1.Effectiveness analysis of three internal fixation methods in treatment of avulsion fracture of tibial tubercle in adolescents.
Keyou DUAN ; Zhaodong WANG ; Yajun LIU ; Chen XU ; Zhonglian ZHU ; Jianzhong GUAN
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(1):75-82
OBJECTIVE:
To analyze the effectiveness of three internal fixation methods, namely hollow screw combined with Kirschner wire tension band, hollow screw combined with anchor nail, and modified 1/3 tubular steel plate, in the treatment of avulsion fracture of tibial tubercle (AFTT) in adolescents.
METHODS:
Between January 2018 and September 2023, 19 adolescent AFTT patients who met the selection criteria were admitted. According to different internal fixation methods, patients were divided into group A (8 cases, hollow screw combined with Kirschner wire tension band), group B (6 cases, hollow screw combined with anchor nail), and group C (5 cases, modified 1/3 tubular steel plate). There was no significant difference in the baseline data of age, gender, side, cause of injury, Ogden classification, and time from injury to operation among the three groups ( P>0.05). The range of motion (ROM), weight-bearing time, normal activity time of knee joint, and the hospital for special surgery (HSS) score at last follow-up were recorded and compared among the three groups. Recorded whether the fracture was displaced, whether the fracture line was blurred at 1 month after operation, whether there was epiphyseal dysplasia, and whether there was incision infection and other complications.
RESULTS:
There was no significant difference in hospital stay between the groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 10-24 months, with an average of 14.3 months; there was no significant difference between the groups ( P>0.05). All the incisions healed well without soft tissue irritation or fracture nonunion, and no limb shortening deformity or epiphyseal dysplasia was found during follow-up. At 1 month after operation, the knee joint ROM and hospitalization expenses in group A were better than those in groups B and C, the fracture healing time, knee joint weight-bearing time, and normal activity time of knee joint were better than those in group C, and the hospitalization expenses in group C were better than those in group B, with significant differences ( P<0.05); there was no significant difference in the other indicators between the groups ( P>0.05). In group A, the fracture line was blurred 1 month postoperatively, the fracture ends were in close contact, and there was no fracture displacement; in groups B and C, the fracture line was clear in 2 cases, and 1 case in group C had slight fracture displacement; except for 1 case in group B, there was no fracture split in the other two groups. There was no significant difference in the incidences of blur of fracture line, fracture displacement, and intraoperative bone split between the groups at 1 month after operation ( P>0.05). At last follow-up, the HSS scores of knee joints in the three groups were excellent and good, and there was no significant difference between the groups ( P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
Hollow screw combined with Kirschner wire tension band technique is effective in treating adolescent AFTT, which has the advantages of stabilizing fracture, accelerating fracture healing and rehabilitation, early feasible knee joint functional exercise, and reducing hospitalization expenses.
Humans
;
Tibial Fractures/surgery*
;
Adolescent
;
Male
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Female
;
Fractures, Avulsion/surgery*
;
Bone Wires
;
Bone Screws
;
Bone Plates
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Bone Nails
;
Weight-Bearing
;
Fracture Healing
2.Treatment of anterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fracture involving anterior root of lateral meniscus with wire anchor nailing composite double pulley technique.
Kunming YANG ; Xinmin WANG ; Han WANG ; Guoshuai LIU ; Bing LI ; Yuxi BAI ; Fei LIU
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(4):440-445
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of knee arthroscopy with wire anchor nailing composite double pulley technique in the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tibial avulsion fracture involving the anterior root of the lateral meniscus (LM).
