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

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

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 describe our clinical experience with a system named SureShot? Distal Targeting (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, USA) based on magnetic field presence and discuss our suggestions on this technique.

METHODSWe analysed prospectively 47 patients affected by humeral, tibial or femoral fractures, treated in our institution during a 3-year period of time (August 2010 to September 2013). We considered the following parameters: the time to set up, the time to position a single screw, the effectiveness of the system (drilling ad screwing), the irradiation exposure time during distal locking procedure and surgical complications.

RESULTSA total number of 96 screws were inserted. The mean preparation time of the device was 5.1 min ± 2 min (range 3-10 min). The mean time for single screw targeting was 5.8 min ± 2.3 min (range 4-18 min). No major complications occurred. Only a few locking procedures were needed to be practiced in order to obtain the required expertise with this targeting device.

CONCLUSIONAccording to our results, this device is reliable and valid whenever the correct technique is followed. It is also user friendly, exposes to lower radiation and needs less surgical time compared to relative data from the literature. However, the surgeon should always be aware of how to use the free hand technique in case of malfunctioning of the system.

Bone Screws ; Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary ; adverse effects ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Magnetic Fields ; Prospective Studies

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

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 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

OBJECTIVETo compare clinical outcomes of swing shoulder and internal fixation in treating proximal humeral fractures.

METHODSFrom June 2007 to June 2012, totally 89 elderly patients with humeral proximal fractures were treated by swing of shoulder or internal fixation, and 81 patients were followed up. In swing shoulder group, there were 38 patients including 13 males and 25 females aged from 62 to 84 with an average of (67.11±6.18) years old; 27 cases were 2-part fractures and 11 cases were 3-part fractures according to Neer classfication. In internal fixation group, there were 43 patients including 16 males and 27 females aged from 60 to 80 with an average of (66.47±5.48) years old; and 29 cases were 2-part fractures and 14 cases were 3-part fractures according to Neer classfication. VAS score and complications were compared between two groups after treatment, and Constant-Murley functional scoring was used to evaluate shoulder function of patients.

RESULTSEighty-one patients were followed up from 13 to 26 months with an average of 18.3 months. There was no significant difference in preoperative VAS score between two groups. After treatment, VAS score in swing shoulder group was (3.11±0.95), and (3.88±1.14) in internal fixation group, and had significant difference between two groups (t=-3.313,P<0.05). There was no significant difference in Constant-Murley scores between swing shoulder group (79.53±3.73) and internal fixation group (77.98±4.11) (t=1.768,P>0.05). Postoperative complications in swing shoulder group was 18.4%(7/38), 39.5%(17/43) in internal fixation group, and had significant differences between two groups (χ2=4.313,P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONSwing shoulder for the treatment of proximal humeral fractures in elderly has advantages of low cost, less complications and good recovery of joint function; while internal fixation has a good therapeutic effect but increased complications.

Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; adverse effects ; methods ; Middle Aged ; Shoulder Fractures ; therapy

PURPOSESoft tissue healing is of paramount importance in distal tibial fractures for a successful outcome. There is an increasing trend of using anterolateral plate due to an adequate soft tissue cover on ante- rolateral distal tibia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results and complications of minimally invasive anterolateral locking plate in distal tibial fractures.

METHODSThis is a retrospective study of 42 patients with distal tibial fractures treated with minimally invasive anterolateral tibial plating. This study evaluates the bone and soft tissue healing along with emphasis on complications related to bone and soft tissue healing.

RESULTSFull weight bearing was allowed in mean time period of 4.95 months (3-12 months). A major local complication of a wound which required revision surgery was seen in one case. Minor complications were identified in 9 cases which comprised 4 cases of marginal necrosis of the surgical wound, 1 case of superficial infection, 1 case of sensory disturbance over the anterolateral foot, 1 case of muscle hernia and 2 cases of delayed union. Mean distance between the posterolateral and anterolateral incision was 5.7 cm (4.5-8 cm).

CONCLUSIONThe minimally invasive distal tibial fixation with anterolateral plating is a safe method of stabilization. Distance between anterolateral and posterolateral incision can be placed less than 7 cm apart depending on fracture pattern with proper surgical timing and technique.

Adult ; Aged ; Bone Plates ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; adverse effects ; methods ; Tibial Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical effects and safty of manipulative reduction with percutaneous poking K-wire fixation for the treatment of the calcaneus fractures and analyze the indication of the minimal invasion.

METHODSFrom December 2008 to December 2011,135 closed calcaneal fractures cases were divided randomly into poking group and plate group, treated respectively by percutaneous poking reduction and operative reduction. In poking group, there were 69 cases (82 feet) including 60 males and 9 females, with an average age of (43.29+/-10.46) years ranging from 18 to 64 years; 30 cases of left, 26 cases of right and 13 cases of double; 54 feet of Essex-Lopresti classification tongue form, 28 feet of joint compression; 33 feet of Sanders type II ,49 of type III. In plate group, there were 66 cases (75 feet) including 58 males and 8 females,with an average age of (46.00+/-2.42) years ranging from 21 to 63 years; 31 cases of left, 26 cases of right and 9 cases of double; 48 feet of Essex-Lopresti classification tongue form, 27 feet of joint compression; 28 feet of Sanders type II, 47 of type III. According to Kerr scoring standard,clinical effects and complications were evaluated combining with Sanders and Essex-Lopresti classification.

RESULTSAll 135 cases were followed up after 24 weeks. Fractures were recoveried in 8 to 12 weeks (means 10.2 weeks). In poking group, there were 2 cases of infection, 5 cases of wire movement; in plate group,18 cases of wound local skin necrosis, 5 cases of calf intestines nerve injured; there were statistical significant (P<0.05). Postoperative evaluation of Sanders type II after 24 weeks, the proportion of excellent results was above 70%,and there were no significant differences on effects of tongue form and compressing form of calcaneus fractures with percutaneous poking and operative redution (P>0.05). In the caes of Sanders type III, there were no significant differences on effects of tongue form fractures with percutaneous poking and operative reduction (P>0.05). There were significant differences on effects and complications of compressing form fractures (P<0.01), operative reduction better than percutaneous poking. Pain, walking,Kerr scoring of tongue form fractures of Sanders II , III with poking reduction were better than compression fractures. In compression fractures of Sanders Ill, plate internal fixation was better than poking redution in working and walking function, there were significant difference (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONFor tongue form or compressing form of Sanders type II and tongue form of Sanders type III, manipulative reduction with percutaneous poking K-wire fixation has advantages of minimal invasion, minimized complications. Compressing form of Sanders type III fracture should be treated with operative redution.

Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Wires ; Calcaneus ; injuries ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; adverse effects ; methods ; Fractures, Bone ; therapy ; Humans ; Male ; Manipulation, Orthopedic ; adverse effects ; methods ; Middle Aged