Treatment of intertrochanteric fractures in geriatric patients with a modified external fixator

Forty-two geriatric patients who had an intertrochanteric fracture were treated with a semicircular modification of the Ilizarov frame designed by Cattaneo and Catagni between January 1997 and September 2001. Twenty-five of the patients were female, 17 male. The average age of the patients was 77.5 years (range, 63-99). No intraoperative complication occurred. Deep pin-track infection was found in four patients and varus deformity was observed in two patients and shortening of less than 2 cm in 10 patients. Fixator removal was achieved in a mean time of 12 weeks (range, 10-18). No implant failure, refracture or stiffness of knee and hip joint movements was recorded. We concluded that the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures of the elderly patients with our modification provides significant advantages such as minimal operative and anaesthetic risks, no blood loss, early weight-bearing, short hospitalisation time and rapid union time.     

Secondary effects of femoral instrumentation on pulmonary physiology in a standardised sheep model: what is the effect of lung contusion and reaming?

Intramedullary nailing is the treatment of choice for patients with femoral shaft fractures. However, there is an ongoing debate in multiple trauma patients with associated lung contusion when primary or secondary definitive stabilisation of the long bone fracture should be performed, as nailing is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). In a standardised sheep model, this study aimed to quantify the development of acute pulmonary endothelial changes, to assess the activation of polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNL) and to observe the effects on the coagulation system associated with the reamed nailing procedure. Furthermore, the effect of coexisting lung contusion in an experimental model was evaluated. The animals were randomly assigned to one of four different groups (6 animals/group). In control groups, only a sham operation (thoracotomy) was performed, whereas in study groups, lung contusion was induced prior to femoral stabilisation either by external fixation or reamed femoral nailing. Using bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) pulmonary permeability changes were quantified and PMNL activation was assessed by chemiluminescence. Additionally PMNL diapedesis and interstitial lung oedema were determined by histological analysis. All animals were sacrificed 4 h after the start of the femoral instrumentation. Without an associated lung injury, instrumentation of the femoral canal with the reamed nailing technique induced a transient increase in pulmonary permeability. In the face of an induced lung contusion, reamed femoral nailing resulted in significant increases in PMNL activation, pulmonary permeability and interstitial lung oedema, compared with external fixation. Without pulmonary contusion, reaming of the femoral canal was associated with a transient increase in pulmonary permeability. This was exacerbated in the presence of lung contusion along with increased PMNL activation. External fixation did not provoke similar changes. The findings of this study support the view that reaming of the femoral canal should be avoided in polytrauma patients with severe chest trauma as it could act as an additional stimulus for adverse outcome. Temporary external fixation appears to be a safe method for fracture stabilisation until inflammatory and coagulatory disturbances after trauma have been normalized.     

External fixation reconstruction of the residual problems of benign bone tumours

The mechanical features of and biologic response to using distraction osteogenesis with the circular external fixator are the unique aspects of Ilizarov’s contribution that allows deformity correction and reconstruction of bone defects. We present a retrospective study of 20 patients who suffered from a variety of benign tumours for which external fixators (EF) were used to treat deformity, bone loss, and limb-length discrepancy. A total of 26 bony segments in twenty patients (10 males, 10 females; mean age 17 years; range 7–58 years) were treated with EF for residual problems from the tumour itself (primary treatment) in 8 patients and for complications related to the primary surgery (secondary treatment) in 12 patients. Histological diagnoses were Ollier’s disease (n = 4), Fibrous Dysplasia (n = 5), Congenital multiple exostosis (n = 5), giant cell tumour (n = 2) and one case for chondromyxoid fibroma, desmoid fibroma, chondroma and unicameral bone cyst. Various types of external fixators used to treat these problems. These were Ilizarov, unilateral fixator, multiaxial correction frame (Biomet, Parsippany, NJ), Taylor spatial frame (Memphis, TN) and smart correction multiaxial frame. The mean follow-up time was 69.5 months (range 35–108 months). The mean external fixation time was 159.5 days (range 27–300 days). The mean external fixation index was 67.4 days/cm (12–610) in 26 limbs who underwent distraction osteogenesis. The mean length of distraction was 4.9 cm (range 0.2–14 cm). At final follow-up, all patients had returned to normal activities. Complications were in the form of knee arthrodesis in one patient, pin tract infection in six and residual shortening in eight patients. The use of EF and the principles of distraction osteogenesis, in the management of problems associated with benign bone tumours and related surgery yields successful results especially in young patients. With this approach, the risk for recurrence of shortening and deformity may be minimized with overcorrection or over-lengthening as dictated by preoperative planning.     

