Clavicular hook plate for acute high-grade acromioclavicular dislocation involving Rockwood type V: clinical and radiological outcomes and complications evaluation.

BACKGROUND: The surgical treatment of high-grade acromioclavicular joint dislocation remains a matter of debate. Clavicular hook plate internal fixation was widely used in the treatment of acromioclavicular dislocation because of its easy-to-master surgical technique. This study aimed to evaluate outcomes using hook plate fixation for acromioclavicular dislocation. METHODS: A consecutive series of 57 patients with acute acromioclavicular joint dislocation involving Rockwood type V were treated between November 2013 and September 2019 using hook plate fixation. The functional outcomes (using the visual analogue score, Constant-Murley score, and University of California Los Angeles score), the quality of surgical reduction (using the coracoclavicular distance), and post-operative complications were assessed with about 46 months of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean Constant-Murley score increased from 72.6 before surgery to 87.6 at final follow-up. The mean University of California Los Angeles score was 14.1 pre-operatively and 31.6 at final follow-up. Meanwhile, the visual analogue scores were significantly reduced from 3.4 pre-operatively to 1.3 post-operatively. The coracoclavicular distance decreased from 19.4 mm pre-operatively to 10.9 mm at the last follow-up. Post-operative functional and radiological outcomes were significantly improved compared with pre-operative outcomes (P < 0.01). The overall excellent and good result was 35.1% (20/57) and 54.1% (31/57), respectively. At follow-up, the overall complication rate was 15.8% (9/57) including subacromial impingement (three patients), acromial osteolysis (three patients), reduction loss (one patient), acromioclavicular joint osteoarthritis (one patient), and calcification (one patient). CONCLUSION: Hook plate fixation was a viable treatment approach, and achieved good clinical outcomes in the treatment of acute acromioclavicular dislocation involving V. But some complications of hook plate fixation should not be ignored.

Open Talus Fractures: Early Infection and Its Epidemiological Characteristics.

Open talus fractures are relatively rare and severe open injuries with a high risk of severe infection. To better understand the epidemiological characteristics of this kind of injury, a monocentric case review was conducted among open talus fracture patients admitted in West China Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2010 and December 2014. Fifty-one (N = 51) patients were recruited to the study, including 44 (86.3%) males and 7 (13.7%) females. Fifty-two cases of open talus fractures were diagnosed among the patients (1 patient had bilateral fractures). The primary cause of open talus fracture was a fall from a height. The rate of concurrent injuries associated with open talus fracture was 84.3%. The overall infection rate was 41.2%, rising with the increase of injury severity classified by Gustilo-Anderson classification and the existence of peritalar dislocation. Therefore, it can be concluded that open talus fractures are at high risk of concurrent complications and early infection. It is necessary to perform a complete physical examination to search for possible concurrent injuries. When evaluating the risk of infection, in addition to the severity of open talus fracture, the existence and severity of peritalar dislocation should also be taken into consideration.

Bridging Repair of Large Rotator Cuff Tears Using a Multilayer Decellularized Tendon Slices Graft in a Rabbit Model.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an extracellular matrix scaffold with multilayer decellularized tendon slices (MDTSs) for reconstructing large rotator cuff tears in a rabbit model. METHODS: Large defects in the infraspinatus tendons were created bilaterally in 36 rabbits. The graft group underwent bridging repair of the defects with the MDTSs grafts from Achilles tendons of adult beagle dogs, and the control group underwent repair with the autologous excised tendon. Specimens underwent histologic observation, biomechanical testing, and microcomputed tomography analysis at 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery. RESULTS: Histologic analysis confirmed that the MDTSs graft promoted cell ingrowth and tissue integration, and fibrocartilage and Sharpey fibers formed at the enthesis at 8 weeks. Accordingly, the MDTSs graft generated a histologic appearance similar to that of the autogenous tendon graft. Mechanical testing revealed a significant increase of the regenerated tendons in ultimate load and stiffness from 4 to 8 weeks postoperatively, which was similar to autologous tendon repair. Microcomputed tomography analysis demonstrated that the MDTSs graft promoted bone formation at the tendon-bone insertion, thus improving the mechanical properties of the repair tendon. CONCLUSIONS: The MDTSs graft used to bridge large rotator cuff defects in a rabbit model promoted host cell ingrowth, enhanced the remodeling of regenerated tendon, and promoted fibrocartilage formation, thus improving the biomechanical properties of the repaired tendon. This study thereby provides fundamental information for rotator cuff regeneration with the MDTSs graft. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Rotator cuff regeneration using MDTSs grafts is a promising procedure for large rotator cuff tears.

