ObjectiveTo investigate the method of treating tuberculosis in the craniovertebral junction and its effectiveness.MethodsThe clinical data of 18 patients with tuberculosis in the craniovertebral junction between July 2010 and January 2019 was analyzed retrospectively. There were 14 males and 4 females, aged 21 months to 75 years (median, 35 years). The disease duration ranged from 2 weeks to 60 months (median, 4 months), and the affected segment was C0-C3. Preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.7±1.5 and the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score was 16.1±1.8. The American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) grading system was applied to classify their neurological functions, according to which there were 6 cases of grade D and 12 cases of grade E. Among 18 patients, 4 patients underwent conservative treatment, 1 patient removed tuberculosis via transoral approach, 1 patient removed tuberculosis via posterior cervical approach, and 12 patients removed tuberculosis via transoral approach immediately after posterior cervical (atlantoaxial or occipitalcervical) fusion and internal fixation. The VAS score, ASIA grading, and JOA score were applied to evaluate effectiveness. X-ray film, CT, and MRI were taken after treatment to evaluate the tubercular recurrence, cervical stability, and bone healing.ResultsAll the patients were followed up 3 to 42 months (median, 12 months). At 3 months after treatment, the VAS score was 1.7±1.0, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=15.000, P=0.000); and the JOA score was 16.7±1.0, showing no significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=1.317, P=0.205). According to ASIA grading, 6 patients with grade D before treatment had upgraded to grade E after treatment, while the remaining patients with grade E had no change in grading. The imaging examinations showed the good stability of the cervical spine. All patients had complete tuberculosis resection and no recurrence, and the patients who underwent internal fixation via posterior cervical approach achieved atlantoaxial or occipitalcervical bone fusion.ConclusionOn the premise of regular chemotherapy, if there is no huge abscess causing dysphagia or dyspnea, atlantoaxial instability, and neurological symptoms, patients can undergo conservative treatment. If not, however, the transoral approach can be used to completely remove the tuberculosis lesion in the craniovertebral junction. One-stage debridement via transoral approach combined with posterior cervical fusion and internal fixation can achieve satisfactory effectiveness.
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of external fixation (EF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for unstable distal radius fractures in adults. Methods We searched MEDLINE (1966 to September 2008), Cochrane Central register of controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, Issue 3, 2008), EMbase (1974 to September 2008), CBM, CNKI, and collected randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of EF and ORIF for unstable distal radius fractures in adults. The quality of the included studies was critically assessed and data analyses were performed with the Cochrane Collaboration’s RevMan 5.0 software. Results Seven RCTs involving 634 patients were included, of which 269 were in EF group, and 293 were in ORIF group. Only 1 study had relative high quality, all the others had some limitation in randomization, blinding, and allocation concealment. The results of meta-analyses showed that, 1) about the effectiveness: according to the Gartland and Werley grade standard, the ORIF group was better than the EF group with statistic difference (RR=1.50, 95%CI 1.11 to 2.03, P=0.008); because of the original studies did not offer the detailed data including pad strength, grip strength, flexion-extension, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation, we only processed a descriptive analysis; and 2) about complications: the infection rate of the pin track was higher in the EF group than that in the ORIF group with statistic difference (RR=0.24, 95%CI 0.08 to 0.76, P=0.02); but there were no differences between the two groups in reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD) (RR=0.88, 95%CI 0.30 to 2.56, P=0.82), extensor tendon rupture (RR=3.93, 95%CI 0.45 to 34.62, P=0.22), and compartment syndrome (RR=3.13, 95%CI 0.51 to 19.09, P=0.22). Conclusions Compared with EF, ORIF is much better based on Gartland and Werley grade standard, and causes much less infection. Because of the limited quality and quantity of the included studies, more proofs are required from more RCTs with large sample.
