MR imaging in tibial shaft fractures. A potential method for early visualization of delayed union.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the relationship between MR findings at the fracture site during the healing process and the outcome of patients with tibial shaft fracture. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve consecutive patients with an uncomplicated tibial fracture treated conservatively were imaged by MR 1 to 3 days, 1 week, 3 weeks, 6 weeks and 12 weeks after the trauma. MR imaging consisted of sagittal/coronal T1-weighted, T2-weighted, proton density, short-tau inversion recovery, and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted spin-echo images. The images were analysed for the extent of signal pathology in the bone marrow adjacent to the fracture, the extent of soft tissue oedema, and the intensity and homogeneity of the contrast enhancement of the callus. RESULTS: The differences between normal (n=7) and delayed union (n=5) were observed within 3 to 6 weeks after the trauma, mainly in the homogeneity of the callus in T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced images. CONCLUSION: MR imaging is a potentially valuable method for early visualization of delayed union in tibial shaft fractures.     

Development and duration of radiographic signs of bone healing in children

OBJECTIVE: Few articles report the evaluation of pediatric fracture healing and dating based on radiographic appearance. We established a timetable for expected radiographic changes visible during bone healing in otherwise healthy children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We examined 707 radiographs of fractured forearms in 141 patients. Each fracture was assessed by a pediatric radiologist who was unaware of the timing of the initial injury. Assessment included the following features: fracture margins, fracture gap, periosteal reaction, callus, bridging, and remodeling. The time interval between injury and the appearance of the radiographic features and the duration of radiographic signs were determined and correlated with age, sex, angulation, displacement, and location. RESULTS: Sclerosis at the fracture margins was evident in 85% of fractures 5 weeks after injury. Widening of the fracture gap was observed in 62% of fractures at 6 weeks. Periosteal reaction was evident on all images by 4 weeks, and after 7 weeks, periosteal reaction was separable from cortex in only 10% of fractures. Fracture callus had a density equal to or greater than that of adjacent cortex 10 weeks after injury in 90% of fractures. CONCLUSION: A wide variation exists in the appearance and duration of the radiographic signs of bone healing. Marginal sclerosis should be an expected radiographic sign of normal bone healing. Applying maximum and minimum time spans to objective radiographic signs may aid in fracture dating.     

Longitudinal stress fractures of the tibia: diagnosis by magnetic resonance imaging

 Objective. Previous works describe magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics of stress fractures. Diagnosis of the atypical, longitudinal type of stress fracture has been reported using computed tomography (CT). This report focuses on MR imaging of longitudinal stress fractures of the tibia. Materials and methods. Six cases are presented in which a longitudinal linear abnormal marrow signal was detected in the middle and distal parts of the tibial shaft. Five patients were imaged using a 1.5 Tesla MR unit. Axial, sagittal and coronal T1 and T2-weighted or fat suppressed proton density fast spin echo images were obtained in all but one patient. One patient was imaged using a 0.5 Tesla MR unit with axial and coronal T1- and T2-weighted sequences. Initial conventional radiographs seen at clinical presentation were interpreted as normal in all cases. Two patients underwent radionuclide bone scan, and one patient was imaged with CT prior to MR imaging. Results. In each instance, MR imaging demonstrated linear marrow signal abnormalities orientated along the long axis of the tibial shaft. Endosteal and periosteal callus was identified on axial images. In all cases, MR imaging clearly demonstrated a fracture extending through one cortex with abnormal signal in both the marrow cavity as well as adjacent soft tissues indicating edema. Conclusion. MR imaging was shown to be excellent for demonstration of fracture lines, callus, and marrow and soft tissue abnormalities seen in association with longitudinal stress fractures.     

双能X线骨密度仪测定骨痂骨密度变化的实验研究

目的: 研究骨折愈合过程中骨密度的动态变化,判断双能X线骨密度仪评估骨痂骨密度的可行性.材料和方法:30只犬造成右胫骨中段骨折并分断端距离4mm,单边外固定支架固定.分别在术后4、6、8、10、12周取双侧胫骨,以双能X线骨密度仪测定骨折端1cm的骨密度,分析骨密度变化及骨密度增长率的变化.结果:骨折端骨密度随时间呈一定规律增加,在不同时间组间差异有显著意义(P<0.01).自身对照的骨密度比率也随时间增加,在各组间差异有显著意义(P<0.01).12周时骨折端骨密度达到正常侧水平.结论:在犬骨折愈合过程中骨痂骨密度持续增加,双能X线骨密度仪可用于骨愈合中骨痂的骨密度判断.     

