The effect of screw orientation on internal fixation of Letenneur type II Hoffa fractures: a biomechanics study.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the biomechanical effects of screw orientation and fracture block size on the internal fixation system for Letenneur type II Hoffa fractures. METHODS: The fracture models were randomly divided into six groups according to the fracture subtypes and the direction of nail placement, and a plumb line of the posterior condylar tangent was made across the base of the posterior femoral condyle. The fracture blocks of the three types of fracture were calculated and recorded in the sagittal position, and the biomechanical performance of the six groups was evaluated by biomechanical tests. The axial load on the fracture block at a displacement of 2 mm was set as the failure load, a gradually increasing axial load was applied to each fracture model using a customized indenter at a load of 250-750 N, and the displacements and failure loads of the six groups were recorded at different axial loads. RESULTS: Biomechanical test results showed that the larger the fracture block, the greater was the stability when nailing from front to back, and the smaller the fracture block, the greater was the strength when nailing from back to front (p < 0.001). As the fracture block became larger, the biomechanical advantage of nailing from posterior to anterior decreased.The displacement under 250 N load were 1.351 ± 0.113 mm, 1.465 ± 0.073 mm for Group IIa AP and Group IIa PA. The displacement under 500 N load were 2.596 ± 0.125 mm, 2.344 ± 0.099 mm for Group IIa AP and Group IIa PA. The displacement under 750 N load were 3.997 ± 0.164, 3.386 ± 0.125 mm for Group IIa AP and Group IIa PA. The failure loads were 384 ± 14 N, 415 ± 19 N for Group IIa AP and Group IIa PA. In the type IIa fracture group, the difference was no longer significant (p > 0.001). Therefore, there is a mechanical threshold that ranges from 38.36 to 52.33% between type IIa and type IIb fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of the nailing direction on the strength of fixation has a fracture-block critical point, which is consistent overall with the trend that the larger the fracture block is, the greater the stability when nailing from anterior to posterior, and the smaller the fracture block is, the greater the strength when nailing from posterior to anterior.

Unilateral locking plate versus unilateral locking plate combined with compression bolt for Schatzker I-IV tibial plateau fractures: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: The quality and durability of fracture reduction play an important role in the functional prognosis of articulation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the radiological and clinical effects of compression bolts in the treatment of Schatzker I-IV tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). METHODS: Between May 2015 and April 2018, a total of 96 consecutive adult patients with operatively treated Schatzker I-IV TPFs were included and divided into two groups according to the internal fixations: Group 1 (unilateral locking plate) and Group 2 (unilateral locking plate combined with compression bolt). Data on demographic and fracture characteristics, postoperative follow-up imaging, intraoperative indicators, postoperative reduction quality and durability, clinical outcomes, and complications were retrospectively collected and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: There were no significant intergroup differences in preoperative baseline data, duration of operation, intra-operative blood loss, days in hospital, rate of immediate post-operative reduction loss, or complications. The time of fracture healing, the rate of secondary reduction loss, and the mean WOMAC score were significantly reduced compared with those in Group 1 (P = 0.024, 0.015, and 0.024, respectively). There were significant intergroup differences in the mean HSS score (89.0 ± 11.4 vs. 94.4 ± 6.7, P = 0.042), the mean Lysholm score (83.8 ± 9.6 vs. 88.4 ± 5.2, P = 0.027), and the mean SF-36 score (82.8 ± 12.5 vs. 90.5 ± 7.6, P = 0.001). Additionally, there were similar significant differences in subgroup analysis (only included patients with Schatzker II-III), except for WOMAC score. CONCLUSION: Compared with unilateral locking plate fixation, unilateral locking plate combined with compressing bolt fixation can reduce the rate of secondary reduction loss, accelerate fracture healing, and show better clinical outcomes for patients with Schatzker I-IV TPFs.

The degree of fracture displacement does not affect the risk for concomitant proximal fibular fractures in tibial plateau fractures.

