Objective To analyze the short-term effectiveness of repairing musculus extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum communis (EDC) tendon using suture anchor after debridement of extensor tendon insertion for recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. Methods Between March 2009 and May 2011, 10 patients (10 elbows) with recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis received repair of the ECRB and EDC tendon to the lateral epicondyle using a single suture anchor after debridement of extensor tendon insertion. There were 6 males and 4 females with an average age of 45.4 years (range, 36-57 years). The dominant elbow was involved in 8 patients and nondominant elbow in 2 patients; there were 4 manual workers and 6 ordinary workers. The disease duration ranged from 8 to 24 months (mean, 12.3 months). All patients had epicondylus lateralis humeri pain, local swelling and tenderness, and positive Mill sign. The average elbow range of motion (ROM) was 11.3°(range, 0-30°) in extension and was 132.5°(range, 120-145°) in flexion. Preoperative MRI showed external humeral epicondylitis in all patients. ResultsPrimary wound healing was obtained in all patients without complications of infection, leakage of joint fluid, and stiffness of elbow. Ten patients were followed up 4 to 23 months with an average of 12 months (more than 12 months in 7 cases). The time to return to work was (3.75 ± 0.95) months for manual workers and was (2.91 ± 0.20) months for ordinary workers, showing no significant difference (t=1.715, P=0.180). Compared with preoperation, the mean visual analogue scale (VAS) score significantly decreased (P lt; 0.05), and Mayo score and the grip strength of dominant and nondominant significantly increased (P lt; 0.05), but no significant difference was found when compared with non-surgical side at last follow-up (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, the average ROM was —1.5° (range, 0-—10°) in extension and was 150.5°(range, 140-160°) in flexion. ConclusionTo suture anchor for repairing the ECRB and EDC after debridement is a satisfactory procedure to treat recalcitrant lateral epicondylitis. It can effectively prevent loss of the forearm extensor strength, relieve the pain, recover the grip strength, and obtain good results.
Objective To investigate the methods and effectiveness of surgical treatment for posteromedial corner (PMC) injury combined with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) ruptures. Methods Between February 2009 and February 2012, 15 patients (15 knees) with PMC injury combined with ACL and PCL ruptures underwent PMC repair with suture anchor and ACL and PCL reconstruction. There were 7 males and 8 females with an average age of 39 years (range, 15-59 years). The causes of injury were traffic accident injury in 6 cases, sport injury in 7 cases, and sprain injury in 2 cases. The disease duration was 3-15 days with an average of 7 days. All patients presented positive results of anterior drawer test, posterior drawer test and valgus stress test, and dysfunction of knee joint. Of 15 cases, 3 had ACL and PCL ruptures, 5 had ACL rupture, 3 had ACL injury at the attachment point of the condyles crest, and 4 had PCL rupture; 9 had PMC tear at the femur insertion, 5 had PMC tear at the tibia insertion, and 1 had PMC tear in the body area. Results All incisions healed by first intention with no complication of infection or stiffness of knee. All cases were followed up 18.4 months on average (range, 10-36 months). At last follow-up, 14 cases had normal knee flexion and extension ranges, but 1 case had 10° limitation of the knee extension. Except 1 case which had weakly positive valgus stress test, the other patients showed negative results of anterior drawer test, posterior drawer test, and valgus stress test. Based on the improved Lysholm classification standard, the results were excellent in 8 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 2 cases; the excellent and good rate was 86.7%. Conclusion Early repair of the PMC and reasonable reconstruction of cruciate ligament can effectively restore the knee stability for patients with PMC injury combined with ACL and PCL ruptures.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of non-absorbable suture or suture anchor fixation by anterior approach in the treatment of anteromedial facet fractures of the ulnar coronoid process. MethodsBetween February 2007 and February 2012,16 cases of anteromedial facet fractures of the ulnar coronoid process were treated with operation.There were 9 males and 7 females,aged 20-80 years (mean,43.5 years).The causes of injury were traffic accident injury in 7 cases,tumble injury in 5 cases,and falling injury from height in 4 cases.The time from injury to operation was 6.8 days on average (range,2-8 days).All cases had closed fractures.According to O'Driscoll classification,there were 4 cases of type Ⅱ a,7 cases of type Ⅱ b,and 5 cases of type Ⅱ c.Among 16 patients,7 had simple anteromedial facet fractures of the ulnar coronoid process,and 9 had associated injury,including terrible triad in 3,Monteggia fractures in 4,and olecranon fractures in 2.All fractures were fixed with non-absorbable suture in 10 cases,and with suture anchor in 6 cases.The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS),range of motion (ROM),and complications were used to assess the elbow function. ResultsThe incisions all healed by first intension,without neurovascular injury.Fifteen patients were followed up 10-48 months (mean,25.3 months).The X-ray films showed that all fractures healed,with the mean healing time of 17.5 weeks (range,11-30 weeks).At last follow-up,the mean MEPS score was 88.5(range,55-100);the results were excellent in 10 cases,good in 3 cases,fair in 1 case,and poor in 1 case,with an excellent and good rate of 86.7%.The mean ROM of flexion and extension was 118°(range,35-145°),and the mean ROM of forearm rotation was 138°(range,85-165°).One case had elbow instability,and 3 had slight pain.No heterotopic ossification and traumatic arthritis occurred during the follow-up. ConclusionThe anteromedial facet fractures of the ulnar coronoid process can be clearly exposed through anterior approach,and the fracture fixation using non-absorbable suture and suture anchor fixation usually can restore the elbow function.
