From August 1986 to October 1990, 34 cases of fractures of patella were treated by the self-designed spring Kirschner wire, in which, 25 cases were followed up for an average of 1.5 years. The excellentgood rate reached 88%. In comparing with the traditional method of treatment, it gave more secure fixation for fracture, without the need or only a short time of immobilization needed, short treatment course and satisfactory return of function.
Objective To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of maintaining the reduction of unstable intertrochanteric fractures by Kirschner wire-fixation-cortical bone technique. Methods Forty patients with intertrochanteric fracture [AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) type 31-A2.2] admitted between May 2015 and January 2017 and requiring closed reduction and proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) were randomly divided into trial group (intraoperative Kirschner wire-fixation-cortical bone technique group, 20 cases) and control group (conventional treatment group, 20 cases). There was no significant difference in general data of gender, age, side, body mass index, cause of injury, time from injury to operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the two groups were recorded; the reduction quality of fracture was observed according to the corresponding relationship between medial and anterior cortex (positive, neutral, and negative support) of intraoperative fluoroscopy proposed by ZHANG Shimin, and the stability of internal fixation and fracture healing were observed; Harris score was used to evaluate the recovery of hip function at 12 months after operation. Results In the trial group, 6 cases (30%) had 2 Kirschner wires implanted less than 4 times, 7 cases (35%) had 5-8 times, and 7 cases (35%) had 9 times or more. There was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between the two groups (P>0.05), but the blood transfusion volume and intraoperative fluoroscopy times in the trial group were significantly less than those in the control group (P<0.05). Both groups were followed up 13-21 months, with an average of 17 months. There was no complications such as wound infection, deep venous thrombosis of lower extremities, refracture, and internal fixation-related complications. The quality of intraoperative reduction in the trial group was significantly better than that in the control group (Z=–2.794, P=0.024). The Harris score of the trial group was significantly better than that of the control group at 12 months after operation (t=2.98, P=0.01). Conclusion The use of Kirschner wire-fixation-cortical bone technique during intertrochanteric fracture closed reduction and PFNA internal fixation surgery can effectively maintain the reduction effect, reduce the number of fluoroscopy, improve the reduction quality, reduce allogeneic blood input, obtain better hip function, and do not increase the operation time and intraoperative blood loss.
Objective To explore the effectiveness of thumb blocking technique through closed reduction of ulnar Kirschner wire threading in the treatment of Gartland type Ⅲ supracondylar humerus fractures in children. MethodsThe clinical data of 58 children with Gartland type Ⅲ supracondylar humerus fractures treated with closed reduction of ulnar Kirschner wire threading by thumb blocking technique between January 2020 and May 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 31 males and 27 females with an average age of 6.4 years ranging from 2 to 14 years. The causes of injury were falling in 47 cases and sports injury in 11 cases. The time from injury to operation ranged from 24.4 to 70.6 hours, with an average of 49.6 hours. The twitch of ring and little fingers was observed during operation, the injury of ulnar nerve was observed after operation, and the healing time of fracture was recorded. At last follow-up, the effectiveness was evaluated by Flynn elbow score, and the complications were observed. Results There was no twitch of the ring and little fingers when the Kirschner wire was inserted on the ulnar side during operation, and the ulnar nerve was not injured. All children were followed up 6-24 months, with an average of 12.9 months. One child had postoperative infection in the operation area, local skin redness and swelling, and purulent secretion exudation at the eye of the Kirschner wire, which was improved after intravenous infusion and regular dressing change in the outpatient department, and the Kirschner wire was removed after the initial healing of the fracture; 2 children had irritation at the end of the Kirchner wire, and recovered after oral antibiotics and dressing change in the outpatient department. There was no serious complication such as nonunion and malunion, and the fracture healing time ranged from 4 to 6 weeks, with an average of 4.2 weeks. At last follow-up, the effectiveness was evaluated by Flynn elbow score, which was excellent in 52 cases, good in 4 cases, and fair in 2 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 96.6%. ConclusionThe treatment of Gartland type Ⅲ supracondylar humerus fractures in children by closed reduction and ulnar Kirschner wire fixation assisted with thumb blocking technique is safe and stable, and will not cause iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury.