OBJECTIVE: The proximal fibula plays an important role in the knee joint; however, it has not been given enough attention by surgeons. This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for concomitant proximal fibular fractures in patients with tibial plateau fractures through computed tomography (CT) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2016 to November 2017, patients who underwent percutaneous reduction and internal fixation (PRIF) for tibial plateau fractures at a level 1 trauma centre institute were included in this retrospective study. Full materials of CT imaging were obtained for measurements. Schatzker's and a newly proposed classification system were used for the fracture of the tibial plateau and proximal fibula, respectively. Several clinical and radiological characteristics were recorded, and the impact of those variables on fibular fractures was assessed with univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In total, 174 patients were enrolled in the study with mean age of 45.6±13.1 years. The incidence of combined proximal fibular fracture was 38.3%. Schatzker type VI fracture had the highest rate of fibular fracture (77.4%). High-energy-pattern tibial plateau fractures (p=0.029) and posterolateral joint facet (PJF) involvements (p=0.002) are risk factors for proximal fibular fracture on multivariate analysis. Neither posterolateral column (PLC) involvements nor fracture displacement correlated with proximal fibular fractures. CONCLUSIONS: Proximal fibular fractures were commonly seen among patients who sustained tibial plateau fractures. Schatzker type VI fractures had the highest rate of fibular fractures than other fracture types. High-energy fractures and PJF involvements correlated with a higher risk of proximal fibular fractures. A better understanding and awareness of the risk factors for proximal fibular fractures will provide surgeons with comprehensive understanding of tibial plateau fractures.

The use of bidirectional rapid reductor in minimally invasive treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: preliminary radiographic and clinical results.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive treatment of complex tibial plateau fracture represents one of the most challenging problems in orthopedic surgery. We intended to describe the percutaneous surgery involving an originally designed traction device which might facilitate the closed reduction for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures. Further, to assess the clinical outcomes of this minimally invasive technique. METHODS: Between December 2015 and July 2016, Twenty-one patients, mean age 43.71 ± 13.80 years, suffering from a bicondylar tibial plateau fracture (AO/OTA 41-type C) were included. All fractures were firstly reduced by skeletal traction with the aid of bidirectional rapid reductor, and residual depressed fragments were treated with minimally invasive bone tamp reduction. We then evaluated at a minimum follow-up of one year: (1) the rate of complications, (2) the radiographic outcomes (the amount of depression, tibial plateau widening, tibial plateau angle and posterior slope angle) and (3) the clinical outcome (Rasmussen scoring system). RESULTS: All patients had their fractures healed without secondary displacement. No instrument-related complications occurred during operation. Post-operatively, superficial infection was found in two patients and donor-site morbidity was found in one patient. We observed a < 5 mm step-off in 100% of patients and a < 5 mm plateau widening in 95.5% of patients. Three patients were considered indicative of malalignment with TPA > 90° or PSA > 15°. At last evaluation, the Rasmussen clinical score was excellent in 11 patients (52.3%), good in 9 (42.9%) and fair in 1 (4.8%), and the radiological score was excellent in seven patients (33.3%), good in 14 (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The bidirectional rapid reductor facilitates the minimally invasive treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fracture. The patients exhibited excellent functional recovery. These results should be validated with a larger group of patients and longer period results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-OPC-16008011 .

Application of intraoperative limb-length measurement by a new osteotomy device in hemiarthroplasty for treating femoral neck fracture.

BACKGROUND: Limb length discrepancy is one of the most common complications after hip arthroplasty. We developed a device - intraoperative limb-length measurement and osteotomy device (ILMOD), and applied it to patients who were treated with hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture to improve limb length discrepancy by providing an accurate osteotomy during hemi-arthroplasty. METHODS: Between April 2012 and October 2013, 65 patients were treated with hip hemiarthroplasty for femoral neck fracture at our trauma center. 31 patients met the inclusion criteria and were randomly enrolled into two groups ILMOD group and control group. Hemiarthroplasty in this study was performed with cement fixation. Treatment-related measurements such as the operation time, attempts of osteotomy, and the volume of intra-operative blood loss were collected. In both groups, postoperative (1 month) radiologic analysis on anteroposterior weight-bearing pelvic view was performed to evaluate limb length discrepancy. RESULTS: The results showed significant improvement in limb length discrepancy in ILMOD group, and analysis of postoperative radiographs found the mean length difference is 2.1 ± 1.9 mm in ILMOD group compared to 8.8 ± 5.1 mm in control group (P < 0.0001). No complications associated with the use of the device were reported, and none of the patients complained of the discomfort related to limb-length discrepancy after surgery. The average intra-operative time was significantly longer in ILMOD group (84.9 ± 9.2 min) compared to that in control group (70.9 ± 10.2 min) (P = 0.0004). CONCLUSIONS: The ILMOD is an effective device that can be used easily for intraoperative limb length measurement and osteotomy during hemiarthroplasty. This method is applicable with Kocher-Langenbeck approach, and the technique could also be used in total hip arthroplasty. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR-OOC-15005904 . Registered 30 Junuary 2015.

