Objective To investigate the short-term effectiveness of reconstructive locked plate for treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation. Methods Between February 2008 and February 2012, 11 patients with sternoclavicular joint dislocation were treated with reconstructive locked plate, and the clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. There were 7 males and 4 females, aged 30-55 years (mean, 44 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 8 cases and crashing in 3 cases. The disease duration ranged from 2 hours to 11 days (median, 6 days). All patients had anterior dislocation of sternoclavicular joint. According to the Grade system, there were 2 cases of type II and 9 cases of type III. Results All patients obtained healing of incisions by first intention after operation. There was no neurovascular injury. The X-ray films showed that satisfactory reduction of joint dislocation and stable internal fixation were obtained at 2 days after operation. All patients were followed up 9-24 months (mean, 16 months). According to the Rockwood criteria, the score was 10-15 (mean, 13.2); the results were excellent in 9 cases and good in 2 cases, with an excellent and good rate of 100% at 9 months after operation. No internal fixation failure or re-dislocation occurred. All internal fixators were removed at 9-15 months after operation. Both the stability and the functions of the shoulder joint were good. Conclusion The reconstructive locked plate in treating sternoclavicular joint dislocation has the advantages of good stability and satisfactory reduction, and the patients can do functional exercises early and obtain good recovery of the shoulder joint function. The short-term effectiveness is satisfactory.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of intra-articular radioulnar ligament reconstruction in the treatment of chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint. MethodsBetween January 2006 and June 2012, the intra-articular radioulnar ligament reconstruction was used to treat chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint in 12 patients. Of 12 cases, 8 were males and 4 were females with an average age of 37.3 years (range, 22-54 years). The causes of injury were tumble in 9 patients, traffic accident in 2 patients, and sprain in 1 patient. The average time from initial injury to operation was 6.2 months (range, 2-13 months). The pain and function of the wrists were assessed with Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) (27.5±4.7). Broadening of the distal radioulnar joint space was seen on the anteroposterior radiograph in all the patients. Lateral view showed dorsal instability in 10 patients and palmar instability in 2 patients. There was no radial fracture, ulnar fractures or degeneration of the distal radioulnar joint. ResultsAll patients achieved primary healing of incision. No complication of deep infection or nerve injury occurred. They were followed up from 12 to 30 months (mean, 20.6 months). Pain and the clicking sound of the wrists disappeared; grip strength increased; the range of motion values of the wrist and forearm were restored. PRWE score was 5.8±2.1 at last follow-up, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=14.215, P=0.000). Imaging examination showed good appositions of the distal radioulnar joint, with no dislocation or subluxation. ConclusionIntra-articular radioulnar ligament reconstruction can rebuild the anatomic stability of the distal radioulnar joint, which does not damage the adjacent structures of the joints and can obtain satisfactory function of the reconstructed joint. It is a good choice for chronic instability of the distal radioulnar joint without articular degeneration.
ObjectiveTo investigate the short-term effectiveness of arthroscopic assisted double Endobutton “8” buckle fixation in the treatment of Rockwood Ⅲ type acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation.MethodsThe clinical data of 12 patients with Rockwood Ⅲ type acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation who were treated with arthroscopic assisted double Endobutton “8” buckle fixation between June 2016 and June 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 8 males and 4 females, with an average age of 47.0 years (range, 36-58 years). There were 4 cases of left shoulder and 8 cases of right shoulder. The causes of injury included traffic accident injury in 7 cases and falling injury in 5 cases. The average time from injury to operation was 5.0 days (range, 3-14 days). Before operation and at last follow-up, the shoulder joint activity was recorded; the improvements of function and pain were evaluated by Constant score and visual analogue scale (VAS) score, respectively; the reduction was evaluated by measuring the coracoid spacing of the affected side on the anteroposterior X-ray film of shoulder joint.ResultsAll 12 cases were followed up 6-36 months, with an average of 20.6 months. All the incisions healed by first intention. There was no complications such as clavicle and coracoid fractures and Endobuton displacement. At last follow-up, the range of motion of the abduction improved from preoperative (77.5±4.5)° to (162.5±6.5)°, the range of motion of