[Surgical treatment of internal fixation failure after clavicular fracture operation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical treatment results of implant failure after clavicular fracture open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: Fifteen cases from Jan. 2005 to Jan. 2013 were treated surgically according to fracture classification, time of implant failure and implant type. The fracture union, shoulder function and pain were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: All the patients had full follow-up for 5 to 101 months (mean: 43.8 months). All the fractures were united well. The constant scores to assess the shoulder function were 82 to 100 (mean: 93.3 in the fracture side) and were 85 to 100 (mean: 96.7 in the uninjured side); statistically significant difference of the constant scores between the two sides was found (P=0.02). Eight cases did not have shoulder pain in the fracture side, while the other 7 cases had mild pain, The visual analogue scale (VAS) scores to evaluate shoulder pain were 1 to 3 in the fracture side, which were statistically different from those in the uninjured side (P=0.03). CONCLUSION: Implant instability causes early implant failure after clavicular fracture ORIF and re-fixation with stable implant is effective. Fracture nonunion leads to late implant failure, and bridging fixation using locking plate associated with bony autograft with iliac crest is a successful method to treat atrophy clavicular nonunion. Surgical treatment can bring good results.

[Effect of cement implantation and pressor agents in hip replacement on blood pressure].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the change of blood pressure involved by pressor agents after the implantation of cement in hip replacement. METHODS: A total of 172 cases of femoral neck fracture underwent hip replacement in Department of Orthopedics and Trauma, Peking University People's Hospital between July 2008 and July 2013 were involved in this retrospective study. The blood pressure and usage of pressor agents were recorded before and after bone cement implantation. The data of blood pressure and usage of agents were collected according to anesthesia records. All the cases were divided into four groups by the application of pressor agents: Free of using agent group (Free-agent group), agents used before implantation of cement group (Pre-agent group), agents used after implantation of cement group (Post-agent group) and agent used before & after implantation of cement group (Pre and Post-agent group). Further statistic analysis was then performed. RESULTS: Free-agent group's mean systolic blood pressure decreased for (4.0 ± 10.3) mmHg. The decreasing was significant (t=3.660, P=0.000). Free-agent group's mean diastolic blood pressure decreased (1.3 ± 7.5) mmHg. The decreasing was not significant (t=2.286, P=0.149). Pre-agent group's mean systolic blood pressure decreased for (0.5 ± 20.2) mmHg. The decreasing was not significant (t=0.114, P=0.911). Pre-agent group's mean diastolic blood pressure increased (0.7 ± 10.2) mmHg. The increasing was not significant (t=-0.316, P=0.756). Post-agent group's mean systolic blood pressure decreased for (6.9 ± 15.0) mmHg. The decreasing was significant (t=3.195, P=0.002). Post-agent group's mean diastolic blood pressure decreased (3.6 ± 7.4) mmHg. The decreasing was significant (t=3.407,P=0.001). Pre & Post-agent group's mean systolic blood pressure decreased for (5.0 ± 12.2) mmHg. The decreasing was not significant (t=1.667, P=0.115). Pre & Post-agent group's mean diastolic blood pressure increased (1.3 ± 8.5) mmHg. The increasing was not significant (t=-0.656, P=0.521). CONCLUSION: Implantation of cement in hip replacement surgery causes blood pressure decreasing. The application of pressor agents before cement implantation can stabilize blood presure and shorten the period of hypotension.

[Minimal invasive internal fixation with U-shaped break-off pedicle screws for treatent of thoracolumbar fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical outcome of minimal invasive internal fixation with U-shaped break-off pedicle screws through paraspinal muscle sparing approach to treat thoracolumbar fractures, and to discuss its advantages. METHODS: From August 2010 to June 2012, we had 40 thoracolumber fractures patients (27 males and 13 females). Their ages ranged from 22 to 60 years. Of the 40 cases, 4 were T11 fractures, 13 T12 fractures ,17 L1 fractures,6 L2 fractures. According to Denis classification,all of them were burst fractures, with vertebral canal compromise less than 1/3. According to AO classification they were type A or type B1 injuries. All the cases had no nerve injury. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. With Group A (20 cases) we took the method of minimal invasive internal fixation with U-shaped break-off pedicle screws to fix one level above and below the injured vertebra through the parespinal muscle sparing approach. With Group B (20 cases), we took the traditional posterior midline approach and open procedure. Then we compared the two groups by operation time, blood loss, drainage, Visual Analogue Scales and X-ray exposure. RESULTS: Minimal invasive group had obvious advatages in operation time, bleeding control and early pain relief of post-operation. The X-ray exposure and long-term follow-up outcome were almost the same. CONCLUSION: Through paraspinal muscle sparing approach minimal invasive internal fixtation with U-shaped break-off pedicle screws to treat thoracolumber has more advantages than traditional procedure in blood control and quick recovery. The method needs no special instruments and don't increase X-ray exposure.

