Objective To compare the biomechanical stability of Kirschner wire and tension band wiring, reconstruction plate combined with tension band wiring, and olecranon anatomical plate in fixing proximal ulna combined with olecranon fracture, so as to provide the theoretical evidence for clinical selection of internal fixation. Methods Eight specimens of elbow joints and ligaments were taken from eight fresh male adult cadaveric elbows (aged 26-43 years, mean 34.8 years) donated voluntarily. The model of proximal ulna combined with olecranon fracture was made by an osteotomy in each specimen. Fracture end was fixed successively by Kirschner wire and tension band wiring (group A), reconstruction plate combined with tension band wiring (group B), and olecranon anatomical plate (group C), respectively. The biomechanical test was performed for monopodium compression experiments, and load-displacement curves were obtained. The stability of the fixation was evaluated according to the load value when the compression displacement of fracture segment was 2 mm. Results No Kirschner wire withdrawal, broken plate and screw, loosening and specimens destruction were observed. The load-displacement curves of 3 groups showed that the displacement increased gradually with increasing load, while the curve slope of groups B and C was significantly higher than that of group A. When the compression displacement was 2 mm, the load values of groups A, B, and C were (218.6 ± 66.9), (560.3 ± 116.1), and (577.2 ± 137.6) N, respectively; the load values of groups B and C were significantly higher than that of group A (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between groups B and C (t=0.305, P=0.763). Conclusion The proximal ulna combined with olecranon fracture is unstable. Reconstruction plate combined with tension band wiring and olecranon anatomical plate can meet the requirement of fracture fixation, so they are favorable options for proximal ulna combined with olecranon fracture. Kirschner wire and tension band wiring is not a stable fixation, therefore, it should not be only used for proximal ulna combined with olecranon fracture.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of Kirschner wire combined with silk tension band in the treatment of ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. Methods Between September 2008 and October 2011, 14 patients with ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint were treated using a combination of Kirschner wire and silk tension band. There were 8 males and 6 females, aged 23-55 years (mean, 40.8 years). The causes of injury were machinery twist injury in 5 cases, manual twist injury in 4 cases, falling in 4 cases, sports injury in 1 case. The time from injury to operation was 2 hours-14 days. All the patients presented pain over the ulnar aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, limitation of motion, and joint instability with pinch and grip. The lateral stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint was positive. Function training was given at 2 weeks after operation. Results All incisions healed by first intention. The lateral stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint was negative. All the patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13.1 months). The X-ray films showed good fracture reduction and healing with an average time of 7 weeks (range, 4-10 weeks). At last follow-up, the thumbs had stable flexion and extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint, normal opposition function and grip and pinch strengths. According to Saetta et al. criteria for functional assessment, the results were excellent in 11 cases and good in 3 cases; the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion It is an easy and simple method to treat ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint using Kirschner wire combined with silk tension band, which can meet the good finger function.
Objective To investigate the curative effects of open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire for Mason type-II radial head or neck fracture in children. Methods From September 2007 to June 2009, 17 cases of Mason type-II radial head or neck fracture were treated, including 11 males and 6 femals with an average age of 8.5 years (4-11 years).The locations were left side in 5 cases and right side in 12 cases. All fractures were caused by fall ing and classified as Mason type- II fracture. Two cases compl icated by radial nerve deep branch injury. The time from injury to operation was 4 hours to 5 days. All cases received open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire. They were evaluated by anteroposterior and lateral radiographs and functionally by Broberg criteria. Results Wound healed primarily in all patients. According to Métaizeau criteria, the results were excellent in 15 patients and good in 2 patients, who achieved anatomical reduction. Seventeen patients were followed up for a mean time of 14 months (6-25 months). Function returned to normal in 2 cases compl icated by radial nerve deep branch injury after 6 months of operation. No compl ications of infection and nerve injury occurred. The X-ray films showed that bony heal ing was achieved in all cases; the heall ing time was 2.0-3.5 months (mean 3 months). According to Broberg criteria, the outcome was excellent in 11 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases, the excellent and good rate was 88.2%. Conclusion Open reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire has good effect, satisfactory functional recovery and less compl ication in the treatment of Mason type-II fracture of radial head or neck in children.
