颌间牵引联合颌垫治疗儿童髁突骨折的疗效评估

目的探讨牵引钉颌间牵引联合颌垫治疗儿童髁突骨折的疗效。方法 2005年6月-2013年12月,收治35例(49侧)髁突骨折患儿。男25例,女10例;年龄3~13岁,平均7.3岁。致伤原因:跌伤18例,交通事故伤14例,暴力伤3例。受伤至就诊时间2~30 d,平均6.8 d。除3例不配合患儿外,其余患儿均出现不同程度张口受限,最大开口度为(22.74±7.22)mm。按部位分左侧髁突骨折12例,右侧9例;双侧14例;按骨折线分为囊内骨折35侧,髁突颈部骨折10侧,髁突颈下骨折4侧。采取口内上、下颌前牙区颌骨内植入4枚牵引钉并悬挂橡皮圈以达到颌间弹性牵引,配合使用患侧磨牙区加厚的颌垫;治疗后1个月拆除牵引钉及颌垫,并定期复诊。结果治疗期间除1例出现牵引钉松脱外,余均无牵引钉相关并发症发生。35例患儿均获随访,随访时间6个月~8年10个月,中位时间71个月。末次随访时,患儿最大开口度为(38.82±2.02)mm。4例出现轻度关节弹响,6例出现开口时下颌偏斜。影像学检查示,24例(32侧)髁突骨折完全改建,余11例(17侧)至末次随访时髁突骨折中度改建。结论利用颌间牵引钉的前牙区弹性牵引,配合磨牙区颌垫是治疗儿童髁突骨折的理想方法之一。     

寰枢椎骨折的非手术治疗

目的：探讨寰枢椎骨折非手术治疗的适应证及治疗效果.方法：回顾性分析寰枢椎骨折非手术治疗43例,其中寰椎骨折11例,枢椎骨折32例,9例伴寰枢椎脱位合并不完全性脊髓损伤.非手术治疗方法包括费城围领（18例）、Halo-Vest外固定（24例）及颅骨牵引（1例）.结果：全部患者均获随访,随访时间9个月～4年,平均2年10个月,41例获一期愈合,骨折骨性愈合率95.3%,愈合时间3～6个月,平均4.3个月;2例Ⅱ型齿状突骨折患者非手术治疗6周后无骨折愈合征象,行齿状突螺钉内固定治愈.所有患者均寰枢椎稳定,寰枢椎屈伸和旋转功能恢复良好.9例伴不完全性脊髓损伤患者,按ASIA标准,8例神经功能恢复1级以上,1例无明显改善.结论：寰枢椎骨折多数可通过非手术治疗获得良好疗效,严格掌握非手术治疗的适应证和正确选择非手术治疗方法是获得寰枢椎骨折良好疗效的保证.     

