Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors and their predictive efficacy for early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 286 elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital between August 2021 and August 2024, including 154 males and 132 females, aged 60-80 years [(72.5±5.8)years]. Fracture involved the left side in 148 patients and the right side in 138 patients. Internal fixation was performed on 214 patients and joint replacement on 72. Based on the occurrence of infection within two weeks postoperatively, the patients were divided into infection group ( n=25) and non-infection group ( n=261). Data were collected from the two groups, including basic information [gender, age, body mass index (BMI), cause of injury, fracture side], admission data (fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure), preoperative data [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, AO classification, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin (Alb), serum CRP/Alb ratio, time from injury to surgery], and treatment-related information (surgical type, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, quality of intraoperative reduction, postoperative antibiotic use). Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic stepwise regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors for early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of each factor. Results:Univariate analysis showed significant differences between the two groups in fasting blood glucose on admission, preoperative serum CRP, preoperative serum Alb, preoperative serum CRP/Alb ratio, and duration of surgery ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the remaining variables ( P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic stepwise regression analysis indicated that fasting blood glucose on admission ( OR=2.65, 95% CI 1.32, 5.32, P<0.01), preoperative serum CRP ( OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.04, 1.18, P<0.01), preoperative serum Alb ( OR=0.79, 95% CI 0.70, 0.90, P<0.01), preoperative serum CRP/Alb ( OR=143.78, 95% CI 4.46, 46.77, P<0.01), and duration of surgery ( OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.11, P<0.01) were significantly associated with early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of preoperative serum CRP/Alb in predicting early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture were 88.00% and 88.10%, and that the AUC of preoperative serum CRP/Alb prediction was 0.92, significantly greater than the AUC predicted separately by fasting blood glucose at admission, preoperative serum CRP, preoperative serum Alb and duration of surgery (0.76, 0.75, 0.77, 0.76, respectively). The optimal cut-off value for the preoperative serum CRP/Alb ratio was 1.78. Conclusions:Fasting blood glucose on admission, preoperative serum CRP, Alb, CRP/Alb ratio, and duration of surgery are independent risk factors for early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture. These factors all possess certain predictive value for early postoperative infection, but the preoperative serum CRP/Alb ratio demonstrates the best predictive efficacy.

Severe open tibiofibular fractures account for approximately 28.1% of all open fractures. Among them, Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB/C fractures present significant clinical challenges due to associated bone and soft tissue defects, high infection rates, and risk of amputation. Inadequate preoperative assessment may lead to suboptimal emergency surgical planning or intraoperative complications. Historically, external fixation was often preferred, but this approach has been associated with limitations such as restricted joint mobility, delayed bone union, joint stiffness, and disuse osteoporosis, resulting in poor functional recovery. With advancements of debridement techniques, standardization of antibiotic use, and popularization of early soft tissue coverage, early internal fixation has gained broader acceptance. Nevertheless, controversies persist regarding the choice of fixation method, timing of definitive fixation, use of reamed versus unreamed intramedullary nailing, and necessity of fibular fixation. To standardize the diagnosis and early management of severe open tibiofibular fractures, reduce complication rates, and improve functional recovery, the Society of Microsurgery of the Chinese Medical Association organized a panel of domestic experts to develop the Evidence-based guideline for the diagnosis and early fixation of severe open tibiofibular fractures ( version 2025), using evidence-based methodology. The guidelines provided 12 recommendations covering diagnostic and early fixation strategies of severe open tibiofibular fractures, aiming to provide clinicians with scientifically grounded and standardized guidance.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of a new classification system proposed by us applied to the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of the 225 patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture who had been treated between January 2023 and November 2024 at Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital (78 cases), The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (61 cases), Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (28 cases), Zhengzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (34 cases), and Puyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (24 cases). There were 86 males and 139 females, with an age of (74.8±7.9) years. Satisfactory reduction had failed in all patients even after 3 attempts at closed reduction. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether the new classification system proposed by our research team in our previous study was used to guide the treatment. The observation group of 116 cases were treated through an extended incision at the head of the intramedullary nail for reduction and fixation under the guidance of the new classification system while the control group of 109 cases were treated by reduction and fixation through a direct anterolateral incision. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, Harris hip scores at 3 months after operation and the last follow-up, and incidence of complications were compared between the 2 groups.Results:No statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (12.6±2.5) months after operation. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing time [(39.5±9.7) minutes, (106.6±54.8) mL, and (3.1±0.7) months] in the observation group were significantly less than those in the control group [(70.2±11.1) minutes, (322.8±55.5) mL, and (4.5±0.7) months] ( P<0.05). The Harris hip scores at 3 months after operation and the last follow-up in the observation group [(90.3±3.4) points and (93.7±3.2) points] were significantly higher than those in the control group [(75.1±3.8) points and (78.7±3.6) points] ( P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was 6.0% (7/116), significantly lower than that in the control group [14.7% (16/109)] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures, compared with the conventional anterolateral approach for intramedullary nailing, the extended intramedullary head nail approach guided by our new classification system can reduce operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and incidence of postoperative complications, and improve postoperative hip joint function.

