Analysis of risk factors for failed closed reduction in pediatric Gartland Type III supracondylar humerus fracture.

BACKGROUND: Gartland Type III supracondylar humerus fractures (SCHFs) are commonly treated using closed reduction followed by percutaneous pin fixation. However, conversion to open reduction may be necessary if closed reduction fails. This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with failed closed reduction and provide a theoretical basis for clinical decision-making in the treatment of Gartland Type III fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on children with Gartland Type III SCHF who underwent surgical treatment between April 2017 and June 2018. Based on whether or not the closed reduction was successful, patients were split into the open reduction group and the closed reduction group. Within the closed reduction group, subgroup analysis based on surgery duration was carried out. Data were collected from medical records and X-ray images. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were utilized to evaluate the relationship between variables and failed closed reduction. RESULTS: The study included 36 patients in the open reduction group and 135 patients in the closed reduction group. Multivariate analysis revealed that the presence of angle (P = .024, OR = 3.199), rotation (P = .000, OR = 6.359), skin creases (P = .013, OR = 4.077), anterior-posterior displacement ratio (P = .011, OR = 4.337), fracture angle in the anteroposterior view (P = .014, OR = 0.939), and fracture distal displacement direction (P = .002, OR = 5.384) were independent risk factors for failed closed reduction. Subgroup analysis showed that fracture distal displacement direction (P = .013), skin folds (P = .013), lateral displacement ratio (P = .016), and anterior-posterior displacement value (P = .005) significantly influenced the duration of closed reduction surgery. CONCLUSION: The presence of sharp angle or rotation at the fracture ends, skin folds on the anterior elbow, minor anterior-posterior displacement of the fracture, higher medial inclination of the fracture plane, and distal fracture displacement toward the radial side are independent risk factors for failed closed reduction in pediatric Gartland Type III SCHF.

Neglected paediatric talus neck fracture: A successful clinical outcome without post-traumatic complications.

Paediatric talus fracture is an extremely rare type of fracture and occurs due to the structural properties of the elastic cartilage that is resistant to high forces. It has a much lower prevalence than in adults. The axial loading of the talus to the anterior tibia while the ankle is in dorsiflexion is the most common mechanism of talus fractures. Although talus neck fracture is the most common fracture, talus corpus fractures are the second most common. Here we present the case of an adolescent male patient who underwent a successful non-surgical treatment and followup of a neglected talus neck fracture.

A novel closed reduction technique for treating femoral shaft fractures with intramedullary nails, haemostatic forceps and the lever principle.

BACKGROUND: Faster, easier, more economical and more effective versions of the minimally invasive reduction procedure for femoral shaft fractures need to be developed for use by orthopaedic surgeons. In this study, a fracture table was used to restore limb length, and long, curved haemostatic forceps and the lever principle were utilized to achieve minimally invasive reduction and intramedullary nail fixation of femoral shaft fractures. METHODS: A retrospective analysis involving 20 patients with femoral shaft fractures reduced with a fracture table; long, curved haemostatic forceps; and the lever principle was conducted. The operative effect was evaluated on the basis of the operative time, reduction time, fluoroscopy time, and intraoperative blood loss. RESULTS: All 20 cases were reduced in a closed fashion, and no conversions to open reduction were needed. The average operative time and fracture reduction time for all patients were 69.1 ± 13.5 min (range, 50-100 min) and 6.7 ± 1.9 min (range, 3-10 min), respectively. The fluoroscopy exposure time during the reduction process was 5-15 s, with an average time of 8.7 ± 2.7 s. The average intraoperative blood loss was 73.5 ± 22.5 mL (range, 50-150 mL). The patients exhibited excellent alignment in the injured limb after intramedullary nailing. Seventeen patients successfully completed a follow-up after fracture healing. The healing time ranged from 4 to 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Displaced femoral shaft fractures in adults can be treated by a labour-saving lever technique involving fragments, 2 haemostatic forceps and soft tissue envelope-assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation. This technique is easy to perform; reduces blood loss, the fluoroscopy time and the surgical time for intraoperative reduction; and leads to excellent fracture healing.