Computed tomography and plain radiography in experimental fracture healing

We evaluated the relative contribution of plain radiographs and computed tomography to the assessment of fracture healing under experimental circumstances. In 15 sheep, we performed midshaft femoral osteotomies and internal fixation of the resultant segmental fractures. Radiographs were obtained preoperatively and immediately postoperatively. Animals were sacrificed at 3 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks, 24 weeks, and 36 weeks after surgery, and the femoral specimens radiographed. After removal of the internal fixation devices, computed tomographic scans of the specimens were performed.By 3 weeks, callus was visible, but at 6 weeks, a trabecular pattern in the callus was seen on plain films but not on computed tomography. There was progressive organization of the callus on both studies. At 24 weeks, computed tomography demonstrated fracture lines not seen due to overlying callus on plain films and also more accurately showed incomplete union. By 36 weeks, healing was essentially complete according to both modalities, although there still were small gaps in the callus detectable on computed tomography but not on plain films.Computed tomography may be of value in the evaluation of fractures of long bones in those cases in which clinical examination and plain radiographs fail to give adequate information as to the status of healing.     

胫骨干骨折手术疗效分析

目的 探讨适合胫骨干骨折的手术治疗方法及并发症的预防措施。方法 回顾性分析手术治疗胫骨干骨折病例67例，根据选择手术方式不同，将病例分为交锁髓内钉、加压钢板和外固定支架3组，临床观察结合X线片评价骨折愈合、延迟愈合、不愈合作为判断临床疗效标准。结果 髓内钉组的骨折愈合率明显高于加压钢板和外固定支架组，外固定组的骨折延迟愈合率高于其他两组；并发症包括骨不连、关节僵硬及畸形愈合，发生率为22．4％，其中骨不连发生率为13．4％。结论 髓内钉内固定治疗胫骨干骨折的临床疗效优于加压钢板和外固定支架；骨不连为胫骨骨折常见并发症，应严格掌握适应证、规范手术操作。     

游离骨折块移位距离对骨折愈合影响的实验研究

目的 探讨长骨干粉碎性骨折游离骨折块移位距离对骨折愈合的影响. 方法 在120只新西兰大白兔右桡骨中部截取楔形骨块,制成实验模型,用2枚克氏针将骨块复位固定并使之与主骨存有一定的间距,并分为五组:A组(原位固定)、B组(骨块与骨干间距为桡骨干直径1/5)、C组(桡骨干直径2/5)、D组(桡骨干直径3/5)、E组(桡骨干直径4/5).每组动物分别于术后2,4,6,8周分批处死,摄X线片观察各组骨折愈合情况,用改进Gary X线评分标准评分;取材HE染色,观察骨折愈合的组织形态学变化,免疫组化测定BMP-2的表达. 结果 (1)X线摄片显示:A、B组骨折愈合无差异,C、D组骨折愈合延迟,E组骨块吸收骨不连.(2)组织形态学观察:A、B组骨折局部形态学变化相同,而其他各组与A组相比,骨痂出现及改建的时间明显较晚,呈延迟愈合和不愈合的表现.(3)BMP-2表达:2周时BMP-2表达B组与A组差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05),C、D、E组与A组比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01),4周时只有E组与A组差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01);6周和8周时各组之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05). 结论游离骨折块移位距离会影响骨折的愈合,移位距离越大,对骨折愈合产生的影响越明显,当游离骨折块移位距离达到其骨干直径的2/5以上时,骨折将发生愈合障碍.     