METHODS:
Clinical data of 35 patients with ACL tibial avulsion fracture involving the anterior root of the LM admitted between January 2019 and September 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analysed. There were 20 males and 15 females; ages ranged from 10 to 57 years, with a mean of 29 years. The time from injury to surgery ranged from 3 to 20 days, with a mean of 9.6 days. Meyers-McKeever classification included 5 cases of type Ⅱ, 12 cases of type Ⅲ, and 18 cases of type Ⅳ. Preoperative anterior knee instability Lachman test and anterior drawer test were positive. The anterior root of the LM as well as the avulsion fracture block were fixed using suture anchor nails compounded with double pulley technique under arthroscopy. Postoperative X-ray films were performed to assess fracture healing; knee stability was assessed using the anterior drawer test and Lachman test, anterior laxity of the knee was measured by KT-2000, and knee function was assessed using the Lysholm score and the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score; at last follow-up, the recovery of the meniscus was assessed using the McMurry test and knee hyperextension test.
RESULTS:
All the patients were successfully operated, the operation time ranged from 56 to 78 minutes,with an average of 67.6 minutes, and there was no nerve or blood vessel injury during operation. Thirty-five cases were followed up 12-18 months with an average of 15.1 months. During the follow-up, there was no infection, knee stiffness, loosening of internal fixation, fracture displacement, or re-fracture. The fractures all healed, with a clinical healing time of 8-15 weeks, averaging 10.9 weeks. At last follow-up, 4 patients had weakly positive anterior drawer test and Lachman test, and the rest were negative; McMurry test and knee hyperextension test were negative; no patient complained of knee extension pain or straightening obstacles, and all the patients resumed their normal life or sports and labour; 16 patients with unclosed epiphyses did not have any epiphyseal injuries or growth disorders. Lysholm score, IKDC score, and KT-2000 anterior knee laxity at last follow-up significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The treatment of ACL tibial avulsion fracture involving the anterior root of the LM with suture anchor composite double pulley technique can effectively fix the anterior root of the LM while fixing the avulsion fracture block, and better restore the function and stability of the knee joint.
Humans
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Arthroscopy/methods*
;
Adolescent
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Tibial Fractures/surgery*
;
Young Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Fractures, Avulsion/surgery*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/surgery*
;
Child
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Suture Anchors
;
Menisci, Tibial/surgery*
;
Tibial Meniscus Injuries/surgery*
;
Bone Nails
;
Knee Joint/surgery*
3.Application of intermediate screw assisted reduction and fixation technique in treatment of Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures.
Zhaodong WANG ; Keyou DUAN ; Yajun LIU ; Chen XU ; Zhonglian ZHU ; Pinghui ZHOU ; Jianzhong GUAN
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(5):529-535
OBJECTIVE:
To explore effectiveness of intermediate screw assisted reduction and fixation technique in the treatment of Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures.
METHODS:
A clinical data of 22 patients with Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures, who were admitted between June 2022 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria, was retrospectively analyzed. During operation, the intermediate screw assisted reduction and fixation technique was used. There were 14 males and 8 females with an average age of 46.3 years (range, 17-65 years). The fractures were caused by traffic accident in 13 cases, by falls in 5 cases, and by falling from height in 4 cases. According to Schatzker classification criteria, 9 cases were type Ⅴ and 13 cases were type Ⅵ. The interval between injury and operation was 5-12 days (mean, 7.9 days). The operation time, intraoperative fluoroscopy times, and length of hospital stay were recorded. The range of motion of knee joint and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score were recorded at last follow-up. X-ray films were taken to review the fracture healing. Rasmussen score, tibial plateau varus angle (TPVA), and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were estimated before operation, at immediate after operation, and at last follow-up in order to evaluate the fracture reduction effect and postoperative outcome.
RESULTS:
The operation time was 85-140 minutes (mean, 103.9 minutes). Intraoperative fluoroscopy was performed 7-15 times (mean, 10.1 times). All incisions healed by first intention after operation, and no complication such as nerve or blood vessel injury occurred. The length of hospital stay ranged from 8 to 17 days (mean, 12.4 days). All patients were followed up 10-22 months (mean, 14.8 months). At last follow-up, the range of motion of knee joint was 110°-140° (mean, 125°). HSS score was rated as excellent in 16 cases, good in 5 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 95.5%. X-ray films reexamination showed that all fractures healed with the healing time of 12-17 weeks (mean, 14.8 weeks). No internal fixation failure occurred. Rasmussen score, TPVA, and PTS at immediate after operation and at last follow-up were significantly superior to those before operation ( P<0.05). And there was no significant difference between immediately after operation and last follow-up ( P>0.05).
