PURPOSETibial pilon fractures remain challenging for an orthopaedic surgeon to repair. External fixation (ExFix) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) are two widely used methods for repairing tibial pilon fractures. However, conclusions of comparative studies regarding which method is superior are controversial. Our aim is to compare ORIF and ExFix and clarify which method is better in terms of reduction and union results and major complications.

METHODSA computerized research of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Springer, and Cochrane Library (before December 2014) for studies of any design comparing ORIF and ExFix was conducted. Weighted mean difference (WMD), risk ratio (RR) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used for esti- mating the effects of the two methods. Statistical analyses were done using Review Manager Version 5.2.

RESULTSTen cohort studies and one randomized clinical trial were included in our ultimate analysis. And the analysis found no significant difference between the two methods in deep infection (p = 0.13), reduction (p = 0.11), clinical evaluation (p = 0.82), post-traumatic arthrosis (p = 0.87), and union time (p = 0.35). Besides, ExFix group was found to have a higher rate of superficial infection (p =0.001), malunion (p = 0.01) and nonunion (p = 0.02), but have a lower risk of unplanned hardware removal (p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSIONSWe suggest that ORIF has a relatively lower incidence rate of superficial infection, malunion and nonunion, but a higher rate of unplanned hardware removal. No difference was found in deep infection, reduction, clinical evaluation, post-traumatic arthrosis and union time.

External Fixators ; adverse effects ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

Compared with hip replacement, internal fixation in the treatment of the elderly femoral neck fracture, especially the application of cannulated screws, is minimally invasive, easy to operate and economical. In recent years, it becomes the research focus in the field of orthopedic clinical research. However, configuration of cannulated screws is still controversial. Most clinicians believe that three cannulated screws being placed in parallel in an inverted triangle configuration is better than that in a triangular configuration in biomechanics and clinical effect. Nonparallel strong oblique nailing technique allows the screws to share more weight to reduce postoperative complications, so that it is more suitable for elderly patients with osteoporosis. However, the related complications of internal fixation such as nonunion, femoral neck shortening and other problems are still the focus of domestic and foreign scholars. Issues about how to control the indication of internal fixation surgery, understand related factors of the complications, and prevent complications are required to be further explored.
Aged ; Bone Nails ; Femoral Neck Fractures ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Internal Fixators

PURPOSETo compare the clinical efficacy and complications of limited internal fixation combined with external fixation (LIFEF) and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) in the treatment of Pilon fracture.

METHODSWe searched databases including Pubmed, Embase, Web of science, Cochrane Library and China Biology Medicine disc for the studies comparing clinical efficacy and complications of LIFEF and ORIF in the treatment of Pilon fracture. The clinical efficacy was evaluated by the rate of nonunion, malunion/delayed union and the excellent/good rate assessed by Mazur ankle score. The complications including infections and arthritis symptoms after surgery were also investigated.

RESULTSNine trials including 498 pilon fractures of 494 patients were identified. The meta-analysis found no significant differences in nonunion rate (RR = 1.60, 95% CI: 0.66 to 3.86, p = 0.30), and the excellent/good rate (RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.86 to 1.04, p = 0.28) between LIFEF group and ORIF group. For assessment of infections, there were significant differences in the rate of deep infection (RR = 2.18, 95% CI: 1.34 to 3.55, p = 0.002), and the rate of arthritis (RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.53, p = 0.02) between LIFEF group and ORIF group.

CONCLUSIONLIFEF has similar effect as ORIF in the treatment of pilon fractures, however, LIFEF group has significantly higher risk of complications than ORIF group does. So LIFEF is not recommended in the treatment of pilon fracture.

Combined Modality Therapy ; External Fixators ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

PURPOSE: Treatment of distal tibia fractures poses significant challenge to orthopedic surgeon because of poor blood supply and paucity of soft tissue coverage. There is considerable controversy regarding the superior option of treatment for distal tibia fracture between the minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) technique and intramedullary interlocking (IMIL) nailing for extra-articular distal tibia fractures. The aim of our study is to compare the functional outcome between the two treatment methods. METHODS: This was the prospective comparative study of 100 patients with distal third tibia fractures divided into two groups. The first group of patients were treated with MIPPO technique while the second group of patients were managed by IMIL nailing. Patients were followed up in outpatient department to assess the functional outcomes, malunion, delayed union, nonunion, superficial and deep infection between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS software (version 16.0). RESULTS: Average malunion (degrees) in the MIPPO group was 5 (3-7) ± 1.41 vs. 10.22 (8-14) ± 2.04 in the IMIL group (p = 0.001). Similarly postoperative knee pain in the IMIL group was 10% vs. 2% in the MIPPO group (p = 0.001). In terms of superficial infection and nonunion, the results were 8% vs. 4% and 2% vs. 6% for the MIPPO and IMIL group, respectively (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Both procedures have shown the reliable method of fixation for distal extra-articular tibia fractures preserving the soft tissue, bony vascularity and fracture hematoma that provide a favourable biological environment for fracture healing. Considering the results of the study, we have slightly more preference for the MIPPO technique.
Bone Plates/adverse effects* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary/methods* ; Fracture Healing ; Humans ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Prospective Studies ; Tibia/surgery* ; Tibial Fractures ; Treatment Outcome

PURPOSETo compare the efficacy of percutaneous poking reduction and fixationwith open reduction and fixation in the treatment of displaced calcaneal fractures.

