All-cause mortality risk in older patients with femoral neck fracture.

INTRODUCTION: The mortality rate after hip fracture is high. However, the 1-year mortality rate after femoral intertrochanteric fracture and femoral neck fracture differs (Gibson-Smith D, Klop C, Elders PJ, Welsing PM, van Schoor N, Leufkens HG, et al., Osteoporos Int 25:2555-2563, 2014), although both are types of hip fracture. A previous real-world single-center prospective cohort study showed that older age and high Charlson comorbidity index score were risk factors for femoral intertrochanteric fracture. Additionally, therapy with zoledronic acid 5 mg (Aclasta) was a protective factor (Li XP, Zhang P, Zhu SW, Yang MH, Wu XB, Jiang XY, J Orthop Surg Res. 16:727, 2021). We wished to determine the risk factors for all-cause mortality in femoral neck fracture patients. AIM: To identify the risk factors for postoperative all-cause mortality in aged patients with femoral neck fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 307 aged patients with femoral neck fracture; 38 were lost to follow-up after 2-3 years. The patients' general characteristics, bone mineral density, and anti-osteoporosis treatment after operation were recorded as potential risk factors. Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to analyze the influence of each factor on all-cause mortality. RESULTS: This was a real-world single-center prospective cohort study showing that (1) most of the patients who died were male, older (mean age of the patients who died: 84.8 years vs. 77.9 years for survivors), and had more comorbidities compared with surviving patients. Previous fracture history, body mass index, femoral neck T score, hemoglobin and 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels did not differ significantly between patients who died vs. survived. (2) Differing from patients with intertrochanteric fractures, older patients with femoral neck fracture experienced no reduction in all-cause mortality with treatment with zoledronic acid. CONCLUSION: In Chinese patients with femoral neck fracture, physicians should pay careful attention to male patients, older patients, and those with high numbers of comorbidities.

Changes of bone turnover markers after elderly hip fracture surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Bone turnover markers (BTMs) can be used to monitor bone metabolism, while the actual clinical changing in hip fracture had not been certified to evaluate the changes of BTMs during the healing process after surgery of elderly hip fractures; and to get the effects of operation type, gender, serum 25(OH)D level, and age on bone turnover markers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 elderly cases with hip fracture were selected, including 74 females and 26 males, and the patients were followed to 180-230 days after surgery. Serum levels of N-propeptide of type 1 collagen (P1NP), C-terminal crosslinking telopeptides of type 1 collagen (CTX), Osteocalcin (OC), and 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) were investigated. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). RESULTS: (1) P1NP and CTX showed peak time at 30-60 days after operation, while OC keep going even at 180-230 days; P1NP showed less than 4 times elevation during healing, CTX and OC only had less than 2 times rise. (2) Female had higher serum CTX and OC than male, intramedullary nailing for intertrochanteric fracture patients had higher P1NP than hip replacement for femoral neck fracture patients, and both the degrees of increase were less than 50%. (3) Serum average 25(OH)D level had no effect on BTMs during the fracture healing; different from the young old (65-84 years), serum OC level of eldest older patients(≥ 85 years) decreased early in the process of fracture healing. CONCLUSIONS: BTMs reached the peak level in 30-60 days after surgery, P1NP showed less than 4 times elevation, and CTX and OC had less than 2 times rise. It was not necessary to take gender into account when observing P1NP, and it was not necessary to take fracture and operation type into account when observing CTX and OC.

Epithelial Monolayers Coalesce on a Viscoelastic Substrate through Redistribution of Vinculin.

The mechanical properties of the microenvironment play a large role in influencing cellular behavior. In particular, the tradeoff between substrate viscosity and elasticity on collective cell migration by adherent cells is highly physiologically relevant, but remains poorly understood. To investigate the specific effects of viscous substrates, we plated epithelial monolayers onto polydimethylsiloxane substrata with a range of viscosities and elasticities. We found that on viscoelastic substrates the monolayers underwent rapid and coordinated movement to generate cell-free areas. To understand the molecular mechanism of this coordinated movement, we imaged various structural and signaling proteins at cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions. Through quantitative image analysis of monolayer disruption and subcellular protein redistribution, we show that the mechanosensor protein, vinculin, is necessary and sufficient for this viscous response, during which it is lost from focal adhesions and recruited by the cadherin complex to intercellular junctions. In addition, the viscous response is dependent upon and enhanced by actomyosin contractility. Our results implicate vinculin translocation in a molecular switching mechanism that senses substrate viscoelasticity and associates with actomyosin contractility.