Customized treatment protocols for patients with closed fracture in hospitals at varying coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) risk.

BACKGROUND: To determine an optimized treatment protocol during the COVID-19 epidemic for patients with closed fracture and delayed surgery. METHODS: The epidemic data of three hospitals, randomly selected from different administrative regions of Wuhan, were analyzed retrospectively from 23 January to 31 March 2020. Changes in the number of confirmed cases per day (cumulative and new) of each region were tracked as a reflection of changing epidemic risk levels. The risk level map was drawn. The epidemic status, treatment protocols, and treatment efficiencies for patients with closed fracture in the three hospitals were compared. RESULTS: Overall, 138 patients with closed fracture were admitted. Each hospital had established its own protocol, according to the initial perceived risk. Based on the risk level map, over the study period, the risk levels of the three regions changed independently and were not in sync. All patients recovered and were timely discharged. No staff member was detected with COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 risk level of each area is dynamic. To optimize medical resources, avoid cross-infection, and improve efficiency, changes in epidemic risk should be monitored. For patients with closed fracture, treatment protocols should be adjusted according to changes in epidemic risk.

Analysis of the incidence of surgical site infections after open reposition of long bone fractures and closed fracture settings in a 7-year follow-up in an orthopedic and trauma ward in southern Poland.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical Site Infection (SSI) is the most common clinical form of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) in orthopedic and trauma wards. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study was conducted at the Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery in Tarnów in 2012-2018. 3 155 patients treated for bone fractures were analyzed, including 1961 Open Reduction of Fracture (FX) and 1 194 Closed Reduction of Fracture with Internal Fixation (CR) surgeries. The study was conducted in accordance with the methodology recommended by the Surveillance Network (HAI-Net), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). The aim of the study was to assess the incidence of SSI in patients undergoing the FX and CR procedures. RESULTS: 28 SSIs were identified in the examined ward; 16 SSI cases related to the FX procedure and 12 cases related to CR. The incidence for FX was 0.8% and for CR 1%. In patients with diagnosed SSI, the stay in the ward was longer (p <0.001) than in patients without SSI. In FX operations, the standardized risk index (SIR) did not exceed the value of one. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated from materials from patients with SSI. CONCLUSIONS: In the examined period, the median age of women was higher than that of men, which may indicate a higher incidence of fractures in women. Patients with diagnosed SSI had a longer stay in the ward than patients without SSI. The incidence of SSI in FX and CR has been reduced compared to previous studies in the same ward.

Comparison of pediatric post-reduction fluoroscopic- and ultrasound forearm fracture images.

OBJECTIVE: Emergency department (ED) reduction of pediatric fractures occurs most commonly in the forearm and can be challenging if fluoroscopy is not available. We sought to assess the ability of point of-care ultrasonography (POCUS) to predict adequacy of reduction by fluoroscopy. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled ED patients 0-17 years of age with radial and/or ulnar fractures requiring reduction under fluoroscopic guidance. Post-reduction POCUS (probe dorsal, volar, and coronal) and fluoroscopic (AP and lateral) fracture images were recorded. Fracture angles were compared between blinded POCUS and fluoroscopic measurements and between POCUS measurements by a blinded emergency physician and a blinded radiologist, reporting mean differences and 95% confidence intervals. We calculated sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios of POCUS in the prediction of fluoroscopically detected post-reduction malalignment, as interpreted by a blinded pediatric orthopaedist. RESULTS: The 58 patients were 7.9 ±â€¯3.5 years of age and had 21 radial (36%), 1 ulnar (2%), and 36 radioulnar (62%) fractures. Fluoroscopy and POCUS angles were within a mean of 0.1°-3.2°, depending on the site and surface measured. Radiologist- and emergency physician-interpreted POCUS measurements were within a mean of 1° in all dimensions. POCUS identified inadequate reductions with 100% sensitivity and 92-93% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Blinded emergency medicine and radiology interpretations of post-reduction POCUS fracture images agree closely. Post-reduction POCUS measurements are comparable to those obtained by fluoroscopy and accurately predict adequacy of reduction. POCUS can be used to guide pediatric fracture reduction when bedside fluoroscopy is not available in the ED.

