【Abstract】 Objective To explore the prevention and treatment of leg length discrepancy after total hip arthroplasty(THA). Methods There were 87 patients who were treated by THA from January 2004 to December 2006, including 36males and 51 females, with the average age of 60.2 years (ranging from 35 years to 78 years). Among these cases, there were 35 of avascular necrosis of the femoral head, 38 of subcapital femoral neck fracture, 4 of femoral neck tumor, 6 of rheumatoid arthritis and 4 of acetabular dysplasia. In 70 cases, the patients had leg length discrepancy, and the legs shortened from 1 cm to 6 cm. Based on the cl inical measurement and radiographic examination, the surgical protocols were designed, the type of the hip prosthesis was chosen, and the neck length of the femoral prosthesis and the position of osteotomy were estimated. By the proper wearing of the acetabula, the best rotation point was found out. The cut plane of the femoral neck was adjusted according to the results of the radiographic and other examinations. The neck length was readjusted after the insertion of the prosthesis so as to achieve intended leg-length equal ization. The discrepancy of the leg length was measured and evaluated after operation. Results Superficial infestation happened in 2 cases 5 days after the operation and was cured by mero-drainage. Luxation happened in 4 cases 4 weeks after the operation, in which 2 cases were cured by operation while the other 2 were cured by manual reduction. All the patients were followed up for 6 months to 36 months, with the average time of 18.3 months. The Harris scores were 34.81 ± 1.36 preoperatively and 91.50 ± 1.87 postoperatively (P lt; 0.05). In the 17 patients with equal legs before the operation, 1 was lengthened 1.5 cm in the leg, while in the 70 patients with shortened legs before the operation, 66 returned to the same length in their legs, and 4 were lengthened or shortened from 1.6 cm to 2.1 cm. The total rate of equal leg length was 94.25%. Conclusion The preoperative measurement, radiographic templating and intraoperative correction, together with postoperative orthopraxy, are effective in prevention and treatment of leg length discrepancy after THA.
Objective To investigate the causes and the measures for prevention and management of compl ications of supracondylar fracture of the humerus. Methods In 203 cases of supracondylar fracture of the humerus treated from July2002 to July 2008, 49 cases had compl ication, whose data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 32 males and 17 females with an average age of 9 years(range 2-14 years). Fracture was caused by tumble in 38 cases, by fall ing from height in 4 cases, and by traffic accident in 7 cases. All cases were closed fractures. According to Gartland typing for supracondylar fracture of the humerus, there were 10 cases of type II and 39 cases of type III. Compl ications included 21 cases of vascular injuries, 10 cases of neural injuries, and 3 cases of osteofascial compartment syndrome. The time from injury to operation was 1-25 days. Closed reduction was given in 13 cases, closed reduction plus percutaneous K-wire fixation in 21 cases, and open reduction plus K-wire fixation in 15 cases. After reduction, plaster external fixation was performed. The cases of manipulation which blood circulation could not improve underwent incision to exploration of blood vessel. Two cases of neural injuries were treated with incision decompression of epineurium. Three cases of osteofascial compartment syndrome were treated with incision decompression, and the incision was sutured after 7-10 days. Results All incisions healed by first intention. The duration of follow-up was 1-5 years with an average of 3.4 years. Fracture heal ing was achieved within 4-8 weeks. All vascular injuries and 9 cases of neural injures recovered thoroughly. Poor function occurred in 1 case of median nerve injury and Volkmann ischemic contracture in 1 case of osteofascial compartment syndrome. Cubitus varus deformity was found in 11 cases and myositis ossificans in 4 cases within 3 months to 1 year. According to Flynn standard of the function of elbow, the results were excellent in 21 cases, good in 7cases, fair in 3 cases, poor in 18 cases. Conclusion Early reduction is the key for prevention of further vascular injury, nerve injury and osteofascial compartment syndrome. Operation is essential when expectant treatment inval id. Satisfactory reduction, good fixation and functional rehabil itation are key points for preventing cubitus varus deformity.