forward flexion improved from (84.1±5.2)° to (169.5±5.8)°, the Constant score improved from 42.5±2.3 to 92.4±2.3, the VAS score improved from 5.4±0.8 to 0.6±0.5, and the coracoid spacing reduced from (20.5±1.4) mm to (9.2±0.6) mm, all showing significant differences (P<0.05).ConclusionArthroscopic assisted double Endobutton “8” buckle fixation for the treatment of Rockwood Ⅲ type acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation is safe, less invasive, and quicker recovery. It can effectively alleviate shoulder pain, significantly improve the mobility of the shoulder joint, and achieve good short-term effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation for bipolar fracture-dislocation of the forearm.MethodsBetween June 2014 and March 2019, 14 patients with bipolar fracture-dislocation of the forearm were treated. There were 9 males and 5 females, aged from 19 to 52 years (mean, 34.9 years). There were 8 cases of falling injuries, 4 cases of traffic accident injuries, 1 case of sports injury, and 1 case of machine strangulation injury. The time from injury to admission was 2-48 hours, with an average of 16.6 hours. All patients were closed injuries. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation; the upper radioulnar joints were treated with circumferential ligament repair or lateral collateral ligament repair according to the joint stability. And the patients with lower radioulnar joint instability were also treated with the TightRope plate with loop fixation. After 3 weeks of plaster fixation, the patients started functional exercises. The fracture healing time, stability and range of motion of wrist and elbow joints, and forearm rotation function were recorded. The effectiveness was evaluated by Anderson’s forearm function score at last follow-up.ResultsThe incisions healed by first intention. All 14 cases were followed up 12-36 months with an average of 24.8 months. All fractures healed, with an average healing time of 14.9 weeks (range, 12-18 weeks). The stabilities of the upper and lower radioulnar joints restored well. At last follow-up, the elbow flexion and extension range of motion was 65°-160°, with an average of 124.6°; the wrist flexion and extension range of motion was 115°-165°, with an average of 155.0°; the forearm rotation range of motion was 65°-165°, with an average of 154.6°. According to Anderson’s forearm function score, 8 cases were excellent, 5 cases were good, and 1 case was unsatisfactory. ConclusionThe treatment of bipolar fracture-dislocation of the forearm needs comprehensive consideration and individualized treatment plan. The focus is to restore the anatomical structure of the radius and ulna and firm internal fixation, stabilize the upper and lower radioulnar joints, and perform functional exercises as soon as possible after operation to obtain satisfactory effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the effectiveness of double Endobutton technique and suture anchor combined Endobutton plate in the treatment of Tossy type Ⅲ acromioclavicular joint dislocation. MethodsBetween May 2010 and March 2014, a retrospective study was preformed on 56 patients with Tossy type Ⅲ acromioclavicular joint dislocation. The coracoclavicular ligament was reconstructed with double Endobutton technique in 31 cases (Endobutton group), and with suture anchor combined Endobutton plate in 25 cases (Anchor group). There was no significant difference in age, gender, injury causes, injury side, associated injury, medical comorbidities, and disease duration between 2 groups (P>0.05). The operation time, medical device expenses, postoperative complications, preoperative and postoperative Constant-Murley scores, and postoperative Karlsson grading of the injured shoulder were compared between 2 groups. ResultsThe average operation time in Endobutton group was significantly greater than that in Anchor group (t=4.285, P=0.000); there was no significant difference in the medical device expenses between 2 groups (t=1.555, P=0.126). Primary healing of incision was obtained in all patients of 2 groups; no early complications of infection and skin necrosis occurred. All patients were followed up 15.6 months on average (range, 11-35 months). During follow-up, some loss of reduction and ectopic ossification in the coracoclavicular gap were observed in 1 case and 6 cases of Endobutton group, respectively. No recurrence of acromioclavicular joint dislocation, implant fixation loosening and broken, and secondary fractures occurred in the other patients. There was significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between 2 groups (P=0.013). Constant-Murley scores of the injured shoulder significantly increased at 9 months after operation when compared with preoperative values in 2 groups (P<0.05), but no significant difference was observed between 2 groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in Karlsson grading between 2 groups (Z=-0.628, P=0.530). ConclusionBoth double Endobutton technique and suture anchor combined Endobutton plate have good effectiveness in the treatment of Tossy type Ⅲ acromioclavicular joint dislocation. But the latter is associated with easier operation, less operation time, and less complications.
ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness of the clavicular hook plate combined with trapezius muscle fascia for reconstruction of acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments to treat acute complete acromioclavicular dislocations. MethodsBetween January 2008 and April 2012, 66 patients with acromioclavicular dislocation were treated with the clavicular hook plate combined with trapezius muscle fascia for reconstruction of acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments in 32 cases (experimental group) and with the clavicular hook plate in 34 cases (control group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, injured side, the cause of injury, and the time from injury to operation between 2 groups (P>0.05). Visual analogue scale (VAS), Constant shoulder scores, and coracoid clavi-cledistance (CC.Dist) were measured at preoperation and at 2 years after operation. Signal/noise quotiem (SNQ) was measured by MRI at 2 years after operation. The operation complications were observed. ResultsThe patients of 2 groups obtained primary healing of incision. The morbidity of complication in experimental group (12.5%, 4/32) was significantly lower than that in control group (91.2%, 31/34) (χ2=40.96, P=0.00). All the cases were followed up 2.8 years on average (range, 2 to 4 years). VAS scores and CC.Dist significantly decreased at 2 years after operation when compared with preoperative values in the 2 groups (P<0.05). VAS scores and CC.Dist of the experimental group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). According to Constant shoulder scores at 2 years after operation, the results were excellent in 19 cases, good in 11 cases, and general in 2 cases with an excellent and good rate of 93.75% in the experimental group; the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 8 cases, general in 16 cases, and poor in 3 cases with an excellent and good rate of 44.11% in the control group; and significant difference was shown between 2 groups (t=2.30, P=0.03). SNQ was significantly lower in experimental group than in control group at 2 years after operation (t=55.03, P=0.00), indicating that ligament healing was better in experimental group than control group. ConclusionCompared with simple clavicular hook plate fixation, the clavicular hook plate combined with trapezius muscle fascia for reconstruction of acromioclavicular and coracoclavicular ligaments is successful in treating acute complete acromioclavicular dislocations, with the advantages of higher ligament healing, less complication, and early improvement of shoulder functions.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness of one-stage arthroscopic reconstruction and strict immobilization for 6 weeks for treatment of knee dislocation. MethodBetween August 2010 and May 2013, 22 cases (22 knees) of knee dislocation were treated with one-stage reconstruction and strict immobilization for 6 weeks. There were 15 males and 7 females, aged 21-54 years (mean, 31.5 years). The left knee and right knee were involved in 8 cases and 14 cases respectively. The disease causes were traffic accident in 12 cases, falling from height in 6 cases, and sports injury in 4 cases. The time between injury and operation was less than 2 weeks in 6 cases, 2-3 weeks in 10 cases, and more than 3 weeks in 6 cases. The results of anterior drawer test, posterior drawer test, and Lachman test were positive in all patients. The posterior displacement of the tibia was more than 10 mm. The results of valgus stress test and varus stress test were positive in 13 cases and 11 cases respectively. The preoperative knee range of motion was (58.2±28.4) °, Lysholm score was 39.7±4.6. All patients had anterior cruciate ligament rupture and posterior cruciate ligament rupture; combined injuries included medial collateral ligament rupture in 11 cases, lateral collateral ligament rupture in 9 cases, both medial and lateral collateral ligament rupture in 2 cases, femoral condylar avulsion fracture in 2 cases, and meniscus injury in 7 cases. No nerve or blood vessel injury was observed. ResultsAll cases obtained primary healing of incision without infection. All the patients were followed up 12-48 months (mean, 27.8 months). At 12 months after operation, the results of the anterior drawer test, posterior drawer test, Lachman test, valgus stress test, and varus stress test were all negative; the knee range of motion increased was significantly to (121.3±7.9) °(t=30.061, P=0.000) ; Lysholm score was 87.2±6.1, showing significant difference when compared with preoperative score (t=24.642, P=0.000) . ConclusionsA combination of arthroscopic one-stage reconstruction and strict immobilization for treatment of knee dislocation is a safe and effective method, good stability and joint function can be achieved.
Objective To summarize operative procedure and the effectiveness of open reduction with internal fixation or radial head replacement for the treatment of Essex-Lopresti injury. Methods Between November 2002 and October 2010, 10 patients with Essex-Lopresti injury were treated. There were 8 males and 2 females with a mean age of 36 years (range, 20-56 years). Eight cases were fresh closed fracture within 2 days. According to Mason classification, 5 fracture were typeII, 3 were type III. The other 2 cases were old fracture within 3 months. Wrist joint X-ray revealed that all the patients had distal radioulnar joint dislocation. Open reduction with internal mini-plate or absorbable screw fixation was performed in 5 cases, and radial head replacement in 5 cases; meanwhile, the distal radioulnar joint was reducted and fixed. Results All incisions healed by first intention without infection or bone nonunion. The patients were followed up 7 to 24 months with an average of 14.7 months. The X-ray films showed fracture heal ing at 9-20 weeks (mean, 16.3 weeks); distal radioulnar joint was stable without shortening or shift of proximal radius. According to elbow cl inical evaluation system, the results were excellent in 5 cases, good in 3 cases, and fair in 2 cases. According to wrist cl inical evaluation, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case. All patients had good elbow stabil ity, and recovered quickly. Conclusion Early diagnosis, operation, and functional exercises are important to obtain an excellent result in treating Essex-Lopresti injury.