综合疗法预防肘部骨折手术后肘关节僵硬的病例对照研究

目的：研究综合疗法对预防肘部骨折术后肘关节僵硬的有效性、安全性和必要性。方法：自2009年5月至2010年4月收集肘部骨折经手术内固定患者60例,分为2组。一组30例应用综合疗法,其中男12例,女18例;年龄23～63岁,平均（43.53±7.74）岁;两部位以上骨折15例（髁间合并鹰嘴及或尺骨冠状突骨折8例,内外肱骨髁合并桡骨小头骨折3例,鹰嘴合并冠状突骨折3例,鹰嘴合并桡骨小头骨折1例）,一处骨折15例（肱骨内或外髁骨折8例,尺骨鹰嘴或冠状突骨折6例,桡骨小头骨折1例）。另一组30例按以往程序治疗,其中男11例,女19例;年龄24～67岁,平均（46.13±6.22）岁;两部位以上骨折15例（髁间合并鹰嘴及或冠状突骨折7例,内外髁合并桡骨小头骨折2例,鹰嘴合并冠状突骨折5例,髁间合并桡骨小头骨折1例）,一处骨折15例（肱骨内或外髁骨折6例,尺骨鹰嘴或冠状突骨折8例,桡骨小头骨折1例）。两组在术后6个月复查时,进行Mayo肘关节功能评分（包括肘关节活动度）,以及安全性评定（X线复查包括骨折移位、内固定失效、异位骨化等方面）。随机选取2002年至2006年30例肘部骨折经手术内固定的病例作为历史对照,其中男17例,女13例;年龄27～62岁,平均（47.17±7.83）岁;两部位以上骨折15例（髁间合并鹰嘴及或冠状突骨折7例,内外髁合并桡骨小头骨折1例,鹰嘴合并冠状突骨折6例,冠状突合并桡骨小头骨折1例）,一处骨折15例（肱骨内或外髁骨折9例,尺骨鹰嘴或冠状突骨折5例,桡骨小头骨折1例）,这组回顾性进行术后6个月Mayo肘关节功能评分,与以往程序组进行比较。结果：术后6个月Mayo评分综合疗法组的（91.00±7.81）分,优于以往程序组的（76.83±10.71）分和历史对照组的（73.17±11.99）分（F=24.98,P〈0.05）。其中肘关节屈伸活动度,综合疗法组的（102.40±9.16）°,优于以往程序组的（83.57±6.21）°（t=9.325,P〈0.05）。综合疗法组经每次X线复查未发现内固定失效松脱、明显的骨折移位、异位骨化等现象。以往程序组Mayo评分（76.83±10.71）分与历史对照组的（73.17±11.99）分无明显差异（LSD两两比较,P=0.172〉0.05）。结论：综合疗法分阶段不同治疗方法组合由不同主体实施来预防肘部骨折手术后肘关节僵硬,是一种有效、安全和必要的方法。     

尺骨冠突骨折的治疗

目的探讨尺骨冠突骨折的治疗方法。方法1997年1月至2005年4月，共收治尺骨冠突骨折患者65例66侧，男54例，女11例12侧；年龄8-76岁，平均32岁；左侧29例，右侧35例，双侧1例。摔伤22例23侧，交通伤16例，机器绞轧伤14例，坠落伤10例，其他伤3例。新鲜骨折60侧，陈旧性骨折6侧。闭合性骨折59侧，开放性骨折7侧。合并同侧肘关节其他部位骨折38侧。根据Regan-Morrey分型，将骨折分为三型：Ⅰ型骨折22例，Ⅱ型骨折29例30侧，Ⅲ型骨折8例，另外6例为尺骨冠突矢状面骨折（暂称为Ⅳ型骨折）。石膏固定37侧；切开复位内固定23侧，其中螺钉固定10侧，克氏针加张力带及钢丝固定7侧，克氏针加丝线固定3侧，单纯克氏针固定2侧，钢丝环扎固定1侧；骨片摘除5侧；冠突重建1侧。结果对随访资料完整的43例（44侧）患者进行7-32个月随访，平均随访15个月，骨折均骨性愈合，愈合时间6-16周，平均12．2周。根据Morrey肘关节功能评定标准评定疗效：优25侧（56．8％），良9侧（20．5％），可6侧（13．6％），差4侧（9．1％）；优良率为77.3％。肘关节半脱位2侧，骨化性肌炎2侧，无深部感染、内固定松动或断裂、肘关节脱位及肘关节强直等严重并发症。结论Ⅰ型骨折及无移位或轻度移位的稳定性Ⅱ、Ⅳ型骨折宜采用保守治疗，对Ⅲ型骨折及明显移位的不稳定性Ⅱ、Ⅳ型骨折宜采用切开复位内固定进行治疗。     