[Surgical treatment of deltoid ligament injury associated with ankle fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical outcome after the surgical treatment of the deltoid ligament injury associated with ankle fractures. METHODS: From January 2005 to December 2009, 16 deltoid ligament ruptures associated with ankle fractures were repaired. According to the AO/OTA system, 2 cases belonged to fracture A, 8 to B, and 6 to C. Radiographs, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used for the outcome measurements. RESULTS: The 16 patients were followed up for 30 to 84 months,with the mean follow-up of 47 months. All wounds healed at the first stage. The mean time of bone union was 12.8 weeks (range: 10-14 weeks). The mean AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score in the last follow-up was 93 points (range: 85-100 points). The mean score of VAS was 0.94 points (range: 0-2 points). CONCLUSION: Surgical treatment of ankle fractures associated with deltoid ligament rupture can achieve satisfactory outcomes, but it is important to decide the operation indication.

[Treatment of comminuted clavicle shaft fractures with provisional intra-medullary K-wire fixation and bridging plate internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the operation effect of comminuted clavicle shaft fractures with provisional intramedullary K-wire fixation and bridging plate internal fixation. METHODS: From Mar. 2008 to Jul. 2012, 22 cases of comminuted clavicle shaft fractures was treated with open reduction, and provisional intramedullary K-wire fixation and bridging plate internal fixation. The fracture healing was investigated through X-rays. The 22 cases were followed up to evaluate the function of the affected shoulder with Constant score. RESULTS: Through the follow-up for average 15 months, all the fractures healed and the average healed time was 14.6 weeks. The average Constant score of the affected shoulder was 95.3. There were 13 excellent cases, 7 good cases, and 2 fair cases. The fineness rate was 90.9% (20/22). Soft tissue problem resulting from plate tilting occurred in 2 cases. At last, they accepted second operation to remove the implant. CONCLUSION: Applying provisional intramedullary K-wire fixation and bridging plate internal fixation in comminuted clavicle shaft fractures, makes procedure simple, improves healing rate and decreases the complications.

[Radix hedysari extract promotes peripheral nerve regeneration].

Treatment of peripheral nerve injury is a major challenge in clinical practice. With advances in molecular biology and development of microsurgical techniques and tissue engineering, peripheral nerve repair procedures have been greatly improved. In the last 10 decades, most treatments for peripheral nerve injury in animal models have achieved histological and functional recovery, the treatments in humans, however, produce insufficient recovery, especially for proximal nerve injury. Increasing attention has been paid to the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for promoting peripheral nerve regeneration, since these remedies often display effective clinical outcome, minor side effects and effectiveness for multiple targets. Although TCM has complex ingredients and the specific pharmacological mechanisms for their effectiveness are still unclear, an effective clinical outcome is welcomed by many clinicians. In the past 20 years, we have made a series of detailed studies including the toxicity tests, pharmacodynamic tests, pharmacological experiments etc, about a new traditional formula which mainly contains the Radix hedysari, Epimedium etc. RESULTS have shown that this formula is safe to be used in both animals and humans with no toxicity and adverse effect, and systemic administration of this formula could enhance the peripheral nerve regeneration.

A retrospective study of posterior malleolus fractures.

PURPOSE: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the treatment effect of ankle joint fracture surgery involving the posterior malleolus, and discuss relevant factors influencing the occurrence of traumatic arthritis of the ankle joint. METHODS: A total of 102 cases of ankle joint fractures involving the posterior malleolus in five large-scale skeletal trauma centres in China, from January 2000 to July 2009, were retrospectively analysed in terms of surgical treatment and complete follow-up. Ankle joint mobility, posterior malleolus fragment size, articular surface evenness, Ankle-Hindfoot Scale of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, and imaging scale score for arthritis were recorded. The degree of fracture pain during rest, active movement, and weight-bearing walking, and satisfaction with treatment were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS). RESULTS: The average AOFAS score was 95.9, excellence rate was 92.2 %, and average VAS scores for degree of fracture pain during rest, active movement, and weight-bearing walking were 0.15, 0.31, and 0.68, respectively. Thirty-six cases showed arthritic manifestations. Ankle joint mobility along all directions on the injured side was lower than that on the unaffected side. There was no obvious difference in treatment effect between the fixed and unfixed posterior malleolus fragment groups for all and for fragment size of < 25 %; between fixing the posterior malleolus fragment from front to back or from back to front; or between elderly patients (≥ 60 years old) and young patients (< 60 years old). There was a distinct difference in the treatment effect between articular surface evenness and unevenness for all and for fragment size of ≥ 25 %. CONCLUSIONS: For all 102 cases of ankle joint fracture involving the posterior malleolus, the treatment effect was satisfactory. Restoration of an even articular surface, especially when fragment size ≥ 25 %, should be attempted during treatment.

