Objective To investigate the therapeutic effects of transplanting allogeneic marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) via subarachnoid space on spinal cord injury(SCI) and the T cell subpopulation. Methods Density gradient centrifugation was used to isolate and expand MSCs from bone marrow of 10 six-week-old SD rats. The SCI model was produced by weightbeating from 60 eight-week-old female SD rats. Forty survival SCI rats,which BBB scores were zero, were divided randomly into 2 groups:experimental group(group A) and control group(group B). In addition, 20 normal eightweekold SD ratswere used as blank group (group C). In group A, 1 ml cells suspention containing MSCs(the 6th generation, 2×106/ml) was injected via subarachnoid space. Ingroup B, equal volume of L-DMEM was injected in the same way. The BBB score was obtained after 1st,2nd and 3rd weeks of injection. At the same time,T cell subpopulation was detected by flow cytometry. Results The BBB score in group A was better than that in group B, but fewer than that in group C in the 3rd week. CD4+T cells in group A were less than those in groups B and C in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd weeks. CD8+T cells in group A were less than those in groups B and C in the 2nd and 3rd weeks. The ratio of CD4+/CD8+T cells in group A was less than those in groups B and C in the 1st week. Above differences showed statistically significant difference(P＜0.05). However, there were no statistically significant differences in the ratio of CD4+/CD8+T cells between group A and groups B, C in the 2nd and 3rd weeks (P＞0.05). Conclusion The above results suggest that allogeneic MSCs transplantation via subarachnoid space is beneficial to SCI to some extend, do not result in rejection in vivo. Furthermore, it can lead to immunosuppression in short time. So, it provides clues to apply MSCs to treat SCI and other diseases.
Objective To develop a tractive spinal cord injury model in rats with a novel spinal distractor so as to supply the rel iable animal model for researching the pathological mechanism and rehabil itation treatment of tractive spinal cordinjury. Methods A novel spinal distractor was prepared based on previous study. Sixty adult Sprague Dawley rats (weighing 250-300 g) were randomly divided into 5 groups, 12 rats in each group. T12-L3 spinal structures in the rear area were exposed and then T13-L2 spinal cords were revealed via dual laminectomy and kept integrity. In group A, a novel spinal distractor was placed without distraction; in groups B, C, D, and E, the T12-L3 spines were tracted with a novel spinal distractor which put on transverses process of T12-L3 vertebrae. During the tractive period, the somatosensory evoked potential (SEP) was used to monitor spinal cord function. The SEP ampl itudes descended 50% and kept distracting for 5 minutes in group B and for 10 minutes in group C, and descended 70% and kept distracting for 5 minutes in group D and for 10 minutes in group E, respectively to establ ish the tractive spinal cord injury model of T11-L2. The improved combine behavioral score (ICBS) was recorded at 1 and 7 days after injury in 6 rats of each group. The T13-L2 spinal tissue specimens were harvested for the morphological observation by HE and Nissl’s staining and for neurons counting. Results In group A, the ICBS score was 0 at 1 and 7 days after operation, showing significant difference when compared with the scores of the other groups (P lt; 0.05). The ICBS scores of groups D and E were significantly higher than those of groups B and C (P lt; 0.05). Edema and hemorrhage were observed in spinal cord surface and normal morphological structures were destroyed at different extent in groups B, C, D, and E at 1 day. There were adherence and congestion between spinal cord surface and peripheral issue without luster at 7 days, and dura depression was observed at the injury section, especially in group E. Necrosis and dissolution occurred in some neurons, and Nissl body structure dissolved or disappeared in groups B, C, D, and E. The neuron counting gradually decreased in accordance with the aggravation of injury in groups B, C, D, and E, showing significant difference when compared with group A (P lt; 0.05). Significant differences in neuron counting were found among groups B, C, D, and E (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The tractive spinal cord injury model in rats can be successfully establ ished with novel spinal distractor, and the model establ ished by SEP ampl itude descending 70% and keeping distracting for 10 minutes is more suitable for study in tractive spinal cord injury.