Objective To explore effectiveness of TiRobot-assisted screw implantation in the treatment of coracoid process fractures of the scapula. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data from 24 patients with coracoid process fractures of the scapula admitted between September 2019 and January 2024 and met selection criteria. Among them, 12 patients underwent TiRobot-assisted screw implantation (robot group) and 12 underwent manual screw implantation (control group) during internal fixation. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in baseline data such as gender, age, body mass index, disease duration, cause of injury, coracoid process fracture classification, and proportion of patients with associated injuries between the two groups. The incision length, operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, accuracy of screw placement, coracoid process fracture healing time, and complications were recorded and compared, as well as pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, and Constant-Murley score at last follow-up. ResultsThe intraoperative blood loss and incision length in the robot group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05); however, there was no significant difference in operation time and hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 8-27 months (mean, 17.5 months), and the difference in follow-up time between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). At last follow-up, the VAS score for shoulder pain in the robot group was signifncatly lower compared to the control group, and the Constant-Murley score was significantly higher (P<0.05). In the robot group, 16 screws were implanted intraoperatively, while 13 screws were implanted in the control group. Radiographic re-evaluation showed that the excellent and good rate of screw implantation was higher in the robot group (93.8%, 15/16) than in the control group (61.5%, 8/13), but the difference in the precision of screw implantation between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). Four patients in the robot group and 1 in the control group achieved double screws fixation; however, the difference in achieving double screws fixation between the two groups was not significant (P>0.05). All fractures healed in both groups with 1 case of malunion in the control group. There was no significant difference in healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). During follow-up, 1 patient in the control group experienced screw loosening and displacement. There was no significant difference in the incidence of screw loosening and fracture malunion between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Compared with manual screw implantation, TiRobot-assisted minimally invasive treatment of coracoid process fractures of the scapula can reduce intraoperative blood loss, shorten incision length, alleviate pain, and obtain better promote shoulder joint functional recovery.
Objective To discuss the elbow skin fold extension line in Kirschner wire internal fixation of extended supracondylar humeral fractures in children. Methods The clinical data of 58 children with extended supracondylar fractures of the humerus who met the selection criteria between August 2021 and July 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. In 28 cases, needle placement of medial epicondyle of humerus was performed with the assistance of the elbow skin fold extension line (study group), and 30 cases were assisted by routine touch of the medial epicondyle of the humerus (control group). There was no significant difference in baseline data such as gender, age, side, cause of injury, Gartland type, Kirschner wire configuration, and time from injury to operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The closed reduction rate, total operation time, time of medial humeral condyle pin placement, fluoroscopy times during medial pin placement, rate of one-time determination of medial entry point, ulnar nerve injury incidence, and fracture healing time were recorded and compared between the two groups. At the same time, the closed reduction rate of patients with the time from injury to operation ≤24 hours and >24 hours was compared. The elbow function was evaluated by Mayo elbow function score. Results The closed reduction rate of the study group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). Among all patients, the closed reduction rate of patients with the time from injury to operation ≤24 hours [73.3% (22/30)] was significantly higher than that of patients >24 hours [42.9% (12/28)] (χ2=5.545, P=0.019). The total operation time, medial needle placement time, and fluoroscopy times in the study group were significantly less than those in the control group, and the one-time determination rate of medial needle entry point in the study group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). There were 4 cases of ulnar nerve injury in the control group, and no ulnar nerve injury in the study group, but there was no significant difference in the incidence of ulnar nerve injury between the two groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 6-12 months (mean, 8 months). There was no bone nonunion in both groups, and the fracture healing time of the study group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (P<0.05). Volkmann ischemic contracture, heterotopic ossification, myositis ossificans, and premature epiphyseal closure were not observed after operation. No complications such as loosening or fracture of Kirschner wire occurred. At last follow-up, the Mayo elbow joint function score was used to evaluate function, and there was no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion In the treatment of extended supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children, the elbow skin fold extension line can help to quickly locate the medial epicondyle of the humerus, quickly insert Kirschner wire, and reduce the operation time and trauma.
