Nonunion of a fracture denotes the scenario wherein the fracture fails to achieve healing within the anticipated timeframe and is improbable to mend without further interventions. This ailment can be classified based on the presence of infection and the biological activity at the fracture site, with a specific emphasis in this discourse on the management of aseptic nonunion. The spectrum of nonunion encompasses atrophic, dystrophic, hypertrophic, pseudarthrosis, and bone defect variants, each necessitating distinctive treatment strategies. Successful management of nonunion hinges upon meticulous diagnosis, efficient infection control, and rectification of any associated deformities, all personalized to the unique circumstances of the individual patient. Soft tissue management plays a pivotal role, often necessitating reparative measures to foster an optimal healing environment. The therapeutic approach to nonunion fractures delineates into non-surgical and surgical modalities, offering advantages in circumventing potential surgical complications. Non-surgical interventions are further subdivided into direct and indirect methods. Indirect interventions encompass lifestyle modifications such as smoking cessation, nutritional optimization, correction of endocrine and metabolic irregularities, and medication adjustments. Direct interventions, conversely, encompass weight-bearing, external fixation, electromagnetic stimulation, ultrasound stimulation, shockwave therapy, and parathyroid hormone administration. Prudent clinical practice dictates the trial of conservative treatments before resorting to surgical interventions, with the latter reserved for instances of treatment resistance or necessitated by aggressive measures. Surgical options encompass a diverse array of techniques, contingent upon soft tissue integrity, degree of bone defect, and comorbidities, including intramedullary nail replacement, dynamic intramedullary nails, plate fixation, circular external fixation frames, and joint replacements. Autogenous bone grafting stands as the gold standard for treating nonunion fractures, while allograft bone grafting and other bone graft substitutes present viable options for addressing nonhealing fractures. The optimal therapeutic approach mandates a comprehensive assessment of the surgeon's expertise, the comparative risks and benefits of interventions, and the patient's individual tolerance.

Objective:To study the clinical efficacy of modified open elbow arthrolysis in the treatment of traumatic elbow stiffness.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 120 patients who underwent modified open elbow arthrolysis in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2018 to December 2020. The age of the included patients was (37.7±12.4) years (ranged 18-64 years), including 54 males and 66 females. The medical records were reviewed, the range of motion (ROM) and functional status of the patients before operation and at the last follow-up were compared including visual analogue scale (VAS), Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) score. Complications and secondary operations were also recorded. Measurement data with normal distribution were presented as mean ± standard deviation( ± s) and comparison between groups was conducted using the t-test; Measurement data of skewed distribution were expressed as M ( Q1, Q3), and Rank-sum test was used for inter-group comparison. Results:The preoperative extension of 120 patients was 43.6° (33.8°, 60.1°), the flexion was 78.7° (59.8°, 98.1°), and the flexion-extension ROM was 25.6° (0.0°, 54.5°); the preoperative pronation was 51.8° (33.0°, 67.0°), the supination was 85.1° (65.7°, 90.0°), and the rotation ROM was 136.9° (99.1°, 157.5°). Postoperative extension was 14.2° (7.0°, 24.8°), flexion was 129.5° (120.0°, 138.1°), flexion-extension ROM was 115.5° (94.4°, 127.3°); postoperative pronation was 65.0° (47.1°, 75.0°), the supination was 88.3° (78.6°, 90.0°), and the rotation ROM was 151.9° (131.7°, 163.4°). Postoperative extension, flexion, flexion-extension ROM, pronation, supination, and rotation ROM were all higher than those before operation, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001). The VAS of 120 patients was 1.0 (0.0, 3.0) scores before operation and 0.0 (0.0, 1.0) scores after operation. The MEPS was 60.0 (50.0, 75.0) scores before operation and 100.0 (85.0, 100.0) scores after operation. The preoperative DASH was 37.5 (20.1, 51.3) scores, and the postoperative DASH was 7.9 (3.3, 13.3) scores. The postoperative VAS, MEPS, and DASH were significantly improved compared with those before operation, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.001). Residual ulnar nerve symptoms occurred in 18 cases, recurrence of heterotopic ossification in 42 cases, and hematoma in 3 cases. Conclusions:Modified open elbow arthrolysis is a safe and effective surgical method for the treatment of traumatic elbow stiffness. It can significantly improve the function of the patient, reduce the occurrence of elbow instability, avoid the use of external fixators, and reduce the cost of the patient.