ObjectiveTo analyze the effectiveness of external fixator combined with Kirschner wire (EF-KW) fixation in the treatment of oblique and comminuted distal humeral metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (DHMDJ) fractures in children. Methods A clinical data of 22 children with DHMDJ fractures who met the selection criteria between April 2021 and December 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with EF-KW fixation. There were 14 boys and 8 girls with an average age of 6.8 years (range, 1.5-12.0 years). The time from injury to operation was 14-38 hours (mean, 24.2 hours). There were 18 cases of comminuted fractures and 4 cases of oblique fractures; and 1 case of median nerve injury and 1 case of radial nerve injury before operation. The occurrence of postoperative complications was recorded. At last follow-up, the function of the affected elbow joint was evaluated according to the Mayo elbow joint function score, and the Baumann’s angle (BA) and humero-capitellar angle (HCA) of the affected and healthy sides were recorded and compared. ResultsAll fractures were successfully treated with closed reduction and no complications such as nerve injury occurred. Superficial infection occurred in 4 cases after operation and healed after symptomatic treatment. The incisions of other patients healed by first intention. All patients were followed up 9-24 months (mean, 13.8 months). At last follow-up, according to the Mayo elbow joint function score, the elbow joint function was rated as excellent in 15 cases, good in 6 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 95.5%. The neurologic injury before operation recovered gradually. X-ray films reexamination showed that all fractures healed, and the healing time of fractures ranged from 29 to 61 days, with an average of 35.6 days. At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in BA and HCA between the healthy side and the affected side (P>0.05). During follow-up, 1 case developed mild cubitus varus, while the other patients had no serious complications. ConclusionEF-KW fixation for oblique and comminuted DHMDJ fractures in children has the advantages of less trauma, simple operation, easy reduction, good stability after reduction, low incidence of serious complications, and good elbow functional recovery.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator with double plate internal fixation in the treatment of type C humeral intercondylar fractures. Methods Between January 2014 and April 2016, 30 patients with type C (Association for the Study of Internal Fixation, AO/ASIF) humeral intercondylar fractures were treated. Kirschner wire suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator was used in 14 cases (group A), and double plate internal fixation in 16 cases (group B). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injury cause, disease duration, injury side, and type of fracture between 2 groups (P>0.05). Results There was no significant difference in operation time and hospitalization stay between 2 groups (P>0.05). But the intraoperative blood loss in group A was significantly less than that in group B (P<0.05); the visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 1 day and 3 days after operation in group A were significantly less than those in group B (P<0.05). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients of 2 groups, and no surgery-related complications occurred. The patients were followed up 6-24 months (mean, 12.3 months) in group A and 6-24 months (mean, 12.8 months) in group B. The self-evaluation satisfaction rate was 85.7% (12/14) in group A and was 81.2% (13/16) in group B at 3 months after operation, showing no significant difference (χ2=0.055, P=0.990). Based on the improved Gassebaum elbow performance score at 6 months after operation, excellent and good rate of the elbow function was 78.6% (excellent in 5 cases, good in 6 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case) in group A and was 81.2% (excellent in 6 cases, good in 7 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case) in group B, showing no significant difference between 2 groups (χ2=0.056, P=0.990). Heterotopic ossification occurred at 3 months after operation in 1 case of each group respectively. The X-ray films showed bony union in all cases; no loosening or breakage of screw was observed. The bone union time showed no significant difference between 2 groups (t=–0.028, P=0.978). The time of internal fixation removal, the intraoperative blood loss, and VAS score at 1 day and 3 days after operation in group A were significant better than those in group B (P<0.05). Conclusion The suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator and double plate internal fixation for the treatment of type C humeral intercondylar fractures have ideal outcome in elbow function. But the suspension fixation plus hinged external fixator is better than double plate internal fixation in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative VAS score, and time of internal fixation removal.