Objective To study the feasibility of a new method for the cross-leg position maintained by the Kirschner wire internal fixation after the cross-leg flap procedure. Methods From December 2004 to October 2005, 5 patients (4 males, 1 female; aged 14-52 years) were admitted to our department, who suffered from the tibia exposure or the internal fixation plate exposure after operation because of the tibia fracture by trauma for 1-8 weeks. The soft tissue defects ranged in area from 2.4 cm × 2.0 cm to 4.2 cm × 3.0 cm. The soft tissue around the wound in the leg was too poor in condition to perform an operation of the local flap transplantation, but the wound and the tibia had no obvious infection, so an operation of the cross-leg flap transplantation was performed to cover the wounds. The operation was performed with the routine crossleg flap method introduced in the medical literature. After operation the cross-leg position was maintained through a simple internal fixation with two Kirschner wire, which were inserted through the tibia of the cross region of both thelegs, and layers of dressings were placed as a cushion between the crossed legsin case of the crushing skin ulcer formation. The effect of fixation, blood circulation in the cutaneous flap, and the stress of the pedicle were observed postoperatively. After 3-4 weeks the pedicle of the cross-leg flap was cut off; the crossed legs were detached and the Kirschner wire were pulled out. Results All the flaps survived with a good blood circulation and a low pedicle stress. The patients had a relatively comfortable position because all the areas of the legs could be allowed to make some motions except the cross-area ofthe legs. Another advantage of this fixation method was its convenience for observing the blood circulation of the cutaneous flap and for changing the dressings. Neither infection in the holes of the Kirschner wire nor crushing skin ulcer formation in the area of the cross-leg could be observed. The follow-up for 3-18 months revealed that all the flaps were in good condition with no edema, contracture or skin pigmentation. Conclusion The method of usingthe Kirschner wire to maintain the cross-leg position after the crossleg flapprocedure has more advantages than the plaster fixation. This improved method is simpler, and can achieve a tighter fixation in the crossleg area to maintainthe cross-leg position, allowing a micro-motion in other parts of the legs. The patients can have a relatively comfortable posture, and have a more convenient dressing changes and observation on the blood circulation in the flaps.
Objective To compare the results of plate and Kirschner wire fixation in treatment of nonunion of clavicular fracture. Methods From September 1991 to January 2002, 19 patients (9 with plate and 10 with Kirschner wire) were treated. The results were evaluated by reduction, bone union time, recovery of joint function, pain, and correction of deformation. Results The follow-up time was 6-23 months with an average of 11 months. Bone union -occurred after a mean time of 11 weeks. In plate group, 7 patients gained excellent results, 1 good and1 fair. In Kirschner wire group, 3 patients gained excellent results, 3 good, 3 fair and 1 poor. The result of plate is significantly better than that of Kirschner wire fixation(Plt;0.05). Conclusion Plate fixation is a good simple method for treatment of nonunion of clavicular fracture.
