Reverse traction with Kirschner wires and bilateral external fixation device combined with minimally invasive plate oseoynthesis technique for tibial plateau fractures of type Schatzker V and VI.

PURPOSE: Complex bicondylar tibial plateau fracture (TPF) has always been a tricky problem for surgeons. We created a novel external device used intraoperatively consisting of Kirschner wires, and combined with minimally invasive plate oseoynthesis (MIPO) technique to treat complex bicondylar TPFs, and the clinical effect and feasibility were further evaluated. METHODS: From March 2016 to February 2021, 49 cases (29 males and 20 females) were identified as bicondylar TPF, the mean age 47.2 (27-69). All patients adopted the device and MIPO technique. A series of score, complications, and radiographs in the follow-up period, from three months, six months, one year, and two years and the last follow-up, were recorded, from visual analogue score (VAS), hospital for special surgery (HSS), and Short-Form 36 (SF-36), containing physical (PCS) and mental (MCS), and Rasmussen score. RESULTS: Forty-seven patients showed good functional recovery. No patients were lost, mean follow-up time was 28.17 ± 2.81 (24.2-35.4) months. Operation time was 89.80 ± 13.46 (58-110) min. At the last follow-up, VAS was 1.3 ± 0.92 (0-4), HHS was 93.10 ± 2.63 (89-99), PCS was 49.20 ± 7.40 (38-65), and MCS was 50.08 ± 4.77 (43-62). Complications were as follows: cutaneous necrosis (3, 6%), asymptomatic arthritis (3, 6%), symptomatic arthritis (1, 2%), and deep venous thrombosis (1, 2%). Mean fracture healing time was 11.82 ± 1.5 (10-15.4) weeks. All patients got recovery without extra surgery and removed the implants at 12.85 ± 0.76 (11.2-15.4) months. CONCLUSION: Temporary traction device of bilateral external fixator combined with MIPO technique was simple and convenient, with a smaller soft-tissue damage, an easier operational approach, and its worth being promoted.

Modified percutaneous iliosacral screw and anterior internal fixator technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The commonly used technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures with sacroiliac screws and anterior internal fixator (INFIX) is prone to complications, such as injury to the pelvic vasculature and nerves, life-threatening bleeding, lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis, and wound infection. This study investigated the clinical effects of using a modified percutaneous iliosacral screw and INFIX technique for treating unstable pelvic fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of minimally invasive internal fixation using modified incision of an anterior-ring INFIX application combined with modified percutaneous iliosacral screw placement was performed for 22 cases of unstable pelvic fractures from January 2017 to December 2018. Based on the Tile classification, there were 4 type B1, 7 type B2, 5 type B3 and 6 type C1 injuries. Preoperatively, the length and orientation of the internal fixation were computer-simulated and measured. On postoperative day 3, pelvic radiographs and three-dimensional computed tomograms were used to assess fracture reduction and fixation. All patients were regularly followed up at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, 12 months, 24 months and annually thereafter. Fracture healing, complications, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, the quality of fracture repositioning and Majeed score were assessed during follow-up. RESULTS: All patients were followed up for a mean of 25.23 ± 1.48 months. All fractures healed without loss of reduction and no patient showed evidence of delayed union or nonunion. Two years postoperatively, the mean VAS score was 0.32 ± 0.09 and the mean Majeed score was 94.32 ± 1.86. CONCLUSION: The modified percutaneous iliosacral screw technique increases the anterior tilt of the sacroiliac screw by shifting the entry point posteriorly to increase the safety of the screw placement. Downward modification of the INFIX incision reduces the risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury. This technique is safe, effective and well tolerated by patients.

Trajectory surface-hopping photoinduced dynamics from Rydberg states of trimethylamine.

We present a computational study on nonadiabatic excited-state dynamics initiated from the 3p Rydberg states of trimethylamine (TMA). We utilise a methodology based on full-dimensional (39 D) trajectory surface-hopping (TSH) simulations, in which propagation is carried out on on-the-fly density functional theory (DFT)/time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) potentials. Both our electronic structure benchmarks to high-level ab initio methods (EOM-CCSD, CASPT2) and TSH simulations demonstrate high-accuracy of the applied CAM-B3LYP functional for the description of Rydberg excited states. Based on our excited-state simulations, we construct the following mechanistic picture: when pumped resonantly to the 3p Rydberg manifold, TMA coherently vibrates along the planarisation mode with a period of 104 fs and an exponential coherence decay time constant of 240 fs. Nonadiabatic dynamics occur on a faster (∼1 ps) and a slower (∼3 ps) timescale, along the N-C stretching mode by mixing with a dissociative σN-C* state. As a minor relaxation channel, 3p → 3s internal conversion occurs via branching at the σN-C*/3s intersection. We find that photodissociaton is hardly observable within 3 ps (1%), which is a failure of the range-separated hybrid CAM-B3LYP functional, as a consequence of its static electron correlation deficiency at long range. In contrast, pure DFT (GGA-BLYP) provides an accurate long-range description (19% dissociation yield), also supported by comparison to recent ultrafast experiments, even if the Rydberg state energies are significantly underestimated (>1 eV). Finally, we reveal the crucial role of vibrational coherence and energy transfer from the planarisation mode for N-C bond activation and resulting nonadiabatic dynamics. The present work illustrates the importance of nuclear-electronic coupling for excited-state dynamics and branching at conical intersections.