CONCLUSION
The treatment of Schatzker type Ⅴ and Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures with intermediate screw assisted reduction and fixation technique is reliable, which can reduce the difficulty of reduction and fixation, improve the efficiency of reduction and fixation, reduce the operation time, achieve satisfactory reduction and fixation effect and postoperative prognosis, and achieve good recovery of knee joint function.
Humans
;
Tibial Fractures/diagnostic imaging*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Middle Aged
;
Bone Screws
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Adolescent
;
Aged
;
Young Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Operative Time
;
Length of Stay
;
Tibial Plateau Fractures
4.Application of minimally invasive techniques in clinical treatment of tibial plateau fractures.
Zhongzheng WANG ; Zhanle ZHENG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(7):783-788
OBJECTIVE:
To review and evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of minimally invasive treatment techniques for tibial plateau fractures (TPFs), as well as the research progress and limitations.
METHODS:
The relevant domestic and international research literature on the minimally invasive treatment of TPFs in recent years was reviewed. The advantages, disadvantages, and clinical efficacy of various technologies were summarized and analyzed, and an outlook on future development trends was provided.
RESULTS:
Surgery remains the primary method for treating displaced TPFs. Although traditional open reduction and internal fixation has advantages such as direct reduction and simplicity of procedure, it has gradually fallen out of favor with clinical orthopedic doctors due to extensive soft tissue removal, excessive bleeding, tissue adhesion, and postoperative complications such as skin infection, fracture nonunion, and joint dysfunction. As medical technology continues to develop, minimally invasive surgery and precise diagnosis and treatment are gradually being introduced to orthopedic trauma. Guided by concepts such as "minimally invasive treatment", "homeopathic repositioning of fractures", and "internal compression fixation", many traction reduction devices, internal fixation devices, minimally invasive reduction techniques, and computer-aided navigation technologies have been widely used in the clinical treatment of TPFs. This has greatly helped to overcome the challenges of intraoperative reduction, secondary reduction loss, and postoperative functional impairment and effectively promoting the adoption of minimally invasive treatment techniques in the clinical treatment of TPFs.
CONCLUSION
Minimally invasive treatment techniques have made significant progress in the clinical treatment of TPFs, particularly with regard to the reduction, and have demonstrated unique advantages. While relevant research results have received international recognition, there is still a need for orthopedic scholars to conduct real-world research to further explore the underlying principles and mechanisms of action.
Humans
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/instrumentation*
;
Tibial Fractures/surgery*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Tibial Plateau Fractures
5.Effectiveness analysis of Zhang's double reverse traction reducer in minimally invasive treatment of bilateral tibial plateau fractures.
Zhanle ZHENG ; Baoheng FAN ; Zhongzheng WANG ; Rongqing REN ; Yiyang WANG ; Ning WEI ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(7):789-794
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of minimally invasive treatment for bilateral tibial plateau fractures using the double reverse traction reducer.
METHODS:
The clinical data of 4 patients with bilateral tibial plateau fractures who met the selection criteria and treated between January 2016 and April 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The cohort included 3 males and 1 female, aged 30-65 years (mean, 52.5 years). Injury mechanisms comprised traffic accidents (2 cases) and falls (2 cases). According to the Schatzker classification, 2 limbs were type Ⅱ and 6 were type Ⅵ. The time from injury to surgery ranged from 5 to 9 days (mean, 7 days). All patients underwent minimally invasive reduction using the double reverse traction reducer. Surgical duration, intraoperative blood loss, and hospitalization time were recorded. Functional outcomes were assessed at last follow-up using the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) knee score and range of motion (ROM), while fracture reduction quality was evaluated using the Rasmussen radiological score.