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) and reconstruction nail with minimally invasive technique for ipsilateral femoral shaft and extracapsular hip fractures in young and middle-aged patients. Methods Sixty-nine young and middle-aged patients with ipsilateral femoral shaft and extracapsular hip fractures were treated between January 2000 and August 2010, and their data were analyzed retrospectively. Of them, fractures were fixed by reconstruction nail in 44 cases (reconstruction nail group) and by PFNA in 25 cases (PFNA group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, weight, injury cause, fracture type, or disease duration between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, blood loss, fracture healing time, complications, and functional outcomes were compared between 2 groups to evaluate the effectiveness. Results The operation time and blood loss in the PFNA group were significantly less than those in the reconstruction nail group (P lt; 0.05). The follow-up time was 12-38 months (mean, 20 months ) in the PFNA group and was 12-48 months (mean, 22 months) in the reconstruction nail group. No complication occurred as follows in 2 groups: wound infection, deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, breakage of the implants, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, or serious rotation and shortening deformity of lower limbs. In the PFNA group and the reconstruction nail group, 1 patient underwent technical difficulty in nail implant and 7 patients underwent technical difficulty in proximal locking screw, respectively; 3 patients and 6 patients had intra-operative iatrogenic fracture of femoral shaft, respectively; and delayed union of femoral shaft was observed in 1 patient and 2 patients, respectively. The complication rate was 20% (5/25) in the PFNA group and 34% (15/44) in the reconstruction nail group, showing no significant difference (χ2=1.538, P=0.215). No significant difference was found in fracture healing time between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in Harris hip score and Evanich knee score between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion PFNA or reconstruction nail with minimally invasive technique is a good method to treat ipsilateral femoral shaft and extracapsular hip fractures, but the PFNA is superior to the reconstruction nail because of simple operation.
Objective To compare the curative effect of dynamic hi p screw (DHS) combined with anti-rotation screw and cannulated screw in treating patients with Pauwels type II or III femoral neck fracture and to provide the basis for the choice of surgical procedure. Methods Between March 2008 and September 2009, 51 patients with fresh Pauwels type II or III femoral neck fracture were treated with DHS combined with anti-rotation screw (DHS group) and three cannulated screws (cannulated screw group). The DHS group included 23 patients, 13 males and 10 females, aging 27-59 years (mean, 43.2 years); fracture was caused by fall ing in 1 case, by traffic accident in 17, by fall ing from height in 5 with a mean time of 27 hoursfrom injury to hospital ization (range, 12-70 hours); and 23 fractures included 9 Pauwels type II and 14 Pauwels type III femoral neck fracture. The cannulated screw group included 28 patients, 12 males and 16 females, aging 20-60 years (mean, 40.7 years); fracture was caused by fall ing in 1 case, by traffic accident in 22, by fall ing from height in 5 with a mean time of 25 hours from injury to hospital ization (range, 9-38 hours); and 28 fractures included 12 Pauwels type II and 16 Pauwels type III femoral neck fracture. There was no significant difference in the basel ine characteristics between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results The incision heal ing of both groups by first intention was achieved. There were significant differences in operation time, incision size, operation blood loss, the cases of blood transfusion, the amount of blood transfusion, C reaction protein level on the 2nd postoperative day, and hospital ization days between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). In DHS group, anatomic reduction was observed in 20 cases (86.96%) and satisfactory reduction in 3 cases (13.04%), while in cannulated screw group, anatomic reduction was observed in 25 cases (89.29%) and satisfactory reduction in 3 cases (10.71%) ; there was no significant difference (χ2=0.660, P=1.000). The patients were followed up 12-30 months with an average of 14.8 months. There was no significant difference (P gt; 0.05) in the rate of nonunion (10.71% vs. 0), the implant failure (3.57% vs. 0), and avascular necrosis of the femoral head (10.71% vs. 0) between the DHS group and the cannulated screw group. The union time was (94.5 ± 2.0) days in the DHS group and (106.0 ± 33.5) days in the cannulated screw group, showing no significant difference (t=—1.641, P=0.107). The re-opereation rates and the overall success rates were 25% and 75% in the cannulated group and were 0 and 100% in the DHS group, showing significant differences (χ2=6.650, P=0.012). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in Harris hip score and visualanalogue scale (VAS) score between DHS group and cannulated screw group (P gt; 0.05). Conclusion The optimal treatment of young adults Pauwels type II or III femoral neck fracture is DHS combined with anti-rotation screw with an high overall success and less compl ications.