Early and mid-term results of transarticular external fixation in the treatment of supination-external rotation type IV equivalent ankle fractures.

PURPOSE: To investigate the early and mid-term results of open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with transarticular external fixation (TEF) but no deltoid ligament repair (DLR) in the treatment of supination-external rotation type IV equivalent (SER IV E) ankle fractures (AO/OTA classification 44-B 3.1) and provide evidence for clinical practice. METHODS: This study cohort consisted of 22 patients with SER IV E ankle fractures that underwent ORIF with TEF but no DLR between December 2011 and December 2014. There were 13 males and 9 females, mean age 38.9 years (range, 17-73 years). Eight cases involved the left side and 14 the right side. The causes of fractures included road traffic accidents (11 cases), falling from height (6 cases) and sports injuries (5 cases). The mean period of hospitalization was 9.8 days (range, 6-14 days). For all the patients, MRI and three-dimensional CT were done before surgery and X-rays done preoperatively and during follow-ups. The external frame was kept for 8-10 weeks. The preoperative American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot score was 56.86 ± 4.400, the Medical Outcomes Short Form 36-item (SF-36) questionnaire score was 57.41 ± 4.102 and the visual analog score (VAS) was 5.50 ± 1.058. Patients' main complaints about inconvenience of daily life were also recorded. RESULTS: All the 22 patients were followed up for 24-63 months (mean, 33.6 months). None of them developed nonunion during the follow-up; pin site infection was observed in one patient and posttraumatic osteoarthritis in another. At the final follow-up, the average AOFAS score, SF-36 score and VAS score were respectively 90.59 ± 5.096, 79.59 ± 5.394 and 1.82 ± 1.181, which were significantly improved compared with the preoperative data (t = 26.221, p < 0.001; t = 11.910, p < 0.001; t = 11.571, p < 0.001). The therapeutic effect was excellent in 13 cases, good in 7 cases and fair in 2 cases, with a good-excellent rate of 90.9%. Patients' main complaints were inconvenience of clothing (17 cases) and extremity cleaning (5 cases). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of SER IV E ankle fractures, ORIF with TEF but no DLR can achieve satisfactory outcome, but long-term effect should be confirmed by large sample randomized controlled trials.

Middle-term follow-up results of Pipkin type IV femoral head fracture patients treated by reconstruction plate and bioabsorbable screws.

PURPOSE: To investigate the mid-term curative effects of the treatment of Pipkin type IV femoral head fractures using a reconstruction plate and bioabsorbable screws and provide the evidence for clinical practice. METHODS: From February 2010 to September 2014, 21 patients with Pipkin type IV femoral head fractures were treated surgically. There were 13 males and 8 females with an average age of 41.1 years (range, 20-65 years). The causes of the fractures included traffic accidents (13 cases), falls from a height (four cases), heavy lifting injuries (three cases), and sport injury (one case). All patients were followed up with radiography and three-dimensional reconstruction computed tomography and other checks and any complications were actively managed. Closed reduction of fracture-dislocation of the hip was attempted under general anesthesia using the Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Femoral head fractures were treated with internal fixation or excision based on the size of the fracture fragments, whereas acetabular fractures were fixed with a reconstruction plate and screws following anatomic reduction. RESULTS: The incisions healed by primary intention in all patients after surgery, without any infection, deep venous thrombosis, or other complications. All 21 patients were followed up for 36-76 months, with an average follow-up duration of 49 months. Postoperative imaging data showed that all dislocations and fractures were anatomically reduced, and bony union of the fractures was achieved. Heterotopic ossification was found in four patients, post-traumatic osteoarthritis in three, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head in two. At the final follow-up, the assessment of hip joint function according to the Thompson-Epstein scoring scale was excellent in 10 cases, good in six cases, fair in three cases, and poor in two cases. The rate of excellent and good functional outcomes was 76.1%. CONCLUSION: The mid-term curative effects of a reconstruction plate and bioabsorbable screws in the treatment of Pipkin type IV femoral head fractures is significant, and such the treatment can significantly improve the patient's joint function and quality of life.