RESULTS:
All 4 patients successfully completed the procedure without conversion to open reduction. The total mean operation time was 80.25 minutes (range, 73-86 minutes), with a mean total intraoperative blood loss of 132.5 mL (range, 100-150 mL). The mean hospitalization time was 13.5 days (range, 11-16 days). All incisions healed primarily without neurovascular complications. X-ray film at 1 day after operation confirmed satisfactory reduction and articular surface alignment. Follow-up time ranged from 12 to 26 months (mean, 17.0 months). Fractures achieved clinical union at an average of 13 weeks (range, 12-16 weeks). No complication, such as deep vein thrombosis, joint stiffness, post-traumatic arthritis, or implant failure, was observed. At last follow-up, the mean HSS score was 92.9 (range, 90-97), mean knee ROM was 128.1° (range, 115°-135°), and mean Rasmussen radiological score was 16.4 (range, 15-19), with 2 limbs rated as excellent and 6 as good.
CONCLUSION
The double reverse traction reducer facilitates minimally invasive treatment of bilateral tibial plateau fractures with advantages including minimal trauma, shorter surgical duration, precise reduction, and fewer complications, effectively promoting fracture healing and functional recovery of the knee joint.
Humans
;
Tibial Fractures/diagnostic imaging*
;
Middle Aged
;
Male
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/instrumentation*
;
Female
;
Adult
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Aged
;
Traction/methods*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Operative Time
;
Tibial Plateau Fractures
6.Comparative study on effectiveness of double reverse traction reduction versus open reduction internal fixation in treating complex tibial plateau fractures.
Hao LIU ; Zhihao LIN ; Yueyan MA ; Haifeng GONG ; Tianrui WANG ; Fagang YE ; Yanling HU
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(7):795-800
OBJECTIVE:
To compare the effectiveness and advantages of the double reverse traction reduction versus open reduction internal fixation for treating complex tibial plateau fractures.
METHODS:
A clinical data of 25 patients with Schatzker type Ⅴ or Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2019 and January 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen patients underwent double reverse traction reduction and internal fixation (double reverse traction group), while 12 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (traditional open group). There was no significant difference in the baseline data (age, gender, injury mechanism, Schatzker classification, interval between injury and operation) between the two groups ( P>0.05). The effectiveness were evaluated and compared between the two groups, included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, full weight-bearing time, complications, fracture healing, Rasmussen radiological score (reduction quality), knee Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and knee flexion/extension range of motion.
RESULTS:
The double reverse traction group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, incision length, and time to full weight-bearing ( P<0.05). Two patients in traditional open group developed incisional complications, while the double reverse traction group had no complication. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complication between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 24-36 months (mean, 30 months), with no significant difference in follow-up duration between groups ( P>0.05). Fractures healed in both groups with no significant difference in healing time ( P>0.05). At 6 months after operation, Rasmussen radiological scores and grading showed no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05); the double reverse traction group had significantly higher HSS scores compared to the traditional open group ( P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, knee flexion/extension range of motion were significantly greater in the double reverse traction group than in the traditional open group ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Double reverse traction reduction offers advantages over traditional open reduction, including shorter operation time, reduced blood loss, minimized soft tissue trauma, and improved joint functional recovery. It is a safe and reliable method for complex tibial plateau fractures.
Humans
;
Tibial Fractures/surgery*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Traction/methods*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Open Fracture Reduction/methods*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Fracture Healing
;
Operative Time
;
Length of Stay
;
Blood Loss, Surgical
;
Aged
;
Tibial Plateau Fractures
7.Short-term effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment for posterolateral depressed tibial plateau fractures assisted by robots and arthroscopy.
Zhongyao CHEN ; Xing DU ; Gang LUO ; Dagang TANG ; Xinyi WANG ; Yiyang LI ; Kangwen SUN ; Yi DUAN ; Wei SHUI
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(7):801-806
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate short-term effectiveness of robot-assisted fracture reduction and fixation combined with arthroscopic exploration for posterolateral depressed tibial plateau fractures.