Addressing the enduring challenge of evaluating traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs), the integrated evidence chain-based effectiveness evaluation of TCMs (Eff-iEC) has emerged. This paper explored its capacity through a demonstration study that evaluated the effectiveness evidence of six commonly used anti-hepatic fibrosis Chinese patent medicines (CPMs), including Biejiajian Pill (BP), Dahuang Zhechong Pill (DZP), Biejia Ruangan Compound (BRC), Fuzheng Huayu Capsule (FHC), Anluo Huaxian Pill (AHP), and Heluo Shugan Capsule (HSC), using both Eff-iEC and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. The recognition of these CPMs within the TCM academic community was also assessed through their inclusion in relevant medical documents. Results showed that the evidence of BRC and FHC received higher assessments in both Eff-iEC and GRADE system, while the assessments for others varied. Analysis of community recognition revealed that Eff-iEC more accurately reflects the clinical value of these CPMs, exhibiting superior evaluative capabilities. By breaking through the conventional pattern of TCMs effectiveness evaluation, Eff-iEC offers a novel epistemology that better aligns with the clinical realities and reasoning of TCMs, providing a coherent methodology for clinical decision-making, new drug evaluations, and health policy formulation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of the suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) combined with the reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum in treating chronic lateral ankle instability (CLAI). METHODS: The clinical data of 31 patients with CLAI who were admitted between August 2017 and December 2023 and met the selection criteria were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 13 females, with an age range from 20 to 48 years (mean, 34.6 years). All patients had a history of repeated ankle sprain, with a disease duration of 6-18 months (mean, 9.65 months). The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were positive, and tenderness was present in the ligament area. Stress X-ray films of the ankle joint showed a talar tilt angle of (10.00±2.78)° and an anterior talar displacement of (9.48±1.96) mm on the affected side. MRI revealed discontinuity, tortuosity, or disappearance of the ATFL structure. Preoperatively, the visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 5.2±2.1, and the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 62.9±7.1. All patients underwent arthroscopic debridement of the ankle joint followed by reconstruction of the ATFL using the suture anchor technique without knots combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum. Postoperatively, pain and function were assessed using the VAS and AOFAS scores. Stress X-ray films were taken to measure the talar tilt angle and anterior talar displacement to evaluate changes in ankle joint stability. Patient satisfaction was assessed according to the Insall criteria. RESULTS: All 31 surgeries were successfully completed. One case had wound exudation, while the remaining surgical incisions healed by first intention. Two cases experienced numbness on the lateral aspect of the foot, which disappeared within 1 month after operation. All patients were followed up 15-84 months (mean, 47.2 months). No complication such as anchor loosening, recurrent lateral ankle instability, superficial peroneal nerve injury, rejection reaction, or wound infection occurred postoperatively. The anterior drawer test and inversion stress test were negative at 3 months after operation. Stress X-ray films taken at 3 months after operation showed the talar tilt angle of (2.86±1.72)° and the anterior talar displacement of (2.97±1.32) mm, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative values ( t=12.218, P<0.001; t=15.367, P<0.001). At last follow-up, 2 patients had ankle swelling after exercise, which resolved spontaneously with rest; all 31 patients returned to their pre-injury level of sports or had no significant discomfort in daily activities. At last follow-up, 25 patients were pain-free, 4 had mild pain after exercise, and 2 had mild pain after walking more than 2 000 meters. The VAS score was 0.8±0.9 and the AOFAS score was 91.6±4.1, both of which were significantly different from the preoperative scores ( t=10.851, P<0.001; t=-19.514, P<0.001). According to the Insall criteria, 24 patients were rated as excellent, 4 as good, and 3 as fair, with a satisfaction rate of 90.3%. CONCLUSION The suture anchor technique without knots for reconstruction of the ATFL combined with reinforcement of the inferior extensor retinaculum provides satisfactory short- and mid-term effectiveness in treating CLAI.
