Objective To assess the effectiveness of the new anterolateral approach of the distal femur for the treatment of distal femoral fractures. Methods Between July 2007 and December 2009, 58 patients with distal femoral fractures were treated by new anterolateral approach of the distal femur in 28 patients (new approach group) and by conventional approach in 30 patients (conventional approach group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, affected side, type of fracture, disease duration, complication, or preoperative intervention (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency, hospitalization days, and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score of knee were recorded. Results Operation was successfully completed in all patients of 2 groups, and healing of incision by first intention was obtained; no vascular and nerves injuries occurred. The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy frequency of new approach group were significantly less than those of conventional approach group (P lt; 0.05). But the intraoperative blood loss and the hospitalization days showed no significant difference between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). All patients were followed up 12-36 months (mean, 19.8 months). Bone union was shown on X-ray films; the fracture healing time was (12.62 ± 2.34) weeks in the new approach group and was (13.78 ± 1.94) weeks in the conventional approach group, showing no significant difference (t=2.78, P=0.10). The knee HSS score at last follow-up was 94.4 ± 4.2 in the new approach group, and was 89.2 ± 6.0 in the conventional approach group, showing significant difference between 2 groups (t=3.85, P=0.00). Conclusion New anterolateral approach of the distal femur for distal femoral fractures has the advantages of exposure plenitude, minimal tissue trauma, and early function rehabilitation training so as to enhance the function recovery of knee joint.
Objective To review the research progress of the location marker of rotational alignment of the distal femur. Methods The recent literature concerning the location marker of rotational alignment of the distal femur at home and abroad was extensively reviewed and analyzed. Results Femoral prosthesis malrotational alignment could lead to some patellofemoral complications, such as dislocation of the patella, snapping, wear, and patellar pain. There are many methods to determining femoral component rotational alignment in the artificial total knee arthroplasty, including transepicondylar axis line, anterior posterior axis, the posterior condyles line, flexion gap balance technology, and computer navigation technology. Correct choice of the rotational alignment of the distal femur is crucial in reducing postoperative complications and the revision rate. Suitable reference axis is chosen during total knee arthroplasty to ensure the accuracy of the rotation axis of the femoral prosthesis, but it is currently still controversial. Conclusion The rotational alignment of the distal femur is an extremely important part to affect the prognosis of total knee arthroplasty. The methods to determine the rotational alignment of the distal femur need to be further improved.
Objective To analyze the effectiveness and application value of epiphysis preserving by the method of physeal distraction for treatment of femur osteosarcoma in children’s limb saving surgery. Methods Between January 2007 and January 2011, 6 patients with femur osteosarcoma underwent epiphysis preserving operation by physeal distraction. There were 4 males and 2 females with a mean age of 11.4 years (range, 9-14 years). The mean disease duration was 4.8 months (range, 1-9 months). The pathology confirmed osteosarcoma in all patients by core needle or open biopsy, including 1 case of osteogenic sarcoma, 1 case of chondroblastic osteogenic sarcoma, 1 case of osteoblastic osteogenic sarcoma, and 3 cases of no classified osteosarcoma. The clinical stage was IIA in 1 case and IIB in 5 cases according to the Enneking staging system. All patients received 2 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy before operation. Then physeal distraction was performed for 4-7 days (mean, 5.7 days) based on Cantilde;adell technique. After 1-2 days of physeal distraction, massive allograft bones and interlocking intramedullary nails were used to reconstruct bone defect after tumor resection. All patients received another 4-6 cycles of chemotherapy and were followed up. Bone healing, limb discrepancy, and complications were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed by the system of the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) and the range of motion (ROM) of both knee joints. Results Superficial infection occurred in 1 case and was cured after dressing change, and primary healing was obtained in the other patients. All 6 patients were followed up 2.5 years on average (range, 1-5 years). Symptoms of pain and swelling disappeared. No complication of allograft rejection, loosening or breaking of fixation occurred. No relapse or metastasis happened during follow-up. Bone healing was observed at the metaphysis junction in 5 cases at 6-9 months after operation and in 1 case at 14 months. Delayed union happened at the diaphysis junction in all patients. Different amount of callus formation was seen at the surface of diaphysis junction, but the fracture line remained clear at 12-48 months after operation. At last follow-up, limb discrepancy was 1-3 cm in 4 patients and 3-5 cm in 2 patients; 3 patients had compensatory scoliosis, and 2 patients had claudication. The MSTS score was 27.20 ± 1.92, showing significant difference (t= — 4.12, P=0.00) when compared with preoperative score (19.60 ± 2.74). The ROM of affected knee was (127.00 ± 17.89)°, showing no significant differences when compared with preoperative ROM (109.00 ± 12.45)° (t= — 1.84, P=0.10) and with ROM of normal knee (126.00 ± 9.62)° (t= — 0.11, P=0.92). Conclusion Limb saving surgery by physeal distraction can be used in young patients with open epiphyseal plate, which has the advantages of simple operation, good effectiveness, and less complications.