METHODS:
Between January 2022 and January 2024, 8 patients with posterolateral depressed tibial plateau fractures (Schatzker type Ⅲ) were treated using robot-assisted fracture reduction and fixation combined with arthroscopic exploration, with simultaneous treatment of concomitant ligament or meniscus tears. There were 3 males and 5 females with an average age of 54.1 years (range, 42-68 years). Injury mechanisms included traffic accidents (3 cases) and falls (5 cases). The time from injury to operation ranged from 2 to 4 days (mean, 3.1 days). Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay duration, visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain, and complications were recorded. Fracture healing and knee Rasmussen scores were assessed radiographically, while knee function was evaluated using range of motion and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) scores.
RESULTS:
All operations were successfully completed. The operation time was 108-129 minutes (mean, 120.1 minutes). The intraoperative blood loss was 10-100 mL (mean, 41.3 mL). The hospital stay duration was 4-7 days (mean, 5.6 days). All incisions healed by first intention without complication such as peroneal nerve injury, vascular damage, or infection. All patients were followed up 32-48 weeks (mean, 40 weeks). Radiographic follow-up confirmed that the knee Rasmussen scores rated as excellent in 8 patients and all fractures healed with the healing time of 12-16 weeks (mean, 13.5 weeks). The VAS score for pain was 2-4 (mean, 2.8) at discharge and improved to 0 at 1 month after operation. The knee range of motion was 80°-110° (mean, 96.1°) at discharge and increased to 135°-140° (mean, 137.9°) at 1 month after operation. At 3 months after operation, the HSS score was 91-94 (mean, 92.8), all graded as excellent. No severe complication, including implant failure, occurred during follow-up.
CONCLUSION
For posterolateral depressed tibial plateau fractures, the minimally invasive approach combining robot-assisted fracture reduction and fixation with arthroscopic exploration demonstrates multiple advantages, including shorter operation time, reduced intraoperative blood loss, excellent wound healing, fewer complications, and rapid recovery of knee function. This technique achieves satisfactory short-term effectiveness, while its long-term effectiveness requires further evaluation.
Humans
;
Male
;
Tibial Fractures/surgery*
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Arthroscopy/methods*
;
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
;
Aged
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods*
;
Operative Time
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Fracture Healing
;
Length of Stay
;
Tibial Plateau Fractures
8.Effect of different bone grafting methods and internal fixation on mechanical stability of Schatzker type Ⅱ tibial plateau fracture.
Zhongzheng WANG ; Yuchuan WANG ; Siyu TIAN ; Zitao WANG ; Ruipeng ZHANG ; Xiaodong LIAN ; Zhanle ZHENG ; Yingze ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(7):807-813
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the biomechanical characteristics of Schatzker type Ⅱ tibial plateau fracture fixed by different bone grafting methods and internal fixations.
METHODS:
Twenty-four embalmed specimens of adult knee joint were selected to make Schatzker type Ⅱ tibial plateau fracture models, which were randomly divided into 8 groups (groups A1-D1 and groups A2-D2, n=3). After all the fracture models were restored, non-structural iliac crest bone grafts were implanted in group A1-D1, and structural iliac crest bone grafts in groups A2-D2. Following bone grafting, group A was fixed with a lateral golf locking plate, group B was fixed with lateral golf locking plate combined compression bolt, group C was fixed with lateral tibial "L"-shaped locking plate, and group D was fixed with lateral tibial "L"-shaped locking plate combined compression bolt. Compression and cyclic loading tests were performed on a biomechanical testing machine. A distal femur specimen or a 4-cm-diameter homemade bone cement ball were used as a pressure application mould for each group of models. The specimens were loaded with local compression at a rate of 10 N/s and the mechanical loads were recorded when the vertical displacement of the split bone block reached 2 mm. Then, compressive and cyclic loading tests were conducted on the fixed models of each group. The specimens were compression loaded to 100, 400, 700, and 1 000 N at a speed of 10 N/s to record the vertical displacement of the split bone block. The specimens were also subjected to cyclic loading at 5 Hz and 10 N/s within the ranges 100-300, 100-500, 100-700, and 100-1 000 N to record the vertical displacement of the split bone block at the end of the entire cyclic loading test. The specimens were subjected to cyclic loading tests and the vertical displacement of the split bone block was recorded at the end of the test.
