Objective To study the X-ray findings and evaluate the value of X-ray in diagnosis of stress fracture of the pubic ramus. Methods The X-ray findings of 66 cases (18 males and 48 females, ranging in age from 18-21 years, mean age 19.6 years) with stress fracture of the pubic ramus were retrospectively analyzed. Fifty-five cases were military recruits undergoing basic training, and 11 army veterans were undergoing intensive goose step training. Results Sixty-two cases had stress fractures of the inferior pubic ramus including right-sided in 26, left-sided in 30, and bilateral in 6. Four had ipsilateral inferior and superior pubic rami fractures. With 2 weeks after onset, the radiographs were normal in 3 cases. The 66 cases had either a slight transverse fissure (34 cases) or a small dense callus (65 cases) or both during the examination period of 4 weeks to 8 months. Then the calcium resorbed at the margins of the fracture and at the same time the callus increased and surrounded the bone. Finally, the resorptive zone disappeared and the callus became homogeneous. This callus formation persisted for several months and disappeared gradually. Conclusion X-ray examination is the first imaging method of choice for detecting stress fracture of the pubic ramus. With combining clinical data, correct diagnosis can be made in the majority.

To investigate the clinical diagnosis and treatment of stress fracture of the pubic ramus caused by military training, clinical data of 66 cases (18 males and 48 females, ranging from 18～21 years, mean age 19 6 years ) with stress fracture of the pubic ramus were retrospectively analysed. 55 cases were military recruits undergoing basic training, 11 army veterans undergoing intensive goose step training. 66 cases complained of chronic groin pain which increased in activity and relieved while at rest. The symptom occurred 3～10 weeks after the training began. The pain often lasted 1 week ～14 months. 22 cases who sought medical advice in medical team were mistaken for muscular injury. There were 76 stress fractures of the pubic ramus in 66 soldiers. 56 had stress fractures of one inferior pubic ramus, 6 both inferior pubic rami, and four had ipsilateral inferior and superior pubic rami fractures. Stress fracture of the pubic ramus is not rare, but it's quite easy to be neglected or misdiagnosed. The key to its diagnosis is getting a deeper understanding and making an adequate and early imaging examination in light of the clinical data.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effect of PCB (a new anterior cervical instrumental system combining an intradiscal cage with an integrated plate) in treating traumatic cervical intervertebral disc herniation.

METHODSAnterior decompression and PCB internal fixation were used in 22 patients with traumatic cervical intervertebral disc herniation. They were followed up from 3 to 16 months and analyzed by symptom and image data. Among them, 16 patients underwent fixation at one level and 6 patients at two levels.

RESULTSThis technique did not cause intraoperative complications. After surgery no screw backout or device failure was found. Based on the JOA grade, 20 patients improved clinically and 2 gently because of serious cervical stenosis. The general excellent rate was 90.9%.

CONCLUSIONSPCB internal fixation is stable. Morbidity of donor and acceptor sites is less. No collars are needed after surgery.

Adult ; Bone Plates ; Cervical Vertebrae ; Equipment Design ; Female ; Humans ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orthopedic Fixation Devices ; Orthopedic Procedures