From August 1986 to October 1990, 34 cases of fractures of patella were treated by the self-designed spring Kirschner wire, in which, 25 cases were followed up for an average of 1.5 years. The excellentgood rate reached 88%. In comparing with the traditional method of treatment, it gave more secure fixation for fracture, without the need or only a short time of immobilization needed, short treatment course and satisfactory return of function.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of Kirschner wire fixation in scapholunate joint, capitolunate joint, and lunotriquetral joint combined with bone anchor repair for the treatment of acute perilunate injury. MethodsBetween January 2007 and January 2012, 35 cases of acute perilunate injury were treated. There were 30 males and 5 females with an average age of 45.5 years (range, 32-56 years). Fractures were caused by falling from height in 18 cases, by traffic accident in 11 cases, and by fall injury in 4 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-6 days (mean, 3.4 days). There were 23 cases of trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation, 10 cases of perilunate dislocation, and 2 cases of trans-triangular perilunate dislocation. Associated injuries included median nerve injury in 6 cases, radius styloid fracture in 8 cases, ulnar styloid fracture in 2 cases, and distal tibial fracture in 1 case. All the patients were treated by open reduction, Herbert screw fixation of scaphoid fractures, and Kirschner wire fixation in scapholunate joint, capitolunate joint, and lunotriquetral joint, and the intercarpal ligaments were repaired by Mitek bone anchor. ResultsSuperficial wound infection occurred in 2 cases, and primary healing of incision obtained in others. Thirty-five patients were followed up 12-35 months (mean, 18 months). X-ray films showed fracture union in 21 cases of scaphoid fractures, and bone nonunion in 2 cases of scaphoid fractures. During the follow-up period, there was no avascular necrosis of scaphoid or lunate. At last follow-up, the scapholunate angle, radiolunate angle, and wrist range of motion (ROM) in extension had no significant difference between affected and unaffected sides (P > 0.05). The wrist ROM in flexion and grip strength of affected side were not up to the levels of unaffected side (P < 0.05). According to the modified Mayo wrist scoring system, the score was 79.9±10.7, which were excellent in 8 cases, good in 17 cases, fair in 7 cases, and poor in 3 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 71.4%. The disability of arm-shoulder-hand (DASH) questionnaires score was 21±10. Traumatic osteoarthritis was observed in 2 cases. ConclusionKirschner wire fixation in scapholunate joint, capitolunate joint, and lunotriquetral joint combined with bone anchor repair for the treatment of acute perilunate injury can get early stability of the carpal joint, favorable intercarpal ligament repair, and good recovery of wrist joint function.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the modified intramedullary fixation with two Kirschner wires for extra-articular fracture of the proximal phalangeal base. MethodsBetween June 2012 and November 2015, 18 cases (18 fingers) of fresh extra-articular fracture of the proximal phalangeal base were treated, including 16 males and 2 females with an average age of 31 years (range, 21-57 years). The causes included strike injury in 10 cases, fall injury in 4 cases, mechanical injury in 1 case, twist injury in 1 case, crush injury in 1 case, and cutting injury in 1 case. The injured fingers were little finger in 16 cases, ring finger in 1 case, and index finger in 1 case. Of the 18 cases, 17 had closed fractures and 1 had open fracture. X-ray film showed transverse fracture in 14 cases and transverse-oblique fracture in 4 cases. The time between injury and operation was 3 hours to 4 days (mean, 2 days). After anatomical reduction, two Kirschner wires were used for intramedullary fixation. Functional exercises were done at 2 days after operation. The Kirschner wires were removed at 4 weeks after operation. ResultsAll the wounds healed by first intention. There were no deformation, loosening or breakage of Kirschner wires, and pin tract infection. Postoperative X-ray films showed anatomical reduction of fracture in all cases; no re-displacement happened, and clinical healing was obtained at 4 weeks; bony union was obtained at 8 weeks. All patients were followed up 6-12 months with an average of 8 months. There was no pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint; the range of motion was (88.1±2.3)° at 3 months after operation, showing no significant difference when compared with normal side [(88.8±2.6)°] (t=1.73, P=0.10). The finger flexion and extension were normal; according to the criteria of total active motion of finger, the results were excellent in all cases. ConclusionThe technique of modified intramedullary fixation with two Kirschner wires for extra-articular fractures of the proximal phalangeal base has the merits of convenient operation, little injury, reliable fixation, and excellent effectiveness. This technique is conducive to the recovery of hand function due to the early functional exercises.