RESULTS:
When the vertical displacement of the collapsed bone block reached 2 mm, the mechanical load of groups A2-D2 was significantly greater than that of groups A1-D1 ( P<0.05). The mechanical load of groups B and D was significantly greater than that of group A under the two bone grafting methods ( P<0.05); the local mechanical load of group D was significantly greater than that of groups B and C under the structural iliac crest bone grafts ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference ( P>0.05) in the vertical displacement of the split bone blocks between the two bone graft methods when the compressive load was 100, 400, 700 N and the cyclic load was 100-300, 100-500, 100-700 N in groups A-D. However, the vertical displacement of bone block in groups A1-D1 was significantly greater than that in groups A2-D2 ( P<0.05) when the compressive loading was 1 000 N and the cyclic load was 100-1 000 N. The vertical displacement of bone block in group B was significantly smaller than that in group A, and that in group D was significantly smaller than that in group C under the same way of bone graft ( P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Compared with non-structural iliac crest bone grafts implantation, structural iliac crest bone grafts is more effective in preventing secondary collapse of Schatzker type Ⅱ tibial plateau fracture, and locking plate combined with compression bolt fixation can provide better articular surface support and resistance to axial compression, and the lateral tibial "L"-shaped locking plate can better highlight its advantages of "raft" fixation and show better mechanical stability.
Humans
;
Bone Transplantation/methods*
;
Tibial Fractures/physiopathology*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/instrumentation*
;
Biomechanical Phenomena
;
Bone Plates
;
Ilium/transplantation*
;
Adult
;
Tibia/surgery*
;
Bone Cements
;
Knee Joint/surgery*
;
Male
;
Tibial Plateau Fractures
9.Application of limb shortening/re-lengthening technique and in situ tissue regeneration technique in limb salvage for complex lower limb fractures combined with soft tissue defects.
Hong LIU ; Yuanmeng REN ; Xianyan YAN ; Baona WANG ; Dong WANG ; Huyun QIAO ; Jinli GUO ; Yonghong ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(8):1014-1019
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the effectiveness of limb shortening/re-lengthening technique combined with in situ tissue regeneration technique in limb salvage for patients with complex lower limb fractures and soft tissue defects.
METHODS:
Between January 2021 and December 2024, 12 patients with complex lower limb fractures and soft tissue defects caused by trauma were admitted. There were 10 males and 2 females; the age ranged from 18 to 46 years, with an average of 36 years. Among them, 1 case of open comminuted tibiofibular fracture caused bone necrosis and soft tissue infection; 4 cases of open tibiofibular fractures developed bone and soft tissue infections after being fixed with a combined external fixator, resulting in defects; 7 cases of closed tibial fractures that underwent internal fixation developed soft tissue infections, leading to bone and soft tissue necrosis. The time from injury to the formation of bone and soft tissue defects was 2-9 weeks, with an average of 6 weeks. The length of bone defects was 5.0-10.2 cm, with an average of 6.8 cm; the area of soft tissue defects was 32-54 cm 2, with an average of 43.9 cm 2. After admission, all patients underwent thorough debridement. The limb shortening treatment was performed after the wound had filled with fresh granulation tissue, and an Ilizarov ring-shaped external fixator was placed or replaced. The limb was shortened at a rate of 1 mm/day to reduce bone defects. At the same time, the soft tissue defects were repaired using the in situ tissue regeneration technique. After the wound healed, osteotomy was performed, and limb lengthening was carried out at a rate of 1 mm/day. The lower limb full-length X-ray films were taken, and the lengthening was stopped when the lower limb alignment was restored. The healing condition of the wound was observed and the healing time was recorded.