口腔颌面锥形束CT在髁突骨折诊断及治疗中的应用

目的：探讨口腔颌面锥形束CT（CBCT）在髁突骨折诊断及治疗中的应用。方法：回顾分析西安交通大学口腔医院口腔颌面外科自201O年1月～2012年6月诊治的髁突骨折42例（59侧）,每例患者术前均行CBCT检查。其中有28例（32侧）在CBCT检查之前已行曲面断层全景片检查,17例（25侧）已行螺旋cT检查。结果：2侧骨折经曲面断层颌全景片检查后漏诊,漏诊率6．25％;螺旋cT和CBCT检查无误诊和漏诊,均可以确诊髁突骨折,并明确骨折部位及分型。42例（59侧）髁突骨折中,髁头（囊内）骨折13侧,髁颈骨折27侧,髁突下骨折19侧。13侧囊内骨折中,A型7侧,B型4侧,C型0例,M型2侧。PDA分类,Ⅰ型28侧,Ⅱ型11侧,Ⅲ型20例。结论：对于髁突骨折的诊断,CBCT是一种简单可靠的影像学技术,并可以明确骨折类型,对其治疗具有重要的指导意义。     

侧卧位放大镜辅助下内外侧小切口松解肘关节僵硬

目的 探讨侧卧位放大镜辅助下内外侧小切口手术松解肘关节僵硬的疗效。方法 回顾分析2021年1月—2022年12月采用侧卧位放大镜辅助下内外侧小切口松解手术治疗的16例肘关节僵硬患者临床资料。其中男9例,女7例;年龄19～57岁,中位年龄33.5岁。病因：尺骨鹰嘴骨折6例,肘关节脱位4例,内上髁骨折2例,桡骨头骨折4例,肘关节恐怖三联征2例,肱骨髁上骨折1例,尺骨冠突骨折1例,肱骨骨折1例;其中5例患者合并2种病因。病程5～60个月,中位病程8个月。术前合并尺神经麻木症状12例,异位骨化6例。术前肘关节屈伸活动度为（58.63±22.30）°,疼痛视觉模拟评分（VAS）为（4.3±1.6）分,Mayo评分为（71.9±7.5）分。记录患者内、外侧切口长度;记录并发症发生情况,并采用手术前后患侧肘关节Mayo评分、VAS评分、肘关节屈伸活动度评价临床疗效。结果 患者外侧切口长度为3.0～4.8 cm,平均4.1 cm;内侧切口长度为2.4～4.2 cm,平均3.0 cm。16例均获随访,随访时间6～19个月,平均9.2个月。末次随访时,1例患者存留轻微肘关节疼痛,3例残存轻微尺神经麻木症状...     

颌后切口入路治疗髁突骨折

目的：探讨髁突中、低位骨折开放复位手术入路.方法：采用颌后切口入路解剖复位、小型接骨板坚强内固定治疗髁突中、低位骨折.结果：本组21例（23侧）经5～52个月随访,并发症发病率低,切口瘢痕不明显,功能恢复良好.结论：对治疗髁突中、低位骨折,颌后切口入路是一种安全有效的手术切口。     

儿童肱骨外髁骨折的治疗体会

目的总结儿童肱骨外髁骨折的治疗效果。方法 35例JakobⅠ~Ⅲ度儿童肱骨外髁骨折患儿中,8例(Ⅰ度)采用石膏托外固定治疗,27例(Ⅰ度8例、Ⅱ度11例、Ⅲ度8例)采用切开复位克氏针内固定治疗。结果手术治疗的27例获11个月~5年随访,骨折均骨性愈合;根据Hardacre评分:优17例,良8例,差2例,优良率为25/27。非手术治疗的8例获11个月~2年随访,骨折均骨性愈合;根据Hardacre评分:优6例,良2例,优良率为8/8。结论儿童肱骨外髁骨折手术或非手术治疗均可获得较满意效果。如行非手术治疗,必须严密观察,一旦发现骨折移位应早期手术治疗。     

下颌骨髁状突骨折的治疗技巧

目的：探讨下颌骨髁状突骨折的治疗技巧。方法：对我科收治的15例髁状突骨折病例进行回顾性分析。结果：经2～3年的术后随访观察，保守治疗和手术治疗都取得了较好效果。结论：治疗方法应根据患者年龄、骨折部位、移位程度、咬合关系紊乱和下颌运动障碍情况等因素综合考虑决定；尽可能进行保守治疗。对于严重移位而难以复位的和粉碎性的髁状突骨折，或不能进行保守治疗的病例，主张手术复位固定。     