Objective To study the effectiveness of anterolateral C-shaped approach in the treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur in elderly patient by comparing with traditional anterolateral approach. Methods Between April 2010 and November 2011, 66 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of the femur were analyzed retrospectively. Of 66 patients, 37 underwent improved anterolateral C-shaped approach combined with fixation of dynamic hip screw (DHS) (improved group), and 29 underwent traditional anterolateral approach combined with fixation of DHS (conventional group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury cause, side, disease duration, fracture type, and complication between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, and hospitalization time were recorded; and X-ray films were taken to observe the fracture healing. The hip function was evaluated according to self-established criterion. Results The operation was successfully completed in all patients, and primary healing of incision was achieved. All patients were followed up 12-24 months (mean, 17.8 months). Bone union was achieved in both groups; the fracture healing time was 3-6 months (mean, 4.8 months). No loosening or breaking of internal fixation was observed during follow-up period. The operation time and postoperative drainage volume of improved group were significantly less than those of conventional group (P lt; 0.05); no significant difference was found in intraoperative blood loss and hospitalization days between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). According to self-established criterion, improved group was significantly better than conventional group in recovery of hip joint motion and function at 6 and 12 months after operation (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion Anterolateral C-shaped approach combined with DHS could minimize muscle injury and scar formation, which is beneficial to surgical exposure and early postoperative rehabilitation.
Objective To compare the biomechanical characteristics of the less invasive stabilization system (LISS) and the dynamic condylar screw (DCS) in the fixation of subtrochanteric fractures of the femur so as to provide theoretical basis for choosing internal fixator in clinical application. Methods Twelve cadaveric human femurs (35-50 years old) were selected with similar proximal femur, excluding deformities, fractures, and other lesions. The twelve femur specimens were randomly divided into 2 groups, 6 specimens per group. An 1 cm gap of osteotomy model was made in the proximal femur up to 1 cm below the lesser trochanter to simulate a comminuted subtrochanteric fracture of femur, and the distal end was embedded with denture acrylic and liquid for denture acrylic. Fracture was fixed by LISS in group A, and was fixed by DCS in group B. The specimens were fixed on Instron-8874 servo-hydraulic mechanical testing machine in a single-leg standing position, and the axial compression test and dynamic fatigue test were carried out to compare the compressive strength and the strain distribution at both sides of the fracture line. Results Axial compression test: the strain values of the 2 strain gauges in group A were significantly smaller than those in group B (P lt; 0.01); the vertical down displacement of the femoral head in group A was significantly smaller than that in group B (P lt; 0.01) under the same load; when the load was 600 N, the axial rigidity of group A was (209.06 ± 18.63) N/mm, which was significantly higher than that of group B [(65.79 ± 7.26) N/mm] (t=3.787, P=0.004). Dynamic fatigue test: the vertical down displacement of the femoral head in group A was significantly smaller than that in group B in the same cyclic loading cycle (P lt; 0.01); when the vertical down displacement of the femoral head was 0.5 mm, the force and the cyclic loading cycles in group A were significantly larger than those in group B (P lt; 0.01). Conclusion LISS, which has good mechanical stability, can meet the requirements for subtrochanteric fracture of femur fixation in biomechanics and anatomical structures. It can be proven that the LISS internal fixator is firmer than the DCS internal fixator by biomechanical comparison.