A clinically realistic large animal model of intra-articular fracture that progresses to post-traumatic osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVE: Translation of promising treatments for post-traumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) to patients with intra-articular fracture (IAF) has been limited by the lack of a realistic large animal model. To address this issue we developed a large animal model of IAF in the distal tibia of Yucatan minipigs and documented the natural progression of this injury. DESIGN: Twenty-two fractures were treated using open reduction and internal fixation with either an anatomic reduction or an intentional 2-mm step-off. Pre-operatively, and 3 days, 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-operatively, animals were sedated for synovial fluid draws and radiographs. Limb loading was monitored at the same time points using a Tekscan Walkway. Animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks and the limbs were harvested for histological evaluation. RESULTS: All animals achieved bony union by 12 weeks, facilitating nearly complete recovery of the initial 60% decrease in limb loading. TNFα, IL1ß, IL6, and IL8 concentrations in the fractured limbs were elevated (P < 0.05) at specific times during the 2 weeks after fracture. Histological cartilage degeneration was more severe in the step-off group (0.0001 < P < 0.27 compared to normal) than in the anatomic reconstruction group (0.27 < P < 0.99 compared to normal). CONCLUSIONS: This model replicated key features of a human IAF, including surgical stabilization, inflammatory responses, and progression to osteoarthritic cartilage degeneration, thereby providing a potentially useful model for translating promising treatment options to clinical practice.

Development, Validation and Characterization of a Novel Portable Closed Fracture Device.

BACKGROUND/AIM: As one of the common clinical diseases, fractures have many causes, mechanisms, healing and influencing factors; especially fracture healing is a long-term and complex process. Animal fracture models can simulate the various states of human fractures, and on this basis, the prevention, mechanism, and treatment of fractures can be studied to further guide clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Here, we developed a novel and portable device to create a closed fracture model in mice. We then compared this novel closed fracture model with the traditional open model in multiple dimensions to evaluate the modelling process of establishment and healing. The two models were evaluated by imaging, immunostaining, and behavioral tests, which fully demonstrated the stability, universality and operability of the modified fracture model in mice. RESULTS: Surgical quality assessment revealed that the closed fracture model had a shorter operation time and smaller wound than the open model. X-ray and micro-CT results showed no differences between the two models in the evaluation of radiographic and morphological changes during fracture healing. Histological examination revealed the process of the typical intrachondral osteogenic pathway after fracture. Moreover, animal gait analysis indicated reduced postoperative pain in the closed group compared to the open group. CONCLUSION: This study provides a constructive strategy for a closed fracture model in mice and demonstrates the effectiveness and feasibility of the closed fracture model in studying the typical intrachondral osteogenic pathway of fractures from multiple dimensions.

[Application of Allgöwer-Donati suture in internal fixation of Schatzker type â ¤and â ¥ tibial plateau closed fractures].

