BACKGROUND: Due to the anatomical nature of the radial nerve, dissection and attainment of an adequate operative field in mid to distal humerus fracture is dangerous and limited. We devised a combined anterolateral and lateral approach that ensures protection of the radial nerve. This is achieved by performing bimodal dissection of the proximal humerus anteriorly and the distal humerus laterally. METHODS: Thirty-five consecutive patients were treated using a combined anterolateral and lateral approach for a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. We analyzed time to bony union, time to return to daily work, range of motion, elbow joint function as assessed by the Mayo elbow performance index and complications. RESULTS: Radiologic bony union was observed at 11.2 weeks (range, 8 to 20 weeks) on average. Four cases of incomplete radial nerve palsy before surgery all recovered. Time to return to work was 10.2 weeks (range, 2 to 32 weeks) on average. The average range of motion of the elbow was 3.3degrees (range, 0degrees to 10degrees) of extension and 135.9degrees (range, 125degrees to 145degrees) of flexion. There were 21 cases of excellent and 13 cases of good or better recovery, comprising over 97.1% on the Mayo elbow performance index. There were no complications of radial nerve palsy, non-union, mal-union, or infection. CONCLUSIONS: Our a modified combined anterolateral and lateral approach is a clinically effective surgical method of achieving protection of the radial nerve and securing easy and firm internal fixation.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Humeral Fractures/radiography/*surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orthopedic Fixation Devices ; Orthopedic Procedures/adverse effects/instrumentation/*methods ; Pain, Postoperative ; Prospective Studies ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Return to Work ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the etiology and prevention of complications related to the pedicle screw technique in the treatment of thoracic scoliosis. METHODS: There were 183 thoracic deformity patients 110 idiopathic scoliosis, 32 adult scoliosis, 28 congenital kyphoscoliosis, 8 Marfan syndrome with scoliosis, and 6 others. All patients' Cobb angles were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively by roentgenograms. The deformity correction rate was calculated. All radiographic evaluations were carried out in a double-blind fashion. The complication rate was analyzed perioperatively and postoperatively. RESULTS: The deformity correction rate was 72%, better than others treated with hook-rod system. The perioperation complication rate was 8.4% (pedicle fracture 1.5%, infection 3.8%, pneumothorax and plural effusion 1.6%, transitory neurological damage 0.5%, and over-bleeding shock 1%). The complication rate at follow-up was 3.6% (infection 0.5%, fatigue fracture 1%, loss of deformity correction 1.6%, and transitory neurological damage 0.5%). Compared with those treated with hook-rod system, the perioperation complication rate, loss of deformity correction, permanent damage, and complications related to the internal fixation were all low. CONCLUSION The complication rate of pedicle screw fixation system was low in the treatment of thoracic deformity. When surgeons are thoroughly familiar with the technique and related pathoanatomy, and with the spinal cord function wardship by SEP, complications related to the pedicle screw technique in the treatment of thoracic scoliosis will be well controlled.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Bone Screws ; adverse effects ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Internal Fixators ; adverse effects ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Orthopedic Procedures ; methods ; Postoperative Complications ; epidemiology ; prevention & control ; Scoliosis ; surgery ; Spinal Fusion ; instrumentation ; Thoracic Vertebrae ; surgery ; Young Adult