ObjectiveTo observe the characteristics of acetabular labrum injury in Pipkin fractures and the effectiveness of repairing the labrum with suture anchor. MethodsBetween July 2010 and July 2013, 10 cases of Pipkin fractures accompanied by acetabular labrum injury were treated. There were 7 males and 3 females with an average age of 32.5 years (range, 24-56 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 8 cases and falling from height in 2 cases. According to the Pipkin classification criteria, there were 6 cases of type Ⅱ, 2 cases of type Ⅲ, and 2 cases of type Ⅳ. The average interval from injury to operation was 8 days (range, 6-14 days). All the patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation through transtrochanteric approach with trochanteric osteotomy, and repair the labrum with suture anchor. The effectiveness was evaluated according to the Thompson & Epstein scoring scales after operation. ResultsAll incisions healed primarily without early complication of deep infection or deep vein thrombosis of lower limb. All the cases were followed up 22 months on average (range, 12-48 months). X-ray films showed that all osteotomies and acetabular fractures healed within 3-4 months, femoral head and femoral neck fracture healed within 6-11 months. MRI examinations showed that all repaired acetabular labrums well healed. One case had necrosis of the femoral head at 12 months after operation, and was treated by total hip arthroplasty. According to the Thompson & Epstein scoring scales at last follow-up, the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 3 cases, fair in 1 case and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 80%. ConclusionThe diagnosis of acetabular labrum injury can be easily missed during Pipkin fracture, preoperative diagnosis should be combined with hip MRI. Trochanteric osteotomy through transtrochanteric approach, and repairing the labrum with suture anchor can restore the hip function effectively.
ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the effectiveness of double Endobutton technique and suture anchor combined Endobutton plate in the treatment of Tossy type Ⅲ acromioclavicular joint dislocation. MethodsBetween May 2010 and March 2014, a retrospective study was preformed on 56 patients with Tossy type Ⅲ acromioclavicular joint dislocation. The coracoclavicular ligament was reconstructed with double Endobutton technique in 31 cases (Endobutton group), and with suture anchor combined Endobutton plate in 25 cases (Anchor group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, injury causes, injury side, associated injury, medical comorbidities, and disease duration between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, medical device expenses, postoperative complications, preoperative and postoperative Constant-Murley scores, and postoperative Karlsson grading of the injured shoulder were compared between 2 groups. ResultsThe average operation time in Endobutton group was significantly greater than that in Anchor group (t=4.285, P=0.000); there was no significant difference in the medical device expenses between 2 groups (t=1.555, P=0.126). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients of 2 groups; no early complications of infection and skin necrosis occurred. All patients were followed up 15.6 months on average (range, 11-35 months). During follow-up, some loss of reduction and ectopic ossification in the coracoclavicular gap were observed in 1 case and 6 cases of Endobutton group, respectively. No recurrence of acromioclavicular joint dislocation, implant fixation loosening and broken, and secondary fractures occurred in the other patients. There was significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between 2 groups (P=0.013). Constant-Murley scores of the injured shoulder significantly increased at 9 months after operation when compared with preoperative values in 2 groups (P<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between 2 groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in Karlsson grading between 2 groups (Z=-0.628, P=0.530). ConclusionBoth double Endobutton technique and suture anchor combined Endobutton plate have good effectiveness in the treatment of Tossy type Ⅲ acromioclavicular joint dislocation. But the latter is associated with easier operation, less operation time, and less complications.
ObjectiveTo summarize the application and experience of repairing spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture by part-Kessler technique with suture anchor. MethodsBetween January 2011 and December 2013, 31 patients with spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture were treated by part-Kessler technique with suture anchor. Of 31 cases, 23 were male and 8 were female, aged 16-53 years (mean, 38 years). The left side was involved in 15 cases and the right side in 16 cases. The causes of injury included sudden heel pain and walking weakness during sports in 22 cases; no surefooted down-stairs, slip, and carrying heavy loads in 9 cases. The distance from broken site to the calcaneus adhension of Achilles tendon was 3-6 cm (mean, 4.2 cm). The time from injury to operation was 7 hours to 4 days (mean, 36.8 hours). ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention without nerve injury or adhering with skin. The patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 15 months). All patients could complete 25 times heel raising without difficulty at 6 months after operation. No Achilles tendon rupture occurred again during follow-up. At 6 months after operation, the range of motion of the ankle joint in dorsiflexion and plantar flexion showed no significant difference between normal and affected sides (t=0.648, P=0.525; t=0.524, P=0.605). The circumference of the affected leg was significantly smaller than that of normal leg at 6 months after operation (t=2.074, P=0.041), but no significant difference was found between affected and normal sides at 12 months after operation (t=0.905, P=0.426). The American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after operation were significantly higher than preoperative score (P<0.05); the score at 6 months after operation was significantly lower than that at other time points (P<0.05), but no significant difference was shown between the other time points (P>0.05). ConclusionRepairing spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture by part-Kessler technique with suture anchor can supply strong strain and decrease the shear forces of suture. So part-Kessler technique with suture anchor is successful in repairing spontaneous Achilles tendon rupture.