Objective:To compare the efficacy between olecranon sled fixation and tension band wiring fixation in the treatment of Mayo ⅡA olecranon fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the data of 54 patients with Mayo ⅡA olecranon fracture who had been admitted to Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from October 2018 to February 2021. There were 20 males and 34 females with an age of (45.5±17.7 years), and 36 left and 18 right sides. They were divided into 2 groups according to different methods of internal fixation. Group A (25 cases) was subjected to olecranon sled fixation and group B (29 cases) to tension band wiring fixation. Preoperative data, operation time, reoperations and complications during follow-up were recorded and compared between the 2 groups. In both groups at the last follow-up, the range of the elbow motion, the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score were recorded to evaluate the elbow function.Results:The 2 groups were comparable because there were no significant differences in all their preoperative demographic data ( P>0.05). There were no significant differences between the 2 groups either in follow-up time [(32.8±8.9) months for group A and (35.8±9.0) months for group B] or in operation time [60.0 (60.0, 82.5) min for group A and 60.0 (60.0, 67.5) min for group B] ( P>0.05). At the last follow-up in group A and group B, respectively, the flexion and extension of the elbow was 141.0°±8.4° and 140.0 (140.0, 150.0)°, the pronation-supination 180.0 (175.0, 180.0)° and 180.0 (175.0, 180.0)°, the MEPS score 100.0 (85.0, 100.0) and 100.0 (92.5, 100.0), and the DASH score 4.2 (1.7, 6.3) and 5.8 (1.3, 8.3), all showing no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P>0.05). Olecranon skin irritation occurred in 5 patients (20.0%,5/25) in group A and in 15 patients (51.7%,15/29) in group B, and 7 patients (28.0%,7/25) in group A and 21 patients (72.4%,21/29) in group B underwent removal of internal fixation, both showing statistically significant differences between the 2 groups ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of Mayo ⅡA olecranon fractures, compared with tension band wiring fixation, olecranon sled fixation may lead to comparable efficacy in fixation and functional recovery, but significantly reduced rates of complications and internal fixation removal.

Objective:To evaluate the surgical treatment of ulnar olecranon avulsion fracture complicated with radial head fracture.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 13 patients who had been treated at Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital for ulnar olecranon avulsion fracture complicated with radial head fracture from July 2016 to February 2022. There were 9 males and 4 females with an age of (38.1±11.7 years), and 6 cases on the dominant side and 7 cases on the non-dominant side. According to Mason classification of radial head fractures, there were 1 case of type Ⅰ, 1 cases of type Ⅱ and 11 cases of type Ⅲ. All patients were treated surgically and their radial head fractures were prioritized. For radial head fractures, 10 patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation, and 3 patients with radial head replacement. For ulnar olecranon avulsion fractures, 11 patients were treated with repair of tendon insertions, and 2 patients with tendon repair only. At the last follow-up, the elbow mobility was recorded, and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scoring were applied to assess the elbow function, pain, and subjective upper extremity function. Complications and secondary surgeries were also followed up.Results:The 13 patients were followed up for (37.6±18.5) months after operation. At the last follow-up, the flexion and extension was 102.3°±19.6° (from 70° to 130°), and the pronation-supination was 149.6°±20.0° (from 110° to 170°). Nonunion of the radial head fracture occurred in 1 patient, stiffness of the elbow in 3 patients, and ulnar nerve dysfunction in 1 patient. A total of 4 secondary surgeries were performed in 3 patients. At the last follow-up, in the 13 patients, the MEPS score was 100.0 (85.0, 100.0) points with a range from 75 to 100 points; the VAS score was 0.0(0.0, 2.0) point with a range from 0 to 3 points; the DASH score was 2.5 (1.3, 8.3) points with a range from 0 to 21 points.Conclusions:As ulnar olecranon avulsion fracture complicated with radial head fracture is not common, timely identification and clear diagnosis of such injury is very important. Surgical treatment may result in fine outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of TiRobot navigation for hinged external fixation in elbow arthrolysis.Methods:The 11 patients were retrospectively analyzed who had been treated by elbow arthrolysis at Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital using TiRobot navigation for hinged external fixation. There were 9 males and 2 females with a mean age of 39.3 years (from 21 to 66 years). Their elbow range of motion (ROM) was compared between preoperation and the final follow-up. Their visual analogue scale (VAS) and Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and complications were documented at the final follow-up.Results:The rotation axis of the elbow joint was positioned with the aid of intraoperative robot navigation in 11 patients.The deviation of entry point averaged 0.21 mm (from 0.05 to 0.41 mm) and the deviation of exit point 0.23 mm (from 0.06 to 0.38 mm). The follow-up time for the 11 patients averaged 25.8 months (from 16 to 32 months). Their elbow flexion and extension was 133.0° (134.9°, 138.7°) and rotation 164.6° ±17.5° at the final follow-up, significantly improved compared with their preoperative values [0.8°(0°, 33.7°) and 122.9°±49.0°] ( P<0.05). Their VAS averaged 0.2 (from 0 to 1) and MEPS 96.8 (from 85 to 100) at the final follow-up, giving 9 excellent and 2 good cases. There was no case of radial nerve injury, pin instability, pin breakage, pin infection or peri-pin fracture. Conclusion:When TiRobot navigation is used for hinged external fixation in elbow arthrolysis, the axis of rotation can be accurately located, leading to satisfactory functional outcomes for the patients.