Forty degree angled coronal CT scanning of scaphoid fractures through plaster and fiberglass casts

A method for obtaining coronal CT scans angled 40 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the wrist, parallel to the long axis of the scaphoid, is described. Its potential for evaluating scaphoid fractures is assessed in 10 patients with healing or clinically suspected fractures. Overlapping 3 mm thick angled coronal CT scans were obtained for each patient both in and out of cast. The CT images were compared to plain films and tomography. Comparisons were also made of CT images obtained through fiberglass and plaster casts. All fractures apparent by plain films and tomography were apparent by CT; one case suspected of fracture on initial plain films showed no evidence of fracture on CT and subsequent clinical course and plain films. Osseous union of healing fractures was more reliably assessed on CT than on plain films and plain film tomography. There was no degradation of CT images by either fiberglass or plaster casts; fiberglass casts allowed easy planning of tomographic slices from scout films. We conclude that direct 40 degree angled coronal CT examination of the scaphoid is a quick reliable method to detect scaphoid fractures and to assess their healing without the need of cast removal.     

中枢和周围神经损伤对降钙素基因相关肽含量及骨折愈合的影响

目的 研究骨折合并中枢和周围神经损伤后大鼠的血浆、脊髓前角运动神经元及背根神经节中降钙素基因相关肽(calcitonin gene-related peptide,CGRP)的含量变化及对骨折愈合的影响. 方法 健康成年SD大鼠72只,随机平均分成4组:左侧胫骨骨折组(A组)、左侧坐骨神经损伤+左侧胫骨骨折组(B组)、T9-11脊髓横断+左侧胫骨骨折组(C组)和右侧大脑皮层损伤+左侧胫骨骨折组(D组).每组大鼠于伤后即刻、2 d、1周、2周及4周,放射免疫法测定血清中CGRP含量;于伤后1周、2周及4周对骨折处拍摄x线片,放射免疫法测定脊髓前角运动神经元及背根神经节中CGRP含量;2周取骨折局部骨痂做HE染色. 结果 各组大鼠1周及2周X线片骨折线清晰,4周除B组外,其余各组骨折线消失.2周HE染色显示骨痂量变化:B组少于A组;C组及D组多于A组.各组大鼠在血清中及脊髓前角运动神经元中各时间点CGRP含量变化差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).在脊髓背根神经节中CGRP含量变化:1周时,B组及D组与A组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),C组低于A组(P<0.01);2周时,B组及D组与A组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),但D组高于B组(P<0.05),C组高于A组(P<0.01);4周时,与A组比较,其余各组大鼠CGRP含量均升高,其中C组最明显(P<0.01). 结论 骨折合并周围神经损伤后,骨折愈合慢,而骨折合并脊髓损伤及大脑皮层损伤后,骨折愈合快,提示合并中枢损伤能促进骨折愈合,此现象可能与CGRP有一定的相关性.     

Tibial plateau fractures: evaluation with multidetector-CT

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of Multislice CT (MSCT) in classifying tibial plateau fractures and deciding on the appropriate therapeutic treatment compared to conventional radiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients with a clinical diagnosis of tibial plateau fracture were studied with plain film and MSCT. The CT images were reconstructed with MPR and 3D technique and the fractures classified according to the Swiss AO-ASIF classification. The following radiographic and CT parameters were used: fracture location and size, number of fragments or degree of depression of fracture; plateau area involved; surgical access; degree of osteoporosis and bone tissue loss. RESULTS: The plain film and MSCT classification showed agreement in 48% of cases and disagreement in 52%. MSCT better demonstrated disruption of the tibial plateau surface and showed a larger number of fragments. In 60% of patients the CT features led the orthopaedist to modify the treatment. In three patients CT demonstrated bone tissue loss, suggesting for bone graft. In four patients CT showed alteration of the bone architecture and suggested the use of different material for osteosynthesis. Compared to axial CT, the MSCT MPR and 3D reconstructions enabled a more accurate assessment of plateau depression, and of rotation and separation of the fragments. The 3D technique proved better than MPR in evaluating rotation of fractured fragments as it provides an overall view as well as the possibility of rotating the bone segments. CONCLUSIONS: MSCT and 3D reconstructions are very useful for classifying tibial plateau fractures and for preoperative assessment. Patients with clinical evidence of fracture might benefit from an examination with CT instead of conventional radiology.     