[Preliminary analysis of management for hospitalized elders with hip fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze various clinical parameters of elderly hip fractures so as to improve the management of elder hip fractures in China. METHODS: The data of elder patients with hip fracture (primary diagnosis was fracture of femoral neck or intertrochanter) admitted into our department between 2002 to 2010 were collected. And the relevant clinical parameters included case number, age, ratio of concurrent chronic disease and duration and cost of hospitalization. The software of SAS was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 1626 patients (M/F = 547/1079) ≥ 65 yr old with femoral neck fracture were admitted. Average age was 74.7 ± 6.4 yr (65 - 99) and annual average increasing rate 0.5% (-0.1% - 1.8%). The ratio of concurrent chronic disease was 53.3%. Average duration of hospitalization was 18.3 ± 10.9 days (1 - 114) and annual average increasing rate was -6.3% (-19.2% - 8.4%). Average cost of hospitalization was 38 758.04 ± 24 558.15 yuan (76.8 - 339 987.49) and annual average increasing rate 6.4% (-8.7% - 40.0%). A total of 892 patients (M/F = 362/530) ≥ 65 yr with femoral intertrochanteric fracture were admitted. Average age was 76.7 ± 6.8 yr (65 - 105) and annual average increasing rate 1.3% (-1.8% - 4.3%). The ratio of concurrent chronic disease was 55.8%. Average duration of hospitalization was 15.7 ± 8.7 days (1 - 78) and annual average increasing rate -4.5% (-22.1% - 8.0%). Average cost of hospitalization was 35 183.45 ± 21 427.47 yuan (75.3 - 148 150.41) and annual average increasing rate 18.3% (-3.7% - 79.9%). CONCLUSION: The number, age and therapeutic cost of elder patients with hip fracture are increasing continuously. Elderly hip fracture is becoming a serious problem of public health.

Effect of Orthogeriatric Co-Management on Geriatric Hip Fractures in China.

OBJECTIVES: Although geriatric hip fracture is a serious public health problem in China, the result of orthogeriatric co-management (OGC) is rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of OGC in Chinese patients aged ≥65 years. METHODS: In this single-centre, pre-post intervention, retrospective study, traditional orthopaedic care (TOC) was used until OGC was implemented in May 2015, a multidisciplinary team was organized, and clinical protocol was designed. Consecutive hip fracture patients who were ≥65 years and injured within 3 weeks were included in this study. Demographic characteristics, comorbidities, fracture patterns, surgical procedure, time to surgery, length of hospital stay, inpatient complications, and in-hospital mortality were extracted and examined. At 1-year after surgery, data on patients' mobility and mortality were collected. The time to surgery, incidence of inpatient complications, mortality and functional outcomes were compared between the groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in sex, fracture type, and surgical pattern between OGC (n = 434) and TOC (n = 452) groups. Patients in OGC group were significantly older (P < 0.001) and had a higher age-adjusted Charlson comorbidity index (P < 0.001). However, waiting time between admission and operation was significantly lower in OGC group (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the mortality rate at the time of the patient being in-hospital and at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery. Although 1-year mortality was higher in OGC group (P = 0.036), Cox regression analysis showed no significant correlation of OGC with 1-year mortality. There was no significant difference in pre-injury mobility and 1-year follow-up mobility assessed by Parker score. Only approximately half of the patients in both groups completely returned to their pre-injury mobility level. CONCLUSION: OGC significantly shortens time to surgery for geriatric hip fractures compared with TOC. However, there is no significant effect on mortality rate within 1 year and functional status at 1 year of follow-up.

