[Incidence and risk factors of ulnar nerve dysfunction after open reduction and internal fixation of humeral intercondylar fractures].

Objective: To investigate the incidence and related risk factors of ulnar nerve dysfunction after open reduction and internal fixation of humeral intercondylar fractures. Methods: A total of 168 patients who underwent open reduction and plate and screw fixation of a humeral intercondylar fracture between January 2013 and May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 85 males and 83 females, aged from 14 to 77 years with a mean age of (43±17) years. Diagnosis of ulnar neuropathy was defined as documentation of sensory and motor dysfunction of the ulnar nerve in the medical record. The explanatory (independent) variables included age, gender, injury type, AO typing, time from injury to surgery, surgery approach, plates fixation methods and whether the nerve was transposed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine risk factors associated with postoperative ulnar nerve dysfunction. Results: Acute injury-related ulnar nerve neuropathy was diagnosed in 12(7.1%) of 168 patients. Among the other 156 patients without preoperative ulnar nerve neuropathy,the total postoperative ulnar neuropathy was found in 52 patients (33.3%), and in 26(16.7%) at the final follow-up, according to the McGowan grades system; 23(88.5%) of 26 patients were clinically graded as grade 1, and 3(11.5%) were graded as grade 2. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that triceps sparing approach (OR=2.639, P=0.039) and parallel double plate fixation (OR=3.089, P=0.046) were associated with a risk of postoperative ulnar nerve dysfunction. Conclusion: There is a substantial incidence of postoperative ulnar nerve dysfunction after open reduction and plate and screw fixation of humeral intercondylar fracture, postoperative ulnar neuropathy may occur from the time of injury through the long-term follow-up period, triceps sparing approach and parallel double plate fixation are the risk factors for ulnar neuropathy.

Application of 3D-printing technology in the treatment of humeral intercondylar fractures.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study was aimed to compare conventional surgery and surgery assisted by 3D-printing technology in the treatment of humeral intercondylar fractures. In addition, we also investigated the effect of 3D-printing technology on the communication between doctors and patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 91 patients with humeral intercondylar fracture were enrolled in the study from March 2013 to August 2015. They were divided into two groups: 43 cases of 3D-printing group, 48 cases of conventional group. The individual models were used to simulate the surgical procedures and carry out the surgery according to plan. Operation duration, blood loss volume, fluoroscopy times and time to fracture union were recorded. The final functional outcomes, including the motion of the elbow, MEPS and DASH were also evaluated. Besides, we made a simple questionnaire to verify the effectiveness of the 3D-printed model for both doctors and patients. RESULTS: The operation duration, blood loss volume and fluoroscopy times for 3D-printing group was 76.6±7.9minutes, 231.1±18.1mL and 5.3±1.9 times, and for conventional group was 92.0±10.5minutes, 278.6±23.0mL and 8.7±2.7 times respectively. There was statistically significant difference between the conventional group and 3D-printing group (p<0.05). However, No significant difference was noted in the final functional outcomes between the two groups. Furthermore, the questionnaire showed that both doctors and patients exhibited high scores of overall satisfaction with the use of a 3D-printing model. DISCUSSIONS: This study suggested the clinical feasibility of 3D-printing technology in treatment of humeral intercondylar fractures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II prospective randomized study.