外固定支架在严重多发伤合并闭合性长管骨骨折分期治疗中的应用

目的：探讨外固定支架分期治疗严重多发伤合并四肢闭合性长管骨骨折的临床疗效。方法笔者选取2009年1月～2013年8月收治的58例严重多发伤合并闭合性四肢长管骨骨折早期行单臂支架临时外固定的患者,男性39例,女性19例;年龄18～70岁,平均47岁。待全身病情稳定、局部软组织损伤改善后,再根据患者具体情况选择最终确定性内固定治疗。结果平均外固定支架使用时间6d。二期确定性内固定治疗前2例出现钉道感染。内固定术后随访时间3～18个月,平均5．2个月。术后切口3例出现感染,总体感染率为5．2％。结论早期采用临时外固定支架没有增加最终确定性内固定手术后感染率,有利于闭合性长管骨骨折进一步治疗。     

Surgical treatment of complex tibial plateau fractures by closed reduction and external fixation. A review of 32 consecutive cases operated

Abstract Complex tibial plateau fractures are a challenge in trauma surgery. In these fractures it is necessary to anatomically reduce the articular part of the fracture and to obtain stable fixation. The aim of this study is to review the results of a surgical technique consisting of fluoroscopic closed reduction and combined percutaneous internal and external fixation. Thirty-two complex tibial plateau fractures in 32 patients were included. Twenty-one fractures were closed, 4 were open Gustilo grade I, 3 were Gustilo grade II and 4 were Gustilo grade III. The mean age was 37.8 years (range 21–64 years). Surgery was performed with patients in transcalcaneal traction and the knee flexed at 30° was used. Through a 1-cm incision centred over the tibial metaphysis of the tibia, a 3.2-mm hole was drilled in the antero-medial tibial aspect. The tibial plateau fracture fragments were elevated using either 1 or 2 curved Kirschner wires under fluoroscopy to control the reduction. Then the fragments were fixed with 2 cannulated AO screws inserted through small incisions into the medial aspect of the tibial plateau. Knee rehabilitation started postoperatively. Weight bearing started after 8–12 weeks depending upon the radiographic appearance. All external fixators were removed in outpatient facilities. All patients were clinically and radiographically evaluated at a mean follow-up of 48 months (range 38–57 months). Clinical results were evaluated according to the Knee Society clinical score. Average healing time was 24 weeks (range 18–29 weeks). In 1 patient a non-union occurred. This patient was treated with open reduction and plate fixation. In 2 patients a varus knee deformity occurred and a surgical correction was performed. There were no surgical complications. Mean knee range of motion was 105° (range 75–125°) and mean Knee Society clinical score was 89. Twenty-five results were scored as excellent, 4 good, 2 fair and 1 poor. Using this technique there is limited soft tissue damage and virtually no periosteum damage to the fracture fragments. However anatomical reconstruction of the joint can be obtained. Furthermore knee rehabilitation can be started immediately after surgery. We think that these factors were responsible for the optimal clinical long-term results.     

External fixation and bone grafting for collapsed and comminuted distal radius fracture

Unstableandcomminutedfractureofthedistalpartoftheradiusremainsachallengingproblem.Thisfracturethatcausedbyhighenergyinjuryisveryunstable,andthereductionandfixationareverydifficult.Inrecentyears,manydifferentexternal fixationdeviceshavebeendevelopedandused.1 4They cankeepthepositionafterreductionwithgood functionalresults.Butforseverecollapsedcases,the bonedefectmayleadtoreductionandfixationfailure orprolongthefracturehealingtime.Thesefinally resultinwristswelling,progressivejointstiffnessand …     

手法结合跟骨夹复位弹拨固定治疗跟骨骨折

跟骨关节塌陷骨折的临床治疗颇为棘手,手法复位常因骨折复位不良而遗留后遗症,开放复位钢板内固定又较易引起严重的伤口并发症[1-3].自1999年10月至2008年2月,尝试结合手法、跟骨夹复位及骨圆针弹拨固定治疗此类骨折26例33足,取得了较好效果,报告如下.     