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Allgöwer-Donati suture in open reduction and internal fixation of Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau closed fractures. Methods: A clinical data of 60 patients with Schatzker type type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau closed fractures, who met the selection criteria and admitted between May 2022 and May 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. After open reduction and internal fixation via double incisions, the incisions were closed with conventional mattress suture in 30 cases (control group) and Allgöwer-Donati suture in 30 cases (observation group). There was no significant difference in gender, age, fracture side and type, time from injury to operation, body mass index, and other baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidence of incision-related complications after operation, visual analogue scale (VAS) score of incision at 3 days and 1 and 2 weeks after operation, and the short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36) [physical functioning (PF), role physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), and general health (GH)] at 12 weeks after operation were compared between the two groups. Results: All operations of the two groups successfully completed. All patients were followed up 6-14 months (mean, 12 months). Incision fluid leakage occurred in 1 case of observation group and 7 cases of control group within 1 week after operation, and the incisions healed after symptomatic treatment. The incisions of other patients healed by first intention. The incidence of early incision complications in observation group was significantly lower than that in control group ( P<0.05). No late incision complications was found in the two groups. There was no significant difference in VAS scores at each time point between the two groups ( P>0.05). The VAS score significantly decreased with the increase of time in the two groups, showing significant differences between the different time points ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference in SF-36 scores (PF, RP, BP, and GH) between the two groups at 12 weeks after operation ( P>0.05). Conclusion: Compared with conventional mattress suture, Allgöwer-Donati suture is effective in open reduction and internal fixation via double incisions for Schatzker type Ⅴand Ⅵ tibial plateau closed fractures, which can reduce the incidence of early incision complications.

Plate-Assisted Intramedullary Nailing of Distal Tibia Fractures.

The combination of plate and intramedullary nailing has been established as the treatment of proximal tibial fractures. Nevertheless, at the distal end of the tibia, the application of the plate-assisted intramedullary nailing is rarely applied as a therapeutic technique. This technical note demonstrates the use of the reduction plating technique for nail insertion as the management of distal tibia fractures.

Trapeziometacarpal Dislocations in Pediatric Age, Is There a Better Treatment? Series of Cases and a Systematic Review.

(1) Background: Dislocations of the trapeziometacarpal joint (TMC) are uncommon in children and adolescents. Only a few isolated cases are reported in the literature. Therapeutic guidance is minimal and inconclusive. (2) Methods: The authors present four patients treated for this unusual lesion. We evaluated the evolution according to treatment, age, patient activity, and quickDASH. Despite the clear limitation of the small number of patients, it is relevant to try to better understand this lesion and its evolution. A systematic review of the literature was also conducted. (3) Results: This is the largest published series of TMC dislocations in children and adolescents. Patients included a 12-year-old girl treated conservatively with a poor quickDASH; a 9-year-old girl treated surgically with the Eaton-Littler technique for a new dislocation with a partially modified quickDASH; a 13-year-old boy with two necessary closed reductions for a new dislocation and a very good final quickDASH; and a 12-year-old boy treated with closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with excellent final results with quickDASH. (4) Conclusions: In the absence of scientific evidence, conservative treatment and ligament reconstruction did not provide good functionality. In contrast, closed reduction with percutaneous fixation provided excellent results. Therefore, the authors would recommend closed reduction and percutaneous needle fixation as an elective method to treat TMC dislocations in pediatric and adolescent patients.

Necrotizing Soft Tissue Infection Following a Closed Distal Radius Fracture: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs), characterized by extensive soft tissue destruction, are rare but life-threatening. We present a case of a NSTI in a healthy 65-year-old woman following a closed distal radius fracture. The patient presented with severe pain, fever, and lethargy 4 days after her index injury, with physical examination of the right upper limb revealing erythema and swelling to the mid-humeral level and blisters of the fingers and hand. Multiple surgical debridements were required to control the infection, which was caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. This case highlights the rapid progression and devastating consequences of NSTI, which can occur even in the setting of closed injuries in patients without comorbidities. Prompt diagnosis, early surgical intervention, and appropriate antimicrobial therapy are crucial in managing this pathology.Level of Evidence: Level 5.

Is casting of displaced paediatric distal forearm fractures non-inferior to reduction under general anaesthesia? Study protocol for a pragmatic, randomized, controlled non-inferiority multicentre trial (the casting trial).

