Objective To study the role of ultracision harmonic scalpel and skin flap in axillary fossa external fixation in operation of breast cancer. Methods One hundred and sixty-six patients with breast cancer were included in this study between May 2009 and November 2009. Combined group (n=51) applied ultracision harmonic scalpel combined with skin flap external fixation. External fixation group （n=52） used the skill of skin flap external fixation. Routine group included 63 patients. Operative time, accidental injury during operation， volume of bleed and drainage, time of drainage, detection amount of lymph node, and complications such like subcutaneous fluidity were observed and recorded. Results The operative time and detection amount of lymph node were not different among three groups （Pgt;0.05）. The volume of bleed in combined group was less than that in other groups （Plt;0.05）. The volume of drainage and the time of drainage were decreased or shorten by turns from routine group, external fixation group to combined group （Plt;0.05）. The incidence rate of subcutaneous fluidity in combined group was lower than that in routine group （Plt;0.05）. Conclusions Using ultracision harmonic scalpel in operation of breast cancer can remarkably reduce the volume of bleed and drain postoperatively. Ultracision harmonic scalpel combined with skin flap external fixation is safety and can reduce the incidence rate of subcutaneous fluidity, thus can be applied widely in breast cancer operation.
Objective To compare the clinical results of locking compress plate (LCP) as an external fixator and standard external fixator for treatment of tibial open fractures. Methods Between May 2009 and June 2012, 59 patients with tibial open fractures were treated with LCP as an external fixator in 36 patients (group A), and with standard external fixator in 23 patients (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, affected side, type of fracture, location, and interval between injury and surgery between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The time of fracture healing and incision healing, the time of partial weight-bearing, the range of motion (ROM) of knee and ankle, and complications were compared between 2 groups. Results The incidence of pin-track infection in group A (0) was significantly lower than that in group B (21.7%) (P=0.007). No significant difference was found in the incidence of superficial infection and deep infection of incision, and the time of incision healing between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Deep vein thrombosis occurred in 5 cases of group A and 2 cases of group B, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.036, P=0.085). All patients were followed up 15.2 months on average (range, 9-28 months) in group A, and 18.6 months on average (range, 9-47 months) in group B. The malunion rate and nonunion rate showed no significant difference between groups A and B (0 vs. 13.0% and 0 vs. 8.7%, P gt; 0.05); the delayed union rate of group A (2.8%) was significantly lower than that of group B (21.7%) (χ2=5.573, P=0.018). Group A had shorter time of fracture healing, quicker partial weight-bearing, greater ROM of the knee and ankle than group B (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The LCP external fixator can obtain reliable fixation in treating tibial open fracture, and has good patients’ compliance, so it is helpful to do functional exercise, improve fracture healing and function recovery, and reduce the complication incidence.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of mini external fixation device for comminuted open fractures of the metacarpal and phalange. Methods Between October 2009 and April 2011, 33 patients with comminuted open fractures of the metacarpal and phalange were treated with mini external fixation device. There were 25 males and 8 females, aged from 21 to 62 years with an average of 25.5 years. Of 33 cases, 7 were rated as Gustilo type II and 26 as Gustilo type IIIA; 20 cases were diagnosed as having simple metacarpal and phalangeal comminuted fractures and 13 cases as having combined interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joint fractures. Partial or complete rupture of tendon was observed in 18 cases. The time between injury and operation was 2-8 hours (mean, 3.7 hours). After one stage debridement and reduction, fracture was fixed with mini external fixation device. Results Primary healing of incision was obtained in 30 cases and no pin hole infection was found. Incision infection occurred in 3 cases and leaded to nonunion. Nonunion also occured in 2 cases of simple metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. The mean follow-up was 8 months (range, 6 months to 1 year). X-ray films showed fracture healing in 13 cases after 8 weeks (8 cases of simple metacarpal and phalangeal fractures and 5 cases of combined interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joint fractures), in 12 cases after 12 weeks (7 cases of simple metacarpal and phalangeal fractures and 5 cases of interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joint fractures), and in 3 cases of simple metacarpal and phalangeal fractures after 6 months. After removing the mini external fixation device and functional exercise, 3 cases of simple metacarpal and phalangeal comminuted fractures and 4 cases of combined interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joint fractures still had joint stiffness, but had no finger rotation and alignment deformity or chronic pain. According to the measurement of total active movement for 28 patients who obtained fracture healing, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 12 cases, fair in 5 cases, and poor in 4 cases, the excellent and good rate was 67.9%. Conclusion The mini external fixation device is a good technique for comminuted open fractures of metacarpal and phalange. In patients having comminuted open fractures with interphalangeal or metacarpophalangeal joint fracture, the results are fair or poor.