The reliability and validity of the modified Unified Classification System for periprosthetic femoral fractures after hip arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: This study assessed the reliability and validity of the modified Unified Classification System for femur fractures after hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Four hundred and two cases were evaluated by 6 observers, 3 experts and 3 trainee surgeons. Each observer read the radiographs on 2 separate occasions and classified each case as to its type. Reliability was assessed by looking at the intraobserver and interobserver agreement using the Kappa statistic. Validity was assessed within the B group by looking at the agreement between the radiographic classification and the intraoperative findings. Interobserver and intraobserver agreement and validity were analyzed, using weighted kappa statistics. RESULTS: The mean k value for interobserver agreement was found to be 0.882 (0.833-0.929) for consultants (almost perfect agreement) and 0.776 (0.706-0.836) for the trainees (substantial agreement). Intraobserver k values ranged from 0.701 to 0.972, showing substantial to almost perfect agreement. Validity analysis of 299 type B cases revealed 89.854% agreement with a mean k value of 0.849 (0.770-0.946) (almost perfect agreement). CONCLUSIONS: This study has shown that the modified Unified Classification System is reliable and valid. We believe it is useful to improve the judgment of the implant stability, and establish the therapeutic strategy for periprosthetic femoral fracture.

Surgical Outcomes of Articular Surface Crush Injury of Hawkins â ¢ Talus Neck and Medial Malleolus Fracture.

The present study was performed to evaluate the effects of the medial and anterolateral approach combined with internal fixation by double head compression screws and countersunk K-wires for Hawkins Ⅲ talus neck and medial malleolus fracture. Eleven patients with articular surface crush injury resulting in Hawkins Ⅲ talus neck fractures accompanied by medial malleolus fractures were reviewed. All patients underwent emergency operations. The fractures were fixed using double head compression screws and countersunk K-wires through combined medial and anterolateral approaches. FAOS, AOFAS ankle-hindfoot scale, and VAS questionnaire scores were recorded. In addition, ROM of the ankle and postoperative complications were assessed. All patients were followed up for a median of 52.45 ±â€…5.15 months. The multiple scales data of FAOS on the affected side were: pain score 89.14 ±â€…7.08; activities of daily living score 89.57 ±â€…8.88; quality-of-life score 89.20 ±â€…7.44; sports score 75.00 ±â€…15.49; and other symptoms score 84.74 ±â€…7.51. The mean overall AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score was 88.36 ±â€…6.39. The VAS score was 0.72 ±â€…0.65. Ankle motion included dorsiflexion (13.18°â€…±â€…9.02°) and plantar flexion (32.27°â€…±â€…12.34°). Subtalar joint motion included eversion (10.91°â€…±â€…7.01°) and inversion (11.36°â€…±â€…7.45°). All scores of the healthy side were higher than those of the affected side (p < .05). In addition to ROM of the ankle and subtalar joint and sports score, various indicators of recovery rate had scores > 80%. One patient developed skin necrosis, which healed after debridement and wound dressing. Late complications included subtalar and/or ankle traumatic arthritis in six patients, four of whom showed no obvious clinical symptoms. In conclusion, the method of emergency surgery and medial and anterolateral approach combined with countersunk K-wires to fix small bone fragments to restore the integrity of the articular surface is acceptable for Hawkins Ⅲ talus neck with medial malleolus fracture.

Analysis of trajectory similarity and configuration similarity in on-the-fly surface-hopping simulation on multi-channel nonadiabatic photoisomerization dynamics.

We propose an "automatic" approach to analyze the results of the on-the-fly trajectory surface hopping simulation on the multi-channel nonadiabatic photoisomerization dynamics by considering the trajectory similarity and the configuration similarity. We choose a representative system phytochromobilin (P Φ B) chromophore model to illustrate the analysis protocol. After a large number of trajectories are obtained, it is possible to define the similarity of different trajectories by the Fréchet distance and to employ the trajectory clustering analysis to divide all trajectories into several clusters. Each cluster in principle represents a photoinduced isomerization reaction channel. This idea provides an effective approach to understand the branching ratio of the multi-channel photoisomerization dynamics. For each cluster, the dimensionality reduction is employed to understand the configuration similarity in the trajectory propagation, which provides the understanding of the major geometry evolution features in each reaction channel. The results show that this analysis protocol not only assigns all trajectories into different photoisomerization reaction channels but also extracts the major molecular motion without the requirement of the pre-known knowledge of the active photoisomerization site. As a side product of this analysis tool, it is also easy to find the so-called "typical" or "representative" trajectory for each reaction channel.

Minimally Invasive Treatment of Inversion Shortening Calcaneal Fractures in the "Out-In" Position.

