Surgical exposures of the distal humeral fractures: An anatomical study of the anterior, posterior, medial and lateral approaches.

PURPOSE: Exposure of the articular surface is the key to the successful treatment of intra-articular fractures of distal humerus. Anterior, posterior olecranon osteotomy as well as medial and lateral approaches are the four main approaches to the elbow. The aim of this study was to compare the exposure of distal articular surfaces of these surgical approaches. METHODS: Twelve cadavers were used in this study. Each approach was performed on six elbows according to previously published procedures. After completion of each approach, the exposed articular surfaces were marked by inserting 0.5 mm K-wires along the margins. The elbow was then disarticulated and the exposed articular surfaces were painted. The distal humeral articular surfaces were then closely wrapped using a piece of fibre-glass screen net with meshes. The exposed articular surfaces and the total articular surfaces were calculated by counting the number of meshes, respectively. RESULTS: The average percentages of the exposed articular surfaces for the anterior, posterior olecranon osteotomy, medial and lateral approaches were 45.7% ± 2.0%, 53.9% ± 7.1%, 20.6% ± 4.9% and 28.5% ± 6.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The anterior and posterior approaches provide greater exposures of distal humeral articular surface than the medial and lateral ones in the treatment of distal humeral fractures.

[Assisting plate with reamed intramedullary nailing for segmental fractures of proximal-middle tibia].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining reduction plating with reamed intramedullary nailing for segmental fractures of proximal-middle tibia. METHODS: From June 2007 to October 2011, 31 patients with segmental fractures of proximal-middle tibia were admitted. There were 18 males and 13 females, with an average age of 45.2 years (range: 23-77 years), of whom, 9 were Gustilo I type open fractures and 22 were close fractures. All the patients were treated with assisting plate combined with reamed intramedullary nailing. The operation was performed averagely 35 h (range: 16-72 h) after injury. During the post-operation follow-up radiographic evaluation, the range of knee joint, and Johner-Wruhs scores were measured. RESULTS: All the patients were followed-up for 18.5 months (range: 17-24 months). No wound infection or osteofascial compartment syndrome happened. All the fractures healed after 5.1 months (range: 4-6 months). The proximal and distal fracture sites healed simultaneously. No malunion was found. In the last follow-up, the mean range of knee joint was 9°-0°-127°, and according to Johner-Wruhs scores, 19 were excellent, 10 good, and 2 fair. CONCLUSION: Assisting plate with reamed intramedullary nailing is a safe and effective alternative choice for segmental fractures of proximal-middle tibia, which can ease the difficulty of the procedure, improve the quantity of reduction and enhance the stability of the hardware.

Orientated-quantitative computed tomography study on individualized axial safety target area of femoral neck screw channel and establishment of a stable spatial coordinate system based on anterior cortex of femoral neck basilar.

BACKGROUND: Frequent in-out-in femoral neck screws were reported potential huge iatrogenic-injury risks, related to axial safe target area (ASTA) of femoral neck screws channel. However, orientated-quantitative ASTA based on stable coordinate system was unreported before. METHODS: Three-dimensional reconstruction was performed on computed tomography (CT) images of 139 intact normal hips, and the intersection area, defined as ASTA, was obtained by superimposing the axial CT images of each femoral neck. Taking anterior cortex of femoral neck basilar (AC-FNB) as landmark, a coordinate system was established to measure the anterior-posterior diameter (D-AP), the superior-inferior diameter (D-SI) and the oblique angle respectively. Each intersection was overlaid up to the axial CT images to determine the coronal location of the ASTA boundaries. RESULTS: Each ASTA presented an inclined rounded triangle with a flat anterior base coincided with AC-FNB. There were significant sex differences in D-SI (male: 33.6±2.3 vs. female: 29.4±1.9 mm) and D-AP (male: 25.3±2.1 vs. 21.9±1.9 mm), P <0.001. D-SI was found to be positively correlated with D-AP ( R2 =0.6). All fluoroscopic visible border isthmus completely matched the corresponding ASTA boundaries. The oblique angle was 5-53° (male: 28.1±10.3°, female: 27.1±8.2°) without significant difference between sexes. CONCLUSION: The intersection method was employed to conveniently acquire orientated-quantitative individualized ASTA. Under this coordinate system, x-ray data of screws could be converted to axial coordinates in CT ASTA, which could help surgeons design combined screws configuration preoperatively and evaluate quantitatively their axial position intraoperatively.

