ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of the opposite Judet approach for internal fixation of scapula neck and body fractures with reconstruction plate. MethodsBetween February 2008 and November 2012, 44 cases of scapula neck and body fractures were treated through the opposite Judet approach for internal fixation with reconstruction plate. There were 34 males and 10 females with a mean age of 31 years (range, 20-53 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 30 cases, by falling from height in 10 cases, and by crashing of heavy object in 4 cases. Of 44 cases, 6 were classified as type Ⅱ A, 14 as type Ⅱ B, 4 as type Ⅱ C, and 20 as type Ⅳ fractures according to Miller standard. The mean time between operation and trauma was 11 days (range, 5-20 days). The glenopolar angle and the glenoid bank angle were measured on the anterior scapula X-ray films. The shoulder functions were evaluated according to the Rowe's scoring system. ResultsThe mean operation time was 80 minutes (range, 60-110 minutes). The mean intraoperative blood loss was 200 mL (range, 100-400 mL). Superficial wound infection occurred in 2 cases at 5 days after operation, and was cured after change dressing without dysfunction. Primary healing of incision was obtained in the other cases. All cases were followed up 12-23 months (mean, 18.3 months). No nerve or blood vessel injury, breakage of internal fixation, fracture displacement, bone nonunion, or osteomyelitis occurred. The glenopolar angle and glenoid bank angle were significantly improved from (17.08±3.28)°and (23.52±4.35)°before operation to (36.24±5.89)°and (9.27±2.12)°at 6 months after operation respectively (t=18.792, P=0.001;t=19.503, P=0.001). According to Rowe's scoring system for evaluation of shoulder function, the results were excellent in 32 cases, good in 8 cases, and fair in 4 cases at 1 year after operation; the excellent and 6 months good rate was 90.9%. ConclusionOpposite Judet approach for internal fixation of scapula neck and body fractures with reconstruction plate has the advantages of less rotator cuff injury, complete exposure of the scapula two column structure through the three gaps, and easy operation, and the satisfactory fracture reduction and rigid fixation can be obtained.
Objective To summarize the preliminary effectiveness of I.T.S. locking plate for intra-articular calcaneal fractures. Methods Between July 2010 and July 2011, 18 cases of intra-articular calcaneal fractures were treated. There were 10 males and 8 females with an average age of 46 years (range, 25-64 years). According to Sanders classification system, there were 3 cases of type II, 9 cases of type III, and 6 cases of type IV. The disease duration was 5-11 days (mean, 6 days). Open reduction and internal fixation with I.T.S. locking plate were performed via an L-shaped lateral extending incision. Results Superficial infection occurred in 1 case, and was cured after dressing changing; healing of incision by first intention was obtained in the other cases. Sixteen cases were followed up 14 months on average (range, 12-18 months). X-ray films demonstrated the bone union in all cases with an average union time of 12 weeks (range, 10-14 weeks). No implant failure or irritation of peroneal tendon occurred during follow-up. X-ray films showed subtalar post-traumatic arthritis with mild pain in 1 case at 11 months after operation, which was relieved by conservative treatment. At last follow-up, the Bouml;hler angle was improved from (12.9 ± 3.2)° preoperatively to (33.8 ± 4.0)° postoperatively, showing significant difference (t=22.78, P=0.00); the Gissane angle was improved from (83.6 ± 6.4)° preoperatively to (119.9 ± 8.5)° postoperatively, showing significant difference (t=17.02, P=0.00). The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 1.3 ± 1.2, and the ankle and hindfoot scale of American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) was 80.3 ± 7.9 at last follow-up. Conclusion Treatment of intra-articular calcaneal fracture with I.T.S. locking plate can obtain a stable fixation, which is a safe and effective method.