[Efficacy of Sacroiliac Joint Anterior Approach with Double Reconstruction Plate and Computer Assisted Navigation Percutaneous Sacroiliac Screw for Treating Tile C1 Pelvic Fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of sacroiliac joint anterior approach with double reconstruction plate and computer assisted navigation percutaneous sacroiliac screw for treating Tile C1 pelvic fractures. METHODS: Fifty patients with pelvic Tile C1 fractures were randomly divided into two groups ( n=25 for each) in the orthopedic department of West China Hospital of Sichuan University from December 2012 to November 2014. Patients in group A were treated by sacroiliac joint dislocation with anterior plate fixation. Patients in group B were treated with computerized navigation for percutaneous sacroiliac screw. The operation duration,intraoperative blood loss,incision length,and postoperative complications (nausea,vomiting,pulmonary infection,wound complications,etc.) were compared between the two groups. The postoperative fracture healing time,postoperative patient satisfaction,and postoperative fractures MATTA scores (to evaluate fracture reduction),postoperative MAJEED function scores,and SF36 scores of the patients were also recorded and compared. RESULTS: No significant differences in baseline characteristics were found between the two groups of patients. All of the patients in both groups had their operations successfully completed. Patients in group B had significantly shorter operations and lower intraoperative blood loss,incision length and postoperative complications than those in group A ( P<0.05). Patients in group B also had higher levels of satisfaction than those in group A ( P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in postoperative followup time,fracture healing time,postoperative MATTA scores,postoperative MAJEED function scores and SF36 scores ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Sacroiliac joint anterior approach with double reconstruction plate and computer assisted navigation percutaneous sacroiliac screws are both effective for treating Tile C1type pelvic fractures,with similar longterm efficacies. However,computer assisted navigation percutaneous sacroiliac screw has the advantages of less trauma,less bleeding,and quicker.

[Classification and Treatment of Sacroiliac Joint Dislocation].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a renewed classification and treatment regimen for sacroiliac joint dislocation. METHODS: According to the direction of dislocation of sacroiliac joint,combined iliac,sacral fractures,and fracture morphology,sacroiliac joint dislocation was classified into 4 types. Type Ⅰ (sacroiliac anterior dislocation): main fracture fragments of posterior iliac wing dislocated in front of sacroiliac joint. Type Ⅱ (sacroiliac posterior dislocation): main fracture fragments of posterior iliac wing dislocated in posterior of sacroiliac joint. Type Ⅲ (Crescent fracturedislocation of the sacroiliac joint): upward dislocation of posterior iliac wing with oblique fracture through posterior iliac wing. Type ⅢA: a large crescent fragment and dislocation comprises no more than onethird of sacroiliac joint,which is typically inferior. Type ⅢB: intermediatesize crescent fragment and dislocation comprises between one and twothirds of joint. Type ⅢC: a small crescent fragment where dislocation comprises most,but not the entire joint. Different treatment regimens were selected for different types of fractures. Treatment for type Ⅰ sacroiliac joint dislocation: anterior iliac fossa approach pry stripping reset; sacroiliac joint fixed with sacroiliac screw through percutaneous. Treatment for type Ⅱ sacroiliac joint dislocation: posterior sacroiliac joint posterior approach; sacroiliac joint fixed with sacroiliac screw under computer guidance. Treatment for type ⅢA and ⅢB sacroiliac joint dislocation: posterior sacroiliac joint approach; sacroiliac joint fixed with reconstruction plate. Treatment for type ⅢC sacroiliac joint dislocation: sacroiliac joint closed reduction; sacroiliac joint fixed with sacroiliac screw through percutaneous. Treatment for type Ⅳ sacroiliac joint dislocation: posterior approach; sacroiliac joint fixed with spinal pelvic fixation. RESULTS: Results of 24 to 72 months patient follow-up (mean 34.5 months): 100% survival,100% wound healing,and 100% fracture healing. Two cases were identified as type Ⅰ sacroiliac joint dislocation,including one with coexistence of nerve injury. Patients recovered completely 12 months after surgery. Eight cases were identified as type Ⅱ sacroiliac joint dislocation; none had obvious nerve injury during treatments. Twelve cases were identified as type Ⅲ sacroiliac joint dislocation,including one with coexistence of nerve injury. Patients recovered completely 12 months after surgery. Three cases were identified as type Ⅳ sacroiliac joint dislocation with coexistence of nerve injury. Two patients fully recovered 12 months after surgery. One had partial recovery of neurological function. CONCLUSION: The classification and treatment regimen for sacroiliac joint dislocation have achieved better therapeutic effect,which is worth promoting.