Post-Marketing Surveillance of Qishe Pill () Use for Management of Neck Pain in a Chinese Patient Cohort to Determine its Safety, Tolerability and Effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of Qishe Pill () on neck pain in real-world clinical practice. METHODS: A multi-center, prospective, observational surveillance in 8 hospitals across Shanghai was conducted. During patients receiving 4-week Qishe Pill medication, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI) assessments have been used to assess their pain and function, while safety monitoring have been observed after 2 and 4 weeks. RESULTS: Results from 2,023 patients (mean age 54.5 years) suggest that the drug exposure per unit of body mass was estimated at 3.41 ± 0.62 g/kg. About 8.5% (172/2,023) of all participants experienced adverse events (AEs), while 3.8% (78/2,023) of all participants experienced adverse reaction. The most common AEs were gastrointestinal events and respiratory events. The VAS score (pain) and NDI score (function) significantly decreased after 4-week treatment. An effect-quantitative analysis was also conducted to show that the normal clinical dosage may be consider as 3-4 g/kg, at which dosage the satisfactory pain-relief effect may achieve by 40-mm reduction in VAS. CONCLUSION: These findings showed that patients with cervical radiculopathy who received Qishe Pill experienced significant improvement on pain and function. (Registration No. NCT01875562).

Anatomic Restoration of Triple Disruption of the Superior Shoulder Suspensory Complex: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Multiple disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory complex (SSSC) involving more than two components are extremely rare. In some extreme situations, three components of the SSSC structure can be involved. The ideal treatment for this type of injury is debatable. CASE PRESENTATION: A 21-year-old woman was referred to our emergency center following a traffic accident. A three-dimensional CT scan showed triple disruption of the SSSC involving concomitant ipsilateral fractures of the coracoid, the acromion, and the distal clavicle. The connection between the upper limber and the axial skeleton was destroyed. There was no evidence of associated injury and the neurovascular examination of the injured upper limb was normal. The patient underwent an open reduction and internal fixation to restore the anatomic integrity of the SSSC. The arm was supported in a broad arm sling for 2 weeks after surgery. Gentle passive range of motion activity under analgesic was encouraged from the second day postoperatively. One year and half after the operation, the patient had regained pain free and unrestricted shoulder stability and mobility. CONCLUSION: The manifestations of multiple disruptions of the SSSC may be variable. This case illustrated the challenges of treating the multiple disruption of the SSSC structure. It also showed that surgical intervention for this rare combination injury yields an excellent functional result. The good outcome achieved in this patient demonstrates that surgical intervention might be an optional resolution for multiple disruptions of the SSSC.

Management of Dislocation of the Shoulder Joint with Ipsilateral Humeral Shaft Fracture: Initial Experience.