ObjectiveTo develop an instrument for sacroiliac joint fixation with less injury and less complications. MethodsFirstly, 18 adult pelvic specimens (8 males and 10 females) were used to measure the anatomical data related to the locking plates and locking screws on the sacrum and ilium, and the polyaxial locking plate screw system of the sacroiliac joint was designed according to the anatomic data. This system was made of medical titanium alloy. Then 4 adult male plevic specimens were harvested and the experiment was divided into 3 groups:group A (normal pelvic), group B (the dislocated sacroiliac joint fixed with sacroiliac screws), and group C (the dislocated sacroiliac joint fixed with polyaxial locking plate screw system). The vertical displacement of sacroiliac joint under the condition of 0-700 N vertical load and the horizontal displacement on angle under the condition of 0-12 N·m torsional load were compared among the 3 groups by using the biological material test system. Finally, the simulated application test was performed on 1 adult male cadaveric specimen to observe soft tissue injury and the position of the locking plate and screw by X-ray films. ResultsAccording to the anatomic data of the sacrum and ilium, the polyaxial locking plate screw system of the sacroiliac joint was designed. The biomechanical results showed that the vertical displacement of the sacroiliac joint under the condition of 0-700 N vertical load in group A was significantly bigger than that in group B and group C (P < 0.05), but there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P>0.05). The horizontal displacement on angle under the condition of 0-12 N·m torsional load in group A was significantly less than that in group B and group C (P < 0.05). The horizontal displacement on angle under the condition of 0-6 N·m torsional load in group B was bigger than that in group C, and the horizontal displacement on angle under the condition of 6-12 N·m torsional load in group B was less than that in group C, but there was no significant difference between group B and group C (P>0.05). The test of simulating application showed that the specimen suffered less soft tissue injury, and this instrument could be implanted precisely and safely. ConclusionThe polyaxial locking plate screw system of the sacroiliac joint has the advantages of smaller volume and less injury; polyaxial fixation enables flexible adjustment screw direction. The simulated application test shows satisfactory fixing effect.
Objective To compare the effectiveness of using a composite loop plate to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament around the coracoid process and using a clavicular hook plate for fixation in treatment of Rockwood type Ⅲ acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 60 patients with Rockwood type Ⅲ acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation who were admitted between June 2022 and September 2023 and met the selection criteria. Among them, 30 patients were treated with the composite loop plate to reconstruct the coracoclavicular ligament around the coracoid process (loop plate group) and 30 with clavicular hook plate fixation (hook plate group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups (P>0.05), including gender, age, injured side, cause of injury, disease duration, preoperative visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, and Constant-Murley score. The incision length, operation time, length of hospital stay, and the occurrence of complications during follow-up were recorded. The Constant-Murley score and VAS score were used to evaluate shoulder joint function and pain, and the differences (change values) of the indicators before operation and at 6 months after operation were calculated for inter-group comparison. In the loop plate group, the coracoclavicular distance (CCD) on the anteroposterior X-ray films of the acromioclavicular joint was measured at 1 day and 6 months after operation to assess the loss of acromioclavicular joint reduction. Results The incision length of the loop plate group was significantly shorter than that of the hook plate group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the operation time and the length of hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05). All incisions healed by first intention after operation. All patients were followed up 12-18 months (mean, 16.3 months). There was no significant difference in the follow-up time between groups (P>0.05). The Constant-Murley scores and VAS scores of both groups significantly improved at 6 months after operation when compared with those before operation (P<0.05); the differences in the change values of the two indicators between groups were significant (P<0.05). The CCD of the loop plate group were (10.40±0.83) mm at 1 day and (10.70±0.68) mm at 6 months and no repositioning loss was observed. Three cases in the hook plate group had residual shoulder joint pain after operation. The difference in the accidence of complications between groups was not significant (P>0.05). Conclusion For Rockwood type Ⅲ acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation, compared with the clavicular hook plate fixation, the composite loop plate for reconstructing the coracoclavicular ligament around the coracoid process has the advantages of simple operation, safety, minimally invasive, good functional recovery, and fewer complications. Moreover, it avoids the need for a second surgery to remove the internal fixation device, and the patient acceptance and satisfaction are higher.