[Operative treatment of associated acetabular fractures via a single Kocher-Langenbeck approach].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the operative outcome of associated acetabular fractures through single Kocher-Langenbeck (K-L) approach and investigate the relationship between the quality of fracture reduction and long-term joint function. METHODS: A total of 116 associated acetabular fractures were treated through single K-L approach at our department from October 1993 to December 2004. All cases were evaluated retrospectively. And 80 cases (81 hips) were followed up, including 5 hips of T-shaped fractures, 53 hips of associated transverse and posterior wall fractures, 18 hips of associated posterior column and posterior wall fractures, 4 hips of both column fractures and 1 hip of the associated anterior and posterior hemitransverse fractures. The quality of fracture reduction was evaluated. And the functional results and complications were tracked. RESULTS: The average duration of follow-up was 51.7 months. Anatomical reduction was achieved in 39, satisfactory in 31 and unsatisfactory reduction in 11 hips. The clinical outcome was excellent and good in 62 (76.5%) hips. All fractures were healed without infection. And 24 hips showed post-operative heterotopic ossification. The incidence of post-traumatic osteoarthritis was 22.5% (18 hips). There were 5 hips with the palsies of sciatic nerve. And the avascular necrosis of femoral head was found in 6 hips. CONCLUSION: Associated posterior column and posterior wall fractures, most transverse and posterior wall fractures, certain T shape fractures and both column fractures may be treated through a single K-L approach. Excellent reductions and satisfactory functional outcome can be achieved. The satisfactory joint function is based on a perfect fracture reduction.

All-cause mortality risk in aged femoral intertrochanteric fracture patients.

INTRODUCTION: The 1-year mortality rate after femoral intertrochanteric fracture is higher than that of femoral neck fracture, which also belongs to hip fracture (Cui et al. in Arch Osteoporos 14(1):55, 2019). With the application of the concept of co-management model of orthopedics and geriatrics, the short-term and long-term mortality of all types of hip fractures has decreased (Van Heghe et al. in Calcif Tissue Int, 2021, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00223-021-00913-5 ). However, the mortality of Chinese femoral intertrochanteric fracture patients under this model has not been reported in the literatures. AIM: This paper aims to study the risk factors of postoperative all-cause mortality in aged patients with femoral intertrochanteric fracture under the co-management model of orthopedics and geriatrics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a single-center prospective cohort study based on the real world, under the co-management of orthopedics and geriatrics, 363 patients aged ≥ 65 years with femoral intertrochanteric fracture were enrolled and followed up for 2-3 years; 52 patients were lost to follow up. Age, gender, body mass index (BMI), history of comorbidities, hip Bone Mineral Density (BMD), fracture history, 25(OH)D level, hemoglobin level, anti-osteoporosis treatment were risk factors to be tested. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were constructed to analyze the impact of factors on all-cause mortality. RESULTS: (1) Most of the dead patients were older (the mean age was 83.4 years, compared with 79.8 years for surviving patients), with more complications and without anti-osteoporosis medication; gender, pre-fracture history, BMI, total hip BMD, hemoglobin, 25(OH)D had no difference between the dead and the living patients. (2) Elderly patients with Intertrochanteric fracture can benefit from the early treatment of Zoledronic Acid (within 3 days after the operation). CONCLUSION: Under the co-management of orthopedics and geriatrics, to Chinese patients with Femoral Intertrochanteric fracture, Doctors should pay more attention to their age and chronic disease, and give anti-osteoporosis treatment if allowed.

Safety of early surgery for geriatric hip fracture patients taking clopidogrel: a retrospective case-control study of 120 patients in China.

