ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of treatment of locked lower cervical fracture and dislocation with anterior cervical fusion and internal fixation combined with the release of the interlocking facet through the Luschka joint and anterior lamina space.MethodsTwelve patients with lower cervical interlocking fracture and dislocation were analyzed retrospectively between January 2013 and June 2015. There were 7 males and 5 females, aged 25-59 years with an average age of 38.4 years. The disease duration was 9.6 hours to 100 days with an average of 7.3 days. There were 8 cases of unilateral locking and 4 cases of bilateral locking; 4 cases of old injury and 8 cases of fresh injury. The injured segments were 2 cases of C3, 4, 5 cases of C4, 5, 3 cases of C5, 6, and 2 cases of C6, 7. According to Meyerding classification, there were 9 cases of grade Ⅰ and 3 cases of grade Ⅱ. According to the functional classification of American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA), there were 2 cases of grade C, 6 cases of grade D, and 4 cases of grade E. The interlocking facet was released through the Luschka joint and anterior lamina space, and the anterior cervical fusion and internal fixation were used to treat the fracture and dislocation of the lower cervical spine. The recovery of spinal cord function was judged by the functional classification of ASIA; visual analogue scale (VAS) score, neck disability index (NDI) score, modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (m-JOA) score were used to evaluate the clinical efficacy; the Cobb angle of fusion segment were observed by X-ray film. The intervertebral bone graft fusion was evaluated at 6 months after operation.ResultsThe average operation time was 78.30 minutes, the average intraoperative blood loss was 167.30 mL, and the average postoperative drainage volume was 58.12 mL. No blood transfusion was given during or after operation. During the operation, there was no accidental injury of large blood vessels, esophagus, and trachea; no laryngo edema, dysphagia, hoarseness, and cerebrospinal fluid leakage occurred after operation; no spinal cord injury or nerve root injury aggravated; the incision healed by first intention, and no infection occurred. All 12 cases were followed up 15-20 months, with an average of 16.5 months. The symptoms and function of the nerve injury were significantly improved when compared with that before operation. Re-examination of the cervical spine X-ray film at 6 months after operation showed that the Cage or bone graft was not displaced or broken, the screw was not loosened or detached, and the intervertebral graft fusion rate was up to 100%. At last follow-up, the ASIA grade, Cobb angle of fusion segment, neck pain VAS score, m-JOA score, and NDI score were significantly improved when compared with preoperative one (P<0.05).ConclusionThe effectiveness of treatment of locked lower cervical fracture and dislocation with anterior cervical fusion and internal fixation combined with the release of the interlocking facet through the Luschka joint and anterior lamina space is clear, which not only can make the injured segment get satisfactory reduction, immediate stability and reconstruction, and full decompression, but also can effectively prevent the secondary injury of spinal cord.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology, pathological mechanism and treatment of cervical fracture-dislocation without spinal cord injury. METHODS: Nine patients with cervical fracture-dislocation without spinal cord injury were male and aged 22 to 63 years. Based on the clinical symptoms and roentgenographic changes, the injury mechanism was analyzed; and the pathological characteristics and treatment principle were put forward. RESULTS: Anterior reduction was employed in all 9 cases. Eight cases were reduced completely while 1 case was reduced partially. After following up 1 to 3 years, 7 cases recovered completely and the other 2 cases relieved their symptoms obviously. No nervous symptoms aggravated during the following-up period. CONCLUSION: Fracture-dislocation of the cervical spine without spinal cord injury has special pathological mechanism. The surgical intervention is needed for solid fixation and complete decompression without any delayed neurosymptoms.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of early internal fixation combined with free anterolateral thigh perforator flap (ALTPF) transplantation in the treatment of open ankle fracture-dislocation. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 13 patients with open ankle fracture-dislocation who were admitted and met the inclusion criteria between January 2021 and May 2024. Among them, there were 9 males and 4 females, with the ages ranging from 23 to 61 years (mean, 45.3 years). Fracture types included 5 cases of simple medial or lateral malleolar fracture-dislocation, 7 cases of bimalleolar (medial and lateral) fracture-dislocation, and 1 case of trimalleolar fracture-dislocation. Additionally, 3 cases were complicated with bone defects (1 medial malleolus defect and 2 lateral malleolus defects). All injuries were classified as type ⅢB according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification for open fractures. The size of wound defects ranged from 7 cm×5 cm to 18 cm×12 cm. The time from injury to surgery was 2-20 hours (mean, 4 hours). All patients underwent emergency thorough debridement upon admission. The fracture-dislocation was temporarily stabilized with an external fixator, and the wound was covered with antibiotic-impregnated bone cement sheets or vacuum sealing drainage. Definitive internal fixation of the fracture and free ALTPF transplantation were performed 5-7 days after the initial emergency procedure. Postoperatively, wound healing, flap survival, and fracture union were monitored. At last follow-up, clinical outcomes were assessed using the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score. Results All 13 patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 8.2 months). All flaps survived completely, and all fractures achieved union, with an union time of 3-11 months (mean, 5.5 months). One patient developed a superficial infection at the wound margin, which healed after regular dressing changes and drainage. No internal fixation-related complication (e.g., deep infection, implant loosening, or secondary ankle instability) were observed. At last follow-up, the total AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 78.6±13.5, with 3 excellent, 7 good, 2 fair, and 1 poor cases, yielding an excellent and good rate of 76.9%. ConclusionEarly internal fixation combined with ALTPF transplantation for open ankle fracture-dislocation can shorten the treatment course and maximize the recovery of ankle joint function.
ObjectiveTo report a new type of anatomical locking plate for sternocalvicular joint, and investigate its effectiveness in treatment of sternoclavicular joint fracture and dislocation.MethodsA new type of anatomical locking plate for sternoclavicular joint was developed, which accorded with the anatomical features and biomechanical characteristics of Chinese sternoclavicular joint. By adopting the method of clinical randomized controlled study, 32 patients with the sternoclavicular joint fracture and dislocation who met the selection criteria between June 2008 and May 2015 were randomly divided into groups A and B (n=16), and the patients were treated with new anatomic locking plate and distal radial T locking plate internal fixation, respectively. There was no significant difference between 2 groups in gender, age, injured side, body mass index, cause of injury, type of injury, the time from injury to operation, and preoperative Rockwood grading score (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospitalization time, and postoperative complications in 2 groups were recorded, and the effectiveness was evaluated by Rockwood grading score.ResultsThe operations of 2 groups completed successfully. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the incision length between 2 groups (t=0.672, P=0.507). All the patients were followed up 18-30 months (mean, 24 months). In group A, there were 1 case of sternoclavicular joint pain and 2 cases of wound infection; in group B, there were 1 case of sternoclavicular joint pain, 1 case of internal fixation loosening, and 1 case of sternoclavicular joint re-dislocation; there was no significant difference in complication incidence between 2 groups (P=1.000). The Rockwood grading scores at each time point after operation in 2 groups were significantly higher than those before operation. At 1 month after operation, the Rockwood grading score in group A was significantly higher than that in group B (t=2.270, P=0.031); but there was no significant difference in the Rockwood grading scores between the 2 groups at 6 months and at last follow-up (P>0.05). At last follow-up, according to the Rockwood scoring standard, the results of group A were excellent in 13 cases, good in 2 cases, poor in 1 case, the excellent and good rate was 93.75%; the results of group B were excellent in 11 cases, good in 4 cases, poor in 1 case, and the excellent and good rate was 93.75%; there was no significant difference between 2 groups (Z=–0.748, P=0.455).ConclusionThe new type of anatomic locking plate accords with the Chinese anatomical characteristics. It has the advantages of easy operative procedure, less surgical trauma, shorter operation time, less intraoperative blood loss, shorter hospitalization time, and it can achieve better results in the treatment of sternoclavicular joint fracture and dislocation.