OBJECTIVE: To gain a better understanding of the traumatic mechanism and to develop appropriate treatment for dislocation of the shoulder joint with an ipsilateral humeral shaft fracture. METHODS: This was an observational and descriptive study. Nine patients with traumatic shoulder dislocations associated with ipsilateral humeral shaft fractures who visited the emergency room and received treatment from January 2012 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. CT with three-dimensional reconstruction was performed to provide precise anatomical information of the fractures. The traumatic event and the type of fracture of the humeral shaft were analyzed to help determine the trauma mechanism. Closed reduction of the dislocation was attempted at once under intravenous anesthesia. One patient died the following day due to unrelated causes. All humeral shaft fractures of the eight patients received internal fixation, and then reduction of the dislocation was performed again if previous attempts failed. The affected limb was immobilized in a sling for 3 weeks postoperatively, and then active and passive movement was encouraged. Patients were evaluated based on clinical and radiographic examinations, shoulder joint range of motion, Constant-Murley score, and subjective shoulder value. RESULTS: Four cases in the present study could not give a clear description of the traumatic procedure. The other five patients suffered a second strike on their upper arms when they were hurt, with low mobility and high pain in the shoulder region. Seven cases were simple fractures and two were wedge fractures. According to the AO/OTA classification system, four cases were type 12-A2, three were type 12-A3, and two were type 12-B2. Six patients successfully obtained closed manipulative reduction of the shoulder dislocation in the acute stage. The follow-up time ranged from 18 to 31 months. No deep wound infections were encountered. All fractures healed uneventfully. The union time ranged from 4 to 6 months. At the final follow-up, shoulder range-of-motion values were found to range from 140° to 170° forward flexion, 30° to 40° extension, 40° to 45° adduction, 150° to 170° abduction, 50° to 60° internal rotation, and 50° to 60° external rotation; no recurrent instability of the shoulder joint occurred; the Constant-Murley score was 89.5 ± 3.7 points (range: 84-94 points); the subjective shoulder value was 89.4% ± 6.3% (range: 75%-95%). CONCLUSION: Shoulder dislocation most likely occurs first with an axial force or a direct posteroanterior force and a subsequent force results in the shaft fracture. For patients with mid-distal humerus fractures, closed manipulative reduction of the joint is usually effective. After success of closed reduction, surgery for the humeral shaft fracture is advocated to ensure stability and to make patient nursing convenient. In cases with fractures in the proximal third of the humeral shaft, fixation is suggested beforehand to help reduce the shoulder dislocation.

Induced endothelial cells enhance osteogenesis and vascularization of mesenchymal stem cells.

Adequate vascularization remains one of the major challenges in bone tissue engineering. Since the microvascular endothelium is of benefit to osteogenesis and vascularization when in direct contact with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs), we investigated whether endothelial cells induced from BM-MSCs have the same effect on BM-MSCs in vitro and in vivo. BM-MSCs were isolated, characterized and induced into endothelial-like cells (induced endothelial cells, IECs) in endothelial cell growth medium 2. BM-MSCs and IECs were co-cultured with direct contact. In vitro, IECs were evaluated in terms of their characteristics of endothelial cells and their effects on the osteogenic potential of BM-MSCs by cell morphology, immunofluorescent staining, alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin synthesis. In vivo, scaffolds consisting of beta-tricalcium phosphate co-seeded with IECs and BM-MSCs were transplanted into mouse dorsal pockets, and a histological analysis was performed to determine the extent of new bone and blood vessel formation. Isolated BM-MSCs were positive for the markers CD105 and CD29 and negative for hematopoietic markers CD34, CD45 and CD14. They were able to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes and chondrocytes in respective media. Immunofluorescent analysis with von Willebrand factor and CD31 staining showed that BM-MSCs could differentiate into endothelial cells. The alkaline phosphatase activity and the osteocalcin content of the co-culture group were obviously higher than those of any other group (p < 0.05). Histologically, newly formed bone and vessels were more evident in the culture group (p < 0.05). Our findings suggest that IECs could efficiently stimulate the in vitro differentiation of osteoblast-like cells and promote osteogenesis in vivo by direct contact with BM-MSCs.