BACKGROUND: Geriatric hip fracture patients receiving clopidogrel are a surgical challenge. In China, most of these patients undergo delayed surgical treatment after clopidogrel withdrawal for at least 5 to 7 days. However, delayed surgery is associated with increased complications and mortality in the older adults. This retrospective paralleled comparison study investigated the safety of early surgery for geriatric hip fracture patients within 5 days of clopidogrel withdrawal. METHODS: Acute hip fracture patients (≥65 years) who were hospitalized in the orthogeriatric co-management ward of Beijing Jishuitan Hospital between November 2016 and April 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixty patients taking clopidogrel before injury and discontinued <5 days before surgery constituted the clopidogrel group. The control group constituted 60 patients not taking antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs and matched 1:1 with the clopidogrel group for sex, fracture type, operative procedure, and time from injury to operation (±10 h). The primary outcome was perioperative blood loss and the secondary outcomes were transfusion requirement, complications, and mortality. The Student's t test or Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was used for continuous variables and the Chi-square test was used for categorical variables. RESULTS: Age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, and percentage undergoing general anesthesia were comparable between the groups (P > 0.050). The percentages of patients with coronary heart disease (61.7% vs. 18.3%; P < 0.001) and cerebrovascular disease (45.0% vs. 15.0%; P < 0.010) were significantly higher in the clopidogrel vs. control groups, respectively. The median clopidogrel discontinuation time before operation was 73.0 (range: 3.0-120.0) h. There was no significant difference in the estimated perioperative blood loss between the clopidogrel group (median: 745 mL) and control group (median: 772 mL) (P = 0.866). The intra-operative transfusion rate was higher in the clopidogrel group (22/60, 36.7%) than that in the control group (12/60, 20.0%) (P < 0.050). However, there was no significant difference in the blood transfusion rate during the entire perioperative period (26/60, 43.3% vs. 20/60, 33.3%; clopidogrel group vs. control group, respectively; P > 0.050). There was no significant difference in perioperative complications, and 30-day and 1-year mortality rates between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Early hip fracture surgery is safe for elderly patients within 5 days of clopidogrel withdrawal, without increased perioperative blood loss, transfusion requirement, complications, and mortality compared with patients not taking antiplatelet drugs.

[Trans-sacroiliac joint with plate via the anterior approach in management of posterior pelvic injuries].

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinical experience in trans-sacroiliac joint with plate via the anterior approach in management of posterior pelvic injuries. METHODS: The clinical data of 29 cases (30 sides) with pelvic injury, 16 being of type B, and 13 of type C according to the Tile classification; with the average displacement of the posterior ring injuries of 18 mm; undergoing trans-sacroiliac joint with plate via the anterior approach from January 2002 to June 2007 were analyzed retrospectively, among which 20 sides were fixed by two plates across the sacroiliac joint and 10 sides by single plate. The anterior pelvic injuries of 22 cases were fixed by plates too. Twenty-one cases were followed up for 35 months on average. RESULTS: The average operation time was 3 hours, and the average blood transfusion was 1200 ml. Reduction was excellent in 23 sides (77%), good in 6 sides (20%), and fair in 1 side (3%). Operative injury of lumbosacral trunk occurred in 3 sides (10%) and operative injury of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve occurred in 7 sides (23%). Intra-operative major hemorrhage occurred in 2 cases. The average outcome score according to the Majeed grading system was 93, and the function results all were excellent or good. CONCLUSION: Plating the sacroiliac joint through the anterior approach is an effective method for the management of sacroiliac dislocation or trans-iliac fracture dislocation, while the blood loss of the operation is obvious, and the risk of iatrogenic nerve injury is high.

[Surgical resection of heterotopic ossification after open reduction internal fixation of acetabular fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect of surgical resection of the severe heterotopic ossification (HO) after the open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of acetabular fractures. METHODS: Five cases of severe HO after the ORIF of acetabular fractures were treated by surgical resection from October 2005 to April 2007. All patients were male, the average age was 34 years (22 to 45 years). The average time of HO after ORIF of acetabular fractures was 14.2 months (3 to 30 months). The original surgical approaches were: Kocher-Langenbeck approach as 4, ilioinguinal combined K-L approach as 1. According to the Brooker classification, there were 4 patients with IV degree and 1 with III degree. The average total movement for all the 5 patients was 8 degrees. All patients received one time radiation therapy before or after operation, the dosage was 7-8 Gy. The surgical approach was Kocher-Langenbeck for all patients. During operation the nerve stimulator was used to explore the sciatic nerve and carefully protected it, resected all HO bone and removed all implants. For one patient, because of confusion between femoral head and acetabulum, total hip replacement were performed. The joint exercise (passively and actively) began from the second day after operation, and at the same time, all patients took the indomethacin to prevent the occurrence of HO. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 4 to 22 months. There was no recurrence of HO, the average total movement for all the 5 patients was 160 degrees. CONCLUSION: Early surgical resection and combined with radiation and indomethacin for the severe HO after the ORIF of acetabular fractures can obtain excellent results.