Meta-analysis shows that highly comminuted bicondylar tibial plateau fractures treated by single lateral locking plate give similar outcomes as dual plate fixation.

OBJECTIVES: This meta-analysis was conducted to compare the clinical outcomes of single lateral locking plate (SP) versus dual plate fixation (DP) for the repair of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (AO/OTA type C or Schatzker type V and VI). METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Medline, CNKI, Wanfang database and Chinese VIP information were searched to identify the randomized and prospective comparative clinical studies which concern the treatment of bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (AO/OTA type C or Schatzker type V and VI) both with SP and DP fixation before October 1, 2015. STATA version 11.0 (Stata Corporation, College Station, TX, USA) was used for data-analysis after the critical assessment of the methodological quality of the trials. RESULTS: Finally, nine trials comprising 559 patients were included for this meta-analysis after the filtration. There were no significant differences between SP fixation and DP fixation with regards to outcomes for bone graft, post-operative malalignment and post-operative malreduciton in surgical details; infection, venous thrombosis, implant irritation and loss of reduction in complications; knee motion range in final outcomes. Lower surgical time, hospital stay, union time and incision necrosis were found in SP fixation compared with DP fixation. High rate of loss of alignment and more satisfaction with 12-month HSS score were associated with SP fixation than with DP fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Both SP fixation and DP fixation are acceptable strategies for managing this type of fracture. However, more high quality RCTs with large number of patients and long-term clinical evaluations are required to determine the optimal strategy for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures.

Femoral neck osteotomy guide for total hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common last-resort treatment for hip disease, but postoperative patients often complain of discrepancies in leg length. This study introduces a device designed to increase the precision of the femoral neck osteotomy and reduce the incidence of leg length discrepancy. METHODS: Forty-eight patients undergoing THA were divided into two groups, with and without the use of the femoral osteotomy guide. All operations were performed through a posterolateral approach. Differences in leg length were recorded before and after the operation. Measurements were also made to compare the preoperative plan with the actual amount of bone removed. RESULTS: The mean average difference in femoral neck resection height was 0.84 mm when using the osteotomy guide and 1.69 mm without the guide. Discrepancies in postoperative leg length were 5.45 mm and 13.37 mm in the groups with and without the guide, respectively. CONCLUSION: The femoral neck osteotomy guide is an effectively auxiliary tool for increasing the accuracy of bone resection in arthroplasty using the posterolateral approach. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR-OOC-15005904 ; date: 2015-01-30.

Axial view of acetabular anterior column: a new X-ray projection of percutaneous screw placement.

INTRODUCTION: To search for a new radiographic view/projection of the acetabular anterior column to provide a safe guide for percutaneous screw placement for acetabular fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight pelvic specimens taken from normal adult cadavers were positioned in a supine position on the operating table. First, the ipsilateral ilium-oblique view of the observed side was obtained on C-arm fluoroscopy by tilting the C-arm approximately 35° toward the contralateral hip joint. Then, the tilting angle of the C-arm was changed gradually until an oval track image (acetabular anterior column axial view) appeared. The oval shadow was clear only in one position as the angle of the C-arm was changed toward the caudal side of the operating table. A guide pin was put on the skin of the cadaver, and the location and tilting direction of the guide pin were adjusted under C-arm fluoroscopy until the pin's shadow became a point in the center of the oval track. Then, the guide pin was inserted into the bone using a battery-powered drill. The degree of inclination of the guide pin in the cadaver in the frontal and sagittal planes was measured using computed tomography (CT). RESULTS: Axial views of the anterior column were found successfully in all of the pelvic specimens, and the guide pins were inserted accurately into the acetabular anterior column under C-arm fluoroscopic guidance. On the CT-reconstructed image, the average degree of angle between the guide pin and the sagittal plane was 33.6° (range 29.6°-36.5°). The average angle between the guide pin and the transverse plane was 59.1° (range 56.4°-63.2°). CONCLUSION: This axial view of the acetabular anterior column is a novel X-ray projection which provides an optimal method for guiding percutaneous insertion of anterior column screws for acetabular fractures.