Management of Low-Energy Basicervical Proximal Femoral Fractures by Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-Rotation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical and radiological outcomes of proximal femoral nail anti-rotation (PFNA-II) devices and demonstrate the effectiveness of PFNA-II for the treatment of basicervical fractures in elderly patients. METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients treated with PFNA-II for a proximal femoral fracture between January 2013 and February 2017 at three different institutions (Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Punan Hospital and Shanghai Seventh People's Hospital) was conducted. The X-ray films were strictly reviewed by three trauma surgeons and a professional radiology doctor. Patients over 60 years of age who met the following criteria were included: (i) sustained low-energy trauma; (ii) a two-part fracture; (iii) fracture line located at the base of the femoral neck and that was medial to the intertrochanteric line and exited above the lesser trochanter but was more lateral than a classic transcervical fracture. Follow-up time should be longer than 6 months. A total of 52 patients who met the inclusion criteria were selected. The average age at diagnosis was 75.1 years (range, 63-91 years); 13 patients were men and 39 were women. The same proximal femoral nail anti-rotation devices and the same surgical procedures were applied to all patients. Postoperative radiographic union time and modified Harris hip scores were used as major indicators for evaluating the effectiveness of surgery. RESULTS: The average follow-up period was 22.5 months (18.5, 23.9, and 21.2 months, respectively) and radiographic unions were observed at an average of 19.6 weeks (range, 12-28 weeks). The patients were evaluated immediately after surgery, as well as 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years postoperatively. Of the 49 patients, 38 had good reduction qualities (75.5%), 9 acceptable (18.3%), and 3 poor (6.1%). Radiographic union was confirmed in all fractures at an average of 19.6 weeks (range, 12-28 weeks). The mean Harris hip score was 84.9 (range, 65-99): excellent in 9 patients (18.36%), good in 30 (61.22%), medium in 8 (16.32%), and poor in 2 (4.08%). Slight persistent pain occurred in 3 patients, but these patients could still walk with the help of a cane. Two patients had symptoms of excessive telescoping. Eight patients experienced postoperative medical complications, mainly pneumonia and urinary tract infection. CONCLUSION: Based on the clinical and radiological outcomes, the PFNA-II devices provide strong rotational stability and excellent clinical prognosis, and are an appropriate treatment option for basicervical proximal femoral fracture in elderly patients.

The posterolateral shearing tibial plateau fracture: treatment and results via a modified posterolateral approach.

The posterolateral shearing tibial plateau fracture is relatively uncommon and few studies have concentrated on it so far. The purpose of this study was to review the results of surgical treatment of this kind of fracture using a modified posterolateral approach. The clinical results of a case series of 11 patients, collected prospectively, were presented here. At final follow-up 10 out of 11 (91%) patients had satisfactory reduction of the articular surface and all had acceptable alignment. There was neither any loss in reduction or alignment at one year postoperation, with a mean HSS score of 93 (s.d. 3.67, range 84 to 97), nor superficial or deep infections, except that one case had a sanguinous effusion for more than one week postoperatively. It was concluded that the modified posterolateral approach could help to expand the surgical options for an optimal treatment of this kind of fracture, and plating of posterolateral shearing fractures would result in restoration and maintenance of alignment.

Dynamic response and material sensitivity analysis of pelvic complex numerical model under side impact.

BACKGROUND: The surrogate design and clinical diagnostic suggest that the pelvic dynamic response should be the basis of bone fracture mechanism study under side impact. Pelvic response indicators are the impact force, compression (C), viscous criterion (VC), bone stress, and bone strain. However, no evaluation of these indicators has been conducted. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate pelvic response indicators under side impact. METHODS: A sitting pelvic finite element (FE) complex model comprising bone, artery, ligaments, and soft tissue was constructed. The dynamic response of the model under side impact with initial velocity of 3 m/s was investigated and material sensitivity analysis was complemented by changing bone elastic modulus. RESULTS: The pelvic FE model could predict response under side impact. Specifically, the indicators such as artery pressure and strain, together with the ligaments axial force and strain were provided. The sensitivity analysis showed the impact force, bone stress, and axial force were sensitive to the elastic modulus, whereas, C, VC, bone strain, and artery pressure were not. CONCLUSIONS: The sitting FE model in this study can predict pelvic dynamic response, and C, VC, bone strain and artery pressure are proposed for pelvic tolerance instead of impact force under side impact.