[Marginal impaction in acetabular fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the diagnosis and treatment of marginal impaction of acetabular fractures. METHOD: Eighteen of 26 patients with marginal impaction of acetabular fractures were retrospectively reviewed. Marginal impactions was confirmed in 15 patients by CT scan before operation, and in 3 during operation. All patients were treated by ORIF, and the impacted bones were elevated with bone grafts (Bone graft was not used in one patient). All fractures were fixed with a reconstruction plate. RESULTS: The mean follow up was 36.7 months (5 - 71 months). The modified D'Aubingne and Postel score system showed excellent results in 6 patients, good 7, fair 2, and poor 3. CONCLUSION: Posterior fractures and dislocations of acetabular fractures are easily combined with marginal impaction, and can diagnosed by CT scan. Cortical impaction should be recognized as a special type. The impacted bone should be elevated for bone grafting.

[The application of computed tomography examination in acetabular fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical significance of computed tomography (CT) in diagnosis and treatment of acetabular fractures. METHODS: The plain and CT films of the 66 cases of acetabular fracture from January 2001 to June 2002 were analyzed retrospectively, and the radiological characteristics and results were compared to each other. RESULTS: The diagnosis of 6 cases were changed after CT examination, and the occurrence ratio of marginal impaction, free body in joint, femoral head fracture, sacro-iliac injury and ischial tubersoity fracture involvement were 3:17, 7:29, 6:15, 0:5 and 1:5 in plain and CT examination respectively. CONCLUSIONS: CT examination has the determinative role in detecting weight-bearing zone, marginal impaction, free body, femoral head fracture, sacro-iliac injury, etc., and for completing the diagnosis and guiding the treatment. It should be the routine examination just as the three standard plain examinations in acetabular fractures, and should be carefully read.

[Operative treatment of delayed acetabular fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the operative methods of delayed acetabular fractures and the operative results. METHODS: The operative approaches, procedures, results and complications of the delayed acetabular fractures between August 1993 and August 2001 in Jishuitan Hospital were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients were followed up 49.6 months on average. Sciatic nerve palsy was found in 1 patient. Excellent functional results of hip joints were found in 3 patients, good in 16, fair in 10, and poor in 3. Ectopic bone formation was observed in 6 patients and necrosis of the femoral head in 3. CONCLUSION: Careful selection of operative indications of delayed acetabular fractures in combination with proper operative approach and appropriate reduction and fixation, good results can be obtained.

[Complications of operative treatment of acetabular fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To improve the effect of operative management of acetabular fractures. METHODS: One hundred and seventy eight acetabular fractures were treated operatively from August 1993 to December 2000. Their functional results and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and twelve hips were followed up for an average of 45.7 months. Heterotopic ossification was noted in 26 hips, post-operative osteoarthritis in 22 hips, avascular necrosis of the femoral head in 8 hips, and sciatic nerve injury in 7 hips after operations. No death and infection were found in this series. CONCLUSIONS: Ectopic bone formation develops at extended ilio-femoral and Kocher-Langeneck approaches. Cartilaginous injury of the femoral head is contributable to post-operative osteoarthritis, and imperfect reduction is an important factor in the genesis of osteoarthritis.