[Surgical treatment of proximal humeral fracture involving metaphysis and humeral shaft].

OBJECTIVE: To surgically treat proximal humeral fracture involving metaphysis and humeral shaft with long locking plate osteosynthesis. METHODS: In the study, 9 proximal humeral fracture cases [6 male patients and 3 female, with an average age of (48.9±11.5) years and the average postoperation follow-up duration of 21.3 months from 12-46 months] treated with locking plate and with complete follow-up observation from May 2008 to April 2011 were recruited. Visual Analogue Score (VAS), Constant-Murley Score and shoulder range of motion (forward elvation, abduction, internal rotation) were used to evaluate postoperation shoulder joint function. RESULTS: All the cases got union of their fractures, without nonunion or delayed union. The complications were 2 cases with humeral head varus deformity, 1 with wound superficial infection and 1 with postoperation radius nerve paralysis. The last follow-up functions were that the average VAS was 0.22 (0-1), Constant-Murley score 79.7±6.5 (71-91), the average range of shoulder joint anteflexion 118°±20° (90°-160°), abduction 95°±14° (75°-120°) and internal rotation L1. CONCLUSION: Treatment of proximal humeral fracture with the fracture line implicating upper humerus metaphysis and humeral shaft is difficult because the medial cortex is injured and the longitudinal fracture line involves bone shaft. A good selection of operative approach and careful operation guarantee postoperative function restoration.

[Open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness: a report of 17 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the treatment effect of open arthrolysis for elbow stiffness. METHODS: From Aug. 2007 to Apr. 2012, 17 cases of elbow stiffness were treated with open arthrolysis,in which, 11 were post-traumatic stiffness and 6 elbow stiffness resulted from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. The preoperative Mayo elbow score was 65.1±16.4. Posterior middle approach was applied for 15 cases, and primary lateral approach for 2 cases. The ulnar nerve release and antedisplacement were performed for 12 cases with series limited flexion. The mobile hinged fixator were applied for 2 cases of unstable elbow after debridement of series hero ossification. RESULTS: With follow-up time for 6 to 41 months (average 13.1 months), all the patients acquired the follow-up and evaluation. According to Mayo elbow score of the last follow-up, the score was 87.5±16.7, and compared with the preoperation, the difference was significant: 9 cases were excellent, 6 good, 1 fair, and 1 poor, and the total excellent and good rate was 88.23%. The active range of motion (ROM) of flexion-extension was 110.6°±27.5°. However, 1 case developed chronic infection, and 1 ulnar nerve symptom. CONCLUSION: In applying open arthrolysis to treat elbow stiffness, as long as we release completely and assure stable elbow and early postoperative motion, we can get satisfying results.

[Surgical treatment of periprosthetic femur fracture after hip arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the surgical treatment results of periprosthetic femur fracture after hip arthroplasty. METHODS: In the study, 10 patients from Oct. 2006 to Jan. 2012 were treated surgically according to Vancouver classification, and their fracture union, hip function, pain in fracture site and lower extremity length were evaluated postoperatively. RESULTS: All the patients had full follow-up for 6 to 69 months (mean time: 35.1 months). All fractures were united well with good alignment and no prosthesis loosing or internal fixation failure was discovered. Harris scores to assess hip function were 71 to 90 (mean: 79.8) and the excellent and good rate was 70%. VAS scores to evaluate pain in fracture site when walking were 0 to 3 (mean: 1.4). The lengths of injured lower extremity were shorter by 0 to 2.5 cm than those of the contralateral side preoperatively [mean (1.6±0.9) cm]. The shortened lengths were reduced to 0 to 1.8 cm postoperatively [mean (0.6±0.6) cm], which were statistically different from those of preoperation (P=0.002). CONCLUSION: Although treatment of periprosthetic femur fracture after hip arthroplasty is a hard work, we can make individual therapy regiment based on the patient's age, general condition, function demand and Vancouver classification. Surgical treatment can bring good results.