Objective To compare the therapeutic effect of transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and posterior lateral fusion (PLF) in treatment of thoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation. Methods From January 2005 to July 2007, 35 patients (22 males, 13 females, aged 17-53 years old) with thoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation (T11-L3) received posterior open reduction and pedicle nail-stick system internal fixation. Among which, 14 patients underwent TLIF(group TLIF), and the rest 21 patients underwent PLF (group PLF). According to AO classification, group TLIF had 3 cases of A3, 7 cases of B and 4 cases of C, while group PLF had 4 cases of A3, 10 cases of B and 7 cases of C. Based on American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Scoring Standard formulated in 2000, the motor score of group TLIF and group PLF was (50.6 ± 3.6) and (50.8 ± 4.2) points, respectively; and the sensory score was (170.5 ± 42.7) and (153.8 ± 23.7) points, respectively. No significant difference was noted between 2 groups in general information (P gt; 0.05). Results The operation time of group TLIF and group PLF was (316 ± 32) minutes and (254 ± 27) minutes, and the blood loss of group TLIF and group PLF was (487 ± 184) mL and (373 ± 72) mL, indicating there were significant differences between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). Wounds of all patients were healed by first intention and there was no death, aggravation of neurological function impairment and compl ication of internal fixation instrument loosening and breaking. All 35 cases were followed up for 9-23 months with an average of 14.6 months. Postoperatively, the thoracolumbar bone fusion rate of group TLIF and group PLF was 100% and 85.7%, respectively, indicating there was a significant difference (P lt; 0.05). At 3 months after operation, the motor score of group TLIF and group PLF was increased by (10.4 ± 10.0) and (9.4 ± 9.3) points, respectively; and the sensory score was upgraded by (26.5 ± 22.8) and (28.8 ± 28.4) points, respectively, showing there were no significant difference (P gt; 0.05). At immediate moment, 3, 6 and 12 months after operation, the spine height restoration of group TLIF was (5.4 ± 2.1), (5.4 ± 1.9), (5.4 ± 1.4) and (5.3 ± 1.3) mm, respectively; while it was (5.3 ± 2.6), (5.3 ± 2.2), (4.8 ± 3.1) and (4.2 ± 3.6) mm for group PLF. Meanwhile, the Cobbangle recovery of group TLIF was (14.5 ± 3.5), (14.5 ± 3.6), (14.4 ± 3.4) and (14.4 ± 3.6)º, respectively; while it was (14.3 ± 2.7), (14.2 ± 3.1), (12.2 ± 2.8) and (11.7 ± 3.3)º for group PLF. Concerning the spine height restoration and the Cobb angle recovery, no significant difference was observed between 2 groups at immediate moment and 3 months after operation (P gt; 0.05), but significant differences were noted at 6 and 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion For the treatment othoracolumbar spine fracture and dislocation, TLIF is superior to PLF in bony fusion and restoration of spine column height.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of one-stage posterior reduction single nail and rod fixation combined with the anterior operation on lower cervical fracture-dislocation combined with unilateral locked facet.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 28 patients with lower cervical fracture-dislocation combined with unilateral locked facet who underwent one-stage posterior-anterior approach surgery between June 2012 and March 2017 were conducted. The Cobb angle, vertebral body horizontal displacement, height of intervertebral space, recovery of nerve function and operative complications were observed before and after operation.ResultsAll patients were followed up for 12-24 months, with an average of (18.9±4.7) months. All the patients received good reposition after operation without complications such as large blood vessels, trachea, esophagus, spinal dura mater injury and so on. The incisions healed well in all patients. Postoperative complications: postoperative hoarseness and dysphagia occured in 3 cases, pharynx and larynx pain in 8 cases, pulmonary infection in 1 case, and hyponatremia in 2 cases; all patients recovered after the related symptomatic treatment. Postoperative X-ray showed that all the patients were completely corrected without residual small joint semi dislocation and kyphosis. No spinal cord or nerve injury aggravators occurred after surgery. The neurological function of all patients was improved to different degrees 12 months after operation. American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) classification showed that, of the 6 cases classified as type B preoperatively, 4 cases turned into type C and 2 cases into type D postoperatively; of the 13 cases classified as type C preoperatively, 10 cases turned into type D and 3 into type E postoperatively; and all the 8 cases classified as type D preoperatively turned into type E postoperatively. The ASIA scores increased by 1-2 levels compared with those before operation (P<0.05). The height of cervical intervertebral space, physiological curvature and cervical stability of all patients were well maintained 7 days and 12 months after operation, which were significantly improved compared with those before operation (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two follow-up visits at 7 days and 12 months after operation. The Japanese Orthopaedic Association score at 12 months after operation (14.6±2.3) was significantly better than that before operation (6.8±2.6), and the average improvement rate was (79.6±18.8)% (P<0.05). No complications such as screw loosening, fracture or displacement occurred during follow-up.ConclusionOne-stage posterior reduction single nail and rod fixation combined with the anterior operation is safe and effective for the treatment of lower cervical fracture-dislocation combined with unilateral locked facet.