股骨粗隆间骨折3种不同手术方式的病例对照研究

目的：分析单边外固定支架、动力髋螺钉（dynamic hip screw,DHS）与Gamma钉内固定治疗股骨粗隆间骨折的疗效,为临床选择适当的治疗方法提供依据。方法：2001年1月至2006年10月,采用单边外固定支架、DHS、Gamma钉内固定3种方法治疗198例股骨粗隆间骨折患者。采用回顾性方法,分析临床资料及疗效。其中单边外固定支架固定治疗（单边外固定支架组）51例,DHS内固定治疗（DHS组）57例,Gamma钉内固定治疗（Gamma钉组）90例,经门诊复诊及通讯方式随访。从骨折愈合、负重时间、并发症发生率、手术过程、平均住院时间及髋关节功能恢复情况（优良率）等方面对3种不同治疗方法进行比较评价,并作统计学分析。结果：3组病例均获随访,随访时间8～51个月,平均36个月。骨折愈合时间比较,差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;负重时间及并发症比较,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。3种方法中,切口长度以DHS组最长,单边外固定支架组最短;手术时间DHS组最长,单边外固定支架组最短;出血量以DHS组最多,单边外固定支架组最少;引流量以DHS组最多,单边外固定支架组最少;Gamma钉组适中。平均住院时间3组比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。髋关节功能比较,Gamma钉组优于DHS组（P〈0.05）和单边外固定支架组（P〈0.01）。结论：Gamma钉治疗股骨粗隆间骨折,负重时间早,髋关节功能恢复好,并发症率低,是治疗粗隆间骨折的较好方法。     

持续牵引在纠正桡骨远端不稳定骨折中桡骨短缩的作用机制探讨

目的：探讨持续牵引在桡骨远端不稳定骨折治疗中的力学机制。方法：采用复位外固定器治疗30例桡骨远端不稳定骨折,男4例,女26例;年龄18-85岁,平均61岁。按AO分型,其中A3型12例,B2型3例,C1型8例,C2型4例,C3型3例。分别测量患者术前与术后X线上的桡骨茎突与尺骨关节面之间的距离。结果：30例患者获得6-15个月的随访,平均11．2个月。测量X线结果为术前平均（0．55±0．22）cm,术后平均（1．07±0．23）cm,明显高于术前,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论：复位外固定器提供的持续牵引其作用机制可以通过筋束骨理论、韧带整复原理及牵拉成骨理论解释。     

铰链式外固定支架辅助内固定治疗陈旧性肱骨远端B型骨折

目的 探讨采用铰链式肘关节外固定支架辅助内固定治疗陈旧性肱骨远端B型骨折的疗效.方法 2004年1月至2007年4月收治11例陈旧性肱骨远端B犁骨折患者,受伤至手术时间1.5～6.0个月(平均3.1个月),采用铰链式肘关节外固定支架辅助切开复位内固定进行治疗.根据Mavo肘关节功能评分标准对其疗效进行评定.结果 11例患者术后获10～18个月(平均12.5个月)随访.骨折临床愈合时间3.5～6.0个月,平均4.6个月.患者肘关节经功能锻炼后平均活动范围:伸直19.4°±6.5°,屈曲124.2°±11.3°;前臂旋前72.8°±5.4°,旋后67.6°±7.3°.按照Mayo肘关节功能评分标准:由术前(52.4±7.6)分上升至(85.7±9.3)分,差异有统计学意义(t=9.161,P=0.000);其中优5例,良4例,可2例.结论 采用切开复位内同定治疗陈旧性肱骨远端B型骨折,术后在铰链式外固定支架辅助下活动肘关节,早期进行功能锻炼,有利于肘关节功能的恢复,疗效满意.