ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness between open reduction and closed reduction of pediatric subtrochanteric fractures using elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). MethodsBetween January 2010 and January 2014, 22 children with subtrochanteric fractures were treated by ESIN internal fixation combined with hip cast fixation, and the clinical data were retrospectively reviewed. Closed reduction was used in 12 cases (group A) and miniopen reduction in 10 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, sides, fracture causes, type of fracture, complications, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded and compared between 2 groups, the limb function was evaluated according to the Flynn et al. outcome score. ResultsThe intraoperative blood loss of group A was significantly less than that of group B, but the operation time of group A was significantly longer than that of group B (P<0.05). All the patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 14.9 months). There was no major complications in the other patients of both groups except 1 patient having delayed wound healing in group B. There was no significant difference in fracture healing time between 2 groups (t=-1.006, P=0.327). Inverted angle of 10° and shortened limb of 1.8 cm were observed in 1 case of group A, and sagittal plane angle of 15° and shortened limb of 2 cm in 1 case of group B. There was no abnormal walking and function of hip and knee activity at last follow-up. According to the Flynn et al. outcome score, the results were excellent in 8 cases and good in 4 cases in group A, and were excellent in 6 cases and good in 4 cases in group B, showing no significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=0.041, P=0.956). ConclusionBoth closed and open fracture reduction using ESIN have satisfactory outcomes for treating pediatric subtrochanteric fractures. A mini-open reduction should be selected intraoperatively if closed reduction proves to be difficult.
ObjectiveTo observe the effectiveness of digital customized plate in the treatment of complex limb fracture. MethodsBetween January 2012 and May 2013, CT raw data of complex limb fracture were used to establish the fracture three-dimensional simulation model after reduction, and a customized personalized anatomic plate was designed and used for internal fixation after open reduction in 42 cases. There were 22 males and 20 females, aged 16-53 years (average, 37.4 years). The causes of injury were traffic accident in 21 cases, falling from height in 18 cases, crush by heavy objects in 3 cases, including 26 cases of fresh closed fracture and 16 cases of open fracture (9 cases of type Ⅰ and 7 cases of type Ⅱ according to Gustilo classification). According to AO classification, there were 15 cases of humerus comminuted fracture, 4 cases of radial comminuted fracture, 8 cases of femoral comminuted fracture, and 15 cases of tibia comminuted fracture. The interval of injury and operation was 6-28 days (mean, 10 days). ResultsReduction and internal fixation of fracture were successfully performed on 42 patients. The length and position of digital customized plate, direction and length of screw implant, number of screw were basically identical with preoperative design. The operation time was 35-120 minutes (mean, 70 minutes); the blood loss volume was 30-500 mL (mean, 180 mL); and X ray fluoroscopy frequency was 2-6 times (mean, 3 times). Superficial infection occurred in 2 cases, and was cured after dressing change; primary healing of incision was obtained in the other patients. Forty-two cases were followed up 6-24 months with an average of 11.5 months. The fracture healing time was 8-19 weeks (mean, 14 weeks) in 41 cases; delayed union occurred in 1 case at 44 weeks after operation. The fracture anatomical reduction was achieved in 19 cases, malunion in 3 cases, and functional reduction in the other patients. At last follow-up, no plate and screw loosening and breakage was observed. ConclusionDigital customized plate in treatment of complex fractures of limbs, especially for the multiple comminuted fracture of long bones of the limbs has the advantages of convenient operation, less trauma, fewer complications, and good effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanical stability of the three-dimensional (3-D) external fixator for osteoporotic fracture so as to provide the biomechanical basis for clinical application. MethodsForty-five fresh frozen adult tibial specimens were selected to rapidly prepare the extracorporal tibia osteoporotic fracture models, and were randomly divided into 3 groups (n=15). Fractures were fixed with 3-D external fixators (3-D external fixators group), intramedullary nails (intramedullary nail group), and plate (plate group) respectively. Five specimens randomly from each group were used to do axial compression test, three-point bending test, and torsion test with microcomputer control electronic universal testing machine, then the mechanical parameters were calculated. ResultsIn the axial compression test, the displacement of 3-D external fixator group and intramedullary nail group were shorter than plate group, showing significant differences (P<0.05); but no significant difference was found between 3-D external fixator group and intramedullary nail group (P>0.05). In the three-point bending test and torsion test, the deflection and the torsional angle of 3-D external fixator group and intramedullary nail group were smaller than plate group, showing significant differences (P<0.05); but no significant difference was found between 3-D external fixator group and intramedullary nail group (P>0.05). ConclusionThe 3-D external fixator can fix fracture three-dimensionally from multiple plane and it can offer strong fixing. It is biomechanically demonstrated to be suitable for osteoporotic fracture.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectivness of the clinging lesser trochanter osteotomy with the Wagner cone in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for Crowe type ⅠV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) in adult. MethodsBetween November 2009 and September 2012, 7 female patients (9 hips) with Crowe type ⅠV DDH were treated by THA procedures of clinging lesser trochanter osteotomy with Wagner cone, aged 24-62 years (mean, 42 years). All patients experienced severe pain and claudication. The left hip was involved in 2 cases, the right hip in 3 cases, and bilateral hips in 2 cases. The Harris score of involved hip was 50.00±7.04. The both limps were discrepancy with an average length difference of 3.4 cm (range, 3-4 cm). The results of Trendelenburg sign were positive. X-ray films showed high complete dislocation of the involved hips. ResultsThe incisions healed by first intention. There was no complication such as infection, dislocation, prosthesis loosening, neurovascular injury. The average follow-up was 36.4 months (range, 25-48 months). Pain and claudication were improved and all patients could restore to work. The Harris score was improved to 83.42±6.47, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=8.90, P=0.00). The results of Trendelenburg sign were negative. X-ray films showed that all patients got a bony union at osteotomy site of greater trochanter at 3-6 months after operation. And the interface between prosthesis and bone was stable. There was no prosthesis loosening or sinking during the follow-up. ConclusionClinging lesser trochanter osteotomy with Wagner cone could be an option to shorten the femur in THA for patients with Crowe type ⅠV DDH. It is effective in decreasing the risk of neurovascular injury.