[Vein Nerve Conduit Supported by Vascular Stent in the Regeneration of Peripheral Nerve in Rabbits].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of autologous vein nerve conduit supported by vascular stent in repairing a 10 mm gap peroneal nerve in white New Zealand rabbits. METHODS: 30 New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into three groups: autologous nerve group (group A),conventional autologous vein nerve conduit group (group B),autologous vein nerve conduit supported by vascular stent group (group C). 10 mm common peroneal nerve was cut off. In groups A,the peroneal nerve was turned 180 ° before suturing. In group B and group C,20 mm long external jugular vein was cut and removed. After dilution of venous retraction,the venous bridge filled the gap of the nerve defect in group B. In group C,a blood vessel stent was placed for accessing the external jugular vein,and then connected to the nerve defect. Ulnar ulcer was observed after operations. Reflex score of left foot toe was recorded. The nerve regeneration and functional recovery was assessed through electrophysiological examinations,comparison of wet mass ratio between the left and right hind limb gastrocnemius,morphological observations,transmission electron microscopy 12 weeks after operations. RESULTS: Group B had the lowest scoring of toespreading reflex,whereas Group A had the highest scoring of toespreading reflex. There was a statistically significant difference in the scoring of toespreading reflex between group A and group C. In terms of the diameter of regenerated nerve fiber and the thickness of regenerated myelin sheath,no statistically significant ( P>0.05) difference was found between group A and group C,whereas the difference was significant ( P<0.05) between groups A/C and group B. The presence of peripheral nerves found in light microscopic examinations revealed normal characteristics of myelinated fibers in all groups. The myelinated axon profile was almost equal between group B and group C under electron microscopic examinations. However,more degenerated axons with disturbed contoursin were found in group B compared with group C. CONCLUSION: Autologous vein nerve conduit supported by vascular stent increases regeneration of nerves.

[Comparison of USS Combined with Sacroiliac Screw and CMAS Iliosacral Fixation in the Treatment of Unstable Sacral Fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of two lumbopelvic fixation procedures for treating unstable sacral fractures. METHODS: The clinical data of 47 patients were treated for unstable sacral fractures in the West China Hospital of Sichuan University from January 2010 to December 2014 were reviewed. Twentytwo patients (28 sides) were treated with USS combined with iliosacral screw (group A),while 25 patients (39 sides) were treated with closed multiaxial screws (CMAS) iliosacral fixation system combined with Posterior Segmental Spinal Fixation system (group B). The outcomes of the two procedures were compared using the following indicators: length of operations,amount of intraoperative blood loss,MATTA score of fracture reduction,MAJEED function score one year postoperation,postoperative complications,and GIBBONS Classification of sacral nerve injury in patients with sacral nerve symptoms. RESULTS: Group A had longer operations [(121.4±5.1) min] than group B [(110.6±4.5) min, P<0.05]. Group A had larger intraoperative blood loss [(618±45) mL] than group B [(570±40) mL, P<0.05]. Both groups had two cases of wound infection after operations that were cured by debridement and antibiotic therapy. According to the MATTA scoring criteria,group A had 92.9% excellent and good fracture reduction,compared with 97.5% in group B ( P<0.05). According to the MAJEED functional scoring criteria,group A had 86.4% excellent and good clinical functions,compared with 92.0% in group A ( P<0.05). The GIBBONS criteria indicated that neurological functions of both groups improved significantly after operations ( P<0.05),but no significant difference appeared between the two groups ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION: CMAS iliosacral fixation system is better for treating unstable sacral fractures compared with USS combined with iliosacral screws.