The "communication line" suggests occult posterior malleolar fracture associated with a spiral tibial shaft fracture

Objectives

To demonstrate radiographical characteristics of the relationship between distal spiral tibial shaft fractures and associated occult posterior malleolar fractures (PMF) that confirmed by CT and MRI.

Materials and methods

X-rays for a ninety-six patients with spiral tibia fracture and associated PMF were reviewed. All patients additionally had an ankle CT. Patients with a negative CT scans underwent an ankle MRI. Radiographic observations included fracture location, characteristics, and a presence of a fracture line between the two injuries.

Results

The spiral tibia fracture line was contiguous with PMF in 89 of 96 cases after evaluation with the CT and MRI. The line connecting the two injuries, which occurs between the medial inferior apex of the spiral tibia fracture line and the posterior superior apex of the PMF was identified as the “communication line”. In 47 of the 89 conjunction fractures, the “communication line” was detectable preoperatively and in 12 cases postoperatively by anteroposterior radiograph. By using the CT and MRI scans, we found that no “communication line” was present in only 7 cases.

Conclusion

It is important to understand the nature of the association between distal spiral tibial shaft fractures and occult posterior malleolar fractures for optimal stabilization of the fracture and for appropriate rehabilitation. The “communication line” is a useful diagnostic clue for early recognition the occult PMF and alerts a closer evaluation of the lateral view and further CT examination.     

IMN与MIPPO治疗胫骨中下段骨折的生物力学性能及对骨折愈合的影响

目的比较交锁髓内钉(intramedullary nail,IMN)与微创经皮钢板内固定(minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis,MIPPO)的生物力学性能以及在胫骨中下段骨折治疗中对骨折愈合的影响。方法 2013年1月—2015年12月郑州市第一人民医院骨二科收治的胫骨中下段骨折患者76例,按治疗方法不同分为IMN组(38例)和MIPPO组(38例),采用Mazur评分评价两组术后踝关节功能,统计两组术后下地时间、骨折愈合时间和愈合率。2014年2月选取郑州大学医学院解剖教研室提供的新鲜成人踝关节标本10具,建立胫骨中下段骨折模型,按随机数字法分为观察组和对照组,每组5例。分别采用IMN和MIPPO两种方法固定,进行三点弯曲实验、轴向压缩实验以及扭转强度实验,分析相关数据。结果两组均未发生内固定松动、断裂等内固定失败状况,IMN组患者出现骨折延迟愈合3例,骨折不愈合2例,愈合时间平均(13.6±2.1)周;MIPPO组患者骨折均愈合,愈合时间平均(11.3±1.7)周。术后1年两组患者踝关节功能比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);MIPPO组弯曲偏移量、轴向压缩偏移量和扭转角度均大于IMN组,组间差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论 MIPPO与IMN治疗胫骨中下段骨折各有利弊,MIPPO可减轻手术创伤,但力学性能不如IMN,临床使用时应严格掌握适应证。     

Treatment of fractures of the tibial shaft with inter-fragmentary screws and external fixation.

In a prospective trial, 10 patients underwent inter-fragmentary screws and external fixation for unilateral tibial shaft fractures. Anatomical reduction was achieved in all cases and uncomplicated bone union occurred in nine patients with a mean time to union of 122 (SD 20) days. One patient had delayed union and the fracture malunited. A 20% pin tract sepsis rate was encountered. The high risk of infection, the demanding follow-up and availability of better methods, does not allow this technique to be recommended in the routine treatment of closed tibial diaphysial fractures.     