METHODSReports of studies using case-controlled trials (CCT) to compare the percutaneous poking reduction and fixation with the open reduction and fixation in the management of calcaneal fractures were retrieved from the Cochrane Library, PubMed Database, CNKI, Chinese Biomedical Database, Wanfang Data (from January of 2005 to August of 2015). Methodological quality of the trials was critically assessed, and relevant data were extracted. Statistical software Revman 5.0 was used for data-analysis.

RESULTSFifteen articles were included in the meta-analysis. Comparison of the efficacy of percutaneous poking reduction and fixation with open reduction and fixation in the treatment of calcaneal fractures revealed statistical significance in the incidence of complications after operation [RR = 0.32, 95% CI (0.20, 0.5), p < 0.05]. However, there were neither statistical significance in the degrees of recovery for calcaneal Bohler angle [WMD = -1.65, 95% CI (-3.43, 0.14), p > 0.05] and calcaneal Gissane angle [WMD = -3.21, 95% CI (-6.75, 0.33), p > 0.05], nor statistical significance in the rate of good foot function after operation [RR= 0.95, 95% CI (0.90, 1.00), p > 0.05].

CONCLUSIONFor the treatment of calcaneal fractures, percutaneous poking reduction and fixation is su- perior to open reduction and fixation in terms of the incidence of postoperative complications. But both techniques can obtain satisfactory clinical function.

Calcaneus ; injuries ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; surgery ; Humans ; Open Fracture Reduction ; adverse effects ; methods ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; Publication Bias

OBJECTIVETo study the surgical treatment for distal humeral fractures in adults according to the follow-up results.

METHODSTwenty-one cases (16 males and 5 females) of distal humeral fracture were included in this study. The average age was 42.5 years (range: 37-52 years). Fractures were classified according to the AO classification system. Nine cases of C1, 8 C2 and 4 C3-type fractures were identified. Open reduction and internal fixation were performed in all cases. A tricep-reflecting approach was adopted, and either the AO orthogonal plating or parallel plating technique was chosen, based on the fracture type. The plaster cast was removed 3 weeks after operation. Rehabilitation was encouraged during this period and afterwards. The average follow-up time was 12.2 months (range: 8-28 months). The outcome was scored according to Aitken and Rorabeek system.

RESULTSNo nerve injury, nonunion or failure of fixation was encountered during the operation and follow-up. However, ossifying myositis occurred in one case.

CONCLUSIONSA triceps-reflecting approach can provide adequate exposure to the joint. The use of AO orthogonal plating or parallel plating techniques based on the type of fractures can provide rigid fixation for the fracture.

Adult ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged

Compared with the traditional anterior and posterior operation,anterior transpedicular screw fixation (ATPS) has many advantages of hiomechanics, relative safety. Both problems of decompression and reconstruction can be resolved only through an anterior approach. A rather peculiar anatomic channel was used in ATPS, but no special tools was used in system supporting for anterior pedicle screw to place,so the indications of ATPS of lower cervical vertebrae is relatively narrow,it cannot replace of traditional anterior and posterior surgery. Problems of accurately inserting screws and the development of internal fixation device about ATPS is a hot spot of current research and a future direction. In recent years,many scholars have systematically studied the technique, and applied it in clinic gradually and achieved good effects. In order to improve the level of application,recent articles were analyzed retrospectively in this paper,and the studies of anatomy,biomechanical and clinical application of ATPS were reviewed.
Biomechanical Phenomena ; Bone Screws ; Cervical Vertebrae ; anatomy & histology ; injuries ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans

OBJECTIVETo investigate the approach of open reduction and internal fixation for the treatment of anteromedial coronoid facet fractures and associated injury.