人工髁突假体在颞下颌关节重建中的临床应用

目的探讨人工髁突假体应用于颞下颌关节重建的可行性及临床治疗效果。方法 2005年1月-2010年1月,对10例(11侧)患者应用人工髁突假体行颞下颌关节重建手术。男7例,女3例;年龄40～68岁,平均50岁。左侧7侧,右侧4侧。下颌骨肿瘤7例,病程9～24个月,平均15个月。双侧髁突囊内骨折3例,其中交通事故伤2例,高处坠落伤1例;伤后至入院时间分别为2、3、2 d;骨折按照Neff等的分类法:M型及A型1例,M型及B型1例,余1例一侧为M型,一侧为髁突下骨折。结果术后切口均Ⅰ期愈合,无相关并发症发生。患者均获随访,随访时间1～4年,面部对称,咬关系良好;张口度22～38 mm,平均30 mm。双侧颞下颌关节无弹响及疼痛,肿瘤无复发。一侧人工髁突假体就位角度稍差,其余人工髁突假体位置良好,与关节窝和关节结节的关系正常,能正常饮食。结论人工髁突假体应用于肿瘤术后颞下颌关节重建,效果良好;应用于髁突囊内骨折的治疗,其临床效果待进一步验证。     

肩胛颈骨折手术与非手术治疗的临床对比研究

目的探讨肩胛颈骨折有效的治疗方法。方法对1994年5月～2003年5月收治的30例肩胛颈骨折进行回顾性对比分析。其中轻度移位(分离移位<10mm)9例,明显移位(分离移位>10mm)21例;解剖颈骨折6例,外科颈骨折24例;非手术治疗12例,手术治疗18例。随访时进行临床检查,采用Herscovici功能评估方法;影像学检查主要在肩胛骨正位X线片上测量盂极角(glenopolarangle,GPA)。结果28例获随访14d～9年。其中非手术治疗组:随访11例,Herscivici评估:优4例,良2例,可2例,差3例,6例GPA>20°,5例GPA<20°;手术治疗组:随访17例,Herscivici评估:优11例,良5例,可1例,16例GPA>20°,1例GPA<20°。结论轻度移位的外科颈骨折适合保守治疗;而移位明显或伴有同侧锁骨骨折的外科颈骨折,以及解剖颈骨折应采用手术治疗,重建肩关节稳定,减少并发症。     

