedullary nail ing. Methods Between November 1999 and June 2006, 30 patients with 31 distal femoral fractures (15 males and 15 females, 1 bilateral) were treated by retrograde nail ing. Their ages ranged from 44 to 82 years old (average, 67.2 years old). The causes of injury were sl ipping downs in 17 patients, traffic accidents in 11, and fall ing from height in 2. Theaverage interval from injury to operation was 1.8 days. There were 14 cases of A1 fracture, 7 cases of A2, 8 cases of A3, and 2 cases of C1 according to AO/OTA classifications. The mean distance between the most distal l ine of the fracture and the intercondylar notch was 7.2 cm (range, 0-12 cm). Closed retrograde nail ing was done without reaming, and bone grafts were not done. Re sults The operation time averaged 76 minutes (range, 45-110 minutes). All patients were followed up for 19-69 months, and the mean follow-up duration was 27 months. Twenty-eight of 31 fractures united on the average of 14.7 weeks (range, 12-22 weeks). Compl ications occurred in 7 cases. There were 3 nonunions in AO-A3 fractures which were treated by changing implants or bone graft. Two patients suffered screw loosening of distal locking, that were re-fixed. Two patients showed l imited knee motion of less than 90 degrees flexion. There were no cases of deep infection, malunion over 10 degrees of angulation or 1 cm of shortening. A satisfactory outcome (excellent and good results) was achieved in 26 of 31 cases (84%), according to Schatzker and Lambert’s criteria. Poor results and compl ications were related to fractures of comminution and located within 5 cm from the intercondylar notch (Pearson Chi-square test, P=0.03). Other possible factors including age, kinds of nails used, associated injury, and numbers of distal locking screws were not related to the outcome and compl ication (Pearson Chi-square test, P gt; 0.05). Conclusion Retrograde nail ing may be a useful option for distal femoral fractures, but attention should be paid to comminuted fractures or fractures close to the knee joint.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of anterior knee incision by the patellar longitudinal approach for osteotomy in treating type C fractures of the distal femur. MethodsBetween March 2010 and June 2014, 36 patients with type C fractures of the distal femur underwent fracture reduction and internal fixation by patellar longitudinal approach for osteotomy. There were 25 males and 11 females, aged 26-72 years (mean, 49 years). Injury causes included traffic accident injury (19 cases), falling injury from height (8 cases), and crushing injury (9 cases). There were 34 cases of closed fracture and 2 cases of open fracture. Associated fractures included 2 cases of patellar fracture and 4 cases of clavicular fracture; combined injuries included 4 cases of anterior cruciate ligament injury, 1 case of posterior cruciate ligament injury, 12 cases of meniscus injury, and 9 cases of medial and lateral collateral ligament injuries. It was 3-11 days from injury to operation (mean, 6 days). ResultsAmong 36 patients, 29 were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 18 months). Primary healing of incision was obtained, without infection or lower limb deep venous thrombosis. X-ray films showed fracture healing at 12-32 weeks (mean, 16.4 weeks). Neither loosening of screw and plate breakage nor valgus and varus knee occurred. Pain and stiff of the knee joint were observed in 4 and 2 cases, respectively; 4 cases walked with a cane. According to Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scoring system, the results were excellent in 21 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 1 case; and the excellent and good rate was 96.55%. The internal fixation was removed at 10-14 months after operation, and there was no re-fracture. ConclusionThe patellar longitudinal approach has the advantages of sufficient exposure, easy reduction, short operation time, good internal fixation, less damage of soft tissue, and less complication. So it is the appropriate approach to treat type C fractures of the distal femur.
Objective To assess the effectiveness of the new anterolateral approach of the distal femur for the treatment of distal femoral fractures. Methods Between July 2007 and December 2009, 58 patients with distal femoral fractures were treated by new anterolateral approach of the distal femur in 28 patients (new approach group) and by conventional approach in 30 patients (conventional approach group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, affected side, type of fracture, disease duration, complication, or preoperative intervention (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, hospitalization days, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score of knee were recorded. Results Operation was successfully completed in all patients of 2 groups, and healing of incision by first intention was obtained; no vascular and nerves injuries occurred. The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency of new approach group were significantly less than those of conventional approach group (P lt; 0.05). But the intraoperative blood loss and the hospitalization days showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 19.8 months). Bone union was shown on X-ray films; the fracture healing time was (12.62 ± 2.34) weeks in the new approach group and was (13.78 ± 1.94) weeks in the conventional approach group, showing no significant difference (t=2.78, P=0.10). The knee HSS score at last follow-up was 94.4 ± 4.2 in the new approach group, and was 89.2 ± 6.0 in the conventional approach group, showing significant difference between 2 groups (t=3.85, P=0.00). Conclusion New anterolateral approach of the distal femur for distal femoral fractures has the advantages of exposure plenitude, minimal tissue trauma, and early function rehabilitation training so as to enhance the function recovery of knee joint.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of distal femoral osteotomy aided by three-dimensional (3D) printing cutting block for correction of vaglus knee with osteoarthritis. Methods Between January 2014 and January 2016, 12 patients (15 knees) with vaglus deformity and lateral osteoarhritis underwent medial closing wedge distal femoral osteotomy. There were 5 males and 7 females, aged 30-60 years (mean, 43.8 years). The mean disease duration was 6.6 years (range, 1–12 years). The unilateral knee was involved in 9 cases and bilateral knees in 3 cases. According to Koshino’s staging system, 1 knee was classified as stage I, 9 knees as stage II, and 5 knees as stage III. The X-ray films of bilateral lower extremities showed that the femorotibial angle (FTA) and anatomical lateral distal femoral angle (aLDFA) were (160.40±2.69)° and (64.20±2.11)° respectively. Mimics software was used to design and print the cutting block by 3D printing technique. During operation, the best location of distal femoral osteotomy was determined according to the cutting block. After osteotomy, internal fixation was performed using a steel plate and screws. Results All incisions healed primarily; no complication of infection or deep vein thrombosis was observed. All patients were followed up 6-18 month (mean, 12.2 months). At 6 months after operation, the hospital for special surgery (HSS) score for knee was significantly improved to 89.07±2.49 when compared with preoperative score (65.27±1.49,t=–28.31,P=0.00); the results were excellent in 10 knees, good in 4 knees, and fair in 1 knee with an excellent and good rate of 93.3%. The bony union time was 2.9-4.8 months (mean, 3.3 months). Bone delayed union occurred in 1 case (1 knee). The postoperative FTA and aLDFA were (174.00±1.41)° and (81.87±1.06)° respectively, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (t=–18.26，P=0.00;t=–25.19,P=0.00). The percentage of medial tibial plateau in whole tibial plateau was 49.78%±0.59%, showing no significant difference when compared with intraoperative measurement (49.82%±0.77%,t=0.14,P=0.89). Conclusion 3D printing cutting block can greatly improve the accuracy of distal femoral osteotomy, and ensure better effectiveness for correction of vaglus knee with osteoarthritis.