胫骨骨折患者术后血清IGF-1、β-CTX、CYR61蛋白的表达与延迟愈合的关系

目的探讨胫骨骨折患者术后血清胰岛素样生长因子-1(IGF-1)、Ⅰ型胶原羧基端肽β特殊序列(β-CTX)、富含半胱氨酸蛋白61(CYR61)的表达变化与骨折延迟愈合的关系。方法回顾性分析洛阳正骨医院2015年1月—2017年10月收治的胫骨骨折患者137例,男性80例,女性57例;年龄28~75岁,平均52.0岁。患者均采用切开复位内固定治疗,其中术后出现骨折延迟愈合(胫骨骨折影像学愈合评分RUST<7分)的47例患者作为病例组、骨折后正常时间愈合(6个月内)的90例患者作为对照组,分别对比两组患者骨折术后1、4、6周的血清IGF-1、β-CTX、CYR61蛋白水平,采用受试者工作曲线(ROC)分析三项指标在预测骨折延迟愈合中的价值。结果两组在术后第1周~第4周的CYR61蛋白水平[(0.46±0.14)、(1.03±0.25)、(0.52±0.20)、(1.32±0.32)]、IGF-1[(330.5±39.6)、(411.8±45.1)、(392.1±50.8)、(492.6±56.7)ng/mL]呈逐渐升高趋势(P<0.05),术后第6周CYR61蛋白水平[(0.46±0.15)、(0.62±0.20)]、IGF-1[(375.2±40.0)、(442.5±47.4)ng/mL]呈降低趋势(P<0.05)。病例组CYR61蛋白、IGF-1水平在术后第1周~第6周均低于对照组(P<0.05);对照组在术后第1周~第6周的β-CTX[(0.50±0.21)、(0.59±0.22)、(0.62±0.20)ng/mL]水平呈逐渐升高趋势(P<0.05);在术后第4、6周,病例组的β-CTX水平均低于对照组(P<0.05)。ROC曲线结果显示血清IGF-1预测骨折延迟愈合的AUC值为0.831;血清β-CTX预测骨折延迟愈合的AUC值为0.646;血清CYR61蛋白预测骨折延迟愈合的AUC值为0.698。结论胫骨骨折术后骨折延迟愈合的患者血清IGF-1、β-CTX、CYR61蛋白均低于骨折正常愈合的患者,对于预测患者骨折愈合情况具有一定的参考价值。     

Fracture nonunion: CT assessment with multiplanar reconstruction

Nineteen patients with suspected or possible fracture nonunion underwent computed tomography (CT) with multiplanar reconstruction (MPR). Each case represented a difficult problem in fracture management in which clinical and conventional radiographic examinations had failed to provide a definitive diagnosis. CT with MPR demonstrated nonunion in 13 of 19 cases by delineating the lack of bone bridging across the fracture site in multiple planes. Variable amounts bridging were detected in six cases, indicating partial healing or delayed union. Evaluation of fracture healing with MPR was possible despite remaining metal hardware (ten cases), multiple operations (15 cases), or bone grafting (five cases). CT with MPR aided surgical planning and affected treatment options by providing a more detailed assessment of malalignment and angular deformities, the magnitude of the gap in bone, and the integrity of the adjacent weight-bearing joints in multiple projections. It is an important new modality for evaluating fracture nonunion.     

多层螺旋CT对胫骨平台骨折的诊断价值

目的:评价MSCT在胫骨平台骨折的分类及制定合理的治疗方案方面的价值。方法:对24例常规X线平片或临床诊断为胫骨平台骨折的患者进行MSCT扫描,并对图像进行MPR、SSD和VR重建,对骨折的部位、范围、碎骨片的数量或骨折程度、胫骨平台受累情况、手术入路、骨质疏松程度及骨组织的缺损等做出评价。骨折的分型根据Swiss AO-ASIF法。结果:24例患者中有19例进行了手术治疗,术中所见与轴位MSCT和MPR、SSD及VR重建图像综合做出的诊断一致。结论:MSCT及其MPR、SSD、VR重建技术对于胫骨平台的骨折分型及术前评价有重要意义。     

Comparison of 4 computed tomographic imaging protocols for lateral tibial plateau fractures.