Hoffa骨折的治疗

目的 总结Hoffa骨折的临床特点,探讨其治疗方法及临床疗效.方法对2002年1月至2009年4月收治的20例24髁Hoffa骨折患者资料进行回顾性分析,男14例18髁,女6例6髁;年龄20～70岁,平均43.3岁.股骨内髁骨折15髁,外髁骨折9髁;其中单侧双髁骨折2例,单侧双髁并对侧单髁骨折1例;新鲜骨折20髁,陈旧性骨折内固定失效4髁.骨折按Letenneur分型:Ⅰ型6髁,Ⅱ型4髁,Ⅲ型14髁.15髁使用从前向后方向2～4枚直径3.5或6.5 mm松质骨螺钉或空心螺钉固定,8髁使用从后向前方向螺钉固定,1髁开放性骨折采用2枚3.0 mm克氏针固定.5髁联合使用侧方支持钢板结合螺钉固定,3髁联合使用后方抗滑移钢板结合螺钉固定.结果 20例患者术后获平均14.4个月(6～84个月)随访.所有患者骨折均获骨性愈介,愈合时间为12～44 周,平均18.6周,无骨折不愈合、感染、内固定松动及股骨髁缺血性坏死等并发症发生.参照Letenneur等的Hoffa骨折术后功能评估标准评定疗效:优16髁,良6髁,差2髁,优良率为91.7%.结论 Hoffa骨折临床少见,螺钉固定是Hoffa骨折于术固定方法的金标准,螺钉固定方向、直径及手术切口的选择应视骨折类型和骨折块大小而定.对于不稳定Hoffa骨折,在螺钉固定的基础上应考虑联合应用侧方支持钢板或后方抗滑移钢板固定.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate clinical characteristics and treatment of Hoffa fractures.Methods Twenty patients with Hoffa fracture (24 condyles) were treated from January 2002 to April 2009.They were 14 men (18 condyles) and 6 women (6 condyles), aged from 20 to 70 years (average, 43. 3 years).There were 15 fractures of medial femoral condyle and 9 ones of lateral femoral condyle. Two rare cases were fractures of unilateral bi-condyles and one rare case fractures of unilateral bi-condyles plus contralateral single condyle. Four fractured condyles were old due to implant failure and 20 were fresh. According to the modified Letenneur's classification, there were 6 condyles of type Ⅰ, 4 condyles of type Ⅱ and 14 condyles of type Ⅲ.Fifteen condyles were fixed anteroposteriorly with 2 to 4 cancellous or canulated screws, 8 condyles were fixed posteroanteriorly with 2 to 4 screws, and one condyle was fixed with K wires. Five condyles were fixed with screws plus lateral supporting plates, and 3 condyles with screws plus posterior anti-sliding plates. Results All the patients were followed up for an average of 14. 4 months (6 to 84 months) . All the 24 condyles obtained bony union after an average of 18. 6 weeks (from 12 to 44 weeks). There was no infection, implant failure, nonunion or bone necrosis. According to Letenneur's functional assessment system, 16 condyles were excellent, 6 good and 2 poor, with a good-to-excellent rate of 91. 7%. Conclusions All Hoffa fractures should be treated with screws. Screw diameter, fixation direction and surgical incision should depend on facture type and size of fracture block. Unstable Hoffa fractures should be treated with screws combined with lateral supporting plates or posterior anti-sliding plates.     

Unicondylar femoral fractures: therapeutic strategy and long-term results. A review of 23 patients

Unicondylar femoral fractures account for 0.65% of all femoral fractures; they have not been studied extensively in the orthopedic literature. Usually occurring following sports trauma or traffic accidents, these fractures involve the lateral condyle three times more frequently than the medial condyle. Conservative or surgical treatment has been advocated, depending on the fracture type. From 1986 to 1999, 19 patients with unicondylar femoral fractures were surgically treated at our institution: there were 15 males and 4 females, aged 36.2 years on average. According to the AO-ASIF classification, there were 7 B1, 6 B2 and 6 B3 fractures. We used Herbert screws in six cases, Barr screws together with cancellous screws in two, cannulated screws in five, cancellous screws alone in four, a compression screw and plate in one and a T-plate in one. In the same period of time, four patients were treated conservatively with a cast. Sixteen patients treated surgically were evaluated with a mean follow-up of 60 months, using Shatzker and Lambert's criteria: six results were rated as excellent, five good, four fair and one poor, while conservative treatment gave three fair and one poor results. In conclusion, we think that open reduction and internal fixation are essential in the treatment of such fractures.     

尺骨茎突骨折手术与非手术治疗的疗效比较研究

目的 比较尺骨茎突骨折手术治疗与非手术治疗的疗效.方法 尺骨茎突骨折手术治疗组62例(64处),采用克氏针结合钢丝法,术后随访2～18个月,平均8个月;非手术治疗组70例(72处),随访1.5～24个月,平均10个月.采用AO组织的Gartland-Wertey评分方法,根据尺骨茎突骨折愈合情况,对两组病例疗效进行比较.结果 尺骨茎突骨折手术治疗组:优57例,良2例,中2例,差1例,优良率为95.2%;X线片显示术后3个月骨折均达到骨性愈合.尺骨茎突骨折非手术治疗组:优10例,良15例,中18例,差27例,优良率为35.7%;X线片显示伤后1.5个月9例骨折达到骨性愈合,伤后6个月32例骨折畸形愈合,伤后12个月29例尺骨茎突骨折不愈合.两组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.05).结论 尺骨茎突骨折手术治疗在腕关节功能恢复优良率及骨折愈合方面均明显优于非手术治疗.

