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 summarize the effectiveness of anatomical plate combined with cortical bone plate allografts in the treatment of comminuted fractures of the femoral condyles. MethodsBetween January 2008 and December 2012, 18 patients with comminuted fractures of the femoral condyles were treated, including 13 males and 5 females with an average age of 45 years (range, 23-65 years). Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 11 cases, by falling from height in 4 cases, and by the other in 3 cases. The locations were the left side in 7 cases and the right side in 11 cases. Of 18 fractures, 12 were open fractures and 6 were closed fractures. The mean time from injury to operation was 6 days (range, 4-15 days). The fixation was performed by anatomical plate combined with cortical bone plate allografts, and autograft bone or allogeneic bone grafting were used. ResultsSuperficial local skin necrosis occurred in 1 case, and was cured after skin graft, and other incisions achieved primary healing. All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 23 months). X-ray films showed that bone union was achieved within 3-12 months (5.6 months on average). No related complication occurred, such as fixation loosening, refracture, infection, or immunological rejection. According to Merchan et al. criteria for knee joint function evaluation, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 1 case, and poor in 1 case at last follow-up; the excellent and good rate was 88.9%. ConclusionAnatomical plate combined with cortical bone plate allograft fixation is a good method to treat comminuted fractures of the femoral condyles. This method can effectively achieve complete cortical bone on the inside of the femur as well as provide rigid fixation.