ObjectiveTo explore the method and effectiveness of multidirectionally three-dimensional steel wire ring sleeve fixation in the treatment of inferior patellar pole avulsion fractures.MethodsBetweern January 2015 and January 2019, 22 patients with inferior patellar pole avulsion fractures were admitted and treated. There were 12 males and 10 females. The age ranged from 20 to 69 years, with an average age of 39.4 years. The causes of injury included 9 cases of traffic accident and 13 cases of falling. All of them were unilateral closed injury of knee joint, including 7 cases of skin contusion around patella. Preoperative range of motion of the affected knee was (20.82±7.16)° (range, 10°-35°). The time from injury to operation ranged from 3 to 12 days, with an average of 5.9 days. During the operation, the inferior patellar avulsion fracture was reduced with forceps; the patella was circumferentially ligated through the distal bone surface of the fracture with 0.8 mm diameter steel wire; then 3 longitudinal bone tunnels were made in the upper patella, respectively. The 0.8 mm diameter steel wire passed through the bone tunnel, and the longitudinal ring was attached to the ring to fix the upper and inferior patellar fracture. Tighten the transverse and longitudinal rings with No.2 tendon suture line, then longitudinally ringed and sutured to strengthen the patella. The knee range of motion, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded. The functional recovery of the knee joint was evaluated by B?stman score.ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention, and no incision related complications occurred. All the 22 patients were followed up 13 months to 5 years with an average of 26.7 months. The fracture healing time was 9-12 weeks (mean, 10.9 weeks). At last follow-up, the knee range of motion was (129.77±2.35)° (range, 126°-135°), showing significant difference when compared with preoperative one (t=?67.022, P=0.000). The B?stman score ranged from 31 to 36, with an average of 34.3. No reduction loss, fracture of steel wire, failure of internal fixation, and other complications occurred during follow-up.ConclusionMultidirectionally three-dimensional steel wire ring sleeve fixation in the treatment of inferior patellar pole avulsion fractures has the advantages of reliable fixation, early functional recovery, and fewer complications, so the effectiveness is satisfactory.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of using 3 hollow compression screws combined with 1 screw off-axis fixation under the guidance of three-dimensional (3D) printed guide plate with mortise-tenon joint structure (mortise-tenon joint plate) for the treatment of Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fractures. Methods A clinical data of 78 patients with Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fractures, who were admitted between August 2022 and August 2023 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. The operations were assisted with mortise-tenon joint plates in 26 cases (mortise-tenon joint plate group) and traditional guide plates in 28 cases (traditional plate group), and without guide plates in 24 cases (control group). There was no significant difference in the baseline data of gender, age, body mass index, cause of injury, and fracture side between groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy, incision length, incidence of postoperative deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score at 1 week after operation, and Harris score of hip joint at 3 months after operation were recorded and compared. X-ray re-examination was taken to check the quality of fracture reduction, fracture healing, and the shortening length of the femoral neck at 3 months after operation, and the incidences of internal fixation failure and osteonecrosis of the femoral head during operation. Results Compared with the control group, the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy reduced in the two plate groups, and the quality of fracture reduction was better, but the incision was longer, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were significantly higher in the traditional plate group than in the mortise-tenon joint plate group (P<0.05), the incision was significantly longer (P<0.05); and the difference in fracture reduction quality and the frequency of intraoperative fluoroscopy was not significant between two plate groups (P>0.05). There was 1 case of deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity in the traditional plate group and 1 case in the control group, while there was no thrombosis in the mortise-tenon joint plate group. There was no significant difference in the incidence between groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 12-15 months (mean, 13 months). There was no significant difference in VAS score at 1 week and Harris score at 3 months between groups (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, the fracture healing time and the length of femoral neck shortening at 3 months after operation were significantly shorter in the two plate groups (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two plate groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidences of non-union fractures, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, or internal fixation failure between groups (P>0.05). Conclusion For Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fractures, the use of 3D printed guide plate assisted reduction and fixation can shorten the fracture healing time, reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, and be more conducive to the early functional exercise of the affected limb. Compared with the traditional guide plate, the mortise-tenon joint plate can reduce the intraoperative bleeding and shorten the operation time.