Combination of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor and CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 for effective harvest of endothelial progenitor cells from peripheral blood and in vitro formation of primitive endothelial networks.

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) derived from the circulation may be used to enhance neovascularization. Since the combination of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF) and CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 efficiently mobilizes hematopoietic stem cells into peripheral circulation, it may increase the pool of endogenously circulating EPC. We tested this hypothesis by administering GCSF and AMD3100 to adult rabbits and rats, isolating mononuclear cells from peripheral blood by Ficoll density gradient centrifugation, and characterizing the blood-derived EPC based on morphology, immunophenotyping, gene expression and other functional analyses. These EPC showed clonal growth similar to that of human umbilical vein endothelial cells when cultured in complete EGM-2 medium on collagen I-precoated culture plates. The EPC exhibited a typical cobblestone-like morphology and were relatively homogeneous by the third passage. The cells expressed the typical endothelial marker CD31 based on flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy, formed capillary-like structures when cultured in Matrigel, internalized DiI-acetylated low-density lipoprotein, bound Ulex europaeus agglutinin-1, and expressed CD31 and several other endothelial markers (VEGFR2, VE-cadherin, Tie-2, eNOS, vWF) at significantly higher levels than bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. These results suggest that the combination of GCSF and AMD3100 can efficiently release stem cells into peripheral circulation and generate EPC that show the desired morphological, immunophenotypic and functional characteristics. This minimally invasive approach may be useful for autologous cell transplantation for postnatal neovasculogenesis and tissue repair.

Sanders II-III calcaneal fractures fixed with locking plate in elderly patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of locking calcaneal plate in treating calcaneal fracture (Sanders II-III) in elderly patients. METHODS: From October 2012 to December 2013, 23 elderly patients suffering from calcaneal fracture (Sanders II-III) were treated and followed up. There were 15 males and 8 females with the mean age of 68.5 years (range: 65-79 years). According to Sander's classification, 16 cases (16 feet) were type II fractures and 7 cases (7 feet) were type III fractures. Anteroposterior, lateral and axial views of X-ray were taken to detect the calcaneum. CT scan was done to assess the amount of comminution and articular depression. Radiological assessment was performed using Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle. Functional outcome was assessed using the Maryland foot score. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for 13.7 months on average (10-20 months). The mean time of bone union was 3.2 months (3-4 months). The mean time of complete weight bearing was 3.2 months (3.1-4.0 months). The soft tissue necrosis was found in 1 case. The mean Bohler's angle and Gissane's angle were 25.31° and 117.5°respectively. The overall excellent to good rate was 82.6%. CONCLUSION: Open reduction and internal fixation with locking calcaneal plate can obtain good functional outcome for Sanders II-III calcaneal fractures in elderly patients.

Rotator cuff repair using a decellularized tendon slices graft: an in vivo study in a rabbit model.

PURPOSE: Although varieties of surgical repair techniques and materials have been used to repair rotator cuff defects, re-tearing frequently occurs. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of rotator cuff repairs with a decellularized tendon slices (DTSs) graft in a rabbit model. METHODS: Large defects in the infraspinatus tendons were created bilaterally in 21 rabbits. The graft group underwent reconstruction of the defects with the DTSs grafts, while the defect group did not undergo any treatment. The specimens underwent histological observation, biomechanical testing, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) detection at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. In addition, 2 rabbits that were not operated on were used for MRI detection as a normal reference. RESULTS: Histological analysis revealed that the graft promoted host cell ingrowth and tissue integration, and a tendon-like structure developed at 12 weeks. The ultimate tensile load had a significant difference between specimens at 4 and 12 weeks in the graft group, but there was no significant difference between the graft group and the defect group. In the graft group, the stiffness at 12 weeks was significantly greater than that at 4 or 8 weeks, and it was also greater than the stiffness in the defect group at 12 weeks. MRI demonstrated that the signal strength of the regenerative tissue from the graft group at 12 weeks was similar to that of normal infraspinatus tendon. CONCLUSION: The DTSs graft allowed for incorporation of host tendon and improved the biomechanical performance of the regenerative tendon. Therefore, the graft could be a promising bioscaffold to enhance the surgical repair of large rotator cuff defects and consequently improve the clinical outcome of rotator cuff tears.