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator with double plate internal fixation in the treatment of type C humeral intercondylar fractures. Methods Between January 2014 and April 2016, 30 patients with type C (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation, AO/ASIF) humeral intercondylar fractures were treated. Kirschner wire suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator was used in 14 cases (group A), and double plate internal fixation in 16 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury cause, disease duration, injury side, and type of fracture between 2 groups (P>0.05). Results There was no significant difference in operation time and hospitalization stay between 2 groups (P>0.05). But the intraoperative blood loss in group A was significantly less than that in group B (P<0.05); the visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 1 day and 3 days after operation in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients of 2 groups, and no surgery-related complications occurred. The patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 12.3 months) in group A and 6-24 months (mean, 12.8 months) in group B. The self-evaluation satisfaction rate was 85.7% (12/14) in group A and was 81.2% (13/16) in group B at 3 months after operation, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.055, P=0.990). Based on the improved Gassebaum elbow performance score at 6 months after operation, excellent and good rate of the elbow function was 78.6% (excellent in 5 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case) in group A and was 81.2% (excellent in 6 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case) in group B, showing no significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=0.056, P=0.990). Heterotopic ossification occurred at 3 months after operation in 1 case of each group respectively. The X-ray films showed bony union in all cases; no loosening or breakage of screw was observed. The bone union time showed no significant difference between 2 groups (t=–0.028, P=0.978). The time of internal fixation removal, the intraoperative blood loss, and VAS score at 1 day and 3 days after operation in group A were significant better than those in group B (P<0.05). Conclusion The suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator and double plate internal fixation for the treatment of type C humeral intercondylar fractures have ideal outcome in elbow function. But the suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator is better than double plate internal fixation in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative VAS score, and time of internal fixation removal.
Objective To evaluate the short-term effectiveness of Kirschner wire (K-wire) elastic fixation in the treatment of Doyle type Ⅰ and Ⅱ mallet finger. Methods Between July 2016 and March 2017, 18 patients with Doyle type Ⅰ and Ⅱ mallet finger were treated. There were 12 males and 6 males, with an average age of 45 years (range, 16-61 years). The index finger was involved in 2 cases, the middle finger in 3 cases, the ring finger in 10 cases, and the little finger in 3 cases. The interval from injury to operation ranged from 2 hours to 45 days (median, 5.5 hours). There were 8 patients of closed wound and 10 patients of open wound. Fourteen patients were simply extensor tendon rupture and 4 were extensor tendon rupture complicated with avulsion fracture. The distal interphalangeal joints (DIPJ) of injured fingers were elastically fixed with the K-wire at mild dorsal extend position. The K-wire was removed after 6 weeks, and the functional training started. Results The operation time was 34-53 minutes (mean, 38.9 minutes). Patients were followed up 3-8 months (mean, 5 months). All incisions healed primarily and no K-wire loosening or infection happened during the period of fixation. All mallet fingers were corrected. The range of motion (ROM) in terms of active flexion of injured DIPJ was (75.83±11.15)° at 6 weeks after operation, showing significant difference when compared with the normal DIPJ of contralateral finger [(85.28±6.06)°] (t=3.158, P=0.003). The ROM in terms of active flexion was (82.67±6.78)° in 15 patients who were followed up at 8 months after operation, showing no significant difference when compared with the normal DIPJ of contralateral finger [(86.00±5.73)°] (t=1.454, P=0.157). After the removal of K-wire at 6 weeks, visual analogue scale (VAS) score of active flexion and of passive flexion to maximum angle were 1.78±0.88 and 3.06±1.06, respectively. According to the total active motion criteria, the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 10 cases, good in 5 cases, moderate in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case, and the excellent and good rate was 83.33%. The patients’ satisfaction were accessed by Likert scale, which were 3-5 (mean, 4.2). Conclusion K-wire elastic fixation in the treatment of Doyle typeⅠand Ⅱ mallet finger can repair the extensor effectively, correct the mallet finger deformity, and also be benefit for the flexion-extension function restoration of DIPJ.