[Treatment of distal femur nonunion with bone defect by less invasive stabilization system and fibular strut graft].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of less invasive stabilization system distal femur (LISS-DF) combined with fibular struts graft for distal femur nonunions and bone defects. METHODS: A total of 12 patients with distal femur nonunion and bone defect were underwent revision operation with locked plating, plus a nonvascularized autologous fibular strut bone graft from June 2007 to September 2014, including 10 males and 2 females with an average age of (56.2±14.1) years old ranging from 30 to 77 years old. The mean time from the initial trauma to the last revision operation was (16.4±5.5) months (ranged from 9 to 26 months). All cases were atrophic nonunions according to Weber-Cech classification and type B1 (bone loss) according to Paley classification. All patients were followed up and evaluated with clinical and imaging results. The KSS (American Knee Society Score) scores including knee clinical score and knee functional score were compared before and after the treatment. RESULTS: All patients were followed up from 12 to 17 months with an average of (13.7±1.9) months. All nonunions healed with an average time of (6.2±1.3) months (ranged from 4 to 8 months). The average range of movement (ROM) of the knee was improved from (67.1±29.6)° preoperatively to (102.5±13.6)° at the last follow up. KSS scores including knee pain, range of motion, clinical and functional score were significantly different before and after operation. No such complications as infection, hardware loosening or breakage occurred postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: LIFF-DF fixation and autologous fibular strut bone graft facilitated the successful treatment of distal femur nonunions with bone defects.

[Comparison of the effect of total hip arthroplasty through mini invasive direct anterior approach during learning curve period and posterolateral approach for the treatment of femoral head necrosis].

OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical results of treating femoral head necrosis staged Ficat III or IV with total hip arthroplasty (THA) between mini invasive direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterolateral approach. METHODS: From January 2008 to December 2009, 48 patients with femoral head necrosis staged Ficat III or IV treated with THA were compared and analyzed. There were 21 patients in mini invasive direct anterior approach group including 11 males and 10 females with an average age of (65.2±4.3) years old;while there were 27 patients in posterolateral approach group including 16 males and 11 females with an average age of (63.6±4.0) years old. Operative time, blood loss during operation, bed rest time and complications of two groups were observed and compared. Acetabular abduction and stem shaft angle were measured 1 month after operation and compared between two groups. Postoperative Harris Hip scoring and VAS scoring were applied for evaluating hip function and pain at 1, 6 months and 5 years after operation respectively. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 48 to 73 months with an average of 60.4 months. Operative time, blood loss in DAA group was (78.30±5.08) min, (351.30±21.46) ml, respectively, in posterolateral approach group was (75.61±10.60) min, (362.20±26.15) ml, and no significant differences between two groups. Bed rest time in DAA group was (2.05±1.10) days, better than that of in posterolateral approach which was (3.30±1.35) days. No significant differences were found between two groups in acetabular abduction and stem shaft angle at 1 month after operation. There was no significant differences between two groups in HHS and VAS score at 1, 6 months and 5 years after operation. There was 1 case with injury of ascending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery, 1 case with great trochanter fracture and 1 case with superficial infection in DAA group, 1 case with dislocation in posterolateral group. No prosthesis loosening occurred in two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both DAA and posterolateral approach are effective in treating femoral head necrosis staged Ficat III or IV, and could obtain excellent outcomes. However, DAA seemed to has disadvantage in learing curve compared posteriolateral approach in complex cases.

[Biomechanics and imaging evaluation on stable structure of pelvis].