BACKGROUND: Treatment of displaced distal forearm fractures in children has traditionally been closed reduction and pin fixation, although they might heal and remodel without surgery with no functional impairment. No randomized controlled trials have been published comparing the patient-reported functional outcome following non-surgical or surgical treatment of displaced paediatric distal forearm fractures. METHODS: A multicentre non-inferiority randomized controlled trial. Children aged 4-10 years with a displaced distal forearm fracture will be offered inclusion, if the on-duty orthopaedic surgeon finds indication for surgical intervention. They will be allocated equally to non-surgical treatment (intervention) or surgical treatment of surgeon's choice (comparator). Follow-up will be 4 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome is the between-group difference in 12 months QuickDASH score. We will need a sample of 40 patients to show a 15-point difference with 80% power. DISCUSSION: The results of this trial may change our understanding of the healing potential of paediatric distal forearm fractures. If non-inferiority of non-surgical treatment is shown, the results may contribute to a reduction in future surgeries on children, who in turn can be treated without the risks and psychological burdens associated with surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (ID: NCT05736068). Date of registry: 17 February 2023.

Discrepancy of the location of depression on the soft tissue and the bone in isolated zygomatic arch fracture.

BACKGROUND: When performing reduction of zygomatic arch fractures, locating the inward portion of the fracture can be difficult. Therefore, this study investigated the discrepancy between the locations of the depression on the soft tissue and bone and sought to identify how to determine the inward portion of the fracture on the patient's face. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of chart with isolated zygomatic arch fractures of type V in the Nam and Jung classification from March 2013 to February 2022. For consistent measurements, a reference point (RP), at the intersection between a vertical line passing through the end point of the root of the ear helix in the patient's side-view photograph and a transverse line passing through the longest horizontal axis of the external meatus opening, was established. We then measured the distance between the RP and the soft tissue depression in a portrait and the bone depression on a computed tomography (CT) scan. The discrepancy between these distances was quantified. RESULTS: Among the patients with isolated zygomatic arch fractures, only those with a fully visible ear on a side-view photograph were included. Twenty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. There were four types of discrepancies in the location of the soft tissue depression compared to the bone depression: type I, forward and upward discrepancy (7.45 and 3.28 mm), type II, backward and upward (4.29 and 4.21 mm), type III, forward and downward (10.06 and 5.15 mm), and type IV, backward and downward (2.61 and 3.27 mm). CONCLUSION: This study showed that discrepancy between the locations of the depressions on the soft tissue and bone exists in various directions. Therefore, applying the transverse and vertical distances measured from a bone image of the CT scan onto the patient's face at the indicated RP will be helpful for predicting the reduction location.

[Analysis of three minimally invasive methods in the treatment of the fifth metacarpal neck fracture].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effective method of applying Chinese medicine manipulative repositioning Kirschner wire fixation for minimally invasive treatment of fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal. METHODS: From January 2018 to November 2021, 90 patients with closed fractures of the neck of the fifth metacarpal bone were treated minimally invasively with closed repositioning Kirschner wires, all fractures AO type was type A. All patients were divided into three groups according to the mode of internal fixation involving 30 cases in the crossed Kirschner's wire group, 30 cases in the transverse Kirschner's wire group, 30 patients in the intramedullary Kirschner's wire group. By comparison, gender, age, disease duration, and preoperative neck-stem angle were not significant. The postoperative fifth metacarpal neck-stem angles, postoperative fifth metacarpophalangeal joint flexion mobility and fifth metacarpophalangeal joint extension hyperextension angles were compared among three groups. The overall clinical efficacy was evaluated according to the patient outcomes of surgery-hand/arm(POS-Hand/Arm) scoring system. RESULTS: All patients had 12-month follow-up and achieved bony union without malunion. There was no significant difference in the 5th metacarpal neck-stem angle, the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint flexion angle and the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint extension hyperextension angles among three groups at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05). There was no significant difference in physical activity and symptom scores in POS-Hand/Arm scores at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05), psychological status and aesthetic score among three groups(P<0.05) and between cross and transverse Kirschner wire groups(P>0.05). The three POS-Hand/Arm total scores were statistically different(P<0.05), between the crossed and transverse(P>0.05), and the intramedullary group had the highest POS-Hand/Arm scores. CONCLUSION: All three techniques of Kristener's wire fixation could achieve minimally invasive treatment, and patients have need for cosmetic and early activity, and the author recommend minimally invasive intramedullary fixation with manipulative repositioned Kristen wires as the preferred procedure.