OBJECTIVE: Many computed tomographic (CT) imaging protocols are used for pretreatment assessment of tibial plateau fractures. This study compares the diagnostic capabilities of 4 CT protocols. METHODS: Lateral tibial plateau fractures were induced in 19 knee specimens and CT scans were obtained with the following protocols: 1) 3-mm collimation, axial acquisition, 2) 3-mm collimation, helical acquisition, 3) mixed-increment collimation, axial acquisition, and 4) 3-mm collimation, helical acquisition with 50% overlap reconstruction of raw data. Two-dimensional coronal and sagittal reformations and 3-dimensional surface reconstruction images were analyzed for maximum fragment depression, peripheral fragment displacement, fracture pattern classification and quality of image. Specimen dissection established maximal articular surface depression, fragment displacement and actual fracture pattern. RESULTS: None of the 2-dimensional reformations from the 4 protocols proved statistically superior for determining maximal fracture depression, fragment displacement, or fracture classification. There was a trend toward more accurate fracture classification with the mixed-increment axial protocol and the overlap protocol than either of the 3-mm protocols, but this was not statistically significant. All protocols were statistically equivalent in predicting fracture pattern classification using 3-dimensional images. However, the 3-dimensional images were of significantly higher quality when obtained with either the mixed-increment axial protocol or the overlap protocol. CONCLUSIONS: There were no statistically significant differences in the objective assessment of tibial plateau fractures among the 4 different protocols. The 3-dimensional images derived from the mixed-increment axial protocol and the 3-mm helical protocol with 50% overlap reconstruction were of superior quality.     

可任意穿针固定及生理应力加压的骨外固定器研制及临床应用

目的 解决目前外固定器普遍存在的如稳定性差、操作繁琐、应力遮挡大、扩展功能差等功能缺陷的问题。方法 应用研制的骨外固定器对102例四肢骨干骨折进行治疗观察。本组男84例，女18例；年龄5～78岁。胫腓骨骨折76例，股骨干(儿童)骨折10例，股骨转子或转子下骨折4例，尺骨或桡骨骨折7例，肱骨干骨折5例。结果 所有患者经全程观察均取得良好疗效。其中76例胫腓骨骨折随访3个月～1年，骨折坚强愈合平均时间为3．5个月，膝踝关节功能同步恢复优良率为93．4％，无骨折端移位及再骨折出现。结论 此种新型外固定器的结构、功能符合现代骨外固定技术应用要求。     

Delayed unions and nonunions of stress fractures in athletes

From 1971 to 1985, 369 athletes presented to us with stress fractures. Of these patients, 10% (37) were treated for development of delayed unions or nonunions. Twenty-seven of the patients were male and 10 were female. Their mean age was 23.1 years (range, 17 to 39). About half of the athletes were involved in endurance sports. The diagnostic criteria for a delayed union or nonunion were clinical and radiological evidence. There was a diagnostic delay of about 3.5 months in the series. Plain radiographs, tomography, and isotope scans were used in the diagnosis. Special radiographic views were also used. In 15 cases (10 hallux sesamoid bone fractures, 1 midtibial shaft fracture, 1 metatarsal V base fracture, 1 tarsal navicular fracture, 1 olecranon fracture, and 1 proximal tibial shaft fracture) nonoperative treatment was used. Operative treatment was used 22 times (5 sesamoid fractures, 5 midtibial fractures, 5 metatarsal V base fractures, 3 tarsal navicular fractures, 3 olecranon fractures, and 1 proximal tibial shaft fracture). Results were good or excellent in 32 cases (86.5%), moderate in 4 cases, and poor in 1 case.     

The application of cone-beam CT in the aging of bone calluses: a new perspective?

In the forensic and anthropological fields, the assessment of the age of a bone callus can be crucial for a correct analysis of injuries in the skeleton. To our knowledge, the studies which have focused on this topic are mainly clinical and still leave much to be desired for forensic purposes, particularly in looking for better methods for aging calluses in view of criminalistic applications. This study aims at evaluating the aid cone-beam CT can give in the investigation of the inner structure of fractures and calluses, thus acquiring a better knowledge of the process of bone remodeling. A total of 13 fractures (three without callus formation and ten with visible callus) of known age from cadavers were subjected to radiological investigations with digital radiography (DR) (conventional radiography) and cone-beam CT with the major aim of investigating the differences between DR and tomographic images when studying the inner and outer structures of bone healing. Results showed how with cone-beam CT the structure of the callus is clearly visible with higher specificity and definition and much more information on mineralization in different sections and planes. These results could lay the foundation for new perspectives on bone callus evaluation and aging with cone-beam CT, a user-friendly and skillful technique which in some instances can also be used extensively on the living (e.g., in cases of child abuse) with reduced exposition to radiation.