Use of surgical glue for Mason type III radial head fractures: A case report.

RATIONALE: A Mason type III radial head fracture, which is characterized by comminuted fragments of the radial head, is a severe injury. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is an alternative treatment method; however, the technique of using an on-table reduction in combination with surgical glue is rarely reported. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 48-year-old man was admitted to our department with complaints of elbow pain after falling down. Elbow radiography and computed tomography (CT) demonstrated characteristics of fractures before the operation. DIAGNOSIS: Radiographic images showed a Mason type III radial head fracture. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent ORIF at our hospital. During the operation, the technique of on-table reconstruction combined with surgical glue was used. OUTCOMES: The patient recovered well and was able to participate in his usual work. LESSONS: Mason type III radial head fractures could be treated with ORIF, and a satisfactory result could be anticipated, thus avoiding a radial head replacement or resection. Anatomical reduction of a comminuted radial head could be obtained via an on-table reconstruction and application of surgical glue.

Motion of the distal tibiofibular syndesmosis under different loading patterns: A biomechanical study.

PURPOSE: The distal tibiofibular syndesmosis is an important structure for ankle stability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the motion of the syndesmosis under different loading patterns and determine the characteristics of the syndesmotic motion. METHODS: Six fresh cadaveric lower extremity specimens with the knee reserved were tested in this study. The skin and muscles were removed with all ligaments around the syndesmosis and knee and ankle joint intact. An axial load of 600 N was applied to the specimens with the ankle joint in 10° dorsiflexion, neutral position, and 15° plantar flexion using a universal material testing machine. Then, with the ankle joint positioned neutrally, a combination of 600-N axial and 5-Nm torsional external rotation loading was applied to the specimens. The medial-lateral and anterior-posterior displacement and rotation of the distal fibula relative to the distal tibia were measured. RESULTS: Under the axial loading, the distal fibula tended to move medially and anteriorly and rotate internally with the ankle positioned from the neutral position to 15° plantar flexion. Meanwhile, when the ankle was positioned from the neutral position to 10° dorsiflexion, the distal fibula tended to move laterally and posteriorly and rotate externally. Under the combined loading, with respect to the isolated axial loading, the distal fibula tended to move medially and posteriorly, and rotate externally relative to the distal tibia. CONCLUSION: Micro motion existed in the syndesmosis. The relative motion of the syndesmosis was correlated to the ankle position and loading patterns.

[Application of PHILOS plate through mini-open deltoid-splitting approach for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures].

OBJECTIVE: To study clinical effects of PHILOS (proximal humeral internal locking system) plates through mini-open deltoid-splitting approach for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures. METHODS: From March 2006 to August 2010, 22 patients with proximal humeral fractures were treated with PHILOS plates through mini-open deltoid-splitting approach. According to Neer classification, 6 cases were type II, 15 cases were type III and 1 case was type IV. Through the anterolateral approach to the shoulder, anterolateral vertical incision of 4 cm length was perforrmed from 1 cm under acromion, and separated deltoideus muscle vertically to touch the fracture,reduced the end of fracture directly and indirectly. PHILOS plate was inserted downward into anterolateral surface of humerus through deltoideus muscle, the distal end and proximal end was fixed by locking screws. The Neer score for shoulder function was evaluated within 1 year after operation. RESULTS: The operative time ranged from 30 to 70 minutes with an average of 45 minutes. No blood transfusion was required during the operation, and all incisions healed in stage I. All the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 6 to 18 months with a mean time of 12.5 months. All the fractures healed up perfectly, and the union time ranged from 6 to 12 weeks. According to Neer criteria for shoulder joint function, 10 patients got an excellent result, 9 good, 2 poor and 1 bad. There were no complications such as axillary nerve injuries, screw loosening, steel plate breakage, dislocation of shoulder joint and necrosis of humeral bone. CONCLUSION: PHILOS plate through mini-open deltoid-splittin approach for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures has follow advantages: simple recover,minor-injuries and small tissue invasion, which is an ideal method to treat proximal humeral fractures.

An MRI study of psoas major and abdominal large vessels with respect to the X/DLIF approach.

Extreme/direct lateral interbody fusion (X/DLIF) has been used to treat various lumbar diseases. However, it involves risks to injure the lumbar plexus and abdominal large vessels when it gains access to the lumbar spine via lateral approach that passes through the retroperitoneal fat and psoas major muscle. This study was aimed to determine the distribution of psoas major and abdominal large vessels at lumbar intervertebral spaces in order to select an appropriate X/DLIF approach to avoid nerve and large vessels injury. Magnetic resonance imaging scanning on lumbar intervertebral spaces was performed in 48 patients (24 males, 24 females, 54.2 years on average). According to Moro's method, lumbar intervertebral space was divided into six zones A, I, II, III, IV and P. Thickness of psoas major was measured and distribution of abdominal large vessels was surveyed at each zone. The results show vena cava migrate from the right of zone A to the right of zone I at L1/2-L4/5; abdominal aorta was located mostly to the left of zone A at L1/2-L3/4 and divided into bilateral iliac arteries at L4/5; Psoas major was tenuous and dorsal at L1/2 and L2/3, large and ventral at L3/4 and L4/5. Combined with the distribution of nerve roots reported by Moro, X/DLIF approach is safe via zones II-III at L1/2 and L2/3, and via zone II at L3/4. At L4/5, it is safe via zones I-II in left and via zone II in right side, respectively.