Objective:To explore the surgical treatment of isolated traumatic radial head dislocation (ITRHD) after failed close reduction.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted of the 8 patients with ITRHD who had been admitted to Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital for operation after failed close reduction from January 2011 to December 2020. They were 2 males and 6 females, aged from 15 to 41 years (average, 27 years). The left elbow was injured in 3 patients and the right elbow in 5. At the last follow-up, elbow flexion-extension and forearm pronation-supination were recorded and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was used to evaluate functional recovery.Results:The 8 patients were followed up for 2 to 13 months (mean, 4.5 months). At the last follow-up, elbow flexion-extension averaged 136.9° and forearm pronation-supination 143.8°. None of the 8 patients had significant pain or joint instability. Of them, 7 had good motor function but one reported significant limitation of forearm rotation. All the 8 patients scored a full MEPS mark.Conclusions:If close reduction failed, ITRHD should be treated in time by operative treatment the efficacy of which is reliable. Fixation of the proximal radial-ulnar joint with Kirschner wire should be avoided. Early exercise for full range of elbow motion is necessary.

Objective:To evaluate the trans-subscapularis approach in the treatment of Ideberg type Ⅰa scapular glenoid fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted in the 16 patients with Ideberg type Ⅰa scapular glenoid fracture who had been treated via the trans-subscapularis approach at Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from December, 2012 to August 2019. X-ray follow-ups were conducted at 2 weeks, 6 to 8 weeks, 3 months and 12 months, and CT follow-ups at 6 to 8 weeks after operation. The Constant-Murley score and visual analogue scale (VAS) were used at the last follow- up to evaluate the postoperative shoulder function and pain in the patients.Results:The 16 patients were followed up for 9 to 101 months (average, 41.2 months). All fractures achieved bony union after 6 to 8 months (average, 6.8 weeks). The Constant-Murley scores at the last follow-up ranged from 85 to 100 points; the lateral internal rotation scores averaged 8.3 points (from 6 to 10 points), showing the level of the T12 spinous process could be palpated by the back of the hand; the VAS scores averaged 0. No patients reported internal fixation failure, postoperative infection or other complications.Conclusion:The trans-subscapularis approach can be used to treat Ideberg type Ⅰa scapular glenoid fractures due to its satisfactory clinical effects.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effects of sled board internal fixation on the treatment of olecranon fractures.Methods:The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed of the 21 patients with olecranon fracture who had been treated with sled board internal fixation at Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from May 2019 to January 2021. They were 11 males and 10 females with 14 left and 7 right sides affected, aged from 18 to 68 years (mean, 42.0 years). By the preoperative Mayo classification for olecranon fractures, one case was type ⅠA, 11 cases were type ⅡA and 9 cases type ⅡB; by the Schatzker classification, one case was type A, 4 cases were type B and 16 cases type C. The operation time and the complications were recorded; at the last follow-up, the range of motion of the elbow joint was recorded and the elbow function and pain were evaluated by the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS) and visual analogue scale (VAS).Results:The 21 patients were followed up for 13 to 34 months (mean, 19.6 months) after operation. At the last follow-up, the flexion and extension of the affected elbow averaged 139.8° (from 125° to 160°), and the pronation-supination 177.9° (from 160° to 180°). The operation time averaged 77.8 min (from 40 to 135 min). Postoperative olecranon skin discomfort developed in 4 patients, 2 of whom underwent removal of internal fixation; no such complication as internal fixation breakage, screw loosening, incision infection or elbow stiffness was observed in the other 17 cases. At the last follow-up, the MEPS scores averaged 97.9 points (from 85 to 100 points) and the VAS scores 0.2 points (from 0 to 2 points).Conclusion:The sled board internal fixation can result in good therapeutic effects on the treatment of olecranon fractures.