Assessing the Necessity of Extra Reduction Aides in Intramedullary Nailing of Intertrochanteric Hip Fractures.

Purpose: This study aims to determine which intertrochanteric (IT) hip fracture and patient characteristics predict the necessity for adjunct reduction aides prior to prep and drape aiming for a more efficient surgery. Materials and Methods: Institutional fracture registries from two academic medical centers from 2017-2022 were analyzed. Data on patient demographics, comorbidities, fracture patterns identified on radiographs including displacement of the lesser trochanter (LT), thin lateral wall (LW), reverse obliquity (RO), subtrochanteric extension (STE), and number of fracture parts were collected, and the need for additional aides following traction on fracture table were collected. Fractures were classified using the AO/OTA classification. Regression analyses identified significant risk factors for needing extra reduction aides. Results: Of the 166 patients included, the average age was 80.84±12.7 years and BMI was 24.37±5.3 kg/m2. Univariate regression revealed increased irreducibility risk associated with RO (odds ratio [OR] 27.917, P≤0.001), LW (OR 24.882, P<0.001), and STE (OR 5.255, P=0.005). Multivariate analysis significantly correlated RO (OR 120.74, P<0.001) and thin LW (OR 131.14, P<0.001) with increased risk. However, STE (P=0.36) and LT displacement (P=0.77) weren't significant. Fracture types 2.2, 3.2, and 3.3 displayed elevated risk (P<0.001), while no other factors increased risk. Conclusion: Elderly patients with IT fractures with RO and/or thin LW are at higher risk of irreducibility, necessitating adjunct reduction aides. Other parameters showed no significant association, suggesting most fracture patterns can be achieved with traction manipulation alone.

DEVELOPMENT OF ORTHOPEDIC SIMULATOR TO PRACTICE CLOSED REDUCTION OF PEDIATRIC FRACTURES OF THE MIDDLE THIRD OF FOREARM.

In the current scenario of medical education, a trend of using models and simulators to train operational skills, especially in the practice of basic orthopedic techniques, is growing. This form of teaching allows academics to maximize learning opportunities and contributes to improving the quality of care for their future patients. However, the realistic simulation has high costs as a major limitation. Objective: To develop a low-cost orthopedic simulator for practicing pediatric forearm reduction skills in the preclinical setting. Methods: A model of an arm and forearm with a fracture in the middle third was developed. Orthopedists, residents, and medical students evaluated the simulator's ability to reproduce fracture reduction. Results: The simulator had a significantly lower cost than the others in the literature. The participants agreed that the model had a good performance, and that the manipulation was consistent with the reality of reducing closed pediatric forearm fracture. Conclusion: The results suggest that this model can be used to teach orthopedic residents and medical students the skill of closed reduction of fractures in the middle third of the forearm. Level of Evidence III, Case Control Study.

No cenário atual de ensino médico existe uma tendência crescente do uso de modelos e simuladores para o treino de habilidades operacionais, principalmente na prática de técnicas ortopédicas básicas, que permite aos acadêmicos maximizarem as oportunidades de aprendizado e contribui para melhorar a qualidade de atendimento dos futuros pacientes atendidos. A simulação realística, no entanto, tem como grande limitação os altos custos. Objetivo: Desenvolver um simulador ortopédico de baixo custo para a prática de habilidades de redução incruenta do antebraço pediátrico no cenário pré-clínico. Métodos: Desenvolveu-se um modelo de braço e antebraço com fratura no terço médio, que foi avaliado por médicos ortopedistas, residentes e acadêmicos de medicina quanto à capacidade do simulador de reproduzir a redução da fratura. Resultados: O simulador desenvolvido teve custo significativamente inferior aos existentes na literatura. Os participantes concordaram que o modelo teve um bom desempenho e que a manipulação foi condizente com a realidade de redução de fratura incruenta do antebraço pediátrico. Conclusão: Os resultados levam a crer que esse modelo pode ser usado para ensinar a redução incruenta de fratura no terço médio do antebraço para residentes de ortopedia e acadêmicos de medicina. Nível de Evidência III, Estudo de Caso-Controle.