Perioperative treatment of femoral neck fracture with deep venous thrombosis: A case report.

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is an important cause of disability and mortality after major orthopedic surgery. The roles of perioperative treatment and prevention of DVT in patients with femoral neck fractures who require major surgery have not yet been well explored in Chinese clinical practice. Here we report a case of calf muscular venous thrombosis in a 55-year-old woman with femoral neck fracture before surgery. Preventive and treatment measures including the administration of heparin sodium, application of venous foot pump and placement of inferior vena cava filter were taken. The condition of the patient was stable during the perioperative period and the surgery was successful. Besides, postoperative examination showed that the femur healed well and the functional recovery was satisfactory. Our results suggest that femoral neck fracture patients combined with DVT can receive surgery after accurate preoperative assessment and proper preoperative treatment.

Efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation with a miniplate and hollow screw in the treatment of Lisfranc injury.

PURPOSE: To investigate efficacy of open reduction and internal fixation with the miniplate and hollow screw in the treatment of Lisfranc injury. METHODS: Ten cases of Lisfranc injury treated by open reduction, miniplate and hollow screw in our hospital were retrospectively analyzed. There were 6 males and 4 females with age ranging from 25 to 45 years (mean 32 years). Among them, one case was classified as Type A, six Type B and three Type C. Injury mechanism included road traffic accidents (3 cases), fall from height (5 cases) and hit by heavy object (2 cases). All injuries were closed without cerebral trauma or other complicated injuries. The time interval between injury and operation was 6-10 days (average 6.6 days). Postoperatively, the foot function was assessed using Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) and American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Scales. Healing time and complications were observed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 18-24 months (average 20 months). Anatomic reduction was achieved in all patients on images. There was statistical significance between preoperative score (7.89 ± 0.34) and score at postoperative 8 weeks (0.67 ± 0.13). According to the AOFAS score, 5 cases were defined as excellent, 3 cases as good and 2 cases as fair. During follow-up, there was no wound infection or complications except for osteoarthritis in 2 cases. Healing time ranged from 3 to 6 months with an average of 3.6 months. CONCLUSION: Anatomical reduction of Lisfranc injury can be achieved by open reduction and internal fixation with the miniplate and hollow screw. Normal structure of Lisfranc joint is regained to a great extent; injured ligaments were also repaired. Therefore, this method offers excellent curative effect and can avoid postoperative complications and improve the patients' quality of life.

Infectious complications in patients with crush syndrome following the Wenchuan earthquake.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of clinical and bacteriological examinations in patients with crush syndrome who suffered infectious complications after an earthquake in Sichuan, China. METHODS: A total of 313 bacteriological samples among 147 patients with crush syndrome were collected. Infectious complications, results of microbiological examinations, potential risk factors of infection and mortality were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: In the obtained database, 112 out of the 147 (75.7%) patients had infectious complications, in which, wound infection, pulmonary infection, and sepsis were most common. The time under the rubble and the time from injury to treatment were related to the occurrence of wound infection (P equal to 0.013, odds ratio 2.25; P equal to 0.017, odds ratio 2.31). Sepsis and wound infection were more common in patients who underwent fasciotomy or amputation than in those who did not (P equal to 0.001). CONCLUSION: Quick rescue and injury treatment can decrease the infection risk in crush syndrome patients. It is better to obtain microorganic proofs before applying antibiotics, and bacteriological and drug sensitivity data should be taken into account, especially considering that most of these infections are hospital-acquired and drug resistance. Emphasizing the accuracy and efficiency of wound management in emergency situations, cautiously assessing the indications for fasciotomy to avoid open wounds from unnecessary osteofascial compartment decompression incisions may decrease the incidence of infection and ameliorate the prognosis.

Management of limb fractures in a teaching hospital: comparison between Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes.