Objective To explore the feasibility and accuracy of ultrasound volume navigation (UVN) combined with X-ray fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw implantation through a prospective randomized controlled study. Methods Patients with thoracic and lumbar vertebral fractures scheduled for percutaneous pedicle screw fixation between January 2022 and January 2023 were enrolled. Among them, 60 patients met the selection criteria and were included in the study. There were 28 males and 32 females, with an average age of 49.5 years (range, 29-60 years). The cause of injury included 20 cases of traffic accidents, 21 cases of falls, 17 cases of slips, and 2 cases of heavy object impact. The interval from injury to hospital admission ranged from 1 to 5 days (mean, 1.57 days). The fracture located at T12 in 15 cases, L1 in 20 cases, L2 in 19 cases, and L3 in 6 cases. The study used each patient as their own control, randomly guiding pedicle screw implantation using UVN combined with X-ray fluoroscopy on one side of the vertebral body and the adjacent segment (trial group), while the other side was implanted under X-ray fluoroscopy (control group). A total of 4 screws and 2 rods were implanted in each patient. The implantation time and fluoroscopy frequency during implantation of each screw, angle deviation and distance deviation between actual and preoperative planned trajectory by imaging examination, and the occurrence of zygapophysial joint invasion were recorded. Results In terms of screw implantation time, fluoroscopy frequency, angle deviation, distance deviation, and incidence of zygapophysial joint invasion, the trial group showed superior results compared to the control group, and the differences were significant (P<0.05). Conclusion UVN combined with X-ray fluoroscopy-guided percutaneous pedicle screw implantation can yreduce screw implantation time, adjust dynamically, reduce operational difficulty, and reduce radiation damage.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of cervical pedicle screw implantation technique under regional method.MethodsThe clinical data of 85 patients who met the selection criteria between April 2010 and May 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 57 males and 28 females, aged 35-68 years, with an average of 57.6 years. Among them, there were 10 cases of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament, 68 cases of cervical spondylosis with multilevel stenosis, 3 cases of cervical tumor, 1 case of congenital malformation, and 3 cases of cervical trauma; the lower cervical spine lesions involved C3-C7. Preoperative Frankel spinal cord injury grading: 2 cases of grade C, 51 cases of grade D, and 32 cases of grade E. Cervical pedicle screw implantation technique under regional method was performed with a total of 618 pedicle screws. Postoperative changes in neurological symptoms were observed; cervical mouth opening anteroposterior and lateral X-ray films and cervical CT examinations were performed to evaluate the pedicle screws position.ResultsThe operation time was 2.5-4.0 hours, with an average of 3.0 hours. The intraoperative blood loss was 180-550 mL, with an average of 345 mL. No intraoperative vascular or nerve injury occurred. The patients with neurological symptoms were relieved to varying degrees. There were 2 cases of superficial incision infection after operation, the wound healed after enhanced dressing change. The postoperative hospital stay was 5-14 days, with an average of 8.4 days. At discharge, Frankel neurological grading was grade D in 26 patients and grade E in 59 patients. All the patients were followed up 6-24 months, with an average of 13 months. At last follow-up, cervical X-ray films showed the good pedicle screw fixation without loosening. Cervical CT evaluated the position of pedicle screws: 523 pedicle screws (84.7%) in grade Ⅰ, 80 (12.9%) in grade Ⅱ, and 15 (2.4%) in grade Ⅲ; the accuracy rate of the screw position was 97.6%.ConclusionCervical pedicle screw implantation technique under regional method can significantly improve the success rate of screw implantation. It is easy to operate, does not destroy the bone cortex, and has stable fixation.
ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of the femoral neck system (FNS) and inverted triangle cannulated screws (ITCS) for the treatment of Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fractures.MethodsThe clinical data of 59 patients with Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fractures treated between May 2019 and November 2020 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were divided into FNS group (28 cases) and ITCS group (31 cases) according to the different internal fixation. There was no significant difference in gender, age, affected side, body mass index, cause of injury, smoking history, alcohol abuse history, Pauwels angle, Garden classification, AO/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, and time from injury to operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, incision length, intraoperative blood loss, extra assisted reduction procedures (Kirschner wire prying reduction or open reduction), hospitalization stay, and early complications were recorded and compared between the two groups. Garden index and Haidukewych score were used to evaluate fracture reduction. Fracture healing time, lateral thigh irritation, time of partial or total weight-bearing postoperatively, shortening length and degree of femoral neck, change of caput-collum-diaphysis (CCD) angle (the difference of CCD angle between immediate after operation and last follow-up), incidence of osteonecrosis of femoral head and revision surgery were recorded and compared between the two groups. Hip joint function were evaluated by Harris score.ResultsThe operation time of FNS group was significantly shorter than ITCS group, and the incision length was significantly longer than ITCS group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in intraoperative blood loss, assisted reduction, Garden index, Haidukewych score, and hospitalization stay between the two groups (P>0.05). All the incisions healed by first intention. There were 2 deep vein thrombosis in the FNS group and 1 pulmonary infection and 1 deep vein thrombosis in the ITCS group. No significant difference was found in the incidence of early postoperative complications (7.1% vs. 6.5%) between the two groups (P=1.000). Patients in both groups were followed up 3-14 months, and there was no significant difference in follow-up time between the two groups (t=–0.553, P=0.582). The fracture healing time, Harris score, and the partial weight-bearing time after operation of the FNS group were significantly better than those of the ITCS group (P<0.05). However, there was no significant difference in total weight-bearing time between the two groups (Z=–1.298, P=0.194). No lateral thigh irritation was found in the FNS group, while 10 patients in the ITCS group had lateral thigh irritation, and the incidence between the two groups (0 vs. 32.3%) was significant (P=0.001). At last follow-up, the shortening length and degree of femoral neck and the change of CCD angle in FNS group were significantly less than those in ITCS group (P<0.05). There was no patient with osteonecrosis of femoral head or reoperation in the FNS group, while 4 patients in the ITCS group underwent reoperation (including 2 cases of osteonecrosis of the femoral head). However, the incidences (0 vs. 6.5%; 0 vs. 12.9%) between the two groups were not significant (P=0.493; P=0.114).ConclusionUsing FNS to treat Pauwels type Ⅲ femoral neck fracture is simple as well as able to reduce the shortening of the femoral neck and the change of the CCD angle. Also, FNS is conducive to the recovery of hip joint function, which should be considered as a new choice for the treatment of young femoral neck fracture patients.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness of medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire in the closed reduction of multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures in children. Methods A clinical data of 43 children with multi-direction unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between August 2020 and August 2022, was retrospectively analyzed. Twenty-one cases of fractures were treated wuth closed reduction after medial and lateral column periosteal hinge reconstruction using Kirschner wire and percutaneous Kirschner wires fixation (study group), while 22 cases of fractures were treated by traditional closed reduction technique and percutaneous Kirschner wire fixation (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, cause of injury, fracture side, and interval from injury to operation between the two groups (P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, the number of children who were changed to open reduction after closed reduction failure, fracture healing time, complications within 2 months after operation, and the Flynn score of elbow joint function at last follow-up were compared between the two groups. ResultsAll the fractures in the study group were successfully closed reduction, and 4 cases in the control group were changed to open reduction and completed the operation, the difference between the two groups was significant (P=0.040). The operation time and intraoperative fluoroscopy times of the study group were significantly less than those of the control group (P<0.05). All children in both groups were followed up 6-18 months with an average of 9.0 months in the study group and 9.8 months in the control group. Imaging review showed that the fractures of both groups healed, and the difference in the healing time between the two groups was not significant (P=0.373). According to Flynn score at last follow-up, the excellent and good rate of elbow joint function was 95.2% (20/21) in the study group and 86.4% (19/22) in the control group, with no significant difference (P=0.317). There was no complication such as infection or irritation at the end of Kirchner wire within 2 months after operation. Conclusion For children with multi-directional unstable humeral supracondylar fractures, the use of Kirschner wires to reconstruct the medial and lateral column periosteal hinge to assist in closed reduction has the advantages of shortening operation time, reducing intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and effectively reducing the incidence of open reduction, and can achieve similar postoperative elbow joint function when compared with traditional closed reduction technique.