RESULTS:
One patient died due to a traffic accident during limb lengthening. The remaining 11 patients completed limb shortening and re-lengthening treatment and were followed up 18-36 months, with an average of 20 months. All 11 patients successfully preserved their limbs. The wound healing time was 4-12 weeks, with an average of 8 weeks; the limb shortening time was 4-8 weeks, with an average of 6 weeks; and the limb lengthening time was 4-12 weeks, with an average of 8 weeks. One patient experienced delayed bone mineralization during bone lengthening, and one had pin tract infection. Both were treated symptomatically. The lower limb mechanical axis of all 11 patients was restored, and they were able to walk independently.
CONCLUSION
The application of limb shortening/re-lengthening technique combined with in situ tissue regeneration technique in the treatment of large bone and soft tissue defects not only effectively avoids the occurrence of nonunion at the apposition ends and increases the stability of the lower limb, but also significantly shortens the wound healing time, avoids the risk of soft tissue infection and increases the limb salvage rate. It can be used as a treatment technique for patients with complex lower limb fractures combined with soft tissue defects.
Humans
;
Adult
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Soft Tissue Injuries/surgery*
;
Limb Salvage/methods*
;
Adolescent
;
Young Adult
;
Bone Lengthening/methods*
;
External Fixators
;
Lower Extremity/surgery*
;
Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods*
;
Fractures, Bone/surgery*
;
Tibial Fractures/surgery*
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Regeneration
10.Arthroscopic one-stage direct suture technique for treating anterior cruciate ligament injury combined with anterior meniscus root injury.
Wentao XIONG ; Fei ZHANG ; Yang LIU ; Jipeng MA ; Qiang ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(10):1276-1284
OBJECTIVE:
To investigate the effectiveness of one-stage direct suture technique under arthroscopy for the treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury combined with anterior meniscus root injury.
METHODS:
The clinical data of 9 patients with ACL injury or tibial intercondylar eminence fracture combined with anterior meniscus root injury who were admitted between September 2017 and September 2024 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 3 males and 6 females, aged 21-62 years, with an average age of 37.1 years. The time from injury to surgery ranged from 5 days to 5 years, with a median time of 40 days. Among them, 5 cases had ACL injury, including 4 cases of type 1 and 1 case of type 2 according to modified Sherman classification; 4 cases had tibial intercondylar eminence fracture, including 3 cases of type 3 and 1 case of type 2 according to Meyers-McKeever classification. There were 7 cases of anterior root injury of lateral meniscus and 2 cases of anterior root injury of medial meniscus. The preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score was 45.0±12.3, and Lysholm score was 49.2±12.4. Preoperatively, 7 cases were positive in anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and McMurray test, while 2 cases could not complete the test due to pain limitation. Preoperatively and at last follow-up, IKDC score and Lysholm score were used to evaluate knee joint function, anterior drawer test and Lachman test were used to evaluate knee joint stability, and McMurray test was used to evaluate meniscus condition.
RESULTS:
The operation time was 30-100 minutes, with an average of 64.2 minutes; the total hospital stay was 2-12 days, with an average of 4.5 days; the postoperative hospital stay was 1-4 days, with an average of 1.8 days. All incisions healed by first intention without surgery-related complications. All 9 patients were followed up 2-30 months, with an average of 18.8 months. No internal fixation-related complications occurred during follow-up. At last follow-up, MRI review showed good ligament tension, and CT showed good fracture healing. The results of anterior drawer test and Lachman test were all negative. McMurray test was negative in all cases. The IKDC score was 88.3±5.1, and Lysholm score was 88.3±5.6, both showing significant improvement compared to preoperative scores ( t=14.001, P<0.001; t=10.192, P<0.001).
CONCLUSION
One-stage direct suture technique under arthroscopy for repairing ACL injury or tibial intercondylar eminence fracture combined with anterior meniscus root injury can achieve good effectiveness without fixation device-related complications.
Humans
;
Adult
;
Male
;
Female
;
Arthroscopy/methods*
;
Middle Aged
;
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries/surgery*
;
Tibial Meniscus Injuries/surgery*
;
Retrospective Studies
;
Suture Techniques
;
Young Adult
;
Treatment Outcome
;
Tibial Fractures/surgery*
;
Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction/methods*
;
Menisci, Tibial/surgery*

Result Analysis
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