OBJECTIVE: To comparatively analyze the medical records of patients with limb fractures as well as rescue strategy in Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes so as to provide references for post-earthquake rescue. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 944 patients sustaining limb fractures, including 891 in Wenchuan earthquake and 53 in Yushu earthquake, who were admitted to West China Hospital (WCH) of Sichuan University. RESULTS: In Wenchuan earthquake, WCH met its three peaks of limb fracture patients influx, on post-earthquake day (PED) 2, 8 and 14 respectively. Between PED 3-14, 585 patients were transferred from WCH to other hospitals outside the Sichuan Province. In Yushu earthquake, the maximum influx of limb fracture patients happened on PED 3, and no one was shifted to other hospitals. Both in Wenchuan and Yushu earthquakes, most limb fractures were caused by blunt strike and crush/burying. In Wenchuan earthquake, there were 396 (396/942, 42.0%) open limb fractures, including 28 Gustilo I, 201 Gustilo II and 167 Gustilo III injuries. But in Yushu earthquake, the incidence of open limb fracture was much lower (6/61, 9.8%). The percent of patients with acute complications in Wenchuan earthquake (167/891, 18.7%) was much higher than that in Yushu earthquake (5/53, 3.8%). In Wenchuan earthquake rescue, 1 018 surgeries were done, composed of debridement in 376, internal fixation in 283, external fixation in 119, and vacuum sealing drainage in 117, etc. While among the 64 surgeries in Yushu earthquake rescue, the internal fixation for limb fracture was mostly adopted. All patients received proper treatment and survived except one who died due to multiple organs failure in Wenchuan earthquake. CONCLUSION: Provision of suitable and sufficient medical care in a catastrophe can only be achieved by construction of sophisticated national disaster medical system, prediction of the injury types and number of injuries, and confirmation of participating hospitals?exact role. Based on the valuable rescue experiences after Wenchuan earthquake, the rescue was faster, more orderly and effective in Yushu earthquake. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go in the development of a stronger emergent response to the disasters.

[Comparative analysis of the clinical characteristics of orthopedic inpatients in Lushan and Wenchuan earthquakes].

OBJECTIVE: To systematically analyze and compare the clinical characteristics of orthopedic inpatients in Lushan and Wenchuan earthquake, so as to provide useful references for future earthquakes injury rescue. METHODS: Based on the orthopedic inpatients in Lushan and Wenchuan earthquakes, the data of the age, gender, injury causes, body injured parts and speed of transport were classified and compared. RESULTS: The duration of patients admitted to hospital lasted long and the peak appeared late in Wenchuan earthquake, which is totally opposed to Lushan earthquake. There was no significant difference in the patient's age and gender between the two earthquakes. However, the occurrence rate of crush syndrome, amputation, gas gangrene, vascular injury and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) in Wenchuan earthquake was much higher than that in Lushan earthquake. Blunt traumas or crush-related injuries (79.6%) are the major injury cause in Wenchuan earthquake, however, high falling injuries and falls (56.8%) are much higher than blunt trauma or crush-related injuries (39.2%) in Lushan earthquake. The incidence rate of foot fractures, spine fractures and multiple fractures in Lushan earthquake was higher than that in Wenchuan earthquake, but that of open fractures and lower limb fractures was lower than that in Wenchuan earthquake. CONCLUSION: The rapid rescue scene is the cornerstone of successful treatment, early rescue and transport obviously reduce the incidence of the wound infection, crush syndrome, MODS and amputation. Popularization of correct knowledge of emergency shelters will help to reduce the damage caused by blindly jumping or escaping while earthquake happens.

Effect of glenohumeral ligaments on posterior shoulder stabilization: a biomechanical study.