Objective To observe the effectiveness of posterior approaches for the treatment of posterior coronal fractures of tibial plateau, and to analyze the fracture morphology, radiographic features, and the recognition of Schatzker classification. Methods Between June 2003 and June 2009, 23 patients with posterior coronal fractures of tibial plateau were treated surgically by posterior approaches. There were 15 males and 8 females with an average age of 38 years (range, 32-56 years). All patients had closed fractures. Fracture was caused by traffic accident in 15 cases, by sports in 3 cases, and by falling from height in 5 cases. According to Moore classification, there were 10 cases of type I, 9 cases of type II, and 4 cases of type IV. The X-ray films, CT scanning, and three-dimensional reconstruction were performed. The time from injury to operation was 3-14 days (mean, 6 days). Results After operation, 17 cases had anatomical reduction and 6 had normal reduction. Incisions healed by first intention. All cases were followed up 12 to 36 months (mean, 24 months). The average fracture healing time was 7.6 months (range, 6-9 months). No related complication occurred, such as nerve and vessel injuries, failure in internal fixation, ankylosis, traumatic osteoarthritis, and malunion. According to Rasmussen’s criteria for the function of the knee, the results were excellent in 14 cases, good in 7 cases, and fair in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 91.3%. Conclusion Posterior coronal fracture of tibial plateau is rare, which has distinctive morphological features, and Schatzker classification can not contain it totally. The advantages of posterior approach include reduction of articular surface under visualization, firm fixation, less complications, and earlier functional exercise, so it is an ideal surgical treatment plan.
Objective To study the cl inical effect of expert tibial nail (ETN) in the treatment of the complex tibial fractures of type C. Methods From May to October 2008, 10 cases of complex tibial fractures of type C were treated with unreamed ETN and closed reduction. There were 7 males and 3 females aging from 23 to 50 years with an average age of 39 years. Fracture was caused by traffic accident in 6 cases, by crush in 2 cases, and by fall ing from height in 2 cases. According to Association for the Study of Internal Fixation (AO/ASIF) classification, there were 2 cases of 42-C1 fractures, 4 cases of42-C2 fractures, and 4 cases of 42-C3 fractures; including 4 cases of closed fractures and 6 cases of open fractures (2 cases of Gustilo type I and 4 cases of Gustilo type II). Results The mean duration of surgery and blood loss were 75 minutes (range, 60-110 minutes) and 55 mL (range, 20-100 mL), respectively. All the incision healed by first intension without compl ication of infection. All cases were followed up for 12-17 months (average 14 months). X-ray films showed that no breakage of nail, iatrogenic fracture, l imb shortening, and angulation deformity occurred. All fractures healed after 3-8 months (average 4.2 months). At last follow-up according to Johner-Wruhs standard for the functional recovery, the results were excellent in 8 cases and good in 2 cases. Conclusion ETN has an angular stable locking system for intramedullary nails, which can enhance axial and transverse stabil ity for the treatment of complex tibial fractures of type C. It will provide firm fixation and minimal invasion.