Four pins assisted reduction of complex segmental femoral fractures: a technique for closed reduction.

Complex segmental femoral fractures are usually not amenable to closed reduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a series of patients who had undergone four pins assisted reduction and intramedullary nail fixation to determine the therapeutic effect of this closed reduction technique. Between December 2010 and January 2013, 15 consecutive patients with segmental femoral fractures were treated with four pins assisted reduction at our hospital. The patient was placed in a supine position on a radiolucent fracture table and a gentle traction was attempted on the limb. Usually, the proximal fracture segment exhibited the typical deformity of flexion, external rotation, and abduction, the middle segment exhibited adduction and distal fracture segment exhibited flexion. Four Schanz pins were placed percutaneously to fix one cortex and did not penetrate into the medullary cavity, and the "T" sharp handles were fixed on the Schanz pins. The fragments were then reduced by reversing the deforming forces for segmental fractures by two assistants. And then, the reduction could be easily achieved and intramedullary nail fixation was performed. Radiographs were evaluated for the quality of the reduction and fracture union. Closed reduction was achieved in all patients using the four pins technology. All 15 fractures united uneventfully. No patient had a rotational malunion or limb length discrepancy at the time of the last follow-up. Thirteen of the fifteen (86.7%) patients had anatomic reduction and two of them (13.3%) had minor varus alignment of 3° and 5°. Knee stiffness was observed in 2 patients and no implant failure was observed. Surgical treatment of complex segmental femoral fractures with four pins assisted reduction and intramedullary nail fixation techniques can result in excellent reductions and a high union rate.

[Research progress on biomechanics for internal fixation in tibial plateau fracture].

Objective: To review the biomechanical research progress of internal fixation of tibial plateau fracture in recent years and provide a reference for the selection of internal fixation in clinic. Methods: The literature related to the biomechanical research of internal fixation of tibial plateau fracture at home and abroad was extensively reviewed, and the biomechanical characteristics of the internal fixation mode and position as well as the biomechanical characteristics of different internal fixators, such as screws, plates, and intramedullary nails were summarized and analyzed. Results: Tibial plateau fracture is one of the common types of knee fractures. The conventional surgical treatment for tibial plateau fracture is open or closed reduction and internal fixation, which requires anatomical reduction and strong fixation. Anatomical reduction can restore the normal shape of the knee joint; strong fixation provides good biomechanical stability, so that the patient can have early functional exercise, restore knee mobility as early as possible, and avoid knee stiffness. Different internal fixators have their own biomechanical strengths and characteristics. The screw fixation has the advantage of being minimally invasive, but the fixation strength is limited, and it is mostly applied to Schatzker typeⅠfracture. For Schatzker Ⅰ-Ⅳ fracture, unilateral plate fixation can be used; for Schatzker Ⅴand Ⅵ fracture, bilateral plates fixation can be used to provide stronger fixation strength and avoid the stress concentration. The intramedullary nails fixation has the advantages of less trauma and less influence on the blood flow of the fracture end, but the fixation strength of the medial and lateral plateau is limited; so it is more suitable for tibial plateau fracture that involves only the metaphysis. Choosing the most appropriate internal fixation according to the patient's condition is still a major difficulty in the surgical treatment of tibial plateau fractures. Conclusion: Each internal fixator has good fixation effect on tibial plateau fracture within the applicable range, and it is an important research direction to improve and innovate the existing internal fixator from various aspects, such as manufacturing process, material, and morphology.

The Application of Bidirectional Rapid Reductor in Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis for the Treatment of Proximal Humeral Fractures: A Case Series.

