[Comparison between open reduction internal fixation with kirschner nails and mini-plates in treatment of Mason type II and III fractures of radial head: a case-control study].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect between open reduction internal fixation with Kirschner nails and miniplates in the treatment of Mason type II and III fractures of radial head. METHODS: From May 2004 to March 2010, 50 cases of Mason type II and III fractures of radial head were treated with Kirschner nails or mini-plates. In Kirschner nail group, there were 13 males and 10 females (mean age 42.5 +/- 0.7 years), and 14 cases of Mason type II and 9 cases of Mason type III fracture. In mini-plate group, there were 17 males and 10 females (mean age 41.7 +/- 0.5 years), and 16 cases of Mason type II and 11 cases of Mason type of III fracture. The excellent and good rates according to the Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score, and the rate of ectopic ossification were compared. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up for 12-24 (mean 16.5 +/- 1.3) months. The Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score of mini-plate group was (90.5 +/- 11.6), and that of Kirschner nail group was (70.6 +/- 11.3). The result of mini-plate group was excellent in 15 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case; The result of Kirschner nail group was excellent in 8 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 3 cases. The effect of mini-plate group was better than that of Kirschner nail group. There was no statistic difference in the rate of ectopic ossification between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fractures of radial head can be well treated with open reduction and internal fixation by mini-plates, which offer better results than Kirschner nails.

[Early diagnosis and therapy of osteofascial compartment syndrome of the foot].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of decompresion through double-incision of foot dorsum on the treatment of osteofascial compartment syndrome of the foot under the monitoring of saturation of blood oxygen. METHODS: From January 2000 to June 2007, 26 cases of osteofascial compartment syndrome of the foot were decompressed through double-incision of foot dorsum under the monitoring of saturation of blood oxygen, and relaxation suture or skin grafting were operated within 3 to 10 days after decompressing. Among them, 22 patients were males and 4 were females, with an average age of 36.3 years old ranging from 22 to 68 years. According to AOFAS system, the pain, function, autonomic activities and support were evaluated. RESULTS: All patients were followed-up for from 6 to 43 months with the average of 19 months. All patients were healed. According to AOFAS system, the total scores increased from preoperative (30.4 +/- 8.02) to postoperative (92.5 +/- 5.0) (t = 3.13, P < 0.01); the results were excellent in 21 cases, good in 4 and poor in 1. CONCLUSION: The patients of fracture-dislocated, swelling and injured in the soft tissue because of severe violence should observed closely on osteofascial compartment syndrome of the foot early. Feet are operated and thoroughly decompressed as soon as it is diagnosed as the compartment syndrome. Osteofascial compartment syndrome of the foot decompressed by foot dorsum double-incision is convenient and satisfied, and the operation is performed by internal fixation if it is displacedly fractured at the same time.