Humans ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Joint Instability/surgery* ; Lateral Ligament, Ankle/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Ankle Joint/diagnostic imaging* ; Young Adult ; Suture Anchors ; Treatment Outcome ; Suture Techniques ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Chronic Disease ; Ankle Injuries/surgery*

Postoperative infection of internal fixation of closed fractures the lower limbs in adults represents a devastating complication, characterized by diagnostic challenges, prolonged treatment duration and high disability rates. Current management of these infections faces multiple challenges, such as difficulties in early accurate diagnosis, and various controversies about the treatment plan, leading to poor overall diagnosis and treatment results. To address these issues, based on evidence-based medicine and principles with emphasis on scientific rigor, clinical applicability and innovation, the Trauma Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, Orthopedic Branch of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Orthopedics Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, and Trauma Orthopedics and Polytrauma Group of the Resuscitation and Emergency Committee of the Chinese Medical Doctor Association have collaboratively organized a panel of relevant experts to develop the Guideline for diagnosis and treatment of infection after internal fixation of closed lower limb fractures in adults ( version 2025). The guideline proposed 10 recommendations, aiming to provide a foundation for standardized diagnosis and treatment of postoperative infection in adults with closed lower limb fractures.

Vertebral refracture following percutaneous vertebral augmentation (PVA) is commonly seen in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures (OTLCF). It can lead to recurrent pain, loss of vertebral height, progression of kyphosis, and even neurological dysfunction, significantly impairing patients′ quality of life. Current diagnosis and treatment face multiple challenges, including high misdiagnosis rate, difficulty in choosing between surgical and non-surgical treatment options, lack of standardized surgical protocols, interference from intralesional bone cement during procedures, inadequate stability of internal fixation in osteoporotic bone, and suboptimal compliance of anti-osteoporotic therapy. Establishing a standardized diagnostic and therapeutic framework is urgently needed. To standardize the management process and improve outcomes for vertebral refractures after PVA in elderly OTLCF patients, Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association organized experts in the field to develop Guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of vertebral refracture after percutaneous vertebral augmentation in elderly patients with osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025), based on current literature and clinical experience, and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and clinical applicability. A total of 11 recommendations were proposed, encompassing diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of vertebral refracture after PVA in elderly patients with OTLCF, aiming to provide a foundation for a standardized management.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors and their predictive efficacy for early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 286 elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital between August 2021 and August 2024, including 154 males and 132 females, aged 60-80 years [(72.5±5.8)years]. Fracture involved the left side in 148 patients and the right side in 138 patients. Internal fixation was performed on 214 patients and joint replacement on 72. Based on the occurrence of infection within two weeks postoperatively, the patients were divided into infection group ( n=25) and non-infection group ( n=261). Data were collected from the two groups, including basic information [gender, age, body mass index (BMI), cause of injury, fracture side], admission data (fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure), preoperative data [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, AO classification, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin (Alb), serum CRP/Alb ratio, time from injury to surgery], and treatment-related information (surgical type, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, quality of intraoperative reduction, postoperative antibiotic use). Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic stepwise regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors for early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of each factor. Results:Univariate analysis showed significant differences between the two groups in fasting blood glucose on admission, preoperative serum CRP, preoperative serum Alb, preoperative serum CRP/Alb ratio, and duration of surgery ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the remaining variables ( P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic stepwise regression analysis indicated that fasting blood glucose on admission ( OR=2.65, 95% CI 1.32, 5.32, P<0.01), preoperative serum CRP ( OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.04, 1.18, P<0.01), preoperative serum Alb ( OR=0.79, 95% CI 0.70, 0.90, P<0.01), preoperative serum CRP/Alb ( OR=143.78, 95% CI 4.46, 46.77, P<0.01), and duration of surgery ( OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.11, P<0.01) were significantly associated with early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of preoperative serum CRP/Alb in predicting early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture were 88.00% and 88.10%, and that the AUC of preoperative serum CRP/Alb prediction was 0.92, significantly greater than the AUC predicted separately by fasting blood glucose at admission, preoperative serum CRP, preoperative serum Alb and duration of surgery (0.76, 0.75, 0.77, 0.76, respectively). The optimal cut-off value for the preoperative serum CRP/Alb ratio was 1.78. Conclusions:Fasting blood glucose on admission, preoperative serum CRP, Alb, CRP/Alb ratio, and duration of surgery are independent risk factors for early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture. These factors all possess certain predictive value for early postoperative infection, but the preoperative serum CRP/Alb ratio demonstrates the best predictive efficacy.