ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of transverse carpal ligament release for carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) with arthroscopic "two-portal" technique under local anesthesia. MethodsTransverse carpal ligament was released with arthroscopic "two-portal" technique in 31 patients with CTS between November 2002 and August 2008. There were 4 males and 27 females, aged 24-71 years (mean, 52 years). The disease duration was 1 month to 14 years (mean, 42 months). According to the guidelines of Bin Tian, 20 sides were rated as grade I, 16 sides as grade Ⅱ, and 5 sides as grade Ⅲ before operation. The sensation was S2+ in 7 cases, S3 in 19 cases, and S3+ in 5 cases. The muscle strength of the abductor pollicis brevis and opponens pollicis muscles was grade 2 in 5 cases, grade 3 in 14 cases, and grade 4 in 7 cases. Michigan hand function scoring system (MHQ) was used to evaluate the function of the hand before and after operation. ResultsAll incisions healed primarily, and no complications of median nerve injury and adhesion occurred. All of the 31 patients were followed up 6-11.8 years (mean, 9.6 years). After operation, numbness and paresthesia of fingers were relieved (S4); the muscle power returned to grade 4 in 8 cases, and to grade 5 in 23 cases. The MHQ scores of function, daily life, work, pain, appearance, and satisfaction were improved significantly at 6 months postoperatively when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). There was no relapse. ConclusionArthroscopic "two-portal" technique is an effective surgical procedure for relieving the compression symptoms on the median nerve from carpal canal, so it is helpful to functional recovery of the median nerve. The long-term effectiveness is definite.
ObjectiveTo study the biomechanical stability of neckwear-knot-loop-ligature fixation for tibial eminence avulsion fractures by comparing with cannulated screw fixation and suture anchor fixation. MethodsTwenty-four fresh porcine knee joints were selected. After the model of tibial eminence avulsion fracture (type Ⅲ) was made, 24 samples were randomly divided into 3 groups: neckwear-knot-loop-ligature group (group A), cannulated screw group (group B), and suture anchor group (group C), 8 samples in each group. The Universal electromagnetic and mechanical testing machines were used for the biomechanical tests. After 200 cyclic tests, pull-out test was done until fixation failure. The maximum failure load, yield load, stiffness, and displacement were measured. ResultsFailure mode: the displacement was beyond limit in 8 samples of group A; screws extraction (5 samples) and bone fragment re-fracture (3 samples) were observed in group B; and suture anchor extraction (4 samples), suture rupture (3 samples), and suture thread cutting (1 sample) were found in group C. Biomechanical test: From groups A to C, the maximum failure load and yield load showed significant decreasing tendency (P<0.05), but the displacements showed significant increasing tendency (P<0.05). The stiffness also gradually decreased, but differences was not significant (P>0.05). ConclusionCompared with cannulated screw and suture anchor, neckwear-knot-loop-ligature fixation for tibial eminence avulsion fracture has good biomechanical performance and the advantages of firm fixation and simple operation.