OBJECTIVE: Rapid and effective reduction is difficult for minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) surgery. This study aims to introduce a bidirectional rapid reductor (BRR) designed to assist in the reduction during MIPO surgery for proximal humeral fractures (PHFs). METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted between June 2021 and February 2022 in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, involving patients diagnosed with PHFs. A detailed technical approach of BRR in MIPO surgery was described, and the patients' outcomes based on postoperative radiographic results including x-ray postoperative follow-up, and clinical outcome parameters including visual analogue scale (VAS) and constant-Murley score at last follow-up were reported. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients were included in this study, comprising three males and nine females, with an average age of 67.58 years. The mean operative time was 70.92 min (range 63-80 min). The mean blood loss was 102.27 mL (range 50-300 mL). The mean VAS and constant-Murley scores at final follow-up were 0.33 and 88, respectively. All patients had their fractures healed without secondary displacement at last follow-up. One patient experienced shoulder stiffness post-operation. There were no adverse events or complications following the use of this technique, such as acromion fracture, nerve or blood vessel injury. CONCLUSION: The BRR can assist MIPO for good reduction of PHFs. However, the efficacy should be validated with a large-sample randomized controlled trial and longer follow-up.

Double reverse traction repositor assisted closed reduction and internal fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation for treatment of lateral tibial plateau fractures among the elderly.

BACKGROUND: In elderly tibial plateau fractures (TPFs), the lateral condyles are involved frequently. This study aimed to compare the outcomes of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and double reverse traction repositor (DRTR) assisted closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) in elderly patients with lateral TPFs. METHODS: From January 2015 to July 2020, we retrospectively reviewed 68 patients treated surgically at our trauma center for lateral TPFs (Schatzker type I-III). 31 patients were eventually assigned to the DRTR assisted CRIF group, whereas 37 patients were assigned to the ORIF group. The primary outcomes included surgical details, radiological assessment, follow-up knee function, and complications. RESULTS: The DRTR assisted CRIF group experienced a 43.6 mL decrease in intraoperative blood loss (161.3 ml vs 204.9 ml, p = 0.033), and the operation duration was 32.1 min shorter than the ORIF group (83.8 min vs 115.9 min, p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of widening of the tibia plateau (WTP), depth of articular depression (DAD), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and posterior tibial slope angle (PTSA) immediately after surgery and at the last follow-up. No differences in malreduction (p = 0.566) or reduction loss (p = 0.623) were observed between the groups, and Lysholm and HSS scores were similar between the two groups (83.6 ± 15.8 vs 83.4 ± 5.1, p = 0.934; 89.3 ± 7.8 vs 86.9 ± 6.2, p = 0.172; respectively). However, ORIF was associated with a greater increase in postoperative complications than DRTR assisted CRIF (3.2% vs 27%, p = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Both types of internal fixation provide good radiological outcomes and knee function in the treatment of lateral TPFs in the elderly. However, DRTR assisted CRIF has the advantage of a shorter duration of surgery, less blood loss, and fewer postoperative complications, and appears to be a better treatment option for elderly patients with lateral TPFs.

Treatment of tibial plateau fractures: A comparison of two different operation strategies with medium-term follow up.

Background: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of two surgical methods for tibial plateau fractures (TPFs): minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using a double reverse traction repositor and traditional open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). Methods: From our prospectively collated database, 187 consecutive adult patients with 189 operatively treated TPFs in our level I trauma center were included from January 2015 to March 2018 who had a minimum of three years' follow-up. All cases were performed by the senior surgeon using either MIS (group 1, 84 patients with 84 TPFs) or ORIF (group 2, 103 patients with 105 TPFs). Details of the demographics, injury mechanism, pre- and postoperative follow-up imaging, operative procedures and complications were collected. The final results from the 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) were obtained at the final follow-up. Results: Clinically, significant differences were observed in the WOMAC (pain, P â€‹= â€‹0.001; stiffness, P â€‹< â€‹0.001), HSS (P â€‹= â€‹0.003) and SF-36 (P â€‹= â€‹0.001). Radiologically, significant intergroup differences were observed in the loss of immediate postoperative reduction rates, secondary loss of reduction rates and signs of osteoarthritis (Kellgren-Lawrence). Two and ten superficial infections in group 1 (2.4%) and group 2 (9.5%), respectively, and 6 lateral popliteal nerve palsy cases occurred (0 MIS, 6 ORIF), with significant intergroup differences. Conclusion: Our study shows that the MIS using a double reverse traction repositor is promising and safe technique for the TPFs when used for the correct indications. The translational potential of this article: The current status of using a minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of TPFs have been analyzed and a new method of using a double reverse traction repositor for the treatment of TPFs have been proposed in this study, which updated treatment concept of TPFs.