[Clinical analysis of obvious and hidden blood loss in inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation and dynamic hip screw].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the obvious and hidden blood loss before and after operations in the inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA) and dynamic hip screw (DHS) to provide the data support for clinical perioperative period treatment. METHODS: The clinical data of 216 cases of inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with PFNA and 168 cases of inter-trochanter fracture patients treated with DHS from Dec. 30, 2001 to Sep. 30, 2010, and the obvious, hidden blood loss and blood transfusion before and after operations were retrospectively analyzed, using SPSS 13.0 statistical package. RESULTS: The PFNA group: The mean blood loss of (48.9±2.8) mL was found in 216 cases of inter-trochanter fracture patients during operation. The mean obvious blood loss was (62.3±3.8) mL while the hidden blood loss was (385.0±6.2) mL. The DHS group: The mean blood loss of (124.9±7.8) mL was found in 168 cases during operation. The mean obvious blood loss was (73.9±4.7) mL and the hidden blood loss was (243.4±6.3) mL after operation. The blood loss during operation and obvious blood loss after operation of DHS was larger than that of PFNA, while the hidden blood loss of DHS was smaller than that of PFNA. The gross total blood loss and the hidden blood loss of group PFNA was bigger than that of DHS group. CONCLUSION: There were much hidden blood loss in both PFNA and DHS group for inter-trochanter fracture internal fixation after operation. This reminds surgeons to monitor the life vital signs after PFNA or DHS internal fixation operation in order to decrease the complication.

[Clinical effect observation of biodegradable conduit small gap tublization repairing peripheral nerve injury].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effect of biodegradable conduit small gap tublization to repair peripheral nerve injury. METHODS: In the study, 30 cases of fresh peripheral nerve injury in the upper extremities were recruited. After formally informed and obtaining the consent, the recruited patients were divided into the degradable chitin conduit tublization group (experimental group: 15 cases) and traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group (control group: 15 cases). Their nerve functional recovery conditions were clinically observed according to the standard score methods provided by SHEN Ning-jiang and British Medical Research Council. The excellent and good rates of the overall nerve functional recovery were calculated. The electrophysiologic study was carried out after 6 months. RESULTS: Of the total 30 cases, 28 were followed up, and there were 14 cases in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group and traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The operation procedure was very simple, and the mean suture time [(8.0±0.8) min] was 20% shorter than that of the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group [(10.0±0.6) min]. All the wounds in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group healed as expected without rejection, hypersensitive reaction or anomalous draining. Electrophysiology examination results after 6 months displayed that the sensory nerves conduction velocity recovery rate was 77.37% of the normal value, and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate was 70.09% in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group. The sensory nerves conduction velocity recovery rate was 61.69% of the normal value, and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate was 56.15% in the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The exact propability methods was applied in the comparison of sensory and motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate, and there was no statistically significant of two groups(sensory nerve conduction velocity recovery rate P=0.678;motor nerve conduction velocity recovery rate P=0.695). The combinated functional recovery excellent and good rates after repair in the degradable chitin conduit tublization group were 78.57%, while 28.57% in the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy group. The Fisher's exact probabilistic method was applied in the comparison of combinated functional recovery excellent and good rates, and there was statistically significant of two groups(P=0.021). CONCLUSION: The operation procedure of the degradable chitin conduit tublization is very simple and the clinical recovery effect is much better than that of the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy. The biodegradable conduit small gap tublization methods to repair peripheral nerve injury has the possibility to substitute the traditional epineurial neurorrhaphy.