METHODSFrom July 2009 to August 2011, 6 coronoid anteromedial facet fractures were treated (4 males and 2 females,the average age was 32.6 years old,ranged from 19 to 49 years old) in our hospital. Three patients had fractures in the left side and 3 in the right(4 dominant sides and 2 non dominant sides). All the patients had close fractures. All the fractures were subtype 2 or subtype 3 of coronoid anteromedial facet fracture according to O'Driscoll classification. The anteromedial incision of elbow and the approach of splitting flexor digitorum superficialis between flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus were used to apply internal fixation with mini-plate. After fixation of coronoid fracture, widening of radiohumeral joint interspace under varus stress occurred in 3 cases,elbow varus posteromedial rotational instability was showed,and the exploration and repair of radial collateral ligament was not carried out. Plaster was applied for 2 weeks before rehabilitation and the time of plaster application extended to 4 weeks in the patients showed varus posteromedial rotational instability. The motion degree,pain and stability, strength of elbow and hand were recorded,the elbows were evaluated with modified An and Morrey functional rating index.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up,and the average duration was 9.3 months (ranged from 7.5 to 13 months). The strength of elbow and hand were equal to that in the contralateral side. The average flexion was (129.0+/-6.5) degree (ranged from 120 to 135 degree); the average extention was (4.0+/-4.2) degree (ranged from 0 to 10 degree); the average forearm pronation was (84.0+/-6.5) degree (ranged from 75 to 90 degree); average supination was (89.0+/-7.1) degree (ranged from 80 to 100 degree). One patient had ulnar sensory neuropathy after operation and healed in half-year, no postoperative complications as pain and instability accured. All the patients obtained excellent results according to modified An and Morrey functional rating index.

CONCLUSIONThe approach of splitting flexor digitorum superficialis between flexor carpi radialis and palmaris longus could be used in open reduction and internal fixation of anteromedial coronoid facet farcture, rehabilitation should be postponed in the patient showed elbow varus posteromedial rotational instability.

Adult ; Casts, Surgical ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ulna Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic effects of internal fixation with Herbert screws for the treatment of Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fractures.

METHODSFrom January 2008 to December 2012, 23 patients with Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation by Herbert screws through Kocher-Langenbeck approach. Twenty-three patients (aged 18 to 52 years with a mean of 35.5 years, including 18 males and 5 females patients, 8 left hips and 15 right hips) with femoral head fractures and posterior hip dislocation. The fracture was classified according to Pipkin classification based on the radiographic findings, 5 patients had type I and 18 had type II fractures. The duration time from admission to the operation ranged from 6 to 72 h (averaged 32 h). The clinical and radiographic outcomes of the patients were measured using Thompson-Epstein scoring scale. The Harris hip score(HHS) was used to evaluate and compare hip functions at the latest follow-up between affected and healthy sides.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up, and the duration ranged from 20 to 48 months (averaged 30 months). According to Thompson-Epstein system, 12 patients got an excellent result, 6 good, 4 fair and 1 poor. The average HHS at the finial follow-up was 87.80 ± 8.46 (ranged from 66 to 95), which is similar to that in the healthy side 90.10 ± 6.35 (ranged from 72 to 98) (t = 1.044, P = 0.302). The complications such as deep infection, and deep vein thrombosis were not found. At the 3rd year during follow-up,4 patients had avascular necrosis of femoral head. At the 1st year of follow-up, 1 patient had hip pain after walking,screws loosening and shift after trauma,and serious complications of traumatic arthritis. All the 5 patients were treated with total hip arthroplasties.

CONCLUSIONThe treatment of internal fixation with Herbert screws through the Kocher-Langenbeck approach is effective for Pipkin type I and type II femoral head fracture. The method is reliable and valuable for recommendation. However, such fracture may have avascular necrosis of femoral head and complication of traumatic arthritis, which should be observed carefully in clinic with preparation of the prevention and treatment measures.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Femoral Neck Fractures ; surgery ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVETo explore the therapeutic effects of posterior osteotomy and long-segment internal fixation in the treatment of senile thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity and provide the reference for operative treatment.

METHODSFrom April 2007 to April 2010, 19 older patients with thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity were respectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 7 females with an average age of 62 years (ranged, 58 to 74 years). Among patients, 11 cases were old fracture, 3 cases were ankylosing spondylitis, and 5 cases were old spinal tuberculosis. According to preoperative Frankel classification, 12 cases were grade E, 4 cases were grade D, 2 cases were C and 1 case was grade B. All patients were treated by posterior osteotomy and long-segment internal fixation and followed up above 1 year. VAS score preoperative, 2 weeks and 1 year after operation, Cobb's angle,n erve function and complication were observed.

RESULTSVAS score preoperative, 2 weeks and 1 year after operation separately was (7.0 +/- 1.2),(1.1 +/= .7) and (1.3 +/- .8); while Cobb's angle separately was (44.1 +/- .9), (10.9 +/- .1) and (11.5 +/- .8); there was significant difference in VAS score and Cobb's angle between preoperative and 2 weeks after operation (P < 0.05) w hile no significant difference between 2 weeks and 1 year after operation (P > 0.05). Eighteen cases met the standard of osseous fusion, 1 case occurred nonunion, but not looseness 1 year after operation. Nerve function: 3 cases changed grade E from 4 cases with grade D, 2 cases with grade C changed to grade D, 1 case with grade B changed to grade

CONCLUSIONPosterior osteotomy and long-segment internal fixation for the treatment of senile thoracolumbar kyphotic deformity can receive a good short-time effects.

Aged ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Kyphosis ; surgery ; Lumbar Vertebrae ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Osteotomy ; adverse effects ; methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; surgery