Dual plating or dual plating combined with compression bolts for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures: a retrospective comparative study.

The aim of this study was to compare secondary loss of reduction outcomes in dual plating fixation and dual plating combined with compression bolt fixation for bicondylar tibial plateau fractures (TPFs). We performed a retrospective study from January 2015 to April 2019. A consecutive series of 72 bicondylar TPFs underwent surgical treatment and was divided into two groups: group 1 (dual plating, n = 46) and group 2 (dual plating combined with compression bolts, n = 26). The outcomes collected included demographic characteristics, imaging characteristics, intraoperative indicators, clinical outcomes and reduction quality after surgery. Functional outcome was rated according to the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score and Lysholm score. The secondary loss of reduction rate in group 2 was reduced compared with that in group 1 (P = 0.025), and the mean HSS score of group 2 was higher than that of group 1 (P = 0.013). The rate of complications was 30.4% (14/46) in group 1 and 30.8% (8/26) in group 2 (P = 0.976). Compared with single dual plating fixation, dual plating combined with compressing bolt fixation reduced the secondary loss of reduction rate for patients with bicondylar TPFs and showed better functional outcomes.

Comparison of outcomes of ORIF versus bidirectional tractor and arthroscopically assisted CRIF in the treatment of lateral tibial plateau fractures: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Lateral tibial plateau fractures (TPFs) are often treated with conventional open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) through standard anterolateral sub-meniscal arthrotomy. There has been increasing support for "bidirectional rapid redactor" device-assisted closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) for treating TPFs. The aim of the present study is to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes between CRIF and ORIF procedures. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 55 lateral TPF patients (Schatzker types I-III) who accepted surgical treatment at our trauma level 1 center between January 2016 and January 2018. They were divided into the CRIF group (32 patients) and the ORIF group (23 patients) based upon the different surgical protocols. The patients' clinical outcome analysis was evaluated by using the Knee Society Score (KSS) and Rasmussen's clinical score. For radiological assessment, changes in tibial plateau width (TPW), articular depression depth (ADD), medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), and posterior tibial slope angle (PTSA) were evaluated using radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scan. RESULTS: The CRIF group had a mean follow-up of 28.9 months, and the ORIF group had a mean follow-up of 30.7 months (p>0.05). Furthermore, there was no statistically significant difference in terms of age, gender, injury mechanism, follow-up time, time interval from injury to surgery, and Schatzker classification in the two groups. With respect to the clinical outcomes including the KSS score and Rasmussen's clinical score, there was also no significant difference (p>0.05). Nevertheless, the CRIF group had lower intra-operative blood loss, shorter hospitalization days, and better range of movement of the knee joint than the ORIF group (p<0.05). Furthermore, CRIF had better radiological results when compared to the ORIF group using Rasmussen's radiological score (p<0.05), although no significant difference was observed in TPW, ADD, MPTA, and PTSA between the two groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that CRIF could achieve comparable clinical outcomes and better radiological results for treating lateral TPFs as compared with conventional ORIF.