ObjectiveTo discuss the clinical result of extrinsic radioulnar tether combined with anchoring nail fixation for treating chronic dorsal instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). MethodsBetween July 2011 and December 2012, 6 patients with chronic dorsal instability of the DRUJ were treated with extrinsic radioulnar tether combined with anchoring nail fixation. There were 1 male and 5 females with the average age of 27.3 years (range, 22-35 years). All of 6 patients had a wrist trauma history. The average disease duration was 4.8 years (range, 6 months to 15 years). Radiographs were taken postoperatively to observe the anchoring nail loosening. The stress test and forearm rotation test were used to evaluate the function of DRUJ. The complications, the grip power, range of motion, and visual analogue scale (VAS) scores were recorded at last follow-up. And the joint function was evaluated by disability of arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score. ResultsPrimary healing of incision was obtained in all cases, without any complications such as infection and ulnar neck fracture. All 6 patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 13.7 months). Stability was achieved in all patients. Radiographs showed that the joint space was widened and dislocation of the ulnar head was improved at 3 and 6 months after operation. The results of the stress test and forearm rotation test were negative. At last follow-up, the grip power, DASH score, VAS score, and range of motion of the wrist were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). ConclusionExtrinsic radioulnar tether combined with anchoring nail fixation is an easy method of surgical revision to treat chronic dorsal instability of DRUJ, which can maintain the stability and protect the blood supply of triangular fibrocartilage complex.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of Ilizarov external fixation and ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of late traumatic ankle arthritis. Methods Between June 2013 and June 2015, 27 patients with late traumatic ankle arthritis were treated with Ilizarov external fixation technique. There were 16 males and 11 females with an age of 27-69 years (mean, 45.7 years). Sixteen cases were on the left side, 11 on the right side. All the patients suffered from traumatic ankle fractures or ligament damages caused by initial traumas. After 6 months of standard conservative treatment, the results was invalid and all patients had ankle joint pain and movement disorders. The disease duration was 3-39 years (mean, 11.5 years). According to Takakura ankle arthritis staging, there were 16 cases in stage 3 and 11 cases in stage 4. The tibial-talar angle before operation was (102.55±4.02) ° measured on conventional double-feet loading anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films. The American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle and foot joint score was 45.72±6.45, and the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 8.61±1.96. Results All the patients were followed up 15-42 months (mean, 28.1 months). All ankles achieved bony fusion, the clinical healing time was 12.9 weeks on average (range, 11-18 weeks). No persistent bleeding in the incisions and needle tract occurred during the follow-up. There were 4 cases of mild needle infection, 2 cases of anterior dislocation of talus, and 3 cases with different degree of limited activity. No traumatic bone defect, bone disconnection, and false joint formation was observed. At 12 months after operation, the AOFAS ankle and foot joint score, VAS score, and tibial-talar angle were 80.53±9.14, 2.77±0.82, and (94.36±2.48)°, respectively, which were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (t=16.17, P=0.00; t=14.28, P=0.00; t=9.01, P=0.00). The effectivenss was excellent in 9 cases, good in 13 cases, and fair in 5 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 81.5%. Conclusion Satisfactory effectiveness can be obtained through Ilizarov external fixation and ankle arthrodesis in the treatment of traumatic ankle arthritis, showing certain application prospect, while long-term effectiveness should be comfirmed by large sample randomized controlled trials.
Objective To investigate current status and latest progress of clinical research on distal femoral fractures. Methods The related literature was extensively reviewed to summarize the trend of the researches and their clinical application in the treatment of distal femoral fractures. Results Distal femoral fractures are likely to occur in young people who suffer from high-energy damage and the elderly with osteoporosis, which is always comminuted and unstable fractures, and often involved in the articular surface and combined with serious soft tissue injury. Therefore, the treatment faces many challenges. External fixation is now used as a temporary means of controlling injury. The vast majority of patients are feasible to internal fixation, including plates system and intramedullary nail system. Different internal fixator also has its own characteristics, such as double plates can strengthen the medial support of the femur, less invasive stabilization system protects the blood supply of fractures, distal cortial locking plate is theoretically more fit for the requirements of bone healing, retrograde intramedullary nail can resist varus and valgus. Conclusion The treatment of distal femoral fractures should be based on the type of fracture and the characteristics of internal fixators.
