ObjectiveTo summarize the progress in the application of ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis. MethodThe domestic and foreign related literature about the application of ankle and hindfoot arthrodesis was reviewed, summarized, and analyzed. ResultsAnkle and hindfoot arthrodesis include the multi-joint fusion and the single joint fusion, and they involve tibiotalar joint, subtalar joint, talonavicular joint, and calcaneocuboid joint. The methods of fixation include screw, plate, intramedullary nail, and external fixation. ConclusionsDifferent terminal illnesses of ankle and hindfoot have different choices in both the fusion location and the method of fixation, appropriate program for therapeutic purposes can also alleviate complication simultaneously.
ObjectiveTo summarize the short-term effectiveness of TightRope system for the treatment of syndesmotic tibiofibular diastasis. MethodsBetween June 2013 and June 2015, 23 patients with syndesmotic tibiofibular diastasis were treated by TightRope system, including 15 males and 8 females with an average age of 32.3 years (range, 16-63 years). Injury was caused by sports in 13 cases, by traffic accident in 6 cases, and by falling from height in 4 cases. The locations were the left side in 13 cases and the right side in 10 cases. The time from injury to operation was 6 hours to 12 days (mean, 3.8 days). According to Lauge-Hansen classification, 13 cases were rated as supination-external rotation type, 7 cases as pronation-abduction type, and 3 cases as pronation-external rotation type; according to Weber classification, 5 cases were rated as type A, 11 cases as type B, and 7 cases as type C. ResultsThe mean operative time was 68.1 minutes (range, 48-93 minutes); the mean intraoperative blood loss was 70.3 mL (range, 20-150 mL); and the mean hospitalization days were 7 days (range, 5-13 days). Superficial local skin necrosis occurred in 6 cases, and primary healing of incision was obtained in the others. All patients were followed up 8-30 months (mean, 16.4 months). X-ray films showed bone union was achieved within 6-12 weeks (mean, 9.4 weeks). No related complications of reduction failure and re-fracture occurred. The internal fixators were removed at 10-18 months postoperatively (mean, 13.3 months). According to American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score for ankle function evaluation, the results were excellent in 19 cases and good in 4 cases at last follow-up. ConclusionTightRope system is a good method to treat syndesmotic tibiofibular diastasis, because of safety, convenient operation, and satisfactory short-term effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of anterior single segment fixation on the spinal biomechanical stabilization in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fracture of Denis type B with pedicle injury. MethodsSix fresh human cadaveric spine specimens (T11-L3) were harvested as normal control (group A). Then the L1 Denis type B fracture model was created by the hemi-corpectomy method. Each specimen was tested in 3 different scenarios: anterior single segment (T12, L1) fixation with the integrity of the pedicle (group B), anterior single segment fixation with the resection of the unilateral pedicle (group C), and anterior single segment fixation with the resection of the bilateral pedicles (group D). Range of motion (ROM) in flexion/extension, bilateral bending, and bilateral axial rotation was measured by spinal three-dimensional measuring system under pure moments of 8.0 N·m. ResultsThe ROM values of T12, L1 in flexion, extension, and right/left lateral bending of groups B, C, and D were significantly lower than those of group A (P<0.05); group D was significantly higher than groups B and C (P<0.05); but groups B and C showed no significant difference (P>0.05). The ROM values of T12, L1 in right/left axial rotation of groups B and C were significantly lower than those of groups A and D (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between groups B and C and between groups A and D. The ROM values of L1, 2 in flexion, extension, right/left lateral bending, and right/left axial rotation showed no significant difference between groups (P>0.05). ConclusionResection of the unilateral pedicle has litter effects on the spine biomechanical stabilization of the anterior single segment fixation in the 6 degrees of freedom. However, the bilateral resection results show significant decrease in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and rotation motion stability by the single segment fixation devices, especially in the axial rotation aspect.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the difference between using and not using syndesmotic screw to treat pronation external rotation (PER) ankle fracture combined with separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. MethodsBetween April 2011 and October 2014, 46 cases of PER ankle fracture combined with separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis were treated, and syndesmotic screw was used in 24 cases (fixation group) and syndesmotic screw was not used in 22 cases (non-fixation group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, weight, cause of injury, side, injury to operation time, and fracture type between 2 groups (P > 0.05). The time for full weight-bearing, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded after operation. Anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films were taken to measure the tibiofibular overlap (TBOL) and tibiofibular clear space (TBCS). Baird-Jackson score was used to evaluate functional recovery of the ankle. ResultsAll incision healed by first intention without complications. The cases were followed up 13-18 months (mean, 15.2 months) in 2 groups. The time for full weight-bearing was 8-12 weeks (median, 11 weeks) in fixation group, which was significantly later than that in non-fixation group (range, 6-10 weeks; median, 8 weeks) (Z=-5.049, P=0.000). X-ray examination showed reduction of separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis. All fractures healed. The fracture healing time was (13.83±1.37) weeks in fixation group, and was (13.91±1.31) weeks in non-fixation group, showing no significant difference (t=-0.191, P=0.945). No separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis, delayed union, nonunion, loosening, or breakage of fixation devices was observed in 2 groups. There was no significant difference in TBOL, TBCS, Baird-Jackson score and the excellent and good rate between 2 groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionIf the medial, lateral, and posterior structures of the ankle could be repaired according to injury, no significant influence on functional outcome of ankle or radiologic findings could be detected whether syndesmotic fixation is given or not in treating PER ankle fracture (exclude Maisonneuve fracture) combined with separation of distal tibiofibular syndesmosis.