[The effects of the autologous venous external stents on intimal hyperplasia of the vein grafts in rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the autologous venous external stents on intimal hyperplasia of the vein grafts in rabbits. METHODS: Thirty-six male New Zealand white rabbits, aged 5 months and weighing 2.8 to 3.0 kg, were randomly divided into 3 groups: group A, group B and group C, with 12 rabbits in each group. First, a section about 6 cm long of vein was cut from the right external jugular vein of each rabbit and severed to have 3 equal-length segments. Next, each distal segment prepared for anastomosis. The proximal segment invaginating middle segment in group A and only middle segment in group B were used for the external stent. Later, the left common carotid artery was separated from surrounding tissue, from it a section about 0.5 cm long was cut away. Finally, the vein graft was inverted and end-to-end anastomosed to the two ends of the artery with a 9-0 suture. After bloodstream re-established, the diameter of each vein graft was measured. At 2 and 4 weeks postoperative, the graft veins were cut off and histologically examined by the means of HE staining and Masson staining. The smooth muscle cells (SMC) proliferation was studied by the immunohistochemical detection of proliferating cell nuclear antigen. RESULTS: After bloodstream re-established, the diameters of vein graft of group A and group B and group C were (1.6 +/- 0.3) mm, (2.2 +/- 0.4) mm and (2.6 +/- 0.6) mm respectively (P < 0.05). At 4 weeks postoperative, the data of the ratio of intima to media thickness and the index of the proliferating cells of the intima were as follow: group A (1.01 +/- 0.07 and 6.84 +/- 1.98), group B (1.32 +/- 0.08 and 11.01 +/- 2.61), group C (1.55 +/- 0.03 and 14.96 +/- 4.14). Both the data of group A were obviously less than that in group B, and that of group B was less than group C (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The autologous venous two-layer external stents inhibit intimal hyperplasia of the vein grafts.

Epidemiological Study of Tibial Plateau Fractures Combined with Intercondylar Eminence Fractures.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of tibial plateau fractures combined with intercondylar eminence fractures and identify the risk factors. METHODS: This retrospective study enrolled patients with tibial plateau fractures who were treated in the third hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2015 to December 2018; 1020 patients (693 [68%] men and 327 [32%] women) meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria had a mean age of 45.2 ± 13.8 years. In total, 506 (50%) cases were left injuries, 495 (48%) were right injuries, and 19 (2%) were bilateral injuries. Among them, 458 (44.9%) with a mean age of 47.0 ± 13.9 years had intercondylar eminence fractures, including 324 men and 134 women. A total of 562 (55.1%) patients were identified without intercondylar eminence fractures, including 369 (65.7%) men and 193 (34.3%) women with an average age of 43.8 ± 13.6 years. The distribution characteristics of tibial plateau fractures with intercondylar eminence involved were identified. The potential associations among fractures and various other factors, such as age, gender, occupation, and mechanism of injury, were explored. RESULTS: The highest proportion age group of tibial plateau fractures included the ages 35-54 years, with more men than women for both age groups. For males, the highest proportion age group was 35-44 years, and for females, it was 55-64 years (χ 2 = 71.336, P < 0.01). According to Schatzker classification, type IV tibial plateau fractures had the highest risk of intercondylar eminence being involved (70.6%) without significance with type V (69.5%) and VI (68.2%) but with greater significance with types I (11.9%), II (39.2%), and III (9.4%, χ 2 = 280.187, P < 0.01). Multiple analysis showed that simple fractures, including types I, II, and III (OR 0.108, 95% CI: 0.080-0.145), were less likely to involve intercondylar eminence fractures than complex fractures, including types IV, V, and VI. Patients aged >74 years were more likely to have intercondylar eminence fractures compared with other age groups. Retired patients (OR 4.332, 95% CI: 1.147-16.362) were more likely to have fractured intercondylar eminence. CONCLUSION: The current study revealed the characteristics of tibial plateau fractures, especially those involving intercondylar eminence fractures, as well as their proportion, distribution, and risk factors, which can be used as reference data for clinical assessment and surgical protocol selection.

[Clinical observation on the different treatments targeted at different types of radial head fracture and radial neck fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the different treatments targeted at different types of radial head fracture and radial neck fracture. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed in 87 patients from February 2006 to March 2007. Fifty-four patients with radial head fractures included 36 males and 18 females, aged from 18 to 65 years (the average age was 33); Forty of them resulted from crashing, 8 from traffic injury and 6 from falling injury. According to Mason classification system, there were 15 type I, 23 type II and 16 type III. Thirty-three patients with radial neck fractures included 21 males and 12 females, aged from 9 to 17 years (the average age was 13), 29 of them resulted from crashing, 1 from traffic injury and 3 from falling injury. According to O'Brien classification system, there were 8 type I, 14 type II and 11 type III. Type I of radial head fractures and radial neck fractures were immobilization with cast, the patients with type II of radial head fractures were treated with open reduction and micro-screw or T-trapezoid and bridge-shaped plate fixation and type III had operations to fix with bridge-shaped locked plate and repair the broken annular ligament, or replace heads with prosthesis. All patients with type II and type III of radial neck fractures were treated with closed reduction by leverage and percutaneous intra-medullary nailing. RESULTS: The patients were followed up for 4-12 months (mean 7.2 months). The functional recovery degrees were evaluated with Wheeler's evaluation system. In group of radial head fractures, the results were excellent in 26 patients, good in 20, fair in 6 and poor in 2, the excellent and good rate was 85.2%. In group of radial neck fractures, the results were excellent in 20 patients, good in 9, fair in 4 and poor in no patient, and the excellent and good rate was 87.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Different types of fractures should choose different surgical methods according to their characters. The excellent functional recovery depend on anatomical reduction, retaining the head of radius, early repairing and protecting the broken annular ligament of radius, and early functional training.