[Three kind of scoring system for proximal humeral fractures in patients with postoperative functional review of evaluation: a multicenter study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the ASES, Constant and HSS score systems and their significance on postoperative function of the shoulder. METHODS: Totally 172 cases of proximal humeral fracture of five affiliated hospital from September 2004 to September 2008 were analyzed. All the functional outcome of the involved shoulder were evaluated by ASES, Constant, HSS score and patient self score. The correlations and agreement of three shoulder scales were analyzed with Pearson correlation test and Bland-Altman plot in different age groups and fracture types. RESULTS: (1) The Constant score were lower than other two scores in the same age group and fracture type (F = 13.62 and 4.80, P < 0.05). (2) The correlations between three shoulder scales: ASES and Constant (r = 0.754, P = 0.0003), ASES and HSS (r = 0.755, P = 0.0001), Constant and HSS (r = 0.858, P = 0.0002). The correlations between three shoulder scales and patient self evaluation: ASES (r = 0.602, P = 0.0002), Constant (r = 0.705, P = 0.0001), HSS (r = 0.663, P = 0.0037). The Bland-Altman plot shows three shoulder scales have good agreement. (3)The correlation between Constant score and patient self evaluation decreased in the elder group and severe fracture type. CONCLUSIONS: ASES, Constant, HSS shoulder score systems are all fit to evaluate the functional outcome of the shoulder, they have good correlation and agreement. Constant score in recommended for its high correlation coefficient with patient self evaluation score. However, its age bias must be paid attention in clinical practice. ASES shoulder score can be used in remote follow-up.

Can "dor to dor+rec neurorrhaphy" by biodegradable chitin conduit be a new method for peripheral nerve injury?

This study aims to estimate the effects of using one donor nerve to repair the injured nerve and itself simultaneously by biodegradable chitin conduit. Proximal median nerve served as donor nerve to repair the distal median and whole ulnar nerve. Four months postoperation, the number of myelinated axons and nerve conduction velocities of the distal median and ulnar nerve were (2085 ± 215 and 24.4 ± 5.9 m/s), and (1193 ± 102 and 30.7 ± 11.2 m/s). Recovery of the tetanic muscle forces of the reinvervated muscles were also observed. It suggests that Dor to Dor+Rec neurorrhaphy is a practical method for severe peripheral nerve injury.

[Complication analysis of proximal humeral fractures treated with locking plate].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze complications of surgically treated proximal humeral fractures with locking plate. METHODS: Eighty three (30 males and 53 females) coherent unstable proximal humeral fractures were treated with locking plate from January 2007 to January 2010 with a mean follow-up lasting 23.5 months ( 10-51 months ). Their mean age was 66.4 years (33-89 years). The patients were evaluated with outpatient physical examination, X-ray film, visual analogue scale (VAS), and Constant-Murley scores. Complications and functional outcome of the involved shoulders were recorded and estimated. Complications were diagnosed in 15 cases, varus malunion in 6, humeral head necrosis in 3, delayed union in 1, screw cut-out in 3, and subacromio-impingement in 3.Four cases were combined with two or more complications. RESULT: Four-part fractures had higher complication risks in implant related complications (P=0.009)and none implant related complications (P=0.003).Age and comobities had little influence on complication occurrence. CONCLUSION: Although locking plate provides optimal clinical results in proximal humeral fracture management, its complications should be highly considered. Preoperative evaluation, implant option, accurate reconstructions and rehabilitations are key points to restore the shoulder function.

[Report of 11 cases of the comminuted olecranon fracture treatment with anatomically preshaped locking compression plate (LCP)].

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the treatment effect of comminuted olecranon fractures with anatomically preshaped locking compression plate. METHODS: From August 2009 to May 2011,11 cases of comminuted olecranon fractures were treated, and their average age was 52 years. According to Mayo classification, 9 cases were of type IIB and 2 of type IIIB. All cases accepted open reduction and internal fixation with anatomically preshaped locking compression plate. After operation, all the patients were followed up regularly. X-rays were performed to evaluate fracture healing, and function of affected elbow were evaluated according to Broberg & Morrey elbow performance score. RESULTS: With follow-up time for 2 to 20 months (average 8.4 months), all patients attained fracture healing, and the fracture healing time was 7 to 18 weeks (average 11 weeks). According to Broberg & Morrey elbow performance score, 4 cases were excellent, 6 good, and 1 fair. The total excellent and good rate was 90.9%. Heterotopic ossification occurred in 1 case, and obvious limited ROM occurred in 1 case. CONCLUSION: Using anatomically preshaped locking compression plate to treat comminuted olecroanon fractures can attain stable fixation, perform early motion, and get satisfied results.