Abstract：

Objective To compare the clinical outcomes of surgical and non-surgical treatment of ulnar styloid fractures. Methods There were 62 patients (64 sides) that were treated with Kirschner wire and tension band fixation in the surgical group. They were follow-up postoperatively for 2 to 18 months, with an average of 8 months. Seventy patients (72 sides) were non-surgically treated and follow-up for 1.5 to 24 months with an average of 10 months. Gartland and Werley scoring system of the AO Foundation was applied to evaluate the results. Fracture healing was evaluated by X-ray films. Comparison was made between the surgical and nonsurgical groups. Results Results in the surgical group were graded as excellent in 57 cases, good in 2 cases,fair in 2 cases and poor in 1 case. The overall satisfactory rate was 95.2%. X-rays showed that bone union was obtained in all the patients three months after the surgery. Results in the non-surgical group were graded as excellent in 10 cases, good in 15 cases, fair in 18 cases and poor in 27 cases. The overall satisfactory rate was 35.7%. X-rays showed bone union in only 9 cases 1.5 months after the injury, fracture malunion in 32 cases 6 months after the injury, and nonunion in 29 cases even 12 months after the injury. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant. Conclusion From the aspects of wrist function and fracture healing,surgical treatment of ulnar styloid fractures is superior to non-surgical treatment.     

腕管综合征84例临床分析

目的 研究腕管综合征的手术治疗与非手术治疗的效果及并发症,及如何更合理地使用这两种方法.方法 84例腕管综合征,轻度型21例,中度型48例,重度型15例.非手术治疗45例,手术治疗39例.结果 非手术治疗对轻度型、中度型病例的近期有效率分别为90.48％、85.00％,2～3年后部分轻、中度型病例的非手术治疗不能阻断病情发展,改手术治疗(5例).重度型病例手术治疗的效果较好.结论 轻、中度型腕管综合征可首选非手术治疗,疗效不佳再行手术治疗.重度型病例选择手术治疗.     

Traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis: 42 cases

Fourty-two patients (34 males and 8 female) with traumatic spondylolisthesis of the axis were studied in a retrospective review There were 20 stable and 22 unstable fractures. The 22 unstable fractures were treated surgically: 16 anterior interbody fusion (10 non-plated and 6 plated), 4 pedicle screw fixation for osteosynthesis of the fractured pedicles, and 2 posterior wire fixation for flexion and axial load injury. For all non-surgical cases, head halter tractions for 1 to 8 weeks was prescribed and a cervical orthosis was worn for an additional 6 to 18 weeks. The surgical cases underwent 5 to 7 days of preoperative and 1 to 4 weeks of post-operative head halter traction. In all cases pedicle fractures united after 13 weeks on average in group treated conservatively, 12 weeks (11 to 13 weeks) in the posterior wiring group, 8 weeks (7 to 9 weeks) in the group in which pedicle screws were used, and 11 weeks (9 to 15 weeks) in the anterior fusion group (13 weeks in non-plated, and 8 weeks in plated). There were no differences in patterns of anterior fusion between those in the non-plated and plated groups. There were no non-unions of fractured pedicles and there was no late instability of the C2-C3 or neurological complications. In 2 cases in the posterior surgery group, there was mild nuchal discomfort and some rigidity for a short while postoperatively. Final outcomes were good in all cases.     

APS Recommendations for the Urological Evaluation of Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract

Context

The complex anatomy and the importance of ligaments in providing stability at the upper cervical spine region (O–C1–C2) require the use of many imaging modalities to evaluate upper cervical injuries (UCI). While separate classifications have been developed for distinct injuries, a more practical treatment algorithm can be derived from the injury pattern in UCI.

Objective

To propose a practical treatment algorithm to guide treatment based on injuries characteristic of UCI.

Methods

A literature review was performed on the Pubmed database using the following keywords: (1) “occipital condyle injury”; (2) “craniocervical dislocation or atlanto-occipital dislocation or craniocervical dislocation”; (3) “atlas fractures”; and (4) “axis fractures”. Just articles containing the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of specific UCI were included. The data obtained were analyzed by the authors, dividing the UCI into two groups: Group 1 – patients with clear ligamentous injury and Group 2 – patients with fractures without ligament disruption.