[Clinical study on reduction of difficult-reducing intertrochanteric fracture with ball head screw driver of proximal femoral nail antirotation].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of the leverage reduction with proximal femoral nail antirotation (PFNA) ball head screw driver for difficult-reducing intertrochanteric fracture. METHODS: The clinical data of 8 patients with difficult-reducing intertrochanteric fractures between July 2015 and February 2018 were retrospectively analysed. There were 3 males and 5 females, aged 66-89 years, with an average age of 76.3 years. According to Evans classification, there were 3 cases of type Ⅲ and 5 cases of type Ⅳ. The time from injury to operation was 2-8 days (mean, 3.9 days). All patients were reducted with ball head screw driver leverage through PFNA proximal incision during operation. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, reduction time, and fluoroscopy times were recorded. Harris hip function score was used to evaluate the effectiveness at last follow-up. RESULTS: The operation time was 52.5-83.7 minutes (mean, 68.1 minutes), the intraoperative blood loss was 49.8-96.4 mL (mean, 73.1 mL), the reduction time was 3.7-9.1 minutes (mean, 6.4 minutes), and the fluoroscopy times were 18.4-27.4 times (mean, 22.9 times). Patients were followed up 6-18 months (mean, 9.6 months). Postoperative X-ray films showed that the fracture obtained good reduction. No fracture displacement, fixation failure, and coxa vara occurred after operation. Fracture healing time was 3-6 months (mean, 4.6 months). At last follow-up, the Harris hip function score was 85-96 (mean, 91.6), with a result of excellent in 6 cases and good in 2 cases. CONCLUSION: The reduction of difficult-reducing intertrochanteric fracture by using ball head screw driver can obtain good reduction and reliable fixation. The method has such advantages as no more incision, and less blood loss and soft tissue injury.

Dynamic deformation of femur during medial compartment knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological changes of the femur in the coronal plane in progressing varus gonarthrosis and to explore the interrelation of each component. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January to July 2017, radiographic images of 1538 knees of 883 consecutive patients were collected and analyzed. We drew the alignments and measured the orientation angles of the lower extremities and compared the results among age groups for each sex. Correlation and regression tests were used to analyze the measurements. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the neck-shaft angle (NSA), femoral bowing angle (FBA) and anatomic medial distal femoral angle (aMDFA) by age group in females, whereas the differences were not significant in males. In females, a positive correlation was found between age and the FBA and aMDFA (r = 0.253, 0.141, p<0.01), and a negative correlation was found between age and the NSA while the FBA was controlled (r = -0.065, p<0.05). The FBA was positively correlated with the NSA (r = 0.312, p<0.01) and aMDFA (r = 0.233, p<0.01). The NSA, FBA, and aMDFA together affected 72.2% of the mechanical medial distal femoral angle (mMDFA) (ß = 0.071, -0.528, 0.803, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: As knee osteoarthritis (KOA) progressed, dynamic deformation of the femur was found in females, while no obvious changes were found in males. Femoral mechanical axis varus (mMDFA decrease) was the result of changes in the NSA, FBA and aMDFA. The deformation was throughout the femur rather than in a local area, as femur bowing can lead to corresponding changes in both ends of the femur. We provided a theoretical basis for TKA and knee-salvage treatment, and more attention should be paid to aging patients, especially females, in the preoperative protocol for orthomorphia.