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation with plate and closed reduction and internal fixation with Kirschner wire (K-wire) in the treatment of intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures in older children. MethodsA clinical data of 35 older children (37 feet) with intra-articular displaced calcaneal fractures who were admitted between November 2014 and November 2020 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 19 cases (20 feet) underwent open reduction and internal fixation with plate (plate group), and 16 cases (17 feet) underwent closed reduction and internal fixation with K-wire (K-wire group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, side and type of fracture, and time from injury to admission, and preoperative calcaneal Gissane angle and B?hler angle (P>0.05). The postoperative calcaneal Gissane angle, B?hler angle, complications, and fracture healing were compared between the two groups. The ankle function was evaluated based on the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scoring system. Results Incision necrosis occurred in 1 foot in the plate group after operation, which healed after symptomatic treatment; the other incisions in the two groups healed by first intention. All children were followed up 12-39 months (mean, 19 months). X-ray films showed that the fractures in both groups healed; the healing time was (2.65±0.71) months in the plate group and (2.24±1.38) months in the K-wire group respectively, with no significant difference (t=1.161, P=0.253). At last follow-up, the calcaneal Gissane angle and B?hler angle returned to normal; and the difference between pre- and post-operation in the two group was significant (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups in the difference between before and after operation (P>0.05). In the plate group, the plate was removed at 11-22 months after operation (mean, 16.8 months). At last follow-up, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in the plate group was 91.2±5.1, which was significantly higher than that in the K-wire group (86.9±6.1) (t=2.316, P=0.027). The ankle function was rated as excellent in 15 feet, good in 4 feet, and fair in 1 foot in the plate group, and excellent in 14 feet and good in 3 feet in the K-wire group, and the difference between the two groups was not significant (Z=1.712, P=0.092). ConclusionFor intra-articular displaced calcaneal fracture in older children, the open reduction and internal fixation with plate and closed reduction and internal fixation with K-wire can achieve good effectiveness, but the former has better recovery of ankle function.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of the modified intramedullary fixation with two Kirschner wires for extra-articular fracture of the proximal phalangeal base. MethodsBetween June 2012 and November 2015, 18 cases (18 fingers) of fresh extra-articular fracture of the proximal phalangeal base were treated, including 16 males and 2 females with an average age of 31 years (range, 21-57 years). The causes included strike injury in 10 cases, fall injury in 4 cases, mechanical injury in 1 case, twist injury in 1 case, crush injury in 1 case, and cutting injury in 1 case. The injured fingers were little finger in 16 cases, ring finger in 1 case, and index finger in 1 case. Of the 18 cases, 17 had closed fractures and 1 had open fracture. X-ray film showed transverse fracture in 14 cases and transverse-oblique fracture in 4 cases. The time between injury and operation was 3 hours to 4 days (mean, 2 days). After anatomical reduction, two Kirschner wires were used for intramedullary fixation. Functional exercises were done at 2 days after operation. The Kirschner wires were removed at 4 weeks after operation. ResultsAll the wounds healed by first intention. There were no deformation, loosening or breakage of Kirschner wires, and pin tract infection. Postoperative X-ray films showed anatomical reduction of fracture in all cases; no re-displacement happened, and clinical healing was obtained at 4 weeks; bony union was obtained at 8 weeks. All patients were followed up 6-12 months with an average of 8 months. There was no pain in the metacarpophalangeal joint; the range of motion was (88.1±2.3)° at 3 months after operation, showing no significant difference when compared with normal side [(88.8±2.6)°] (t=1.73, P=0.10). The finger flexion and extension were normal; according to the criteria of total active motion of finger, the results were excellent in all cases. ConclusionThe technique of modified intramedullary fixation with two Kirschner wires for extra-articular fractures of the proximal phalangeal base has the merits of convenient operation, little injury, reliable fixation, and excellent effectiveness. This technique is conducive to the recovery of hand function due to the early functional exercises.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of Kirschner wire fixation in scapholunate joint, capitolunate joint, and lunotriquetral joint combined with bone anchor repair for the treatment of acute perilunate injury. MethodsBetween January 2007 and January 2012, 35 cases of acute perilunate injury were treated. There were 30 males and 5 females with an average age of 45.5 years (range, 32-56 years). Fractures were caused by falling from height in 18 cases, by traffic accident in 11 cases, and by fall injury in 4 cases. The time from injury to operation was 2-6 days (mean, 3.4 days). There were 23 cases of trans-scaphoid perilunate dislocation, 10 cases of perilunate dislocation, and 2 cases of trans-triangular perilunate dislocation. Associated injuries included median nerve injury in 6 cases, radius