[Retrospective study of therapy of periprosthetic femoral supracondylar fractures after total knee arthroplasty with open reduction and less invasive stabilization system (LISS) internal fixation].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical results of therapy of periprosthetic femoral supracondylar fractures after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using less invasive stabilization system (LISS). METHODS: Eight cases of periprosthetic femoral supracondylar fractures after TKA were treated with ORIF using distal femoral LISS in our department. They had full follow-up for 3 to 39 months. Their knee functions were evaluated through radiological and clinical checkups and functional evaluations by HSS (The Hospital for Special Surgery) scoring system and Lysholm Questionnaire. RESULTS: None of the fractured patients had any infection or internal-fixation failure. The average knee motion range was 0-94°. There was no statistic difference of the femorotibial angle between pre- and postoperation. At the end of the last follow-up, the average HSS score was 79.38 and Lysholm score 80.25. All the average scores were good and excellent. CONCLUSION: ORIF with LISS is a one of the valuable treatments for periprosthetic femoral supracondylar fractures after TKA.

[Analysis of function and related impact factors after operation of femoral neck fracture for patients aged less than sixty years].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate function and related impact factors after operation of femoral neck fracture for patients aged less than sixty years. METHODS: In our study,93 patients aged less than sixty years with femoral neck fractures receiving operation from April 2001 to August 2009 and having complete follow-up data were evaluated in terms of age, sex, co-diseases, side of bone fracture, type of bone fracture (Garden classification), time between injury and operation, operation procedures, operation time, time in bed, removal internal fixation and function score during follow-up period. Nonparametric test, rank correlation analysis and Logistic regression analysis were used by SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: Function scores showed non-normal distribution. By nonparametric test, the following variable in function scores was of statistic significance: the Garden classification (H=7.900, P=0.048). By analysis of correlation, the following variable in function scores was of statistic significance: Garden classification (rs=0.206, P=0.048). By Logistic regression analysis, the following variable in function scores was of statistic significance: Garden classification (P=0.030). CONCLUSION: Hip function score is of non-normal distribution, and Garden classification is the most important factor influencing the function after operation for femoral neck fracture for patients aged less than sixty years.

[Clinical features analysis of femoral neck fractures in 219 patients].

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical features of femoral neck fractures and analyze related causes. METHODS: The clinical data of patients with femoral neck fractures from June 2002 to August 2009 were retrospectively analyzed. The gender, age, fracture side, fracture type, basic social data, activities before injury, injury causes and treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 219 patients (106 male and 113 female) was analyzed. All patients were divided into children group (age < 16 years), adult group (age ranged from 16 to 60 years) and older group (> 60 years). There were 5 patients (2.3%) in the children group, 81 patients (37.0%) in the adult group and 133 patients (60.7%) in the older group. There were 11 patients (5.0%) with Garden I fractures, 32 patients (14.6%) with Garden II fractures, 90 patients (41.1%) with Garden III fractures and 86 patients (39.3%) with Garden IV fractures. Fall damage and traffic injury were the main injury types. Home and public place were the main injury sites. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of femoral neck fracture shows the highest in the old persons. The male patients with femoral neck fractures are more than female patients in children and adult group, while the male patients with femoral neck fractures are less than female patients in older group. The dominant fractures type according to Garden classification is Garden III fractures in children and adult groups, but Garden IV fractures in older group. Fall damage and traffic injury are the main injury types. Home and public place are the main injury sites.

Treatment of osteoporotic compression fracture of thoracic/lumbar vertebrae by kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate prospectively the effectiveness of kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system in treatment of compression fracture of thoracic/lumbar vertebrae and correction of the deformity. METHODS: Twenty-five patients with thoracic/ lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture were admitted to our hospital between March 2007 and March 2008, and treated by kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system. Patient's pain status was rated with Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score system 1 day before and 1 hour, 48 hours, 6 months, 12 months after surgery. In addition, Rolland-Morris and Oswestry disability questionnaires (RDQ and ODI) were used for survey 1 day before and 1, 6, 12 months after surgery. Pre- and post-operative vertebral heights and Cobb's angles were measured based on the X-ray films and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: There were 27 fractured vertebrae in these 25 patients. After SKY kyphoplasty, the Cobb's angles (9.8 degree ± 9.76 degree) were significantly reduced compared with preoperative angles (17.18 degree ± 9.35 degree P < 0.05), and the average improvement rate was 39%. Patients'pain VAS scores were also greatly improved after operation (P < 0.05). Moreover, postoperative RDQ and ODI scores were significantly smaller than preoperative values (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Kyphoplasty with SKY bone expander system provides an effective method for treating thoracic/ lumbar vertebral osteoporotic compression fracture, with the advantages of small surgical wound and short duration. It can effectively recover the anterior and medial heights of fractured vertebrae (33% and 50%, respectively), reduce the Cobb's angle, quickly alleviate pain and improve patients'quality of life in a relatively short time period.