The treatment of difficulty and prognosis of pelvic fracture are directly related to the pelvic girdle stability. Diagnosis of pelvic fracture is mainly imaging manifestations based on biomechanics of pelvic anatomy. With the progress of biomechanics experiment technology, previousopinion has changed, such as separation of symphysis pubis 2.5 cm could not be seen as distinguishing feature of type I and II for anterior-posterior compression;displacement of sacroilliac joints less than 1 cm could cause loss of vertical stability;lateral extrusion could also cause vertical instability;part description of Young-Burgess classification is not suitable for experiment results;ligament plays an important role in restricting displacement and having proprioceptors;SPECT-CT could improve sensitivity of diagnosis, but could not evaluate stability of pelvic fractures precisely.

Management of femoral diaphyseal nonunion after nailing with augmentative locked plating and bone graft.

OBJECTIVES: Exchange nailing (EN) for aseptic femoral shaft nonunion is currently a standard orthopaedic treatment modality. However, according to recent studies there is occasionally a high failure rate when EN is used. In the present study, augmentative locked plating and bone graft was used as an alternative method for treating such cases. The purpose of this study was to report the treatment outcomes of selected femoral diaphyseal nonunions that had initially been treated by nailing. METHODS: Thirteen patients with femoral diaphyseal nonunions underwent revision surgery with locked plate and bone graft. The inclusion criteria were: (a) nonisthmic nonunion; (b) atrophic/oligotrophic nonunion. All patients were managed by augmentative locked plating and bone graft. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for a mean of 1.2 years (range, 1-2 years). After revision surgery all nonunions achieved bony union, the average union time being 7.5 months (range, 6-12 months). No major complications were observed in this case series. CONCLUSION: Augmentative locked plating is an effective and simple technique for treatment of femoral diaphyseal nonunion after nailing in selected cases.

[Combination of volar buttress plate with external fixator for the distal radial fractures of type C3 caused by high-energy injuries].

OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily explore the effect of combination of volar buttress plate with external fixator for the distal radial fractures of type C3 caused by high-energy injuries. METHODS: From January 2001 to June 2007, 13 patients with distal radial fracture of type C3, 9 males and 4 females aged from 26 to 47 (average 37 years), were treated with volar buttress plate combined with external fixator plus the techniques of K-wires and bone grafting as necessary, whose effects were evaluated preliminarily through comparing the volar tilt, radial inclination, radial shortening and wrist function. RESULTS: Followed up from 7 to 29 months (average 18 months), the volar tilt, radial inclination, radial shortening and wrist function of all patients recovered remarkably. Nine patients achieved excellent and 4 good according to Sarmiento score (modified by Stewart) in the radiological manifestation, while 5 patients displayed excellent, 6 good, and 2 fair according to Gartland-Werley functional assessment system. CONCLUSION: 1) Volar buttress plate could support the valor cortex in order to prevent comminuted fragment from displacing and maintain volar tilt and to provide the volar fulcrum for external fixator. 2) External fixator, with the assistance of volar fulcrum, could maintain the volar tilt and the height of distal radius and help unload the fossa. 3) Supplemental K-wires fixation and the bone graft may assist fracture stable.

Treatment of aseptic diaphyseal nonunion of the lower extremities with exchange intramedullary nailing and blocking screws without open bone graft.

OBJECTIVE: To report the preliminary results of the treatment of aseptic diaphyseal nonunion of the lower extremities with exchange nailing plus blocking screws. METHODS: Between June 2005 and September 2008, twelve patients with diaphyseal nonunion in the lower extremities (femur in five patients and tibia in seven; hypertrophic nonunion in eight patients and atrophic nonunion in four) were treated by reaming, exchanging the original intramedullary nail with a larger one, and using blocking screws, and the therapeutic effect assessed. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for 1-2 years (average, 1.5 years) to assess union. Bony union was achieved in all patients within 4.7-13.5 months (average, 7.8 months). All patients were pain free without any complications by the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic method of exchanging the nail combined with blocking screws is effective for aseptic nonunion of the lower extremity after intramedullary nailing.