Objective:To study the locational distribution characteristics of the heterotopic ossification (HO) following traumatic elbow stiffness and the risk factors for HO development at different locations.Methods:Consecutively included according to our inclusion criteria in the present study were the patients who had been admitted to Department of Orthopaedic Trauma, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from January 2018 to December 2018 for elbow release due to traumatic elbow stiffness but developed postoperative HO. Their baseline data and CT data were collected and processed using Mimics 20.0. The HO distribution for each patient was characterized at the anteromedial, anterolateral, posteromedial, posterolateral, posterior, medial, lateral, and proximal radioulnar locations. The patient's original injury was categorized into 5 types: distal humerus fracture, olecranon fracture, radial head fracture, coronoid fracture, and elbow dislocation. After the univariate analysis with the HO occurrence at a specific location as the dependent variable and the original injury and baseline data as the independent variables, the factors with P value less than 0.1 were included in the logistic regression analysis to determine the risk factors for HO at each location.Results:A total of 91 patients were included in this study. Of them, 88 had posteromedial HO (96.7%, 88/91), 62 posterior HO (68.1%, 62/91), 60 posterolateral HO (65.9%, 60/91), 41 anteromedial HO (45.1%, 41/91), 26 anterolateral HO (28.6%, 26/91), 13 proximal radioulnar HO (14.3%, 13/91), 8 lateral HO (8.8%, 8/91), and 7 medial HO (7.7%, 7/91). Logistic regression analysis showed that presence of ulnar nerve symptoms ( OR=4.354, P=0.017) and presence of original elbow dislocation ( OR=2.927, P=0.042) were the independent risk factors for the anteromedial HO development and that presence of original olecranon fracture ( OR=0.277, P=0.023) was the protective factor for the anteromedial HO development. Presence of original radial head fracture was the independent risk factor for the anterolateral HO development ( OR=2.891, P=0.033) and the posterolateral HO development ( OR=3.123, P=0.043). Conclusions:HO development in patients with post-traumatic elbow stiffness is closely related to their original injury. Posteromedial HO may develop in almost all the patients. Patients with ulnar nerve symptoms and original elbow dislocation are more prone to anteromedial HO development, but patients with original olecranon fracture are less likely to develop anteromedial HO. Patients with original radial head fracture are more likely to develop anterolateral and posterolateral HO.

Objective:To compare the clinical outcomes between OTA/AO-C open and closed fractures of the distal humerus treated by open reduction and internal fixation.Methods:The clinical data were retrospectively analyzed of the 70 patients who had been treated at Department of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital for OTA/AO-C fractures of the distal humerus from January 2014 to June 2017. Of them, 22 suffered from open fractures (Gustilo types Ⅰ/Ⅱ) and 48 closed fractures. There were 18 males and 4 females with an age of (42.6±13.0) years in the open group and 21 males and 27 females with an age of (42.2±17.1) years in the closed group. Analyzed were interval from injury to surgery, hospitalization time, injury energy and functional outcomes which included range of motion (ROM) in elbow flexion and extension, ROM in elbow rotation, Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), complications and rate of secondary surgery.Results:There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in age, injury energy or interval from injury to surgery ( P>0.05), but there were significantly more males in the open group than in the closed group ( P=0.011). The follow-up time for all the patients averaged 34.0 months (from 25 to 54 months). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups in hospitalization time [9.5(6.0, 13.0) d versus 8.5 (6.0, 11.0) d], ROM in flexion and extension [120.0° (100.0°, 137.8°) versus 128.5° (110.0°, 140.0°)], ROM in rotation [155.0° (151.3°, 155.0°) versus 155.0° (155.0°, 155.0°)], MEPS [95.0 (80.0, 100.0) versus 95.0 (80.0, 100.0)] or DASH [2.6 (0.63, 9.2) versus 1.7 (0.0, 8.5)] ( P>0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between the 2 groups either in rate of secondary surgery [36.4% (8/22) versus 33.3% (16/48)], ulnar nerve symptoms [54.5% (12/22) versus 60.4% (29/48)], local irritability in the region of internal fixation [9.1% (2/22) versus 6.3% (3/48)] or elbow stiffness [13.6% (3/22) versus 10.4% (5/48)] ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Open reduction and internal fixation can lead to similar clinical outcomes in the treatment of both open (Gustilo types Ⅰ/Ⅱ) and closed distal humeral fractures of OTA/AO-C, with no significant differences in postoperative ROM, functional scores or complications.