Objective To investigate the influence of the integration of fracture treatment and exercise rehabilitation on the effectiveness in the patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur. Methods Between January 2007 and December 2009, 3 873 patients with intertrochanteric fracture of femur were surgically treated in 56 hospitals. Of them, 1 970 cases were treated with rehabilitation training according to scale of safety assessment of early exercise rehabilitation of patients with fractures (trial group), 1 903 cases were treated with traditional rehabilitation training methods (control group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, fracture type, internal fixation type, or postoperative safety score between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05). Results All the patients were followed up 13-49 months (mean, 30.5 months). There was no significant difference in the incidences of bone nonunion, delayed union, and systemic complication between 2 groups (P gt; 0.05); significant differences were found in the incidences of incision complication, deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremity, and the overall complication between 2 groups (P lt; 0.05). At 6 and 12 months after operation, the trial group was significantly better than the control group in the recovery of hip motion, curative effectiveness classification, and the excellent and good rate (P lt; 0.05). Conclusion The treatment of intertrochanteric fracture of the femur guided by the integration of fracture treatment and exercise rehabilitation can apparently improve the prognosis and reduce the incidence of complications.
Objective To evaluate the cl inical outcomes of the wide resection and the functional reconstruction for treating mal ignant tumors of the proximal femur. Methods The cl inical data were analysed from 62 patients with mal ignant tumors of the proximal femur treated between January 1987 and December 2007. There were 29 males and 33 females with a median age of 35 years (range, 14-73 years). In 41 patients with primary mal ignant tumors having a disease course of 0.5-14.0 months, there were 16 cases of osteosarcoma, 7 cases of fibrosaroma, 6 cases of chondrosarcoma, 6 cases of mal ignant fibrous histiocytoma, 4 cases of mesenchymal sarcoma,1 case of Ewing sarcoma, and 1 case of angiosarcoma, including 3 cases of type IB, 2 cases of type IIA, 35 cases of type IIB, and 1 case of type III according to Enneking stage. In 21 patients with metastatic tumors, 16 had a mal ignant tumor history; the disease course was 0.1-28.0 months (3.4 months on average). Radical resection was performed in 9 cases, extensive resection in 39 cases, and marginal resection in 14 cases. After resection, 39 cases underwent reconstruction with prostheses (prostheses group) and 14 cases underwent reconstruction with allograft-prosthetic composites (APC, APC group). Results All incision healed by first intention. Twenty-six cases died of tumor metastasis,their postoperative survive time was 16-56 months (28 months on average). The average follow-up time was 64 months (range, 28-221 months) in 36 survival patients. The local recurrence rate of primary mal ignant tumors was 4.88% (2/41). In prostheses group, dislocation of femoral head occurred in 2 cases, fracture of prosthetic stem in 1 case, hip pain in 3 cases, acetabular wear in 3 cases, and stem loosening in 5 cases. In APC group, nonunion of APC occurred in 3 cases and acetabular wear in 1 case. At last follow-up, the average Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) functional scores were 77.69% ± 6.50% in prostheses groupand 85.71% ± 7.45% in APC group, showing significant difference (P lt; 0.001). Conclusion When the wide resection isperformed for mal ignant tumors of the proximal femur, better local control could be achieved. Compared with econstruction of the prosthesis, the APC reconstruction can provide better function.
Objective To find an effective method of surgical treatment of fibrous dysplasia of bone involving the proximal femur. Methods From January 2001 to January 2006, 57 patients with fibrous dysplasia of bone involving the proximal femur were treated. There were 29 males and 28 females, aging 8-50 years (mean 22 years). Thirty-five patients wereinvolved one bone and 22 patients were involved more than two bones. According to Guille’s classification, there were 34 cases of type A, 8 cases of type B, 8 cases of type C and 7 cases of type D. Fourteen cases compl icated by coax varus and the neck-shaft angle of femur was 78° on average (55-100°). The duration of the disease was 2.3 years on average (4 months to 10 years). The choice of the various operative procedures depended on the qual ity of the bone and the extent of the lesion. When the qual ity of the bone was good, then curettage and bone-grafting was performed. When the qual ity of the bone was poor, curettage and bone-grafting combined with internal fixation was performed. Medial displacement valgus or valgus osteotomies were used to treat fibrous dysplasia of bone involving the proximal part of the femur with coax varus. Results All patients were followed up for 6 months to 5 years with an average of 2.8 years. All bone graft were absorbed sl ightly at 3 months and markedly at 10 to 14 months postoperatively. The femoral mechanical al ignments were corrected completely radiologically in patients compl icated by coax varus; the average neck-shaft angle was corrected from 78° (55-100°) preoperatively to 122° (95-130°) postoperatively. The relative length of femur was increased 1.8-3.6 cm (mean 2.7 cm). After operation, 49 patients could walk without support, 5 with claudication, 3 ambulated with the aid of unilateral cane. Pain disappeared in 52 patients and pain was improved in 5 patients. No infections and recurrent fracture and progression of the deformity occurred in all patients. Conclusion Impactionallograft is the key of prompting allograft incorporating fully and preventing pathological fracture. An effective internal fixation must be used when the qual ity of the bone is poor. Medial displacement valgus or varus osteotomies can correct varus deformity, improve function, as well as restore biomechanical axis of femur. It is also able to effectively eradicate lesions and prevent recurrence.