Results

Injuries with ligamentous disruption, suggesting surgical treatment, include: atlanto-occipital dislocation, mid-substance transverse ligament injury, and C1–2 and C2–3 ligamentous injuries. In contrast, condyle, atlas, and axis fractures without significant displacement/misalignment can be initially treated using external orthoses. Odontoid fractures with risk factors for non-union are an exception in Group 2 once they are better treated surgically. Patients with neurological deficits may have more unstable injuries.

Conclusions

Ascertaining the status of relevant ligamentous structures, fracture patterns and alignment are important in determining surgical compared with non-surgical treatment for patients with UCI.     

Surgical versus non-surgical treatment of calcaneal fractures in children: a long-term results comparative study

This study compared surgical and non-surgical treatment of 46 calcaneal fractures in children aged 3-17 years. Patients were divided into: Group A ranging 3-14 years and Group B 15-17 years, and classified according to surgical or non-surgical treatment. Mean follow-up was 22.8 years. Extra-articular fractures were treated non-surgically and all results were satisfactory. Results of articular fractures in Group A were satisfactory regardless of the type of treatment. Articular fractures surgically treated in group B were satisfactory, and those non-surgically treated were mainly poor. Extra-articular fractures can be treated non-surgically. Articular fractures in skeletally immature children can be treated non-surgically; conversely, those in children with skeletal maturity must be treated surgically.     

Outcome of non-surgical treatment of proximal femur fractures in the fragile elderly population

IntroductionWith the aging of the population the rate of fragility hip fractures increases. While medical recommendations are for hasten surgical treatment, for some older patients burdened with severe comorbidities, this might be risky.AimsTo compare the outcomes of patients treated non-surgically to those of the most fragile patients treated surgically.Patients and methodsA retrospective cohort study, of individuals aged ≥65 yearswho presented with fragility hip fractures between 01.01.2011-30.06.2016, to a primary trauma center. Patients treated surgically were stratified according to their age-adjusted Charlsons' comorbidity index (ACCI) score. Patients in the upper third of ACCI score, representing the more fragile population, were compared to patients treated non-surgically.Results847 patients presented with fragility fractures. 94 (11%) were treated non-surgically and 753 (89%) underwent surgery. Medical reasons were the leading cause for non-surgical treatment (61.7%). Surgically-treated patients were stratified according to their ACCI and 114 patients with ACCI > 9 were chosen for comparison. While both groups were comparable in terms of age, the non-surgical treatment group had more female patients (p. = 0.026) and a smaller proportion of independent walkers (p < 0.001). The ACCI was higher for the surgical treatment group (p < 0.001). In-hospital mortality was similar (14.9% and 18.1% for the operative and non-surgical groups respectively, P. = 0.575). However, one-year mortality was significantly higher for the non-surgical group (48.2% vs. 67.0%, P. = 0.005). The rates of in-hospital complications and 1-year readmissions were similar.ConclusionsOperative treatment for fragility hip fracture reduces long-term mortality rates even in the more fragile patients, compared to non-surgical treatment.     

Lateral humeral condyle fractures in children: a comparison of two approaches to treatment

The treatment of lateral condyle fractures in children remains controversial. This study investigates whether minimally displaced lateral condyle fractures should be treated surgically and compares different techniques of operative management. The authors retrospectively reviewed medical charts and radiographs of 97 children from two international centers whose therapeutic modalities differed, noting demographic data, fracture features, treatment modalities, complications, and clinical and radiographic results. Long-arm immobilization alone resulted in additional fracture displacement and a higher number of nonunions than did surgical management. The authors conclude that displaced fractures should be fixed surgically with two smooth or threaded Kirschner wires; they can pass through the ossific nucleus of the capitellum if necessary, but they must engage the far cortex. If patients are likely to be noncompliant with treatment, the wires should be buried under the skin to avoid the risk of infection, but this procedure necessitates a second surgery for removal of fixation.