OBJECTIVES: To theoretically confirm that the glenohumeral ligament (GHL), specifically the inferior glenohumeral ligament (IGHL), plays an important role in posterior shoulder stability in different postures, and to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of posterior shoulder instability (PSI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, bone-ligament-bone models were established in 15 fresh adult shoulder joint specimens and selective cutting was performed for analysis. The humeral head was loaded posteriorly at a central pressure of 22N using the INSTRON8874 biomechanical testing system and the load-displacement curve was plotted. The posterior displacement of the humeral head was measured after continuous cutting of the following structures: (1) complete; (2) superior glenohumeral ligament (SGHL); (3) SGHL + middle glenohumeral ligament (MGHL); (4) SGHL + MGHL + IGHL; (5) MGHL; (6) MGHL + IGHL; (7) anterior-bundle IGHL (IGHL-AB); (8) posterior-bundle IGHL (IGHL-PB); (9) IGHL. The results obtained were analyzed using the SPSS10.0 statistical software. RESULTS: Favorable posterior stability of the complete bone-ligament-bone model was observed, with an average displacement of 11.32±3.89 mm. The displacement of SGHL and SGHL + MGHL groups was not significantly increased compared with that in the complete group (P>0.05). After cutting of SGHL + MGHL + IGHL, the posterior displacement of all angles increased (P<0.05), resulting in PSI that was manifested in dislocation or subluxation. There was no obvious increase in posterior displacement after cutting the IGHL-AB (P>0.05). Significantly increased posterior displacement was observed at 45° abduction after cutting the IGHL-PB compared with the complete group, but not at the 90° abduction. The posterior displacement increased obviously at both 45° and 90° abduction when the IGHL was completely cut off (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Repairing the IGHL plays a certain role in rebuilding the posterior stability of the shoulder joint. Detecting the function of the IGHL in the abduction and external rotation positions of the shoulder joint has certain significance for diagnosing PSI.

Bioactive ECM-Loaded SIS Generated by the Optimized Decellularization Process Exhibits Skin Wound Healing Ability in Type I Diabetic Rats.

Patients with diabetes have 15-25% chance for developing diabetic ulcers as a severe complication and formidable challenge for clinicians. Conventional treatment for diabetic ulcers is to surgically remove the necrotic skin, clean the wound, and cover it with skin flaps. However, skin flap often has a limited efficacy, and its acquisition requires a second surgery, which may bring additional risk for the patient. Skin tissue engineering has brought a new solution for diabetic ulcers. Herein, we have developed a bioactive patch through a compound culture and the optimized decellularization strategy. The patch was prepared from porcine small intestinal submucosa (SIS) and modified by an extracellular matrix (ECM) derived from urine-derived stem cells (USCs), which have low immunogenicity while retaining cytokines for angiogenesis and tissue regeneration. The protocol included the optimization of the decellularization time and the establishment of the methods. Furthermore, the in vitro mechanism of wound healing ability of the patch was investigated, and its feasibility for skin wound healing was assessed through an antishrinkage full-thickness skin defect model in type I diabetic rats. As shown, the patch displayed comparable effectiveness to the USCs-loaded SIS. Our findings suggested that this optimized decellularization protocol may provide a strategy for cell-loaded scaffolds that require the removal of cellular material while retaining sufficient bioactive components in the ECM for further applications.

Genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase T1 and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Reports investigating the association between the genetic polymorphism of glutathione S-transferase T1 (GSTT1) and the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have revealed conflicting results. To clarify the effect of GSTT1 polymorphism on the risk of developing RA, we carried out a meta-analysis using published data. METHODS: Electronic searches were conducted to select studies. Reports were included if they were observational studies investigating the link between GSTT1 genotype and the risk of RA. The principal outcome measure was the odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for the risk of RA with GSTT1 null genotype. RESULTS: We identified 7 eligible studies including 2652 cases and 4117 controls. The combined results showed that there was not a statistically significant link between GSTT1 null genotype and RA. However, we observed an increased risk in heavy smokers (cigarette consumption >10 pack-years) with GSTT1 null polymorphism compared with never or light smokers (cigarette consumption ≤10 pack-years) with GSTT1 present. Moreover, compared to GSTT1 positive polymorphism with seronegative results, there was an increased risk in GSTT1 null polymorphism with seropositive results. CONCLUSIONS: The results from this meta-analysis suggested that GSTT1 null genotype is not association with an increased susceptibility to RA. However, GSTT1 null polymorphism may increase the risk of RA in relation to heavy smokers or seropositive results. Whether GSTT1 polymorphism may act in synergy with other genes or environmental factors remains to be studied more in depth.