Objective To study the technique and effect of adjunctive cancellous screw in treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with dynamic hi p screw (DHS) fixation. Methods Between April 2004 and August 2007, 33 patients with intertrochanteric fracture were treated with DHS fixation and adjunctive cancellous screw. There were 13 males and 20 females, aging 43-82 years with an average age of 67 years. Fractures were caused by traffic accident in 7 patients, by fall ing from height in 11 patients, by sprain in 15 patients. All fractures were closed. The patients were operated 3-12 days after injury. According to Evans classification, there were 12 cases of type II, 15 cases of type III, and 6 cases of type IV. Twenty-twocases had osteoporosis. Weight bear time and compl ication were recorded. Fracture heal ing and neck-shaft angle were observed on radiogram. Hip functions were evaluated using Radford criterion. Results Thirty-three patients had no intraoperative compl ications with incision heal ing by first intension. All patients were followed up from 14 months to 38 months, with an average of 21 months. Fracture heal ing was achieved within 14 weeks to 21 weeks, with an average of 17 weeks after operations. The neck-shaft angles were (134.2 ± 13.7)° 3 days after operation, (128.6 ± 8.9)° 8 weeks after operation, and (128.5 ± 9.3)° after fracture heal ing, showing no significant difference when compared with that of the third day after operation (P gt; 0.05). According to the Radford criterion at last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of hi p function was 93.9% (excellent in 21 cases, good in 10 cases, and poor in 2 cases). Compl ications such as loosening, breakage, or grievous migration of hardware were not observed. Conclusion The adjunctive cancellous screw in treatment of intertrochanteric fractures with DHS fixation can provide counteraction of tension and rotation, promote fixation stabil ity, enhance fracture heal ing and decrease compl ication.
Objective To investigate the operative procedure and the therapeutic effects of unstable femoral intertrochanteric fracture in elderly patients with rebuild septum bronchiale in artificial femoral head replacement. Methods From October 2005 to October 2007, 113 elderly patients with unstable femoral intertrochanteric fracture were treated with artificial femoral head replacement with fixation of femoral greater trochanter and smaller trochanter in the help of bone cement in 58 cases (test group) and with γ-type bone nail in 55 cases (control group). In test group, there were 21 males and 37 females with an average age of 75 years, including 10 cases of type IIIA, 16 cases of type IIIB and 32 cases of type IV according to Evans-Jenson standard. In control group, there were 17 males and 38 females with an average age of 72.5 years,including 13 cases of type IIIA, 14 cases of type IIIB and 28 cases of type IV according to Evans-Jenson standard. All fractures were caused by fall damage. The disease course was 3 hours to 7.5 days (mean 1.4 days). The patients of two group compl icated with osteoporosis, and compl icated by one or several compl ications of coronary heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and chronic bronchitis. And all patients did not had fracture at other sites. There was no significant difference in general data between two groups (P gt; 0.05). Results The operations were successful, the incision healed by first intention. There were significant differences in operation time, operative blood loss and blood-transfusion between two groups (P lt; 0.05). The two group were followed 12-36 months. There were significant differences (P lt; 0.05) in the incidence rate of compl ication and the excellent and good rate of hip function (by Harris standard) between the test group (3.4% and 93.1%) and the control group (16.4% and 70.9%) 12 months after operation. Conclusion The aged patients with intertrochanteric fracture can get good result through caput femoris replacement, and rebuild septum bronchiale is of great significance.