OBJECTIVE: Heel fractures need extensive surgical incisions and are challenging to successfully reposition using traditional prying. The goal of this study is to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of using a Kirschner pin-guided distractor to treat inversion shortening calcaneal fractures in the "out-in" position. METHODS: A total of 40 data from 37 patients with inversion shortened calcaneal fractures from January 2018 to March 2020 were reviewed. Preoperative lateral and axial X-rays and 3D CT were taken to assess the fracture type, and minimally invasive internal fixation was performed in the "out-in" position with distractor repositioning, and intraoperative and postoperative images were taken to assess fracture repositioning and fixation. During the follow-up period, the postoperative functional recovery status was assessed using the VAS score, AOFAS score, and FAOS score. Paired-samples t-test was used for all data comparisons. RESULTS: All cases received a mean follow-up of 28.49 ± 3.25 months, and the mean fracture healing time was 7.84 ± 0.71 weeks. The postoperative images showed well-fixed fracture repositioning, and calcaneal height, length, width, and inversion angles were significantly improved. At the final follow-up, the calcaneal height, length, and width recovered from 39.35 ± 4.44mm, 79.35 ± 2.7mm, and 45.75 ± 2.87mm preoperatively to 50.93 ± 3.18mm, 82.23 ± 1.90mm, and 39.67 ± 1.58mm postoperatively (p < 0.001; p < 0.001; p < 0.001). The calcaneus inversion angle restored from 7.73° ± 2.26° to 3.80° ± 1.80° (p < 0.001). Böhler's angle and Gissane's angle improved from 13.13° ± 3.02° and 105.15° ± 8.94° to 27.95° ± 3.41° and 122.85° ± 5.54° (p < 0.001; p < 0.001). No non-healing fractures, osteomyelitis, or traumatic arthritis were observed. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive internal fixation with distractor repositioning in the "out-in" position is effective in the treatment of inversion shortening calcaneal fractures while restoring the anatomy and protecting the soft tissue.

A Highly Selective Implantable Electrochemical Fiber Sensor for Real-Time Monitoring of Blood Homovanillic Acid.

Homovanillic acid (HVA) is a major dopamine metabolite, and blood HVA is considered as central nervous system (CNS) dopamine biomarker, which reflects the progression of dopamine-associated CNS diseases and the behavioral response to therapeutic drugs. However, facing blood various active substances interference, particularly structurally similar catecholamines and their metabolites, real-time and accurate monitoring of blood HVA remains a challenge. Herein, a highly selective implantable electrochemical fiber sensor based on a molecularly imprinted polymer is reported to accurately monitor HVA in vivo. The sensor exhibits high selectivity, with a response intensity to HVA 12.6 times greater than that of catecholamines and their metabolites, achieving 97.8% accuracy in vivo. The sensor injected into the rat caudal vein tracked the real-time changes of blood HVA, which paralleled the brain dopamine fluctuations and indicated the behavioral response to dopamine increase. This study provides a universal design strategy for improving the selectivity of implantable electrochemical sensors.

Closed Reduction and High-Strength Sutures for Transverse Patella Fractures: A Retrospective Analysis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of closed reduction high-strength sutures combined with Nice knots in treating transverse patella fractures. Method: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 28 patients who underwent surgery for transverse patella fractures from January 2019 to January 2020. Twelve cases of the study group were treated with closed reduction high-strength sutures combined with Nice knots, and 16 cases in the control group were treated with tension band wiring. Observations included patellar healing, follow-up knee mobility with Böstman score, Lysholm score, surgical data, postoperative complications, and secondary surgery rate. Result: No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in the Patient demographic data, with a mean follow-up of 13.14 ± 1.58 months. There was no delayed healing or deep infection in the two groups. In the control group, 2 cases of internal fixation failure and 1 case of superficial infection were observed. The differences in mean fracture healing time, follow-up Böstman score, Lysholm score and knee mobility between the two groups were not statistically different. However, the differences were statistically significant for the duration of surgery, Incision length, intraoperative bleeding and the secondary surgery rate was lower in the study group. Conclusion: Closed reduction high-strength sutures have good clinical efficacy in treating transverse patella fractures, with the advantages of shorter duration of surgery and Incision length,less intraoperative bleeding and no secondary removal.

Early surgical treatment of closed reduction and internal fixation for a 30-day old intertrochanteric fracture with hemiplegia after acute stroke: A case report.

RATIONALE: Currently, there are no clear guidelines to determine whether and when to perform surgical hip repair in patients with acute stroke and hip fracture. PATIENT CONCERNS: In this case report, we report a case of 75-year-old woman admitted with left hip pain and limited mobility for 1 month. DIAGNOSES: Patient had a history of acute cerebral infarction 42 days ago, and diagnosed with a left intertrochanteric fracture at another hospital 30 days ago. INTERVENTION: Patient was treated with closed reduction and internal fixation with proximal femoral nail anti-rotation. OUTCOMES: At 2-year follow-up, the patient's basic function was restored. The fracture healed well, and the Harris hip score was 75. LESSONS: Without consistent guidelines, individualized treatment strategies including surgical methods and timing of surgery should be made to weigh the risks and benefits for patients with acute stroke and intertrochanteric fractures.