Objective To evaluate the results of operative treatment of complex acetabular fractures and to investigate its influence factors. Methods From June 2000 to August 2006, 54 patients with complex acetabular fractures were treated, including 44 males and 10 females aged 20-75 years old (average 39.1 years old). Fractures were due to traffic accidentin 40 cases, fall ing from high places in 8 cases and crush by heavy objects in 6 cases. All cases were fresh and close fractures and the time from injury to operation was 5-72 days. There were 5 cases of posterior column and posterior wall fracture, 25 of transverse and posterior wall fracture, 2 of T-type fracture, and 22 of double column fracture. During operation, Kocker- Lagenbach approach was used in 23 cases, anterior il ioinguinal approach was appl ied for 3 cases and the combination of anterior and posterior approaches was performed on 28 cases. AO reconstructive plate and screw internal fixation were used in all the cases. Results Fifty-two cases were followed up for 12-74 months (average 31.3 months). Anatomical reduction was achieved in 23 cases, satisfactory reduction in 19 cases, poor reduction in 10 cases, and the excellent and good rate reached 80.77%. During operation, 1 case suffered from a tear in the external il iac vein and healed after vein repair; 2 cases had sciatic nerve injury and took mecobalamin as oral administration, one of them fully recovered, and the other had incomplete recovery at 18-month follow-up. At the final follow-up, there were 6 cases of severe heterotopic ossification, one of them received heterotopic bone resection and the rest 5 patients received conservative treatment; there were 9 cases of traumatic osteoarthritis, one of them received total hip replacement and the rest 8 patients received conservative treatment; there were 5 cases of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, two of them received total hip replacement, 1 received no further treatment because the femoral head didn’ t collapse, and the rest 2 patients gave up total hip replacement; 75.00% patients were graded as excellent and good according to the modified Merled’Aubigné-Postel hip score system. Patients’ qual ity of l ife was compared with local population normsmatched for age and sex by using SF-36 scales, their overall score were below the local population norms, and their general health, vital ity, role l imitation due to emotional problems and mental health were comparable to the local population norms. Logistic regression analysis revealed the time to reduce hip dislocation, qual ity of fracture reduction nd traumatic arthritis were independent risk factors affecting postoperative functional outcomes. Conclusion Applying open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of displaced complex acetabular fractures has a satisfying therapeutic effect. Time to reduce hip dislocation, qual ity of fracture reduction as well as traumatic arthritis are independent risk factors affecting postoperative functional outcomes.
Objective To evaluate the effect of minimally invasive dynamic hip screws (MIDHS) in treating aged intertrochanteric fractures. Methods From April 2006 to March 2008, 49 aged patients with intertrochanteric fractures were treated with MIDHS. There were 22 males and 27 females, aged 65-78 years (average 70.2 years). Frature was caused by trafficaccident in 7 cases, by fall ing from height in 3 cases, and by injury from fall in 39 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-12 days (average 5.5 days). According to Evans classification, there were 28 cases of types I, II (stable fracture) and 21 cases of types III, IV (unstable fracture). If the Singh index≤3 was defined as osteoporosis, the osteoporotic rate was 71.4% (35/49). All patients were on a radiolucent fracture traction table and their fractures had satisfactory closed reduction. After the guide wire was inserted and reamed under fluoroscopy, the lag screw and side plate were introduced through the small incision. In all unstable fractures, an additional, antirotational and large cancellous bone screw was used cranial to the DHS. Results The average operation time was 65.2 minutes. The average blood loss was 189.3 mL. All patients had satisfactory reduction and 79.6% (39/49) had adequate lag screw positions. The average postoperative hospital ization days was 5.8 days (3-12 days). All incision healed at stage I. There was no postoperative complications. Forty-nine patients were followed up 12 to 30 months (average 19.8 months). Fractures healed within 16 weeks in 47 patients and the average healing time was 13.1 weeks (12-16 weeks). The average Harris scoring was 90.8 (75-95). Implant failure and nonunion occurred in 2 cases, no serious compl ication occurred in other patients. Conclusion The MIDHS is a simple, safe and effective method for treatment of aged intertrochanteric fractures.
Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transcatheter angiographic embol ization (AE) in the control of massive haemorrhage from large wound due to crush syndrome after Wenchuan earthquake. Methods From May 12 to May 26, 2008, 11 injured persons in Wenchuan earthquake with massive haemorrhage from large wound due to crush syndrome were treated, including 6 males and 5 females aged 16-36 years old (average 21 years old). All 19 wounds were infected.The hemorrhage was from the hip in 7 cases, the thigh stump in 3 cases, and the shoulder in 1 case. Six patients had hemorrhagic shock. All patients underwent arteriography to locate the bleeding artery, and transcatheter AE was performed according to the result of arteriography. Contrast-enhanced spiral CT scan and three-dimensional angiography were performed 48 hours after AE to evaluate leakage of contrast media and collapse of distal artery of embol ism site. Results Angiography for 11 injured persons after AE showed no occurrence of contrast media leakage, faint shadow to the distal branch artery of embol ic level, and significant increase of blood pressure of the bleeding artery, indicating the embol ization was successful. No active hemorrhage was evident in the wounds 48 hours after AE. For the 6 patients with hemorrhagic shock, obvious decrease of hemorrhage was observed after AE, gradual recovery of blood pressure and vital signs, and stabil ity of their condition were evident after supportive therapy. During the first 24 hours after AE, total volume of infusion was 6 750-19 600 mL (average 8 740 mL), and total volume of blood and plasma transfusion was 1 800-6 400 mL (average 3 500 mL). In 6 cases, contrast-enhanced spiral CT scan demonstrated faint shadow of the distal artery without contrast media leakage, and three-dimensional CT angiography showed collapse of the distal artery; in the rest 5 cases, contrast-enhanced spiral CT scan demonstrated shadow of the distal artery without contrast media leakage, and three-dimensional CT angiography displayed the full-fill ing of distal artery with obviously decreased vascular cavity. No severe compl ications such as muscle necrosis in the buttock and hip, bladder necrosis,dysuria, fecal incontinence, and impotence occurred. Conclusion The transcatheter AE is a safe, fast, effective and miniinvasive method of controll ing massive haemorrhage from large wound caused by crush syndrome after Wenchuan earthquake.
Objective To investigate the operative method and to evaluate the cl inical outcome of proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) in treating reverse obl ique fractures of intertrochanteric region of the femur. Methods From January 2007 to February 2008, 30 cases of reverse obl ique fractures of intertrochanteric region of the femur were treated by closed reduction and fixation with PFNA, including 14 males and 16 females and aging 40-88 years old with an average of 68.6years old. All patients had closed fractures. According to AO classification, there were 6 cases of 31-A3.1 type, 7 cases of 31-A3.2 type and 17 cases of 31-A3.3 types. The time from injury to operation was 2-14 days (with an average of 5.3 days). All 31-A3.1 and 31-A3.2 type farctures and 9 cases of AO 31-A3.3 type fractures were fixed with the standard PFNA, and 8 cases of 31-A3.3 type fractures with the PFNA-long. The cl inical and radiological examinations were done at 1, 2, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months after operation. The cl inical outcomes were evaluated according to the Sanders scoring. Results Iatrogenic fracture of femoral shaft occurred in 1 case; no additional procedures were appl ied as fracture kept favorable stabil ity. Superficial infection occurred in 1 case at 5 days after operation, wound healed after dressing change and intravenous antibiotic therapy. Other wounds healed by first intention. All cases were followed up for 12-19 months (mean 14.1 months). All fractures healed uneventfully after 12-30 weeks (mean 16.2 weeks). Five patients complained of hip pain, 2 patients had lateral leg pain, and the pain was el iminated after symptomatic treatment. One case compl icated by ipsilateral fracture of the tibial plateau had functional disturbance of knee, and one case compl icated by ipsilateral fracture of the acetabulum and pelvis had functional disturbance of hip, and the function was improved after functional exercise. No compl ications such as cut-out or breakage of the implants occurred. According to Sanders criteria, the cl inical results were excellent in 22 cases, good in 6 cases, and poor in 2 cases. The excellent and good rate was 93.3%. Conclusion PFNA is an effective treatment method for reverse obl ique fractures of intertrochanteric region of the femur, with a high rate of bone union, minor soft tissue damage, early functional exercise and acceptable compl icationrelated to implant.