Objective To compare the biomechanical differences among the five internal fixation modes in treatment of Day type Ⅱ crescent fracture dislocation of pelvis (CFDP), and find an internal fixation mode which was the most consistent with mechanical principles. Methods Based on the pelvic CT data of a healthy adult male volunteer, a Day type Ⅱ CFDP finite element model was established by using Mimics 17.0, ANSYS 12.0-ICEM, Abaqus 2020, and SolidWorks 2012 softwares. After verifying the validity of the finite element model by comparing the anatomical parameters with the three-dimensional reconstruction model and the mechanical validity verification, the fracture and dislocated joint of models were fixed with S1 sacroiliac screw combined with 1 LC-Ⅱ screw (S1+LC-Ⅱ group), S1 sacroiliac screw combined with 2 LC-Ⅱ screws (S1+2LC-Ⅱ group), S1 sacroiliac screw combined with 2 posterior iliac screws (S1+2PIS group), S1 and S2 sacroiliac screws combined with 1 LC-Ⅱ screw (S1+S2+LC-Ⅱ group), S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) screw combined with 1 LC-Ⅱ screw (S2AI+LC-Ⅱ group), respectively. After each internal fixation model was loaded with a force of 600 N in the standing position, the maximum displacement of the crescent fracture fragments, the maximum stress of the internal fixation (the maximum stress of the screw at the ilium fracture and the maximum stress of the screw at the sacroiliac joint), sacroiliac joint displacement, and bone stress distribution around internal fixation were observed in 5 groups. Results The finite element model in this study has been verified to be effective. After loading 600 N stress, there was a certain displacement of the crescent fracture of pelvis in each internal fixation model, among which the S1+LC-Ⅱ group was the largest, the S1+2LC-Ⅱ group and the S1+2PIS group were the smallest. The maximum stress of the internal fixation mainly concentrated at the sacroiliac joint and the fracture line of crescent fracture. The maximum stress of the screw at the sacroiliac joint was the largest in the S1+LC-Ⅱ group and the smallest in the S2AI+LC-Ⅱ group. The maximum stress of the screw at the ilium fracture was the largest in the S1+2PIS group and the smallest in the S1+2LC-Ⅱ group. The displacement of the sacroiliac joint was the largest in the S1+LC-Ⅱ group and the smallest in the S1+S2+LC-Ⅱ group. In each internal fixation model, the maximum stress around the sacroiliac screws concentrated on the contact surface between the screw and the cortical bone, the maximum stress around the screws at the iliac bone concentrated on the cancellous bone of the fracture line, and the maximum stress around the S2AI screw concentrated on the cancellous bone on the iliac side. The maximum bone stress around the screws at the sacroiliac joint was the largest in the S1+LC-Ⅱ group and the smallest in the S2AI+LC-Ⅱ group. The maximum bone stress around the screws at the ilium was the largest in the S1+2PIS group and the smallest in the S1+LC-Ⅱ group. Conclusion For the treatment of Day type Ⅱ CFDP, it is recommended to choose S1 sacroiliac screw combined with 1 LC-Ⅱ screw for internal fixation, which can achieve a firm fixation effect without increasing the number of screws.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of operation via anterior approach in treating pelvic crescent fra cture. Methods Between June 2007 and December 2009, 18 patients with pelvic crescent fracture were treated, including 11 males and 7 females with an average age of 32 years (range, 19-52 years). The locations were the right in 8 cases and the leftin 10 cases. Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 10 cases, by fall ing from height in 5 cases, and by crushing with heavy weights in 3 cases. All patients suffered lateral compression injuries of the pelvis. The mean time from injury to operation was 7.8 days (range, 3-22 days). The preoperative mean displacement of the posterior pelvic ring was 13.7 mm (range, 5-24 mm) according to the method described by Matta et al. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, displacement correction of the posterior pelvic ring, fracture heal ing time, and Hannover pelvic score were recorded. Results The average operation time was 175 minutes (range, 110-230 minutes); the average intraoperative blood loss was 561.7 mL (range, 300-1 100 mL); the postoperative mean displacement of the posterior pelvic ring was 1.2 mm (range, 0-3 mm); and the mean displacement correction of the posterior pelvic ring was 12.6 mm (range, 4-23 mm). No intraoperative lumbosacral nervous injury occurred. Superficial wound infection occurred in 2 cases and was cured after 1 week of wound drainage and appl ication of antibiotic. The others achieved heal ing of incision by first intention. Fifteen patients were followed up 16.1 months on average (range, 13-22 months). The X-ray films showed fracture heal ing in all patients. The fracture heal ing time was 3.6 months on average (range, 3-4 months). No patient had loss of reduction or failure of internal fixation. The cl inical outcome was excellent in 10 cases (66.7%) and good in 5 cases (33.3%) according to Hannover pelvic score; social reintegration was complete in 13 cases (86.7%) and incomplete in 2 cases (13.3%). Conclusion Operation via anterior approach is a good choice in the treatment of pelvic crescent fracture.
To compare the effectiveness of the operations in treatment of thoracolumber spine fracture and dislocation with spinal cord injury in different periods. Methods Between June 2003 and June 2008, 80 cases of thoracolumber spine fracture and dislocation with spinal cord injury were treated. There were 52 males and 28 females with an average age of 37.6 years (range, 28-49 years). According to different operative time, they were divided into 2 groups by randomized controlled study: group A (n=39, operation was performed within 24 hours) and group B (n=41, operation was performed at 3-7 days). In group A, there were 23 cases of degree I-II (group A1), 16 cases of degree III-V (group A2) according to Meyerding standard, including 17 cases of grade A, 7 cases of grade B, 9 cases of grade C, and 6 cases of grade D according to Frankel scoring system. In group B, there were 21 cases of degree I-II (group B1) and 20 cases of degree III-V (group B2), including 20 cases of grade A, 7 cases of grade B, 11 cases of grade C, and 3 cases of grade D. All cases were treated with posterior spinal cord decompression and reduction, with internal fixation by pedicle screw-rod system and transforamen lumbar interbody fusion. Results The blood loss was (407.4 ± 24.3) mL in group A1 and (397.4 ± 8.2) mL in group B1, showing no significant difference (t=1.804, P=0.078); the blood loss was (1 046.9 ± 128.6) mL in group A2 and (494.4 ± 97.7) mL in group B2, showing significant difference (t=14.660, P=0.000). All 80 patients were followed up 2 years to 2 years and 6 months (mean, 2 years and 3 months) with satisfactory results in spinal cord decompression and reduction, and bony fusion was achieved at 12 months. There was no significant difference in the vertebral canal volume, vertebral height, and Cobb angle at both pre- and postoperation between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). No loosening or breakage of screws and rods occurred. At 12 months after operation, the cure rates were 47.83% (11/23) in group A1 and 19.05% (4/21) in group B1, showing significant difference (χ2=4.046, P=0.044); the cure rates were 12.50% (2/16) in group A2 and 10.00% (2/20) in group B2, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.056, P=0.813). There was no significant difference (χ2=0.024, P=0.878) in the cure rates in the patients at grades A and B before operation between group A (12.50%, 3/24) and group B (11.11%, 3/27); but there was significant difference (χ2=5.992, P=0.014) in the cure rates in the patients at grades C and D before operation between group A (66.67%, 10/15) and group B (21.43%, 3/14). Conclusion Emergency operation of posterior pedicle screw-rod system for treatment of thoracolumber spine fracture and dislocation with spinal cord injury can provide good reduction, rigid fixation, and high fusion rate, so it is asafe and effective treatment method.