Surgical resection of severe heterotopic ossification after open reduction and internal fixation of acetabular fractures: a case series of 18 patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of surgical resection of severe heterotopic ossification (HO) after the open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of acetabular fractures. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed between October 2005 and November 2010 on patients undergoing severe HO resection following an acetabular fracture ORIF. Our primary outcome was functional status evaluated by the Harris hip score (HSS). HO resection and hip release was performed using a Kocher-Langenbeck approach in all cases, and a combined radiation and indomethacin regimen was used to prevent HO recurrence. Plain radiographs were also used to evaluate the hip joint for arthritic changes and HO recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 18 patients (17 males and 1 female) were included in our study analysis. The mean patient age was 36.8 (range: 22-54 years old) when HO resection surgery was performed. The mean time interval between acetabular fracture ORIF and HO resection was 9.9 months (range: 3-30 months): it was within 6 months in 7 patients, 6-12 months in 8 patients, and >12 months in 3 patients. The HO was graded as Brooker grade III in 8 patients and grade IV in 10 patients. The mean time interval between HO resection and the latest follow-up was 4.5 years (range: 2.1-7.8 years). The mean Harris hip score (HHS) was 84.5 (range: 38-100), with a clinical outcome rating of excellent in 9 patients, good in 3 patients, fair in 4 patients, and poor in 2 patients (good and excellent rating accounted for 66.7%). The mean hip joint motion arc was 194° (range: 90-260°). Complications included one intraoperative femoral neck fracture, 1 sciatic nerve injury, 2 femoral head avascular necrosis, and 6 mild HO recurrences (33.3%). There was 28.6% recurrence if HO resection was within 6 months and 36.4% if >6 months. There were no cases of severe HO recurrence, wound infections, deep vein thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSION: The early surgical resection of severe HO after an acetabular fracture ORIF can provide satisfactory results, however the complication rate is relatively high.

Long-term outcome of operative management of delayed acetabular fractures.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of acetabular fracture has long been a challenging area in the field of orthopedic trauma. The aim of this research was to investigate the operative methods for delayed acetabular fractures and to assess the operation results. METHODS: The operative approaches, procedures, results, and complications of the delayed acetabular fractures between 1995 and 2005 were retrospectively evaluated at Beijing Jishuitan Hospital. Quality of life was assessed for each patient with the Merle d'Aubingne and Postel fracture function rating scale and the radiological result was assessed using the Matta radiological score. RESULTS: Sixty-eight cases (70 hips) were followed up with a minimal duration of five years (average of 5.8 years). Excellent functional results were observed in 10 hip joints, good results in 40, fair results in 11, and poor results in nine. The risks of poor prognosis include impact fracture or osteochondral fracture of femoral head, a time beyond 42 days from injury to operative management, and dislocation of femoral head during the injury. Some of the problems, which were observed included postoperative infection in two hips, iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury in eight hips, traumatic arthritis in 15 hips, heterotopic ossification in 17 hips, and necrosis of the femoral head in six hips. CONCLUSION: A careful selection of operative indications for delayed acetabular fractures in combination with a proper operative approach and appropriate reduction and fixation could guarantee relatively good results.

[Efficacy observation of Thoroughfare Vessel theory in acupuncture for post-stroke dysphasia].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in the efficacy on post-stoke dysphagia between the point selection according to Thoroughfare Vessel theory and conventional point selection in treatment. METHODS: Seventy-eight patients were randomly divided into an observation group (n = 42) and a control group (n = 36). In observation group, acupuncture was applied to the acupoints selected according to Thoroughfare Vessel theory such as Dazhu (BL 11), Shangjuxu (ST 37), Xiajuxu (ST 39), Neiguan (PC 6) and Gongsun (SP 4) Mainly. In control group, acupuncture was applied to the conventional acupoints such as Fengchi (GB 20), Lianquan (CV 23), Tiantu (CV 22), Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36), etc. Acupuncture was given once per day in either group, 12 treatments made one session and 4 sessions of treatment were required. The water swallow test was adopted to assess the swallowing function in two groups. RESULTS: The effective rate was 100.0% (42/42) in observation group and was 77.8% (28/36) in control group. The efficacy in observation group was superior to control group (P < 0.05). The curative time was (28.65 +/- 10.42) days in observation group and was (38.74 +/- 21.30) days in control group. The time was shorter apparently in observation group as compared with control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Thoroughfare Vessel theory in acupuncture treatment for post-stroke dysphasia achieves a superior efficacy as compared with the conventional acupoint selection, and this theory may quickly determine the point prescription in treatment.