[Development and clinical application of a new reduction device for the treatment of tibial plateau fracture under arthroscopic monitoring].

OBJECTIVE: To develop a reduction device for the arthroscopy-assisted treatment of tibial plateau fracture and explore its clinical efficacy. METHODS: From May 2018 to September 2019, 21 patients with tibial plateau fracture were treated, including 17 males and 4 females. Their ages ranged from 18 to 55 years old with an average of (38.6±8.7) years old. There were 5 cases of Schatzker typeⅡand 16 cases of Schatzker type Ⅲ. The self-designed reductor combined with arthroscope was used for auxiliary reduction and fixation(minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis). The efficacy was analyzed by observing the operation time, blood loss, fracture healing time and knee function(HSS and IKDC scoring criteria). RESULTS: All the 21 patients were followed up for 8 to 24 with an average of(14.0±3.1) months. The operative time ranged from 70 to 95 min with an average of(81.7±7.6)min, incision length ranged from 4 to 7 cm with an average of(5.3±0.9) cm, intraoperative blood loss ranged from 20 to 50 ml with an average of(35.3±5.2) ml, postoperative weight-bearing time ranged from 30 to 50 d with an average of(35.1±9.2) d, fracture healing time ranged from 65 to 90 d with an average of(75.0±4.4) d, and complications were 0 cases, respectively. The fracture was well healed and no screw plate fracture was observed. The knee function scores of HSS and IKDC 18 months after operation were significantly higher than those before operation(P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The custom-made reduction tool for the arthroscopic management of tibial plateau fracture is reasonable in design and simple in operation. The specific reduction tool could effectively reduce the fracture, and shorten the fixation time with minimally invasive procedure.

Simple Minimally Invasive Method to Reduce Valgus-Impacted and Tilted Femoral Neck Fractures without Soft Tissue or Cartilage Injury: Radiological and Clinical Results.

OBJECTIVE: This is a rare study comparing the radiological and functional outcomes of fixation after reduction with in situ fixation group using Femoral Neck System (FNS). The aim of this study was to introduce a simple, innovative, minimally invasive method to reduce valgus-impacted and tilted femoral neck fractures without soft tissue or cartilage injury. METHODS: A retrospective comparative analysis of 46 patients between May 2020 and February 2022 was performed. In the control group, 23 patients underwent in situ fixation without reduction. In the study group, another 23 patients were managed by fixation after reduction using a percutaneous pull-out technique with a full threaded Steinmann pin. Caput-collum-diaphysis (CCD) angle, tilt, and femoral neck shortenings were compared between the two groups. In addition, Harris Hip Score (HHS) was evaluated and compared at 1 year after surgery. Basically, independent samples t-test was used to compare radiological and functional results. RESULTS: Patients' initial valgus and tilt angles were not significantly different between the groups (n.s.). However, the CCD and tilt angles measured immediately and at one year postoperatively were significantly different between the groups (p < 0.05). Regarding femoral neck shortening, shortening in the three directions, the x, y, and z vectors, was significantly less in the reduction group immediately postoperatively and at 1 year post-surgery (p < 0.05). The mean HHS at 1 year postoperatively was 79.7 ± 8.4 in the in situ fixation group and 87.9 ± 6.6 in the reduction groups, and there was a significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The pull-out method with a threaded Steinmann pin to reduce valgus-impacted and tilted femoral neck fracture is safe and effective for accomplishing anatomical restoration. This may achieve successful bone union and maintain the femoral neck length and original tilt without nearby soft tissue or cartilage injury.