ObjectiveTo observe the effectiveness of open release combined with distal radius fixation hinged external fixation for the treatment of elbow stiffness.MethodsA total of 77 patients with elbow stiffness caused by trauma were enrolled in this study between October 2014 and October 2015. The patients were divided into control group (39 cases) and observation group (38 cases) by random number table method. The patients in the observation group were treated with elbow joint opening and release combined with distal radial fixation hinged external fixation, while the control group was treated with traditional release. There was no significant difference in gender, age, disease causes, original damage diagnosis, the time from injury to operation, preoperative flexion and extension activity of elbow joint, and preoperative Mayo elbow joint function score between 2 groups (P>0.05). After operation, the function of elbow joint was evaluated by the flexion and extension activity of the elbow joint and the Mayo elbow joint function evaluation standard.ResultsThe incisions healed by first intention in 2 groups. In observation group, there were 1 case infection of nail tract, 2 cases ulnar nerve symptoms, 1 case elbow ossification, and 1 case moderate pain in the elbow; while in control group, there were 2 cases of infection of nail tract, 2 cases of ulnar nerve symptoms, and 3 cases moderate pain in the elbow. The patients in 2 groups were followed up 6 weeks to 12 months, with an average of 6 months. The flexion and extension activity of elbow joint and Mayo elbow joint function score at last follow-up were significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05); at last follow-up, the flexion and extension activity of elbow joint and Mayo elbow joint function score in observation group patients were significantly better than those in control group (P<0.05). According to the Mayo elbow function evaluation standard, the results were excellent in 27 cases, good in 10 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 97.4% in observation group; and the results were excellent in 12 cases, good in 21 cases, fair in 4 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 84.6% in control group; showing no significant difference between 2 groups (P=0.108).ConclusionOpen release combined with distal radius fixation hinged external fixation can significantly improve the elbow function of patients with traumatic elbow stiffness, its recovery of elbow function was superior to the traditional release.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of dynamization of external fixation on open tibia and fibula fracture union.MethodsThe clinical data of 26 cases of open tibia and fibula fractures treated by external fixation were retrospectively analysed. According to different postoperative treatment methods, the patients were divided into elastic dynamic group (group A, n=13) and constant elastic fixation group (group B, n=13). There was no significant difference in gender, age, and fracture type between 2 groups (P>0.05). The removal time of external fixator in group B was evaluated by fracture healing time, X-ray film, and doctor’s experience. In group A, the growth of callus was examined based on X-ray film at 12 weeks after operation; the axial mechanical load ratio was tested, and dynamic loading was carried out when the axial mechanical load ratio was 5%-10%. The using time of external fixator, fracture healing time, and incidence of complications were compared between 2 groups.ResultsAll patients were followed up 4-13 months, with an average of 5.7 months. During the treatment, there was no complication such as loosening or breaking of the external fixator, fracture displacement, or re-fracture in 2 groups. The using time of external fixator in group A was (24.77±1.42) weeks and the fracture healing time was (23.04±1.30) weeks, which were all significantly reduced when compared with those in group B [(34.38±1.71) weeks and (32.46±1.66) weeks] (t=16.10, P=0.00; t=15.58, P=0.00). In group A, there were 2 cases of needle tract infection and 1 case of muscle weakness, the incidence of complication was 23.1%; in group B, there were 3 cases of needle tract infection, 1 case of muscle weakness, and 1 case of delayed union of fracture, the incidence of complication was 38.5%; there was no significant difference in the incidence of complication between 2 groups (P=1.000).ConclusionDynamization of external fixation can promote union of open tibia and fibula fractures with a high security.
Bone lengthening technique is one of the core surgical technique for skeletal lengthening and reconstruction. It is widely used in the treatment of nonunion, segmental bone defect, bone infection, congenital or post-traumatic limb length differences, and hand-foot deformity correction. Until today, the surgical techniques and devices of bone lengthening are improving over time, and it is to improve the quality of treatment and reduce complications. However, the bone lengthening technique is different from the treatment for other orthopedic diseases, and it has the following feature, including requiring multiple steps, longer treatment course, and application of external fixator. This article will summarize the hot research in the field of bone lengthening treatment in recent years and provide reference for future clinical treatment.
ObjectiveTo summarize the effectiveness of limited orthopedic surgery combined with external fixation for the treatment of lower extremity sequelae of middle and old aged post-poliomyelitis, and then to explore the strategy of surgical correction and functional reconstruction method.MethodsFrom the database of 23 310 cases of poliomyelitis sequelae treated by QIN Sihe Orthopaedic Surgical team between September 1982 and December 2017, 629 patients over 41 years old were retrieved and the epidemiological characteristics of the patients were analyzed. Between March 2011 and June 2015, 57 patients with poliomyelitis sequelae treated with limited operation and external fixation were followed up 2-6 years, and the history of poliomyelitis sequelae was 41-67 years (mean, 47.1 years). Preoperative histopathological gait included 29 cases of quadriceps gait, 17 cases of walking with crutch, and 11 cases of claudication only. The operative methods included Achilles tendon lengthening in 52 cases, supracondylar osteotomy in 39 cases, knee flexion release in 36 cases, calcaneal arthrodesis in 27 cases, flexion and hip arthrodesis in 21 cases, tibia and fibula osteotomy in 19 cases, triple arthrodesis in 11 cases, and tendon transposition in 1 case. After operation, 18 cases were treated with combined external fixator and 39 cases with Ilizarov ring external fixator.ResultsOf the 629 cases, 481 cases were less than 50 years old (76.47%), accounting for 144 cases between 51 and 65 years old (22.89%). Among them, 495 cases (78.70%) were diagnosed after 2003. Of the 57 patients obtained complete follow-up information, 7 had slight infection of needle path during traction orthopaedics, 2 had early postoperative venous thrombosis of lower extremities, and 2 had incomplete paralysis of the common peroneal nerve. There was no complications such as skin incision infection, vascular injury, and bone nonunion. According to the evaluation standard of postoperative efficacy standard in correction of lower extremity deformities, the results were excellent in 23 cases, good in 20 cases, fair in 12 cases, and poor in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 75.44%. The 2 patients with poor effectiveness were reoperated to improve their function.ConclusionLimited orthopedic surgery combined with external fixation for the treatment of lower extremity sequelae of middle and old aged post-poliomyelitis can effectively correct deformities of lower limbs, improve function, delay the disability aggravated by decay, and avoid serious complications.