styloid fracture in 8 cases, ulnar styloid fracture in 2 cases, and distal tibial fracture in 1 case. All the patients were treated by open reduction, Herbert screw fixation of scaphoid fractures, and Kirschner wire fixation in scapholunate joint, capitolunate joint, and lunotriquetral joint, and the intercarpal ligaments were repaired by Mitek bone anchor. ResultsSuperficial wound infection occurred in 2 cases, and primary healing of incision obtained in others. Thirty-five patients were followed up 12-35 months (mean, 18 months). X-ray films showed fracture union in 21 cases of scaphoid fractures, and bone nonunion in 2 cases of scaphoid fractures. During the follow-up period, there was no avascular necrosis of scaphoid or lunate. At last follow-up, the scapholunate angle, radiolunate angle, and wrist range of motion (ROM) in extension had no significant difference between affected and unaffected sides (P > 0.05). The wrist ROM in flexion and grip strength of affected side were not up to the levels of unaffected side (P < 0.05). According to the modified Mayo wrist scoring system, the score was 79.9±10.7, which were excellent in 8 cases, good in 17 cases, fair in 7 cases, and poor in 3 cases, and the excellent and good rate was 71.4%. The disability of arm-shoulder-hand (DASH) questionnaires score was 21±10. Traumatic osteoarthritis was observed in 2 cases. ConclusionKirschner wire fixation in scapholunate joint, capitolunate joint, and lunotriquetral joint combined with bone anchor repair for the treatment of acute perilunate injury can get early stability of the carpal joint, favorable intercarpal ligament repair, and good recovery of wrist joint function.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of Kirschner wire combined with silk tension band in the treatment of ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint. Methods Between September 2008 and October 2011, 14 patients with ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint were treated using a combination of Kirschner wire and silk tension band. There were 8 males and 6 females, aged 23-55 years (mean, 40.8 years). The causes of injury were machinery twist injury in 5 cases, manual twist injury in 4 cases, falling in 4 cases, sports injury in 1 case. The time from injury to operation was 2 hours-14 days. All the patients presented pain over the ulnar aspect of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the thumb, limitation of motion, and joint instability with pinch and grip. The lateral stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint was positive. Function training was given at 2 weeks after operation. Results All incisions healed by first intention. The lateral stress testing of the metacarpophalangeal joint was negative. All the patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 13.1 months). The X-ray films showed good fracture reduction and healing with an average time of 7 weeks (range, 4-10 weeks). At last follow-up, the thumbs had stable flexion and extension of the metacarpophalangeal joint, normal opposition function and grip and pinch strengths. According to Saetta et al. criteria for functional assessment, the results were excellent in 11 cases and good in 3 cases; the excellent and good rate was 100%. Conclusion It is an easy and simple method to treat ulnar collateral ligament avulsion fracture of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint using Kirschner wire combined with silk tension band, which can meet the good finger function.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of absorbable anchor combined with Kirschner wire fixation in the reconstruction of extension function of old mallet finger. MethodsBetween January 2020 and January 2022, 23 cases of old mallet fingers were treated. There were 17 males and 6 females with an average age of 42 years (range, 18-70 years). The cause of injury included sports impact injury in 12 cases, sprain in 9 cases, and previous cut injury in 2 cases. The affected finger included index finger in 4 cases, middle finger in 5 cases, ring finger in 9 cases, and little finger in 5 cases. There were 18 patients of tendinous mallet fingers (Doyle type Ⅰ), 5 patients were only small bone fragments avulsion (Wehbe type ⅠA). The time from injury to operation was 45-120 days, with an average of 67 days. The patients were treated with Kirschner wire to fix the distal interphalangeal joint in a mild back extension position after joint release. The insertion of extensor tendon was reconstructed and fixed with absorbable anchors. After 6 weeks, the Kirschner wire was removed, and the patients started joint flexion and extension training. Results The postoperative follow-up ranged from 4 to 24 months (mean, 9 months). The wounds healed by first intention without complications such as skin necrosis, wound infection, and nail deformity. The distal interphalangeal joint was not stiff, the joint space was good, and there was no complication such as pain and osteoarthritis. At last follow-up, according to Crawford function evaluation standard, 12 cases were excellent, 9 cases were good, 2 cases were fair, and the good and excellent rate was 91.3%. Conclusion Absorbable anchor combined with Kirschner wire fixation can be used to reconstruct the extension function of old mallet finger, which has the advantages of simple operation and less complications.